Living in Los Angeles, it’s easy to become accustomed to a vibrant and diverse car culture. Even a simple trip to the grocery store can turn into a spontaneous car spotting session, revealing rare and unique vehicles. Car meets in LA are often compared to world-class car shows elsewhere. However, for a truly unparalleled automotive spectacle, Tokyo arguably takes the crown. During a vacation in Tokyo, what caught my eye were not JDM legends, but a pair of Hummer H2s, those distinctly American SUVs.
In Tokyo, where kei cars and compact vehicles are the norm, even standard SUVs like a Porsche Cayenne appear oversized. A Hummer H2? It’s positively gargantuan. What amplified the novelty of these H2 sightings was the contrasting modifications: one was lifted, embodying off-road prowess, while the other was lowered, adopting a street-focused stance.
The lifted Hummer H2, boasting period-correct modifications, was the first to grab my attention. Parked just off a main street in Ginza, Tokyo’s equivalent to Beverly Hills, amidst towering luxury boutiques and attention-grabbing Lamborghinis, it was an immediate standout. Any Hummer in Tokyo is unusual, but this one was particularly striking due to its suspension lift, massive chrome wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires protruding from tubular fender flares, custom metal bumpers, and prominent dual exhaust tips. Adding to its intrigue was an original California license plate on the tailgate, suggesting it might have been imported to Japan with its modifications already in place, a piece of Americana amidst the Tokyo cityscape.
The following evening, in the same Ginza neighborhood, I encountered the second Hummer H2. This one presented a different approach. While it shared similar chrome wheels, they were paired with low-profile tires and a lowered suspension, giving this Hummer H2 an undeniably aggressive stance. Aftermarket LED headlights added a modern touch, and a prominent skid plate emblazoned with “H2” in bold red letters was a distinctive feature. It evoked the style often seen in truck customization magazines, a blend of American truck culture adapted for the streets of Tokyo.
Which of these Hummer H2 interpretations would be your preferred choice for navigating Tokyo’s streets? And what’s the most unexpected vehicle you’ve encountered while traveling? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Front view of a lowered white Hummer H2 with aftermarket LED headlights, a custom skid plate with red "H2" lettering, and low-profile tires, parked on a city street in Tokyo.
