With a name inspired by the ancient Greek expression for utopia, the inaugural Arcadia Tokyo Concours aptly celebrated the most desirable Aston Martins in the Asia-Pacific throughout an unforgettable weekend Few brands have the opportunity to unveil their power, prestige and performance at a location as iconic and historic as the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Japan. But in a dazzling conclusion to its 110th-anniversary celebrations, Aston Martin seized this rare moment, commandeering Tokyo’s oldest temple for a Concours d’Elegance like no other.
Over 70 special Aston Martins, ranging from vintage classics to hypercar class vehicles, gathered at the Arcadia Tokyo 2023 Concours in the presence of Princess Akiko of Mikasa who graced the occasion. Against the temple’s timeless backdrop, the ‘Best in Show’ title was bestowed on the 1940 Speed Model Type C LMF38. The regional debut of the DB12 Volante and Valour added a modern flourish to the visual spectacle, the first automotive event of its kind to be permitted at the sacred site.
The streets of Tokyo witnessed another historic first as Asia-Pacific’s largest Aston Martin owners’ parade, featuring 50 cars, drove through the city starting from the Senso-ji Temple. The Arcadia event continued its journey to the base of Mount Fuji, where a gala dinner and charity auction at the Fuji Speedway Hotel raised a staggering 35.4 million Yen, with the profit donated to the Japanese Red Cross.
But it was on the final day that the most extensive gathering of Aston Martin cars and owners in the region’s history – 110 cars in total – was held at the Fuji Speedway. Here the circuit echoed with a symphony of roaring engines as owners explored the full potential of their Aston Martins. The Aston Martin ARCADIA Gallery, standing proudly on the home straight, was a testament to cutting-edge innovation, featuring the Valhalla, the 2023 Formula One® replica, the DBR22, the DB5 Goldfinger Continuation, and Valour, each a chapter in the ongoing saga of Aston Martin’s automotive evolution.
This Tokyo takeover was not just a thrilling culmination of a remarkable 110th anniversary; it was the birth of a new biennial tradition that beckoned owners to return in 2025.
