From classic legends reimagined to electric rockets and concepts we'll probably only see in our dreams, if you think the Japanese automotive industry is asleep, prepare to be gently but firmly awakened by the Tokyo Mobility Show 2025.
If the previous one was Tokyo Motor Show an even more nostalgic stroll through the relics of a glorious automotive past, this year's edition is much more... schizophrenic - in the best sense of the word. On one side, wildly futuristic concepts, probably imagined by an AI during an existential crisis, and on the other, classic brands that don't want (or can't?) let go of the old world. And a new name... Tokyo Mobility Show 2025.
This is no longer just a car show – it is a psychological portrait of the automotive industry, caught between batteries, algae and memories of engines with a soul. Each brand came with its own story: Mazda with its Zen poetics and algae, Toyota with its ambitions James Bond, Mitsubishi in the role of “I'm still here”, Honda with its rocket (!), Subaru but with big spoilers and even bigger hopes.
Buckle up, the Tokyo show floor is opening the door to a future where nothing is taken for granted – not even whether the next car will drive you, listen to you, or convince you that it's smarter than you.
So let's start... at Mazda, where the future begins with nostalgia and ends with artificial intelligence.
Mazda: Between nostalgia, algae and artificial intelligence
Mazda didn't just present cars at this year's show - it presented philosophy of the future, which smells of algorithms, rotary engines and... seaweed?
A new one Mazda CX-5 It may look like an evolution, not a revolution, but there's more hidden beneath the bodywork than you'd expect. A longer wheelbase means more room in the second row and a nearly 90-degree opening angle for the rear doors - hooray for ergonomics and parents with kids or a dog that thinks it's a kid.
Inside? A large screen, powered by Google Gemini – yes, your Mazda will listen, understand and probably judge you if you linger too long in the drive-thru lines. And what about the drivetrain? Mazda proudly offers … old engine. Yes, indeed. New model, same technology. Hybrid? Of course – but only in 2027Mazda is clearly betting on those who like to wait.
The most eccentric? Algae fuel. From 1000 liters of seawater we get 1 liter of biofuel, which can be poured into existing engines. If electricity hasn't convinced you yet, Mazda offers you the sea. Literally. And for the gourmets, a concept with carbon trap CO₂, which captures emissions and "cash" them on your next fuel fill-up. A reward for emissions? Why not.
Toyota: When you have a gym all to yourself and plan for world domination
Toyota showed itself as serious in Tokyo superpower, who knows he can do whatever he wants. And that's exactly what he does.
Let's start with RAV4 GR Sport Plug-in Hybrid – a fresh makeover on a familiar platform. 227 kW drive, up to 100 km of electric range, lots of piano black plastic (which will look like sediment on an old piano in two washes) and digital fusion with the new platform “A Ring”, which allows for tracking, remote control and... maybe even talking to your car when you get bored in traffic.
But a real star? Land Cruiser FJ. A reincarnation of the legendary FJ Cruiser in a smaller, more Instagrammable package. It looks like a cross between a Prado and a Jimny, but it has a wheezy 2.7-liter engine with 120 kW - enough for city driving and light climbing, but not quite Dakar. We got two versions - one more urban, the other with ARB equipment and ball headlights that scream “Take me on an adventure!” ...unless you're in Australia, where it won't be (yet). Thanks, emissions.
And then there are the concepts of the future: new Corolla with a screen on the outside of the body (to show charging, emotional state, or simply for memes), electric HiAce with an outpatient layout, a screen you'll want to watch more than Netflix, and even electric airplane, which is supposed to fly over Dubai. Yes, Toyota knows how to think higher.
Lexus: Japan's answer to Rolls-Royce and Batman's vehicle
Lexus, Toyota's more sophisticated, upper-class cousin, brought dream car showroom with designs that look like the result of a collaboration between a Japanese samurai and an Italian supercar designer.
The star of the evening? Lexus Sport Concept – a spiritual successor to the legendary LFA, expected to carry a twin-turbo V8 (or quietly run on electricity). Design? Made for a poster above the bed. Practicality? Who needs it anyway.
And if you prefer boutique luxury: Century Coupe and GRMN sedan are bringing a Japanese version of the Rolls-Royce – with a V8 engine, samurai charm and enough carbon fiber to cover a Japanese temple. All this? Just for the domestic market. Of course.
Mitsubishi: “We live on memories and rally dreams”
There was a sense of... emptiness at Mitsubishi's corner. While Toyota is shining with flying taxis, Mitsubishi is offering a concept that might one day will Pajero. Maybe. Without concrete data, with a lot of hope.
Elevance Concept It's like dating your ex - you recognize the face, but you don't know if it's a good idea. On the other hand - Triton Rally version It looks phenomenal. Why don't they sell one like this? Who knows. Maybe they're waiting for permission from the Martians.
Nissan: White elegance and futuristic Robocops
At Nissan, things are more… futuristically sterile. White carpet, concepts you'd happily park in front of the space station.
LGR – the next generation of self-driving futuristic e-Power. Unfortunately, no future for Australia, but at least in Tokyo he shared the views. Patrol? Finally on the Japanese market. Until now, it wasn't even sold there. Strange, right?
New Leaf – almost 700 km of range, a larger screen, a more confident design. And a color that would delight a 5-year-old and confuse any driver in the mirror.
Subaru: From forest trails to electric STI madness
Subaru – the brand you either love or haven't driven the WRX – unveiled in Tokyo electric STI concept, which looks like a spaceship with a testosterone attack. Huge spoiler, brutal aerodynamics, four doors and no information about the battery. But hey – looks count.
In addition, the classic B-STI with internal combustion (and manual transmission – hallelujah!) and new Wilderness versions of the Forester and Outback, equipped to drive over roots, rocks and broken roads to the home cabin.
Trail Seeker? A 280kW electric Outback – with the same steering wheel as the Solterra that blocks your view of the speedometer. Mistake or art?
Honda: Prelude for nostalgics, Zero series for the future
Honda impressed with its comeback Prelude. A modern reincarnation of the iconic coupe with 150 kW, 300 Nm and Civic Type R chassis. It won't break any records, but it will make the hearts of those in love with the 90s beat faster.
But what the future really shows is Zero series – electric concepts with a design that's more Blade Runner than Tokyo Drift. The Alpha model as a rival to the Model Y, a Saloon for the businessmen of the future and an SUV for families who want a little more style when charging at an Ionity station.
And then there's the unparalleled cuteness – Honda Super 1, a small EV coming to Australia. If it's under $30k, it might be the first small electric car to actually sell.
Oh – and a rocket. An actual rocket. A prototype that flew and landed. Honda clearly hasn’t forgotten its “Power of Dreams.”
BYD: China quietly but firmly
On Japanese territory – where Chinese manufacturers traditionally do not have an open door – BYD set up a small but confident stand. The focus? Electric vehicles. And even K-car concept for the Japanese market. Smart. Quiet. Potentially explosive.
The Chinese know how to take over the market: slowly, cheaply, and with exceptional technology. The Japanese? They're obviously watching very closely.
Conclusion: Tokyo Mobility Show 2025 – between legends and futuristic dreams
If you wanted concepts that show the future, but still preserve the soul of the past – you've come to the right place. But the showroom also shows reality: Chinese manufacturers are making progress, Japanese ones are seeking a balance between nostalgia and the future.
And while some are still testing how to keep internal combustion alive with algae, others are already driving into the electric age with a 700-kilometer range and a screen on the outside of the vehicle.
Tokyo may be smaller than it used to be, but the soul of the Japanese auto industry is still strong. Let's just hope it survives the next wave - with more design, more sound and fewer recycled platforms.
