2024 Nismo Festival at Fuji Speedway

Under a crisp December sky, with Mount Fuji’s snow-capped peak as a stunning backdrop, the 2024 Nismo Festival celebrated 40 years of Nissan’s motorsport excellence. 28,500 fans from around the world gathered at Fuji Speedway to honor Nismo’s storied legacy, from iconic race cars to legendary GT-R road versions. This festival was particularly special for us, as it marked our first visit to Japan. We were deeply moved by the kindness of its people, including a friend who gave us a ride to the event in his R32 GT-R.

The festival showcased Nissan’s racing milestones, from Le Mans heroes like the R390 GT1 and the R91CP—winner of the 1992 Rolex 24h at Daytona—to the GT500 cars of Super GT. Road-going legends such as the entire GT-R lineage—from the classic “Hakosuka” to the R33 400R, the R34 Z-Tune, and the latest R35 Nismo—drew crowds of admirers. A dedicated exhibit celebrated Nismo’s 40th anniversary, chronicling its journey from its founding in 1984 to becoming a global symbol of performance.

Demonstration laps transformed Fuji Speedway into a symphony of speed. Highlights included a nostalgic GT-R showdown featuring the Group A Calsonic R32 Skyline GT-R, the R33 GT-R LM, and the 2010 R35 GT-R GT1. Every roar from the engines was met with cheers from the crowd. But the festival wasn’t just about the cars—it was about the people who love them. Enthusiasts swapped stories, met racing legends, and enjoyed warm street food under the winter sun.

The presence of Japan’s most renowned tuners added even more excitement. Legendary names like Mine’s, Top Secret, HKS, and many others showcased their breathtaking builds and cutting-edge performance parts. Their displays featured meticulously tuned GT-Rs, Fairlady Zs, and other Nissan icons, each pushing the boundaries of speed and engineering. For many enthusiasts, seeing these iconic brands up close was a dream come true. The tuners’ expertise and innovations underscored Nissan’s far-reaching impact on global performance culture.

Mount Fuji, majestic and snow-covered, provided a breathtaking backdrop to the excitement below. Its timeless beauty mirrored the enduring spirit of Nismo, making the event as much about Japan’s culture as the brand’s heritage. The 2024 Nismo Festival was more than an event—it was a true celebration of passion, innovation, and community.