FYI: The legendary Japanese tuning brand Veilside is set for an exciting new chapter as its founder Hironao Yokomaku teams up with Fast & Furious actor Sung Kang for a groundbreaking project in 2025.
Hironao Yokomaku: From French Restaurant to Tuning Legend
The journey of Hironao Yokomaku, the iconic figure behind the Japanese tuning brand Veilside, began unexpectedly in a French restaurant. Now 63, Yokomaku has dedicated decades to the art of automotive tuning, cementing his place in car culture history. Recently, he announced a collaboration with actor Sung Kang, setting the stage for Veilside’s resurgence in the automotive world.
Veilside’s Rise to Fame
Veilside’s captivating designs first captured widespread attention with the release of Han’s vibrant orange and black Mazda RX-7 in "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift." However, the brand’s roots go much deeper into Japan’s tuning scene, where Yokomaku’s foresight led to the creation of some of the fastest and most uniquely styled cars of the era. Inspired by the iconic Batmobile, Veilside’s bold designs featured massive spoilers and sculpted aerodynamic features, marking a new era in automotive aesthetics.
The Complete Package Philosophy
Unlike other tuners focused on singular elements, Veilside pursued the creation of "complete" vehicles that offered stunning performance alongside eye-catching appearances. Yokomaku ensured each Veilside creation boasted exceptional handling, bespoke aero features, and ferocious power.
Crossing Borders with Iconic Designs
The allure of Veilside’s style transcended Japan, influencing Europe’s automotive scene in the early 2000s. The demand for Veilside kits skyrocketed, and they became a must-have for enthusiasts wanting a piece of the Veilside mystique. Despite facing economic challenges, Yokomaku’s dream continued, and the brand’s comeback is being celebrated in 2025 with a renewed focus on creativity and innovation.
A Dedication to Craftsmanship
Yokomaku’s journey began with a defeat to a tuned Nissan Bluebird, which sparked his lifelong pursuit of speed and tuning expertise. By 22, his skill had grown, allowing him to establish Yokomaku Racing Service, which laid the groundwork for Veilside. Overcoming the challenges of engine tuning, Yokomaku pioneered turbocharging techniques that gained competitive victories.
Dominating the Track: R-1 Street Drag R32 Skyline GT-R
Veilside’s reputation soared with the R-1 Street Drag R32 Skyline GT-R, which shattered Japanese records in top speed and drag racing. These achievements highlighted Veilside’s penchant for combining aesthetic innovation with peak performance.
Cultural Impact Through Cinema
Even under financial strain, Veilside’s impact was immortalized in cinema with its aerokits featuring in every Fast & Furious movie. The RX-7 and other creations like Dominic Toretto’s Mazda RX-7 and Suki’s vivid Honda S2000 became lifelong icons of the franchise, ensuring Veilside’s place in pop culture.
The Future: Sung Kang and Legacy Endeavors
Leveraging its cinematic fame, Yokomaku aims to continue inspiring future generations of automotive enthusiasts. The next chapter for Veilside involves creating vehicles that balance cutting-edge technology with timeless design. The collaboration with Sung Kang is a testament to this vision—a tribute to Veilside’s rich legacy while appealing directly to the heart of the tuning community.
Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
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In conclusion, Hironao Yokomaku’s story showcases the relentless creativity and passion that have made Veilside legendary. As Veilside re-emerges, its journey from a small tuning shop to the silver screen highlights the enduring appeal of Japanese automotive culture—a culture that continues to evolve, one revolutionary Veilside creation at a time.
