The History of TOMEI/R.S.E. has been built with a Passion for Cars.
1981 The beginning of TOMEI/R.S.E.
TOMEI/R.S.E.
It all began as a Nissan mechanic
From a young age, CEO Akira Sasaki has always been passionate about cars. Starting out as a Nissan mechanic, he went on to join Tomei Powered (known then as Tomei Motors), first as Technical Director before being promoted to CEO. In 2014, he started a new venture—R.S.E.—while also elevating TOMEI USA from subsidiary to stand-alone company. To this day, he continues to strive to be the pinnacle of performance tuning technology.
1982 Training at Nissan Prince dealership
Nissan L6 engine was the first step
Before joining Tomei Motors, Akira gained his foundational skills and knowledge at a Nissan Prince dealership, working on their L6 engines found in models like the C130 Laurel and C110 Skyline.
1987 Parts development at Tomei Motors
（Akira’s past achievements during his time at Tomei Powered Japan）
The first foray into race car technology
After joined Tomei Motors, it didn’t take long for Akira to establish himself within the company where his skills, experience and talent allowed him the opportunity to gain exposure to race car technology both in and outside of Japan.
1988 Complete the RB24DETT
（Akira’s past achievements during his time at Tomei Powered Japan）
Project RB24DETT
During his time as Technical Director, Akira was heavily involved in racing activities and developed many high performance engine parts.
Pictured here is the RB24DETT twin-turbo engine which was based on the RB20DET engine. This was announced at Tokyo Auto Salon at a time long before Nissan announced the RB26DETT.
1989 S13 Silvia parts development
（Akira’s past achievements during his time at Tomei Powered Japan）
Focus on Nissan / parts development meisters
Before the SR20DET engine came to be, Nissan launched the S13 Silvia powered by a CA18DET engine in 1988. Seeing the potential in this engine, Akira immediately began development. The following year, Akira released many performance parts for the platform including a turbo upgrade kit and a CA20DET stroker kit. Taking a similar approach with the SR20DET powered PS13 launched in 1991, Akira stood at the forefront of Silvia engine tuning.
1992 At the races with Tomei Motors
（Akira’s past achievements during his time at Tomei Powered Japan）
Racing the BNR32 GTR
Akira led his team at many racing events, most notable of which was the N1 racing series where the team achieved great results with their BNR32 Skyline GT-R.
1994 Managing Director of Tomei Powered
（Akira’s past achievements during his time at Tomei Powered Japan）
Numerous achievements as managing director
Moving headquarters from Kawasaki in Kanagawa to Machida in Tokyo, the company rebranded its name to Tomei Powered with Akira as their newly appointed Managing Director.
With Akira at the helm, Tomei Powered’s technical capabilities reached new heights, acting as a catalyst for the company’s growth.
1997 At the drag strip with the BNR32
（Akira’s past achievements during his time at Tomei Powered Japan）
RB26 engine tuning development
During his time as Managing Director, Akira also led Tomei Powered to partner with tuning shop Advantage (based in Fukuoka) to participate in drag racing events with a BNR32 GTR. The collaboration resulted in 1st place at the HKS national drag race event, with the car recording a 9.1sec run in the street tire class. This was all made possible by Mr.Watanabe – the technical director at the time – whose expertise pioneered industry leading parts for the RB26 platform including 290°/11.5mm lift cams, full counter weight crankshafts (73.7mm stock stroke) and many more.
2000 At the drag strip with the BNR34
（Akira’s past achievements during his time at Tomei Powered Japan）
Moving to drag-slick tires
The release of the BNR34 GTR marked the transition to the new platform for the drag car. It also meant stepping up to the drag tire Pro Class where the car achieved great results.
2003 CEO of Tomei Powered Japan
（Akira’s past achievements during his time at Tomei Powered Japan）
Having taken the lead at Tomei Powered for 11 years
Akira was appointed CEO, further advancing the company’s technical prowess for performance Japanese engine tuning. He would then go on to serve as CEO for the next 11 years during which time he continued to grow and elevate the company to new heights.
2006 Going Stateside – TOMEI USA
Spreading technology to the USA
TOMEI POWERED USA INC. in Lake Forest, California, opened its doors on 1st October 2006. With a focus on engine parts, the new venture served as a distribution hub for not only North America but also Europe as well as other parts of the world. Fast forward to today, TOMEI USA continues to grow from its humble beginnings as a one-man operation.
When we first opened in the USA, we started small with just one person in the USA.
2008 TOMEI USA at Time Attack
Subaru EJ engine tuning development
A collaboration with CUSCO gave birth to the TOMEI CUSCO IMPREZA that entered the 2008 Time Attack series in USA.
On 28th November 2008, the car took 1st place, clocking a 1m44.372sec during the Super-Lap Battle at Buttonwillow Raceway.
2009 Expreme-Ti Full Titanium Muffler release
USA leads the way
TOMEI USA were the first to bring full titanium, ultra light weight, high power mufflers to market; the pioneering model being for the Mitsubishi EVO X.
These mufflers are designed for performance; premium race car sound/design with flange-less, slip-fit connections and a single exit for an ultra lightweight muffler.
These are all features that Japanese road-legal mufflers cannot offer as they are bound by strict regulations that govern noise and design.
2010 ARMS Turbo release
Developing the ultimate bolt-on turbo
Akira also succeeded in developing bolt-on turbo kits; not only for Nissans but also Subarus, Mitsubishis and Toyotas.
His goal was to develop a bolt-on turbo kit that performed well both on the street and track, but also made sure to include a complete setup guide to give customers peace of mind when purchasing/installing.
In addition to the original MX (journal bearing) series of turbos, the line-up has evolved over the years to include the BX (ball bearing) series of turbos.
2013 TOMEI USA at Pikes Peak Hill Climb
Race Driver Yoshioka pilots TOMEI EJ26 powered BRZ
Reworked the drift-spec TOMEI EJ26 powered BRZ to compete at Pikes Peak Hill Climb in Colorado
2014 TOMEIUSA/R.S.E. A new Beginning
Aiming for world-class technology, new company established in Japan + new continuation of TOMEIUSA
Tomei Powered grew significantly during Akira’s tenure there as CEO. However, in search of new heights – beyond what Japan had to offer – Akira resigned from his position and the company in February 2014. From there he established Axesta Inc. to serve as his new HQ from which he could develop world leading parts; for the Asian market these parts would be sold under the Real Speed Engineering (R.S.E.) brand since 2016, whilst for the USA market, the TOMEI USA (‘TOMEI’) brand would be used instead. Since then, Akira has continued to develop world leading parts, such as the 370z full titanium muffler, that transcends the limitations and restrictions of the Japanese market.
2016 R.S.E.: Real Speed Engineering established
New brand launches following two years of preparation
1st March 2016 marks the premier of R.S.E.: Real Speed Engineering after two of preparation. As the name suggests, the goal is to develop and engineer parts in the pursuit for real speed.
2017 New TOMEI Logo
Pursuit of technical prowess
Inspired by the pursuit of technical prowess, the newly adopted logo was aptly placed on a new line of VR38 products. The same products have been campaigned by team JYR in Formula Drift USA for the last 6 years (since 2018); a testament to the principles the new logo stands for.
2019 TOMEIUSA moves for expansion
Upgrade to larger facilities after 13years
Due to expanding operations, relocation to a larger site became necessary. Located in the same Lake Forest area as the former headquarters, the new facility provides as a logistics and customer service centre that can meet the needs of all it’s clients, both within and outside the USA.
2024 New R.S.E. Japan Headquarters complete
Zama HQ – R&D hub for R.S.E./TOMEIUSA
The all new state-of-the-art R&D facility in Zama, Kanagawa, Japan serves as the new development hub, fully equipped with an engine dyno, roller dyno and various other machinery and equipment for work leading innovation.
Past Advertainments on Magazines
