Steve Purcell and I headed to Japan for a string of events that turned into an epic tour through Tokyo, Yokohama, Kamakura, Nagoya, and Osaka. One-week, countless kilometers, and a whole lot of culture, craftsmanship, and community.
Mooneyes 33rd Hot Rod Custom Show – Yokohama
Our first stop was December 7th, 2025, at the legendary Mooneyes 33rd Hot Rod Custom Show in Yokohama. With over 24,000 visitors, the show was stacked wall‑to‑wall with incredible vendors, custom cars, choppers, artists, and shops from all over the globe. The level of craftsmanship on display was honestly next‑level, a true celebration of people who live and breathe their craft.
We were beyond stoked to be part of the show alongside our long-time friends Cycle Zombies. For the occasion, we created an exclusive Deluxe Pomade collaboration a custom tin featuring a Cycle Zombies lid and a clear rose scent. To round it out, we dropped four original sticker designs packaged together. (Stay tune for a very limited Global release)
We shared the booth with Cycle Zombies and were posted up right next to our good mates Chase and Pete from HWY. Both booths pulled massive lines throughout the day and eventually sold out completely, an unreal feeling and a testament to the support from the community.
We were also incredibly lucky to share space with Tom from Barba Tokyo, an absolute legend. Tom showcased our products inside his huge booth, which he built out as a fully functioning barbershop. Surrounding it were displays of his stunning custom cars — all owned and customised by him. The amount of work, vision, and passion that went into his setup blew us away.
A special mention has to go to BG Taka, a true icon in Japan. Every year at Mooneyes, Taka recreates his Blue Groove Choppers workshop inside the convention centre, complete with rocks, plants, trees, and old Harleys woven through the space. It’s something you must see to believe.
Huge thanks to Mooneyes for once again bringing together all walks of life for such an incredible show. And lest we forget to mention the special guest appearance we had from Uppercut Deluxe Ambassador 'Spanky' who was there to enjoy the show and hang out with the crew.
The Blue Groove Run – Kamakura
The following morning, we headed to the beautiful beach town of Kamakura for the legendary Blue Groove Run, hosted by Taka. He invited a tight crew of friends who ride old Harleys, creating a day that was equal parts riding, hanging, and pure joy.
The crew included some heavy hitters in the chopper world: Scotty and Big Scott Stopnik (Cycle Zombies), Chase and Pete (HWY), Gary Royal (Beware Choppers), Todd (Small City Cycles), Luke (Chop Merchandise), Weston Kiesel, Ryan (Regenerate Cycles), Max Schaaf (4Q69), Dayten, Bobby Good Times, Louie (Lou’s Choppers), Reed, Marco (GS Cycles), Kenny (Jak’s Garage), Rod (Bitzer), Suntee, Shuzo (Barber Sunride) — and of course BG Taka and his Blue Groove crew, who looked after everyone all day.
Taka hooked everyone up with old bikes to cruise through Kamakura’s hinterland and along the coastal highway. Unreal scenery, unreal crew. He had coffee and lunch organised, then capped the day with an open jam session that night at Uni Vibe.
We also stopped by Shuzo’s barbershop, where Scotty Stopnik got a fresh trim. Earlier that day, Shuzo had taken Steve for a rip in his convertible hot rod. Steve hanging on for dear life as Shuzo thrashed it through the streets of Kamakura. He thought he was going to flying out the front like superman giving him a fun new nickname, Super Steve.
Tokyo Nights
We boosted back to Tokyo for some last‑minute hangs, soaking up the hustle, the lights, the small bars packed with big personalities, and plenty of laughs. A proper send‑off before heading south.
Nagoya – Barber’s Point
Next stop: the Shinkansen bullet train to Nagoya, hometown of our good mate Yoshi — one of the most genuine, generous humans you’ll ever meet. His shop, Barber’s Point, is hands‑down one of the most beautiful barbershops in the world. The attention to detail and curation of the space is on another level.
Yoshi hosted a Christmas party for his community, offering free haircuts for special clients, tattoo flash (with designs hanging as ornaments on the Christmas tree), plus food, drinks, and desserts, including my all‑time favourite, tiramisu. Add choppers, games, prizes, and great people, and you’ve got an unforgettable day. Thank you Barbers Point crew and community for a fun day.
Osaka – Rippers Barbershop Anniversary
Back on the bullet train, we rolled into Osaka for the 9‑year anniversary of Rippers Barbershop, owned by the raddest and baddest Yasushi. With two shops just doors apart, Rippers somehow manages to be completely different and perfectly aligned at the same time. Same DNA, same attitude, but each space has its own personality. Both stacked with unique artwork, hand-picked details, and that unmistakable Rippers vibe, the celebration naturally spilled into a full‑blown street party.
One shop featured a drinks bar and a pop‑up pizza joint called That’s Pizza. The other had a DJ setting the vibe. Outside, the street was jam‑packed with choppers, artists, and friends from the Osaka community. The Rippers crew knows how to throw a party and made sure everyone had the best time.
Homeward Bound
The next day, it was back on the Shinkansen to Tokyo and then home to Australia. One jam‑packed week, a little chaos, and memories that’ll last a lifetime.
We have to give a massive shout‑out to the person who helps make all of this happen — Miho from Vintage Barber Supply and Uppercut Deluxe Japan. She’s an absolute machine, works tirelessly behind the scenes, and always takes such good care of us. Forever grateful to Mama Miho ❤️
Until next time, Japan.
