About

Built from a need. Fuelled by a passion.

Our Story

I’m Laura, the girl behind the storefront, the designs, and the idea. When I got my 1986 MK1 Toyota MR2, I thought finding some cool merch to go with it would be easy… it wasn’t. Everything felt generic, and there just wasn't anything with the iconic Red Bird logo of the MK1s. For a car with so much character, it deserved better.

So I started making my own.

What began as a few designs inspired by my own car slowly turned into this shop. It’s grown into a small collection of JDM-inspired pieces, all based on the things I genuinely love about car culture.

Everything is designed by me on the South Coast, usually sparked by something I’ve noticed while driving, at a meet, or just scrolling through the socials.

I’m not a big company, and this isn’t mass-produced car merch. I work with trusted suppliers who make and ship each item directly to you, which keeps things simple and lets me focus on creating new designs rather than stacking boxes in my spare room.

If you’ve got an MR2, love JDM culture, or just appreciate those older Japanese cars that have a bit of soul, you’ll probably feel at home here.

Shop now

Founder, Laura, talks about the story behind Akatori Works

The car that inspires...


Meet Akatori, my 1986 MK1 Toyota AW11 MR2, named after the Japanese words for “Red Bird.”

Originally made for the UK market, she’s been lovingly customised with her original Japanese bumper, vibrant red racing seats, wider tires, and a set of shiny (well, once shiny) rims.

I'm constantly working to bring her closer to perfection, from tackling a stubborn oil leak to adding all the original stickers that make her truly authentic. Every little tweak and upgrade is part of the journey, and Akatori is as much a labour of love as she is a celebration of classic JDM style.

Join me at an event

Based near Dorset or Northamptonshire? I often attend events in these two locations and would love to see you there! Check out the events below and let me know if I can expect to see you!

Slideshow

Simply Japanese

National Motor Museum, Beaulieu

Sunday 19 July 2026

Come and meet me at the National Motor Museum where I will be showing our iconic AW11 Akatori alongside a wide range of Japanese cars on display. There is also a People's Choice Award where you can select your favourite car, so be sure to support us and cast your vote.

Buy Tickets

Talk to me...

Got a question, a concern or just want to chat about cars, send me a message below!

Frequently asked questions

What is Akatori Works?

Akatori Works is an independent Toyota MR2 apparel and merchandise brand created for enthusiasts, owners, and collectors. We design and sell high-quality Toyota MR2 clothing, accessories, artwork, and homewares inspired by the history and culture of the MR2.

Our collections celebrate all three generations of Toyota's iconic mid-engined sports car, including the AW11, SW20, and ZZW30. Whether you're restoring a project car, attending MR2 owners' club events, or simply looking for unique Toyota MR2 merchandise, Akatori Works is built for enthusiasts who appreciate the details.

What kind of Toyota MR2 merchandise do you sell?

Akatori Works offers a growing range of Toyota MR2 merchandise designed specifically for MR2 owners and enthusiasts.

Our range includes:

  • Toyota MR2 t-shirts
  • MR2 hoodies and sweatshirts
  • MR2 hats and caps
  • Toyota MR2 wall art and prints
  • Mouse pads and desk accessories
  • Personalised MR2 gifts
  • MR2 homewares
  • Automotive-inspired accessories

Many of our designs are based on original Toyota advertising, factory badges, chassis codes, production dates, and enthusiast culture surrounding the AW11, SW20, and ZZW30 MR2.

Do you make merchandise for all Toyota MR2 generations?

Yes.

Akatori Works creates Toyota MR2 apparel, accessories, artwork, and gifts inspired by every generation of the MR2:

AW11 MR2 (1984–1989)
The original lightweight mid-engined Toyota sports car that introduced the MR2 nameplate. Our collection includes designs inspired by both naturally aspirated models and the highly sought-after AW11 Supercharged variants.

SW20 MR2 (1989–1999)
The second-generation MR2, known for its distinctive styling, turbocharged performance, and status as one of Japan's most iconic sports cars.

ZZW30 MR2 Roadster / MR2 Spyder (1999–2007)
The final generation MR2, celebrated for its lightweight chassis, open-top driving experience, and driver-focused simplicity.

From vintage Toyota advertisements and factory-inspired graphics to personalised apparel and enthusiast accessories, we aim to represent the entire Toyota MR2 community and celebrate every chapter of the MR2 story.

Do you offer personalised Toyota MR2 gifts?

Yes.

Many of our products can be personalised with your own registration number, car name, project name, build name, or custom text.

Personalised Toyota MR2 gifts are popular with owners looking for something unique and make excellent presents for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, or special occasions. Whether you own an AW11, SW20, or ZZW30, personalised MR2 clothing and accessories allow you to create something that is directly connected to your car.

Are your products officially licensed by Toyota?

No.

Akatori Works is an independent Toyota MR2 enthusiast brand and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Toyota Motor Corporation.

Our products are designed by enthusiasts and are inspired by the history, culture, and heritage of the Toyota MR2. They fill a need for MR2 merchandise that Toyota do not provide themselves.

How long does shipping take?

Because every item is produced to order, production begins once your order is placed.

Estimated shipping times are:

United Kingdom

  • 3–5 business days

International Orders

  • 10–30 business days

As a print-on-demand Toyota MR2 merchandise store, we do not hold large amounts of inventory in warehouses. This allows us to offer a wider range of MR2 clothing, artwork, and accessories while reducing unnecessary waste.

Why is my Toyota MR2 merchandise printed to order?

Every Akatori Works product is made specifically for the customer who orders it.

Unlike mass-produced automotive merchandise, our print-on-demand model allows us to offer a wide range of Toyota MR2 apparel, personalised products, and enthusiast-focused designs without overproducing stock.

This means less waste, greater design variety, and more opportunities to create unique products for MR2 owners around the world.

My order is delayed. What should I do?

While we always aim to ensure your Toyota MR2 merchandise arrives as quickly as possible, shipping times can occasionally be affected by courier delays, customs processing, weather events, or seasonal demand.

If your order appears delayed, please contact us and we will work directly with our production and shipping partners to investigate the issue and help get your order delivered as quickly as possible.

How do you ensure product quality?

Quality is extremely important to us.

Every item sold through Akatori Works has been carefully selected and reviewed for print quality, material quality, comfort, durability, and overall finish. We work with trusted print-on-demand partners and only offer products that meet our standards.

Our goal is to provide Toyota MR2 enthusiasts with merchandise that feels premium, looks great, and stands up to regular use.

Do you ship Toyota MR2 merchandise internationally?

Yes.

Akatori Works ships Toyota MR2 apparel, accessories, artwork, and gifts worldwide.

We regularly serve customers throughout:

  • United Kingdom
  • Europe
  • United States
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Japan

and many other countries where Toyota MR2 enthusiasts continue to keep these cars on the road.

What is your returns and refund policy?

As all Akatori Works products are printed specifically for each order, we cannot accept returns or exchanges for:

  • Incorrect size selection
  • Change of mind
  • Buyer remorse
  • Personalised products
  • Custom-made items

Please check sizing information carefully before ordering.

If your Toyota MR2 merchandise arrives:

  • Damaged
  • Defective
  • Misprinted
  • Incorrectly manufactured
  • Different from what was ordered

please contact us within 14 days of delivery and provide photographs of the issue.

Once verified, we will arrange a replacement or refund at no additional cost.

What makes Akatori Works different from other automotive clothing brands?

Akatori Works is dedicated exclusively to the Toyota MR2.

While many automotive clothing brands cover dozens of different vehicles, our focus is entirely on the AW11, SW20, and ZZW30. This allows us to create more authentic designs inspired by factory badges, period advertising, chassis codes, technical specifications, and MR2 enthusiast culture.

Our goal is to create Toyota MR2 merchandise that feels genuinely connected to the cars and the people who own them.

Where can I buy Toyota MR2 clothing and merchandise?

Akatori Works specialises in Toyota MR2 clothing and merchandise, including MR2 t-shirts, hoodies, hats, prints, accessories, and personalised gifts.

Whether you're searching for AW11 apparel, SW20 clothing, ZZW30 merchandise, MR2 wall art, or a unique gift for a Toyota MR2 owner, our collection is designed specifically for enthusiasts.

Do you sell gifts for Toyota MR2 owners?

Yes.

Our range of Toyota MR2 gifts includes personalised t-shirts, hoodies, caps, artwork, accessories, and homewares inspired by the AW11, SW20, and ZZW30.

Many products can be customised with registration numbers, car names, project names, or build names, making them ideal gifts for MR2 owners, restorers, collectors, and enthusiasts.

Whether you're buying for yourself or another Toyota MR2 fan, we aim to offer gifts that celebrate one of Japan's most iconic sports cars.