Tanoshi Car Events: A New Breed of Car Meet Emphasizing Community and Inclusivity
The Rise of Tanoshi Car Events
On the evening of Saturday, July 27, Cobham Services witnessed a remarkable sight. The queue of vehicles waiting to get in extended all the way to the slip roads, proving that Cobham is the busiest motorway services in the UK. However, it wasn’t a surprise concert or a celebrity appearance that caused the commotion. It was a Tanoshi Car Events meet, a phenomenon that has taken the UK’s modified car scene by storm.
Breaking Stereotypes in the Modified Car Scene
When you think of modified cars, images of Nissan Skylines, Mitsubishi Evos, and Mazda MX-5s doing donuts and burnouts in supermarket car parks may come to mind. However, Tanoshi Car Events is changing the narrative. Their meets, held at Cobham with the site owner’s blessing, have been a monthly occurrence since 2022. This speaks volumes about the methods and the enthusiasts who attend these events.
From Virtual to In-Person Meets
Tanoshi Car Events began as a car group formed by Owen Loynes during the 2020 lockdown. Loynes started hosting virtual car events and online meets to engage with the car community. The group quickly grew to 300 members. When lockdown restrictions were lifted, Loynes created the Surrey-based Tanoshi Events brand on Instagram and Facebook. In June 2022, the brand organized its first in-person meet at Cobham, which was a resounding success, attracting car enthusiasts from all over the UK.
The Meaning Behind Tanoshi
Curious about the name Tanoshi? In Japanese, it means “enjoyable and fun.” The group’s mission statement goes beyond just organizing car meets. Tanoshi aims to create a positive impact in the car community, celebrate creativity, foster community engagement, and encourage inclusivity and respect. This means that donuts and reckless behavior are not welcome at Tanoshi Car Events.
A Fine Balance
Maintaining standards while preserving the anti-establishment spirit of car culture is a fine balance for Tanoshi Car Events. Kyra Gorham, the website designer and manager, acknowledges this challenge. However, she emphasizes that if things get out of control, the police and authorities may ban the meets, depriving car enthusiasts of a safe space to showcase their cars and connect with like-minded individuals.
A Diverse Showcase of Cars
Tanoshi Car Events attract a diverse range of cars, from home-engineered triumphs to sophisticated machines. Enthusiasts proudly display their modified vehicles, showcasing their creativity and engineering skills. From nitrous-oxide cylinders to fuel cells and turbocharged engines, these cars represent the passion and dedication of their owners.
A Surprising Twist
Among the attendees at Tanoshi’s Cobham meet, there was a surprising presence of young British car enthusiasts. Cameron Montlake-Mees and his friends, Oliver and Lorenzo, showcased their love for old British cars, including a Triumph 2000 and a Stag. This unexpected twist added to the unique atmosphere of the event.
Daikoku PA: The Inspiration
When talking to the enthusiasts at Tanoshi’s Cobham Services event, one name kept coming up: Daikoku PA. This custom car event takes place in a highway rest area on a man-made island in Yokohama harbor, Japan. Known for its popularity among lovers of modified cars, Daikoku PA serves as an inspiration for Tanoshi Car Events, reminding attendees of the importance of responsible behavior and the consequences of reckless actions.
