The organizers of the Japanese Grand Prix are hoping that moving the event to April, during Japan’s peak tourist season, will attract more international visitors. Traditionally, the race has mainly drawn a domestic audience, but with the change in schedule, they are optimistic about increasing the international fan base.
The Formula One race has been rescheduled from its usual autumn slot to April 5-7, coinciding with Japan’s cherry blossom season. This shift aims to avoid the typhoon season, which has caused disruptions in the past due to heavy rains. Additionally, the weak yen, currently at multi-decade lows against the U.S. dollar, is expected to encourage more tourists to visit the country.
Last year’s race at the Suzuka track saw a significant increase in attendees, partly driven by a rise in overseas visitors. The circuit’s general manager, Eijiro Oda, is hopeful that the number of international fans will match or even surpass last year’s figures, thanks to the attractive combination of the cherry blossom season and currency exchange rates.
Honda Mobilityland, the company that operates the Suzuka Circuit, reported selling approximately 40,000 tickets to international visitors last year, marking a substantial increase from the pre-pandemic years. To further promote the event globally, the circuit has started posting English language content on social media, providing travel tips and sightseeing recommendations.
Local businesses in the vicinity of the race track are also anticipating growth in foreign visitors. Masumi Watabi, a restaurant owner near Shiroko station, where many F1 fans take shuttle buses to the circuit, expressed his hopes for an influx of overseas customers during the spring season when Japan is at its most beautiful.
During last year’s race day, Watabi noted that 80% of his customers were foreigners, underscoring the importance of attracting international fans to the event. One such fan, Russian Aleksandr Kriukov, shared his excitement about experiencing the cherry blossoms and witnessing the Suzuka race, highlighting spring as the ideal time for his visit.
The combination of the cherry blossom season, the allure of the Suzuka track, and the depreciated yen is expected to make this year’s Japanese Grand Prix a magnet for international visitors, enhancing the event’s global appeal. The organizers are optimistic about surpassing last year’s record attendance and creating a memorable experience for fans from around the world.
(Reporting by Irene Wang in Suzuka; Editing by John Geddie and Peter Rutherford)
