Following the promulgation of the Road Construction Emergency Measures in the previous year, full-scale construction work started on expressways and first class national roads. The Metropolitan Expressway Public Corporation was established in 1959. Japan at last entered the expressway age, and this was reflected in the motor shows.

The long-awaited Harumi Showplace was three times as large as the Hibiya ground, and its display area was twice as large. The number of exhibitors remained at 303, but the numbers of exhibits jumped to 317, an all-time record. Although vehicles were arranged by type, a variety of exhibits shared each building: In Hall No.1 -- three- and four-wheeled trucks; midget 3-wheelers; and auto-bodies. In No.2 -- passenger cars; buses; and motorcycles In No.3 -- auto parts and automobile related products. Passenger cars were not yet recognized as mainstream.

The PR Center held an event called "Tomorrow s car" and organized a Motor Library, which lasted until the 10th show. The Rendezvous Plaza, in its second year, was permanently placed on the walkway between the North and South Gates,and was well received by tired visitors. Admission was raised to ¥50, but included a chance to win a car, and ticket sales were very strong. Passenger cars were awarded to four winners, three of whom were students.

On display were the Mitsubishi 500 following the Subaru 360 which appealed as a people s car for "My Car" Japan, and Bluebird which refreshed itself from popular Datsun to a completely new European style car. Japan s first full-scale sports car, the Datsun S211, was also displayed. This was a high performance car with a 1-liter, 34 hp engine. Its top speed was 155 kph. It attracted attention primarily because of its all-plastic body. Also popular were the Toyota Masterline, equipped with Japan s first automatic transmission and a mid-sized passenger car, the Gloria from Fuji Precision Machinery. Many new trucks were displayed. Most representative were the Jupiter from Mitsubishi Heavy-Industries, Elf from Isuzu, Datsun Truck G220 and Caball C43 from Nissan, and Prince Skyway Van/Pick-up from Fuji Precision Machinery. This show featured many new models developed with Japan s own technology.