Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts

Thursday, September 7, 2023

KinoMa Japan

 










KinoMa, rebuilding an ancient farm house in Japan by Mateus Bagatini and  Kana Suzuki

Follow their amazing work at Insta : https://www.instagram.com/kinoma_project/




Tuesday, June 20, 2023

The Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race



Since its first holding in 1978 until this day, the Suzuka 8 Hours has been the scene a lot of dramatic racing that has brought great excitement to the fans and enabled the event to win tremendous support, both in Japan and abroad. Suzuka Circuit, the stage of this endurance race, is known all over the world as the host circuit for the F1 World Championship, Grand Prix of Japan. However, it must be remembered that motorcycles have always been welcome on the track: only two months after its inauguration in September 1962, the first motorcycle competition was held there. And in November 1963, the circuit was already hosting an FIM Road Racing World Championship race. The Grand Prix of Japan was then held at Suzuka for three years in succession. It resumed again in 1987 and continued to be held until 2003, after which the Grand Prix of Japan moved its stage to Twin Ring Motegi. The Suzuka Circuit still hosts various motorcycle road race competitions, such as national championship events and amateur races. Riding on this legendary track is a dream for many competitors.

The traditional "Le Mans style start" where you run to your own machine is one of the scenes that symbolize the Suzuka 8 Hours.

Every year, when spring passes and the temperature rises, not only motorcycle racing fans, but also motorcycle fans and riders start to get agitated. It's a signal. With the exception of being canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the spread of the new coronavirus, it has been held continuously since its first event in 1978, and has always been supported by many fans as the most major road race in Japan. "Suzuka 8 Hours" continues to be held.

2022 night session. As the climax of the race approaches, the headlights shine brighter.

The economic crisis of 1973, the so-called oil shock, remained in the aftermath for several years after that, causing a decline in the racing population that had been booming since the 1960s. Many of the domestic motorcycle races at that time had few entries, and several classes were mixed.

Yoshimura won the first Suzuka 8 Hours in 1978 by defeating the mighty Maker Works. A total of 98,000 people visited the first Suzuka 8 Hours in two days.

In the latter half of the 1970s, the racing world finally began to recover from the effects of the oil crisis, and the Suzuka Circuit staff and people involved in the race said, "European champion teams will participate in the famous Le Mans and Bol d'Or 24 Hours races. If we could hold an international-class endurance race, wouldn't it be a new festival for Japanese riders?” Such thoughts began to grow, and the “planning for a new race” began. This project is the "International Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Motorcycle Race", which started in 1978, and is now known as the "Suzuka 8 Hours".

Pit work scene in 1991.

The length of the new race was eight hours as a result of considerations for noise to the surrounding area and strain on officials. In addition, the goal time is set after sunset, taking into consideration the dramatic goal and the production of fireworks. After making a comprehensive judgment on securing transportation for the fans to return home and safety related to the race, a format that continues to this day was established, with the start at 11:30 a.m. and the checkered flag at 7:30 p.m. .

The Suzuki GS1000 R wins in 1980

The Suzuka 8 Hours featured a variety of highlights that were almost non-existent in the sprint-centered domestic motorcycle races up to that point. A unique Le Mans-style start that runs to the machine, rider changes during the race, pit work such as tire changes and refueling. The audience was enraptured by these dramas and cheered them on. When dusk approached and the light-on signboards were put out, the headlights and taillights of the circling machines created a beautiful contrast in the evening sky, making the spectators even more excited.

Christian Sarron in 1986

Christian Sarron in 1986

In 1980, the European Championship endurance series was promoted to the World Championship. The popularity of the Suzuka 8 Hours in Japan was conveyed to the world by officials who visited Japan in 1978 and 1979, and the Suzuka 8 Hours was held as the "World Championship Series Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Motorcycle Race" from 1980. After that, it developed further and became the largest motorcycle race in Japan.

Kenny Roberts in 1985

In addition, the PR effect of the Suzuka 8 Hours event also attracted attention, and in 1984 Coca-Cola started sponsoring the event, which continues to this day. Each team now has a sponsor. Campaign girls and celebrities also appeared as moving billboards, making the Suzuka 8 Hours even more spectacular and established as a midsummer festival, the Suzuka 8 Hours. Even now, it continues as a big event that is indispensable in summer.

Via : https://www.suzukacircuit.jp/

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Avantgardey Dance Team







Japanese dance team Avantgardey is taking the world by storm with its unique and energetic performances.  “We are aiming for an addictive performance that you will never forget once you see it. We are comical, catchy and unique,” says Japanese dance team Avantgardey founder, producer and choreographer Akane Kikaku. Formed in February 2022, the 20-member team wears matchings uniforms to execute their synchronized moves and exaggerated facial expressions. They cover trending dances and create original choreography in their own strange and energetic style.

According to Akane, the team’s dance performances are a way to express emotions that cannot be put into words.

“I want our dance to make people smile and forget their bad things,” Akane says. “Our goal is to deliver an addictive performance that will stick in people’s minds long after seeing it.”

With their positive message and high-energy performances, it is no surprise that Avantgardey is quickly gaining a loyal fanbase. So take your chance to see them live and experience the joy and excitement of their unique dance style. Avantgardey dance team has 654K followers today, and it growing rapidly.



Friday, March 17, 2023

Fonk Motorcycle, Kobe, Japan











Launched in June 2018, this shop located under the viaduct focuses on the sale and customization of used motorcycles. They focus on single/twin domestic models, especially Super Cub and SR400, and cover Triumph and Harley.
The owner of Fonk Motorcycle, Mr. Awaji, who has an open and unbiased outlook, says the majority of his customers are relatively young people in their 20s and 30s. Also, there are a lot of people who run clothing stores and other businesses in Kobe Sannomiya and Motomachi, so I think it's easy to come up with activities after buying a motorbike and connect with other customers.


Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Shinza Kominka












Shinza Kominka, Tookamachi City, Niigata Pref.


For a little more than 130.000,00 € you can buy this house in the center of Japan, 235 km north of Tokyo and think you're Marlon Brando aka the Major Lloyd Gruver in the movie Sayonara. A Meiji era Kominka built with the robust structure unique to the snowy Niigata that withstood the Chuetsu earthquake in 2004. The spacious site, with a garden and pond to the east and a field to the south, reveals the enjoyment of living in this house. The exterior walls and floors need some repairs, but with proper maintenance, the building will live for a long time to come. Tookamachi city is known for its heavy snowfall during winter as well as the production of the Koshihikari rice. Kominka means a Japan’s traditional farmhouses, built in a very distinctive and wonderfully nostalgic style. Opposed to the famous historical cities like Kyoto or Edo (old Tokyo), kominka represent a rural side of Old Japan that is just as fascinating

Monday, February 27, 2023

The Fuji Triumph Riot














 Triumph Riot is a meeting where there are no regulations other than the model year. Vintage Triumphs are lined up in the main exhibition space, but there is no advance entry, so you can come on the day, line up your favorite bike, and go home when you want. Meet various Triumphs without style restrictions.

The content is really simple. An exhibition space will be prepared in a spacious parking lot at the foot of Mt. Fuji. This event is undoubtedly the only event in Japan where 300 vintage Triumphs are brought together in one place. Therefore, this time we took a snap of the owner and his favorite car, so please pay attention to the owner's fashion as well as the style of Triumph.