THE WORLD of WATARU KATO – LIBERTYWALK FEATURETTE
More than just a brand, its a lifestyle...
Recently, you often come across the terms "Rocket Bunny", "Rauh-Welt" or "Liberty Walk".
The terms "Rocket Bunny", "Rauh-Welt" or "Liberty Walk" simply refer to manufacturers of Japanese body kits, don't they?
Their characteristic style is currently a trend, especially overseas, and involves extreme wide bodies.
So-called "bolt-on overfenders" are used here. This roughly translates as "riveted-on mudguard attachments".
However, they are now so much more than ordinary handicrafts designed to last a few years.
Rocket Bunny, Rauh-Welt or Liberty Walk have all made a name for themselves in the car scene, even far beyond!
Whether positive or negative is up to you! Because some "works of art" have caused quite a stir!
Even though the trend has only become popular in recent years, its origins go back much further. For example, racing cars, such as the "silhouette" cars, are an inspiration for wide body kits. However, the characteristic assembly of the "Rocket Bunny", "Rauh-Welt" or "Liberty Walk" body kits is not a new invention either. In the past, the so-called "Work" style in Japan used rivets to attach the mudguard extensions to the vehicles. Libertywalk not only enhances the look but also provides the necessary increase in performance on request.
All about Libertywalk...
Liberty Walk was founded by Wataru Kato at the age of 26. The company was initially run in a small vehicle workshop where only 3 cars could be displayed. Liberty Walk has grown and expanded throughout its history to become one of the biggest names in the automotive tuning industry. Meanwhile Libertywalk owns several building complexes, garages and catering facilities. These include Vinatge-style restaurants, showrooms, sales stands (model cars, kits and fashion streetware), garages for parts and conversion storage and headquarters. A strong trademark of Libertywalk is the proximity to their customers and fans from all over the world. They are very active on social media, sharing their creations, experiences and innovations with the community. There is a lot of content about Libertywalk and its history online.
Model car enthusiasts...
Just looking at the office buildings, showrooms and shop, you realise: Libertywalk, especially Wataru Kato, likes cars, regardless of scale. This plays into our hands all the more, because it means that there are fantastic collaborations with various model car manufacturers that we already know from the past. These include MiniGT, Tarmacworks, Inno64, Libertywalk itself and, for around 2 years now, Hot Wheels. This means that there is a true-to-scale realisation of almost all converted vehicles! Whether the LB Silhouette Works vehicles, such as the Nissan GTR R35, Nissan Skyline R34, Lamborghini Huracan or Ferrari 458 Italia, which come with a full body panel replacement, or LB Performance vehicles, which simply offer additional parts.
You either love it or hate it...
LB Works models are also part of the Libertywalk philosophy. Classic or exotic vehicles that retain their original shape but break new ground with a traditionally aggressive full-body look. Controversial and provocative are undoubtedly the widebody versions of a Lamborghini Miura replica and a Ferrari F40 presented at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon. Absolute automotive icons where you simply have to be crazy or absolutely insane to design and fit a body kit for them! Both TPC and Inno64 have released the F40 as a model car, the matching review video from us can be found here:
Once and for all...
Opinions differ when it comes to "Rocket Bunny", "Rauh-Welt" or "Liberty Walk". For my part, I have to have ALL of them (or as many as possible, because so many different models are a massive strain on the wallet). As with the real cars, such models in the collection provide plenty to talk about. And what could be nicer than talking shop about topics you love or hate? These are the conversations that are most memorable!
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