Kustom From Japan: Mooneyes [VIDEO]
One of the longest running hot rod and speed shops in the U.S is also one of the longest standing influences on the Japanese hot rod and kustom scene. Mooneyes was started in the 1950s by Dean Moon in Southern California offering iconic parts for the hot rod and land speed crowds. Thanks to the long relationship and common bonds of hot rod culture in Japan, Shige Suganuma continued the tradition of Mooneyes in both Yokohama, Japan and Santa Fe Springs, California after Dean Moon and his wife passed away.
When Mooneyes Japan opened their doors, it helped birth the hot rodding and customizing of American cars in Japan by making the custom parts more accessible. Mooneyes also hosts several shows each year to help grow the scene. Merchandising and parts of all sorts can be found at the store and the staff strives to make it a complete experience with a pinstriping studio featuring Wildman, motorcycle shop and the MQQN Cafe featuring American diner style food. One cannot talk about the custom car scene and shops in Japan without recognizing the influence that Mooneyes and Shige had in the early stages.
