The Tokyo Auto Salon is on my bucket list of events to go to. And this year, Mitsubishi Motors will exhibit 11 vehicles. The brand has a theme this year: Delica Festival. As a two-time Delica owner, this piqued my interest more than usual.
The booth theme is “Delica Festival—unleash your playful spirit.” Mitsubishi sets the stage for a showcase with custom vehicles that highlight the strength and versatility of the Delica D:5 and Delica Mini.
Visitors will be welcomed into a vibrant, Japanese-inspired festival setting complete with themed decorations. “Delimaru,” the official mascot inspired by the Delica Mini, will make an appearance, too.
Delica D:5 Ultimate Gear (at top)
This model takes the toughness of the Delica D:5 to the next level by expressing the power to push forward even in harsh environments. With its body lifted by 30 mm (1.2″), it is fitted with bumper guards and side steps. To complete the look, the vehicle features a textured coating guarding against scratches. I’d love to own something like this! Please, Mitsubishi—bring this to the USA!
Delica Mini Delimaru Festa
To express the booth’s “Delica Festival” theme, this model is decorated with playful touches of decals and wraps featuring the beloved mascot, Delimaru. A giant Delimaru rides on top. It’s also dressed in a traditional Japanese happi coat, bringing the festive spirit to life.
Delica Mini Ultimate Gear
This Delica Mini features an exclusive two-tone finish, enhanced with a rugged textured coating for added boldness and toughness. It is equipped with a roof rack, front grille guard, and rear ladder, and a 20-mm (0.8″) suspension lift. This customized model embodies Mitsubishi Motors’ adventurous spirit—ready to tackle challenging terrain.
Delica D:5 Active Camper
Featuring a warm, white birch wood-grain finish paired with a soothing brown interior, this model is a collaboration with the outdoor brand LOGOS. It introduces a premium outdoor style while maintaining the versatility of the Delica D:5 and its 4WD capability, making it the perfect companion from everyday driving to weekend adventures.
Delica Mini Active Camper
This Delica Mini is equipped with a pop-up roof, a front skid bar, and mud flaps—customized to inspire outdoor adventures with friends. A lift kit of 25 mm (1″) enhances off-road capability, making this model a true companion for those who want “to fully embrace the outdoor experience,” according to Mitsubishi. I freaking love this thing.
Delica Mini x “DALI” with DAMD
This original custom car—finished with accessories from DALI, a new brand by custom parts manufacturer DAMD Inc.—pays homage to the Pajero through its front grille and lights. While preserving Mitsubishi Motors’ signature profile, it blends retro charm with a cute yet rugged styling, catering to customers seeking a car that stands out and showcases uniqueness. Love those graphics!
Delica D:5 Wild Adventure style
Equipped with genuine Mitsubishi Motors accessories, this model features exclusive enhancements for its appearance at the Tokyo Auto Salon. With a newly designed flat roof carrier, large mud flaps with rally-inspired straps, and a stainless-steel rear under cover for a rugged look, this model brings out the full robustness of the Delica D:5. It’s arguably the least wild of these vans, ironically.
Delica Mini Wild Adventure style
Also equipped with genuine accessories, this customized Delica Mini showcases camouflage‑pattern decals, a dedicated roof rack, and mud flaps that create a tough, adventurous look. In line with the Delica D:5 Wild Adventure style, it features exclusive exterior accessories in special colors, creating a unique edition for this year’s exhibition.
Delica Mini TOMICA 55th Anniversary Edition
This rally‑inspired Delica Mini was created as part of TOMICA’s 55th Anniversary Auto Manufacturer Collaboration Project, celebrating the legacy of Japan’s beloved die‑cast miniature car brand. Its energetic graphics evoke smoke rising from magma‑like red tones, flowing from the front of the vehicle to the sides. To mark this milestone, the special 55th Anniversary logo appears as a rally plate, while the iconic TOMICA logo is styled like sponsor decals—giving the car an authentic rally aesthetic.
Delica D:5 – AXCR 2025 support car
Leveraging the Delica D:5’s inherent durability, handling, and off‑road capability, this vehicle served as a vital support car throughout the entire AXCR 2025 rally. The model on display is the actual vehicle driven by Team Director Hiroshi Masuoka during on‑site operations, navigating between start and finish points, mid‑stage service areas, and rugged course‑side terrain.
Mitsubishi Motors’ special website for Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 (in Japanese only) is a blast, even if you don’t speak Japanese.
Mark my words, someday I’ll get to the TAS. I just hope there will be Delicas there when I go!
Andy Lilienthal is an award-winning writer and has written professionally since 1999. He has over 13 years in the automotive aftermarket working at companies including Warn Industries, Bushwacker, and Lund International. Editorial works include writing and photography for off-road print magazines, to new-car reviews online. He’s a photographer with images in multiple magazines, blog sites, and The New York Times.
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