[Japanese Interviews: Life in LA] Terry Yamaguchi Organizer of the Japanese Classic Car Show

Terry Yamaguchi

Occupation: Organizer of the Japanese Classic Car Show (JCCS)
Background: Formerly worked as a sales associate at a department store in Yokohama
Inspiration: Developed an interest in cars through her husband and began co-organizing car events with him
Belief: Believes that Japanese cars are cultural treasures and takes pride in promoting the beauty of Japan in the United States through them

Held every fall in Long Beach, the Japanese Classic Car Show (JCCS) is the largest event in the U.S. dedicated to iconic, vintage, and nostalgic Japanese vehicles. Since the very first show, and now marking its milestone 20th anniversary this year, Terry Yamaguchi has been at the heart of it all.

“When we first started the event, some of the attendees were just ‘uncles’—now they’re ‘grandpas.’ Babies who came in strollers have grown into teens with driver’s licenses and now visit the show on their own. Some of the kids who once came held in their parents’ arms are now helping us organize the event. It’s been a 20-year journey we’ve walked together,” she reflects.

Terry, who once worked as a sales associate at a department store in Yokohama, first became interested in cars through the influence of her husband, with whom she now co-organizes JCCS. After moving to L.A., the couple joined the local car club “TORC” and began participating in and helping to run events like the annual ToyotaFest. Through those events, their circle of car-loving friends expanded. In 2005, they held the very first JCCS, backed by core members from the L.A.-based Toyota, Datsun, and Mazda clubs. What started in the red has now grown into a major event featuring over 500 vehicles and drawing more than 10,000 attendees. Terry expresses her gratitude, noting that this growth wouldn’t have been possible without the ongoing support of Japanese automakers like Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda.

There was a time when Japanese cars were dismissed by American car enthusiasts who claimed they weren’t “real” classic cars. But today, Japanese cars have carved out a global reputation, competing with and even surpassing Detroit’s Big Three in the U.S. market. “Cars are a part of Japan’s cultural heritage—like sumo wrestlers, they’re a unique and irreplaceable treasure. I’m proud to be promoting my beloved Japan in the U.S. through Japanese cars,” says Terry with a smile.

Terry also works closely with the organizers of the SEMA Show—the world’s largest automotive aftermarket trade event—and her events have been featured in college programs focused on automotive studies, further rooting her work within the local community. She says she hopes to continue organizing with pride and purpose.

Next up is the All-Toyotafest, coming this month. When asked what highlights to expect this year, Terry points to overland-style SUVs used for camping, family-friendly models like the Land Cruiser, as well as new and classic Lexus vehicles, ’60s-era Crowns, and beloved hatchback Corollas. The event will take place at Marina Green Park, with the historic Queen Mary visible just across the harbor. Whether it’s Toyotafest or the renowned JCCS, there’s no better way to experience the legacy of Japanese cars than under the bright California sky.