ENG TOKYO MOTOR SHOW BLOGtag:www.tokyo-motorshow.com,2007:/blog/e//62007-10-25T07:55:56ZMovable Type 3.2-ja-2Enjoy the exciting test-drive and test-ride events! Part IItag:www.tokyo-motorshow.com,2007:/blog/e//6.1672007-10-24T06:15:00Z2007-10-25T07:55:56ZHello, I am Yoshizawa from the Tokyo Mot...yoshida
(There are two such trains.)]]>
Clean Energy Vehicles Test Ride” . Hybrid, fuel-cell, hydrogen-fueled, electric, and other clean energy vehicles will be available for test-rides. This year, there will be thirteen vehicles in total, including two buses, from eight manufacturers.
The last test ride event is the“ Commercial Vehicleｓ Test Ride” . Nine trucks, trailers, buses, and vans from eight manufacturers will be available.
As in the last blog entry, I interviewed staff at the Special Events Office, which runs the test ride and test-drive events.
Hello, everyone!
Cars you can test-ride at the Clean Energy Vehicles Test ride event are manufacturers' next-generation cars. This event presents a very rare opportunity for the general public to test-ride these next-generation cars. Even if you search around the world, these opportunities are rare. This test ride event is unique to the Tokyo Motor Show, a show full of experience-based events where visitor participation is welcomed.
Equipped with next-generation engines, these cars provide running stability equal to or better than time-proven gasoline-fueled cars. You will be impressed by the efforts, and technology of the manufacturers.
(Experience next-generation technology. Photo from the 39th Tokyo Motor Show 2005.)
Experience the next-generation vehicles that will enter the market in the future. At the entrance of the event area, panels will describe hydrogen-powered and fuel-cell vehicles, and exhibition booths will show videos. Come and see them.
Today, global warming and other environment issues are becoming immediate issues for us. In this event, cars will showcase new technologies made possible by manufacturers' hard work and innovation for solving environment problems.
See for yourself how these cars differ from ordinary gasoline-fueled cars. Take advantage of this opportunity and test-ride these clean energy vehicles to experience their impressive new technologies.
The next event I would like to introduce is the Commercial Vehicles Test ride event, where you can test-ride trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles that you often see on the streets. Seeing them so often, you may think they are very ordinary. Still, people rarely have the opportunity to actually sit in the front seat of a truck, closely watching the driver operating the truck. That makes this another rare opportunity. It is particularly worth sitting in the front seat of a truck, experiencing a view much higher than that in passenger cars.
(Trucks provide a much higher view than passenger cars. Photographed at the 38th Tokyo Motor Show 2004.)
As in the “Clean Energy Vehicles Test ride”, biofuel and fuel-cell buses will be available for test-rides. Like ordinary passenger cars, these larger vehicles are also becoming environment-friendly. See them in the “Commercial Vehicle and Clean Energy Vehicles Test Ride”.
In the “Commercial Vehicles Test Ride”, available vehicles will be different between the first and second half of the Tokyo Motor Show period. Please make sure which vehicles are available before participating in the event. Please note that children five years old or younger are only allowed to ride in buses. Your understanding is appreciated.
Trucks and buses on the streets may look different after you test-ride these commercial vehicles. Look around the Outdoor Vehicle Bodies Exhibition Space (open until Tuesday, October 30) at the North Hall after test-riding commercial vehicles and you will be even more interested in the commercial vehicles displayed there.
I would like to thank the staff from our Special Events Office for this explanation. I am sure these test-ride events will offer us valuable experiences. As I wrote in the last blog entry, a test-drive/ride ticket is required to participate in any of these test-ride/drive events held at the Tokyo Motor Show. Make sure to get your ticket at the ticket distribution corner at the west side of the South Rest Zone starting one hour before each test-drive/ride session.
There is one more thing I would like to tell you about in this blog entry. The Life Style Park will be held in the West Rest Zone from Thursday, November 1 to Sunday November 11.
The Life Style Park is an event space where many kinds of events, where you will like automobiles and other vehicles even more, will be held.
Among many events, the “Trial Demonstration” and “Double Dutch” events are a must to see. They are performed twice a day during the Life Style Park period. In the “Trial Demonstration”, two riders, Naoki Kobayashi and Motoharu Honda, show their techniques, going on the stage and jumping their bikes. Their movements are so synchronized that it is hard to believe they are riding on bikes. There will be a talk show, as well as the demonstration.
(Great technique. Photo taken at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show 2005.)
The “Double Dutch” event is a dance and jump rope performance by three double Dutch teams: “CAPLIORE” “ASGRM” and “Viva Onna!!” There will be a collaborative performance of dancing and jump roping together with a traffic safety quiz.
Many more events will be held at the Life Style Park, including a wrecker truck demonstration by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), showing wrecker trucks hoisting and towing cars in trouble, and a performance by the Chiba Prefectural Police band.
As I mentioned before, a symposium, "Car users meeting with JAMA Chairman Cho," will be held from 14:00 on Thursday, November 8 at the International Conference Room on the 2nd floor of the Makuhari Messe International Conference Hall. The symposium will be broadcast live at the Life Style Park.
During the above-mentioned period, the Life Style Park will be jammed with many events from 10:00 a.m. (9:30 on Saturdays and Sundays) until closing time. A truck called “The Smile” will assess your aptitude for driving, and you can see the Chiba Prefectural Police corner, where police cars and motorbikes are displayed. Police uniforms for children will be available to borrow too. Be sure to visit the Life Style Park.
The 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 will open soon. If you don't have your ticket, the Cellular Phone Ticket is convenient. People have been taking advantage of this convenience since Wednesday, October 10. You can reserve tickets with your cell phone, which will serve as a ticket, enabling entry to the Tokyo Motor Show. Why don't you try this new way of buying tickets?
(With the above QR code, you can conveniently access the site from your cell phone.)
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Enjoy the exciting test-drive and test-ride events! Part Itag:www.tokyo-motorshow.com,2007:/blog/e//6.1632007-10-16T03:12:36Z2007-10-16T03:26:31ZHello, I am Yoshizawa from the Tokyo Mot...yoshida
Japanese Motor Vehicles Guidebook 2007-2008 Vol. 54 will be on sale from Wednesday, October 24 for 1,200 yen. This is the only guidebook that covers all Japanese vehicles, showing approximately 1,000 cars in full color with the specs for each car. This year's feature article is "Car Festival Travelogue," which provides firsthand information about automobile festivals in Japan and abroad, including Goodwood Festival of Speed in the U.K.
You can buy the guidebook at bookstores throughout Japan or mail order from Japan Automobile Manufactures Association (JAMA) Mail Order Center(Tel: +81-3-5802-1851). Be sure and get your copy! You will be glad you did.
(Japanese Motor Vehicles Guidebook 2007-2008 Vol. 54)
As I mentioned in the last blog entry, the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 will present four test-ride and test-drive events where visitors are welcome to actually ride or drive cars. They are the “Safety Experience Test Drive”, “4x4 Adventure Test Ride”, “Clean Energy Vehicles Test Ride”, and “Commercial Vehicles Test Ride” events.
In this and the next blog entries, I would like to look more closely at these events. ]]>
Safety Experience Test Drive” event.
From the title, Safety Experience Test Drive, some of you may think this is a safe driving lesson. It is actually slightly different.
The Safety Experience Test Drive event aims to improve driver understanding and knowledge of car safety technologies. In the event, drivers actually experience some of the state-of-the-art safety devices installed in cars.
ABS, ESC, and TCS are three major safety devices in cars. ABS (Antilock Brake System) prevents the wheels from slipping when the driver brakes and the wheels lock. ESC (Electronic Stability Control) stabilizes the car, preventing it from skidding. TCS (Traction Control System) prevents wheels from spinning round without grabbing when the car accelerates.
I interviewed staff at the Special Event Office, which runs the test-ride and test-drive events, and the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), which provides assistance.
Hello, everyone!
ESC, one of the three safety devices you will actually experience in this Safety Test-drive event, is installed in over 70 percent of cars in Germany and approximately 20 percent of cars in the U.S.A.
We expect that car manufacturers will be obliged to install ESC in all their cars in the future. In Japan, however, only 10 percent of cars have ESC. ESC is often offered as an option, and car owners decide whether to install ESC in their cars.
If all cars were equipped with ESC though, approximately 25 percent of current traffic accidents could probably be prevented.
In this event, ESC will be switched on and off to see the difference under the same conditions, actually experiencing how it works.
The Safety Experience Test Drive is the only event at the Tokyo Motor Show 2007 where drivers can drive cars by themselves. Drivers must have had their license for at least one year. Drivers who have had their licenses suspended or received a severer punishment due to accidents resulting from gross negligence or violation of traffic rules within the past year, as well as drivers who have been drinking, are not allowed to participate in this test-drive event.
A very special mat was installed on the temporary driving course made for this test-drive event, enabling realistic simulation safely and in limited space. Water and detergent solution are sprayed on the mat placed on the ground, creating a road that is as slippery as an icy road with freshly-fallen snow. Technically speaking, the slipperiness is approximately 0.2 to 0.3 μ.
This special mat was very difficult to find. Although cars drive quite slowly, strength and durability are required. We spent three months finding an appropriate mat.
(Cars cannot be controlled on the slippery mat.)
This mat enables drivers to experience the extreme situation where the car slips.
The slip can occur even at safe speeds. In addition, drivers can see the difference, switching ESC on and off, under the same conditions. This is a very special opportunity.
This Safety Experience Test Drive event also has other demonstrations, including a seat belt convincer with airbag. You can even participate in these without a test-drive ticket.
Six types of cars, nine cars in total, from six manufacturers will be available in the Safety Test-drive event, where you can have the rare opportunity of experiencing an extreme driving situation. Don't miss this valuable opportunity.
I would like to thank the staff at JAF for helping to make this event possible.
The next event I would like to introduce is the “4x4 Adventure Test Ride” . The staff at the Special Event Office will explain:
As the title suggests, the course of the “4x4 Adventure Test Ride” is very adventurous. The course consists of five sections: V-shaped Mogul where a twisting road is created with logs, Camber with a 30 degree slope, Tabletop/Water Zone where you climb a hill that is approximately 2 meters high and then drive through a pool that is approximately 30 centimeters deep, Slalom, and Climb-hill/Down-hill with a slope of up to 40 degrees.
Standard cars cannot drive in any of these sections. They will get stuck, unable to climb or go down the slopes. The test-ride event is a marvelous opportunity to experience the excellent running stability and road ability of 4x4 vehicles. You will be fascinated by 4x4 vehicles, being surprised by their abilities.
Several types of cars, nineteen cars in total, from seven manufacturers will be available in the “4x4 Adventure Test Ride” event.
Professional drivers are willing to offer information and answer your questions.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask them. When taking a test-ride, check the course information displayed at each section. It might be interesting to see what angle professional drivers take to approach the section, what course they select, and how they accelerate.
I would like to thank the staff from our Special Event Office for this explanation. I am already getting excited!
The “Safety Experience Test Drive” event enables you to safely experience car movement in an extreme situation, and the “4x4 Adventure Test Ride” event enables you to fully enjoy the abilities and fascination of 4x4 vehicles without going to the countryside. They both will be great fun. I am very interested in them and imagine you are too.
In these test-drive and test-ride events, you usually can drive or ride cars from several manufacturers. There are, however, a few days, on which cars from only one manufacturer are available. In the “Safety Experience Test Drive” event, there are two days, November 1 and 2, when only BMWs are available. In the “4x4 Adventure Test Ride” event, the same two days are designated as the DaimlerChrysler Japan (Jeep) days. On these days, instead of comparing cars of different manufacturers, you can take an in-depth look at cars from your favorite manufacturer. Also, there may be special events presented by the manufacturers.
A test-drive/ride ticket is required to participate in these events. Test-drive/ride tickets will be given out at the ticket distribution corner at the west side of the South Rest Zone from one hour before each test-drive/ride session. Make sure to get your ticket, as you cannot take a drive/ride without it. The two test-drive and test-ride events introduced in this blog entry will be held at the Makuhari Seaside Park. Test Ride Shuttle Bus service to the park will be available, making it easy and smooth to get there.
In the next blog entry, I will write about two other test-ride events, the “Clean Energy Vehicles Test Ride” and “Commercial Vehicles Test Ride” events. I will see you then!
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At last, the whole picture of the Motor Show revealed! The press presentation of The 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 held! tag:www.tokyo-motorshow.com,2007:/blog/e//6.1602007-10-04T02:00:19Z2007-10-04T04:18:23ZHello, I am Yoshizawa from the Tokyo Mot...yoshida
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)
(This is the Moscow Motor Show site.)
Did you know that a motor show is held annually in Moscow?
In Russia, the demand for cars is increasing every year. According to the "THE MOTOR INDUSTRY OF JAPAN 2007," 1,864,000 motor vehicles, a 10.3% increase from 2004, were sold in Russia in 2005.
Russia is the third fastest growing automobile market after China and India.
The transportation infrastructure in Moscow, however, is still being developed, and traffic is always very heavy.
In Moscow, we can see many expensive cars and luxury brand stores.
The city looked completely different from a few years ago.
This was my second time in Moscow. I went there seven years ago.
With the Russian economy thriving today, Moscow looks like a European city enjoying the economic boom.
Returning to the subject of the Tokyo Motor Show, the press presentation for the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 was held on September 20.
(Fujio Cho, Chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association,Inc is in the center.)
Over 200 press people attended the presentation!
(The press presentation room was stuffed with press people.)
The presentation really caught the interest of the press. They took notes enthusiastically, and the question and answer session ran over schedule. Chairman Cho expressed his hopes, saying he wants the Tokyo Motor Show to be an automobile culture event, not just a mere automobile exhibition.
I would like to cover some of the interesting topics announced at the press presentation.
The first is the number of world and Japan premieres. These premieres are the main attraction of motor shows. There will be seventy-one world premieres cars and ninety-seven Japan premieres cars at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007.
Some car magazines are already running articles about world premiere cars of some manufacturers. Rumors are also circulating that some world premiere cars are being kept strictly secret until the opening of the Tokyo Motor Show. I am sure you are dying of curiosity whether such cars will be shown at the Tokyo Motor Show or not.
What kind of cars are they? Enjoy letting your imagination run, and see for yourself at the Tokyo Motor Show.
The second is the many experience-based special events where visitor participation is welcomed. Such special events include the “Clean Energy Vehicles Test Ride” and “Commercial Vehicles Test Ride” events. These experience-based events were very popular at the previous shows.
At the Tokyo Motor Show 2007, there will be new test-ride events as well: “4x4 Adventure Test Ride” and “Safety Experience Test Drive” events. At the “4x4 Adventure Test Ride”, participants ride a 4x4 vehicle driven by a professional driver driving on a special outdoor course. At the “Safety Experience Test Drive”, participants drive a car by themselves, checking the safety performance of the car. Driver's licenses are required.
As for further information on these four test-ride and test-drive events, we will let you know later in this blog.
Another special event is the Tokyo Motor Show Symposium 2007.
There will be nine symposiums.
One symposium, titled “ Car user meeting with JAMA Chairman Cho - Let's Talk on the Dreams, Fun and Splendor of Automobiles! - ” looks particularly interesting.
Chairman Cho, Manabu Akaike (President of the Universal Design Institute, Inc.), Makiteru Ishikawa (motor journalist), and Kaori Manabe (talent) will talk together with car users in a talk-show style.
This is the first symposium with Chairman Cho.
The theme is the joy of automobiles. This symposium will be held from 14:00 to 16:00 on Thursday, November 8 at the International Conference Room on the 2nd floor of the Makuhari Messe International Conference Hall.
We expect that the symposium will be crowded with many people.
Please come early!
In addition, there will be a mini theater where two original films, “Cars of the Future, as Seen through ‘Information’” and “The Car Manufacturing Challenge – the Story of the 5th Student Formula SAE Competition of Japan”, will be shown. These films explain Japanese cars' most advanced safety and environmental technologies in an easy-to-understand manner.
There will be also a game corner where you can enjoy the latest version of “Gran Turismo”, a race game, titled “Gran Turismo 5 Prologue”.
This game corner was very popular at the previous show. There will also be a Slot Car Circuit. Slot Car Circuits are becoming popular among trend-conscious automobile enthusiasts. There will be many exciting events.
The “e-tix” Online Ticket System has been newly introduced for the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007.
The e-tix system enables buying advance tickets directly from the Tokyo Motor Show official website, which started selling the tickets on Wednesday, August 1. Many people have already bought tickets with the e-tix system.
Advance tickets went on sale through the usual channels on Friday, September 21. Information on the advance tickets was also announced.
Advance tickets can be bought at the ticket counters of major public transportation services, major travel agencies, and convenience stores throughout Japan.
Even if you are not connected to the Internet, you can buy advance tickets at these places. Buy your tickets by Friday, October 26, to take advantage of money-saving advance ticket prices. An advance ticket costs 1,100 yen for adults and 500 yen for Junior/Senior High School Students (tax included).
There was also more surprising information on the Tokyo Motor Show tickets.
From October 10, you can reserve tickets with your cell phone, which will serve as a ticket. Further information will be revealed on the Tokyo Motor Show website soon.
It was also announced that the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 would support the "Reduce 1 kg of CO2 per Person per Day" campaign conducted by the Team -6%. Visitors with the Challenge Declaration Card of the campaign can receive a 5 percent discount on Tokyo Motor Show official goods .
If you don't have the Challenge Declaration Card, you can register and get the card at the Tokyo Motor Show venue. Don't miss this great opportunity to buy official goods at discount prices.
It is only one month until the opening of the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007. I will do my best so that you can have a good time at the Tokyo Motor Show, refraining from my favorite hobby, flamenco.
"Ole!"]]>
Children's dreams come true! Screening for "Shaping Your Dreams by Tomica"tag:www.tokyo-motorshow.com,2007:/blog/e//6.1542007-09-13T02:00:00Z2007-09-13T01:56:11ZHello, I am Yoshizawa. Time flies. It is...yoshida
During these very busy days, we need something that gives us a few minutes to relax and unwind.
In this blog entry, I would like to introduce a children's car drawing exhibition titled "Shaping Your Dreams by Tomica" held at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show of 2007 with the assistance and support of Tomy Company, Ltd. Just seeing this delightful exhibition will help people to relax.
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Tomy Company, Ltd., toy manufacturer of the famous Tomica and Choro-Q, we are making actual Tomica models from children's drawings. This is very exciting!
Setting the theme, "Getting Dreams into Shapes – The Car that I Dream of," we asked children to draw their dream cars allowing their imagination to run wild. Children submitted 3,530 drawings, 337 more than the 39th motor show of 2005.
Fair juries selected three drawings, from which Tomy will make Tomica models.
Won't it be wonderful to see a unique Tomica, the only one in the whole world, based on your own drawing?
A sixteen-member jury selected 196 drawings from all the entries at the first screening held in Makuhari Messe on July 23.
(The first screening held in Makuhari Messe)
On August 6, a five-member jury further screened the 196 drawings, selecting three drawings showing the incredible originality and creativity unique to young children.
Since only three drawings will have the honor of being made into actual Tomica , people from Tomy and other jury members were very serious when looking at the drawings. I also had the opportunity of looking at the children's drawings, trying not to disturb the jury.
(Drawings are all interesting and enjoyable to look at.)
About boys' drawings
Boys' drawings are energetic!
Many of them use strong bold lines. Blue and black are used often. The designs of some cars are modeled on insects such as beetles, and some are uniquely designed resembling robots in animated films. We can see children's unconstrained imagination in their drawings.
One jury member said, "Many cars are modeled on fish and insects. Perhaps, boys are very interested in these living creatures." Another juror said, "There aren’t many sports car drawings. When we were children, boys used to draw sports cars." Even from children's drawings, we can see that sports cars are less popular these days.
About girls' drawings
Looking at girls’ drawings, we were impressed by the rich colors. While boys' drawings are filled mainly with blue, green, and black, leaving no blank areas, many girls' drawings ingeniously use multiple colors, such as stripes and gradations. Another characteristic of girls' drawings is their attention to detail. Even the rearview mirrors and door handles are decorated. Many cars drawn by girls have rounded forms, being modeled on fruits and vegetables.
A jury member said, "Girls often draw drivers and passengers in the cars, even including facial expressions and what they wear." Another juror said, "Girls also pay attention to the background. Many drawings show a forest, grass, or other greenery. Does this indicate girls' awareness regarding environmental and ecological issues?"
About drawings of commercial vehicles
Looking at children's drawings of commercial vehicles was very exciting. The many innovatively designed vehicles included a bus with a shovel and a truck shaped like an airship. Such innovative ideas do not come from adults. I really look forward to seeing these vehicles on our streets.
One jury member said, "Didn't you like power shovels when you were a kid? I used to like them, thinking they were cool. These children are feeling the same way."
Another juror said, "More children draw buses than other commercial vehicles. Is this because kindergarten buses are familiar to them? Many drawings pay attention to riding in comfort, such as having meals in the bus."
Finally, the three drawings to be Tomica models were decided. The three drawings are…
The first one selected was a car with a streamlined body, which looks really fast. I really want to drive a car like this. Speed always fascinates men, regardless of their ages. This cool design is… No, I cannot tell you any more yet.
The second one is a fantastic car, like a car in a fairy tale. It is a car, but it looks as if it is floating in the sea. Although I cannot tell you any more, it is very interesting how this drawing will be actualized into a Tomica.
The third, and last, one is a very amusing car. If I have to describe it in one word, I would say, "Ka-boom!" as if something exploded. It is not a bus, nor a working vehicle, but both a bus and a working vehicle. No adult can create this kind of innovative design.
Please applaud these children who won the honor.
Each of their drawings are being made into an actual Tomica. How I envy them!
Finally, I asked a Tomy manager, who is working on the first "Shaping Your Dreams by Tomica" exhibition, for his impressions on the screening of the drawings, as well as a message for readers of this blog.
He said, "Through screening children's drawings, I found that children's ideas reflect our times. When we were children, if we were asked to draw a car, we only drew foreign-made sports cars. Many of the drawings submitted now deal with themes such as nature, friendliness, and ecology. This may be because people are more aware that cars, people, and nature must find a way to coexist.
All of the three drawings that are going to be Tomica models are very unique in their own way. It is now our turn to show our stuff, translating the drawings into actual Tomicas. When you visit the Tokyo Motor Show, it might be interesting to compare the children's original drawings and the Tomicas. We are looking forward to the exhibition and hope you are too."
We would like to thank everyone at Tomy for all of their work on this!
Both the original drawings and the Tomicas will be exhibited at Tomica Choro-Q Corner. You can find the Tomica corner at Kids' Park on the 2nd floor of the North Hall at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show of 2007. Please come and see which drawings were selected!]]>
Information on official goods revealed!tag:www.tokyo-motorshow.com,2007:/blog/e//6.1482007-08-23T02:00:00Z2007-08-23T01:58:11ZHello, I am Yoshizawa from the Tokyo Mot...yoshida
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Would you like to know what kinds of goods will be sold at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 ?
We, the Tokyo Motor Show office, hold a competition to decide which company to commission with the planning, designing, and selling of official goods, so that customers are truly satisfied with the goods.
This year, Mainichi Advertising Inc. won the fierce competition, presenting fresh and unconventional ideas.
We interviewed the Mainichi Advertising staff in charge of this year's Tokyo Motor Show official goods.
Hello, I am staff of Mainichi Advertising Inc.
We were selected, for the first time, to create the Tokyo Motor Show's official goods.
When preparing for the competition, we all did our best to create the best official goods ever in the history of the Tokyo Motor Show.
We turned many unconventional ideas into reality, and we are sure that these goods are fresh, even surprising, to you.
We hope you like them.
The first thing we would like to point out is the vast variety. We worked together with DIPS Co., a successful creator of automobile-related goods, to develop fifty kinds of official goods.
This is more than twice as many as the 39th show.
Of course, just increasing the number is pointless.
We selected quality goods that will satisfy the elderly, children, and visitors from abroad, as well as
repeat visitors who came to the previous shows and already bought past official goods.
We don't want the Tokyo Motor Show official goods to be ordinary goods that you can buy anywhere.
（Straps for cellular phones are basic goods）
Pin badges, T-shirts, and cellular phone straps are very basic goods.
Paying sufficient attention to these basic products, we also created some new and surprisingly
fresh products that are exclusive for the 40th Tokyo Motor Show.
This official model figure is one such product!
（See the whole model figure at the show site!）
We created this figure, since many people abroad think of model figures as symbolizing
contemporary Japanese culture. （First we had to summon up the nerve to show this figure to
Yoshizawa though.）
We cannot show you the entire figure here, but the figure is exclusively for the Tokyo Motor Show.
The hairpin the figure wears is shaped like the Tokyo Motor Show logo.
Please see it at the show site!
Other official goods you shouldn't miss are goods with the ukiyoe of Katsushika Hokusai.
（These are Hokusai goods.）
We wanted to borrow the strong impression of ukiyoe, excellent art of Japan, to promote the
Tokyo Motor Show to the world.
We succeeded in obtaining permission to use the image, and we are very proud of these goods.
There are a wide variety of ukiyoe goods including Japanese teacups, towels, and T-shirts.
They are very Japanese, and we hope visitors from abroad love them.
Since this year's Tokyo Motor Show is the 40th, we created a wide variety of special goods celebrating the 40th show.
They are slightly more expensive than the usual official products, but are good values considering
the high quality and good design.
(Zippo lighter celebrating the 40th show)
These official goods for the Tokyo Motor Show 2007 are all available in limited quantities. So,
make sure to buy them before they sell out!
In addition to creating a wide variety of goods, we also strive hard to create a good shopping environment, where visitors can buy the products easily and comfortably.
There will be three shops selling official products at Gate North 1, Gate West 1, and Yasuragi Mall.
We are working to create impressive facades and interesting shop layouts, where customers can
enjoy shopping. (The details are secret!)
Working together with DIPS Co., who are experts in hospitality services as well, we aim to offer
excellent service with professional shop attendants.
We are also selling yo-yos as an official product.
One of our sales staff is the world yo-yo champion.
He may demonstrate for us what you can do with a yo-yo!
It is exciting that there may be an opportunity to see a high-level live performance by the world
yo-yo champion, isn't it?
There is another exciting thing!
A surprisingly exciting shop will be in the Event Hall.
The shop is called Exhibitors' Premium Merchandise Shop.
At the shop, you can buy premium products of the Tokyo Motor Show exhibitors.
This is the first time the Tokyo Motor Show has such as shop.
The shop will sell all kinds of premium products, including miniature model cars elaborately made by automobile manufacturers.
Such model cars are usually sold only at stores directly managed by the manufacturers.
Some products are collector's items, costing several hundred dollars.
Although the exhibitors also will offer their products are limited to the manufacturers of
passenger cars commercial vehicles, and motorcycles, this is a very exciting opportunity to get premium products of your favorite automobile manufacturers.
As we said above, Official Goods Shops and the Exhibitors' Premium Merchandise Shop aim to be
entertaining stores, where all visitors, including families, the elderly, little children, and those from abroad, as well as automobile fans, can enjoy shopping.
All these shops accept credit cards.
So, you can buy as much as you like without worrying, even though what you want may be slightly
out of your budget.
We are looking forward to seeing you at our shops.
Thank you very much!
He is so enthusiastic.
Buying goods like these as mementoes or collections is one attraction for visiting events like the Tokyo Motor Show.
We recommend you start saving up for the Tokyo Motor Show. ]]>
Advance tickets are now on sale on the Web! Special Viewing Day for Wheelchair Users to Continue!tag:www.tokyo-motorshow.com,2007:/blog/e//6.1452007-08-09T02:00:00Z2007-08-09T01:59:17ZHello, I am Yoshizawa from the Tokyo Mot...yoshidathe E-tix online ticket service, which we introduced in our June 21 entry, started operations on August 1.
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money-saving advance ticket prices of 1,100 yen for adults and 500 yen for junior high and high school students (tax included).
Queuing up for a long time to buy tickets at the entrances can now be a thing of the past.
(You don't have to queue at the ticket counter anymore.)
Buying tickets online is a much smarter way of enjoying the Tokyo Motor Show.
I would like to give you two tips for coming to the Tokyo Motor Show.
1.Take comfortable public transportation, i.e. buses and trains, to come to the site, avoiding traffic jams!
2.Buy tickets in advance on the Internet to avoid the hassle of waiting in line to buy tickets!
These are this year's smart ways for coming to the Tokyo Motor Show.
We need to be careful about barcodes though.
If the barcode on online tickets printed out is stained or folded, reading errors may occur when trying to enter the site.
With an Internet connection, you can buy Tokyo Motor Show tickets online from anywhere around the world. Credit cards are accepted.
It's easy and there are not any service or other extra fees.
Please use our online ticket service!
Buy your tickets early to take advantage of the current prices.
After the Tokyo Motor Show opens to the public on October 27, prices will return to the normal prices of 1,300 yen for adults and 600 yen for junior high and high school students (tax included).
Be sure to buy your tickets before October 27.
In addition to the online ticket service available now, you can buy advance tickets at public transportation agencies, travel agencies, convenience stores, theater ticket agencies, and other ticket agencies from September 21.
With the newly introduced online ticket service, in addition to conventional ticket agencies, you can buy Tokyo Motor Show tickets more easily and conveniently.
We hope more people will come to the Tokyo Motor Show.
The Tokyo Motor Show always attracts many visitors.
Starting with the 39th show in 2005, the show period was extended four days, thus including three weekends.
It smoothed out the number of visitors and relieving congestion, making it easier for visitors to look at exhibits.
Visitors in wheelchairs may still have difficulty looking at exhibits due to their lower viewing levels. Other people may stand in front of them, blocking their view.
The Tokyo Motor Show has designated the afternoon of the second press day, when there are only press people, as Special Viewing Day for People in Wheelchairs.
Such special viewing day has been held twice already.
We hope people in wheelchairs can enjoy the Tokyo Motor Show comfortably without crowding.
(Counseling is offered concerning barrier-free vehicles)
Many people enjoy the special viewing.
At the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, 327 people in wheelchairs and 399 attendants participated.
Participants increased by almost 30 percent compared to the 37th Tokyo Motor Show in 2003.
More and more people are learning about the Special Viewing Day for People in Wheelchairs.
If you would like to attend the Special Viewing Day for People in Wheelchairs at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007, you can download the application form from the website from August 6.
Please fill in the form and email or fax it to the Makuhari Messe office of the Tokyo Motor Show.
The Special Viewing Day for People in Wheelchairs will be held in the afternoon from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. on the second press day, Thursday, October 25.
The square shaped pedestrian deck on the way from JR Kaihim Makuhari Station to Makuhari Messe now has more elevators.
The pedestrian deck is just in front of Gate North 2 at the Makuhari Messe site.
Coming from the station to the site is now easier.
In addition, elevators were newly installed in the East Hall (Hall 7) and North Hall (on the north side) at the Makuhari Messe site.
The 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 is even more barrier-free than previous shows.
On August 6, visit the Tokyo Motor Show Website!
We sincerely hope many people will apply for the special viewing.
It's August already.
The Tokyo Motor Show blog will continue to provide information for you including exclusive inside information that you cannot find anywhere else.
You will be glad to read it.]]>
Public Transport Report II. Visiting JR East's Chiba Branch Officetag:www.tokyo-motorshow.com,2007:/blog/e//6.1402007-07-26T02:00:00Z2007-07-26T02:00:32ZHello. I am Yoshizawa from the Tokyo Mot...yoshida
In our previous report, we went to the Chiba Prefectural Bus Association and spoke with the staff there.
In this entry, we went to JR East's Chiba Branch Office and asked Mr. Makino about how to make use of trains to get to the Tokyo Motor Show. ]]>
First of all, I would like to tell you that taking the train from Tokyo to the Makuhari area, where the Tokyo Motor Show is held, offers much greater convenience than you might think.
From Tokyo Station to Kaihim Makuhari Station, the station nearest the show site, it takes only 23 minutes on the fastest trains, the Wakashio and Sazanami limited express trains of the JR Keiyo Line. This is faster than the usual commute for most of us.
(The Wakashio limited express train will be in service with a special train schedule for the 40 Tokyo Motor Show 2007.)
When the Tokyo Motor Show is open to the public from Saturday, October 27 to Sunday, November 11, 2007, we expect many more people will take the train than usual.
Kaihim Makuhari Station will increase station staff to better serve passengers.
It has some extra ticket gates, used only when very large events are held.
All these extra ticket gates will be in service during the Tokyo Motor Show, eliminating waiting queues.
Event if your fare is insufficient, you can pay at the extra ticket gates for the extra distance you have ridden.
We rarely use these extra ticket gates.
Apart from the Tokyo Motor Show, we used them when Glay, a Japanese pop band, played for an audience of 200,000 people and when the Japan Series baseball games were held.
We will work hard to make your travel to the show site easier and more comfortable.We revised the train timetable in March to increase limited express trains stopping at Kaihim Makuhari Station.
When there are long intervals between limited express trains, we will run special trains starting from and arriving at Kaihim Makuhari Station.
Since more limited express trains stop at Kaihim Makuhari Station, both heavy congestion and waiting time will be reduced.You can buy limited express train tickets one month in advance.
With advance tickets, you can avoid queuing up when you travel.
Advance tickets with seat reservations are even better. With reserved seats, you do not have to worry about your seats on the way home. Comfortable seats are waiting for you.
A regular one-way ticket from Tokyo Station to Kaihim Makuhari Station costs 540 yen for adults and 270 yen for children from six to twelve years old.
For limited express trains, however, you need to buy a limited express ticket in addition to the regular ticket.
A limited express ticket costs 500 yen without a seat reservation (250 yen for children) or 1,010 yen with a seat reservation (500 yen for children).
For people coming to the Tokyo Motor Show on local trains, we will extend some JR Musashino Line services. In the morning and early evening on weekends during the Tokyo Motor Show, JR Musashino Line's local trains that usually stop at Minami Funabashi Station will continue to Kaihim Makuhari Station.
For further information, please see the October issue of the JR Timetable.
Announcements on the trains during the show days will inform you of the nearest stations for the Tokyo Motor Show. Please be sure to get off at the right station.
The nearest stations are Kaihim Makuhari Station on the JR Keiyo Line and Makuhari Hongo Station on the JR Sobu and Keisei Chiba Lines.
(People going to the Tokyo Motor Show from Kaihim Makuhari Station)
For people in wheelchairs, we at JR are fully prepared to offer excellent service. Station staff work to assist people in wheelchairs to reach their destinations as part of our JR service.
This service are commonly being offered to wheelchair users company-wise regardless of the Tokyo motor Show. We also work hard to create barrier-free stations and trains.
The stations have temporary counters selling tickets for the Tokyo Motor Show.
After getting off the train, you can buy your tickets at the station.
This way, you can avoid queuing up at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Afternoon tickets are also available, allowing you to enter after 15:00 on weekdays. An afternoon ticket costs 1,100 yen for adults and 500 yen for junior high school and high school students.
Afternoon tickets are available only at Kaihim Makuhari Station and the Tokyo Motor Show.
They are especially convenient for people enjoying the Tokyo Motor Show after school or business hours.
(You can buy your tickets at the station before arriving.)
At the stations nearest the Tokyo Motor Show, we will help you to get to the Tokyo Motor Show smoothly and safely.
We hope you will take advantage of our smooth JR trains and service when visiting the Tokyo Motor Show.
We are looking forward to serving you.
Thank you, Mr. Makino.
People at JR are doing their best to ensure smooth access to the Tokyo Motor Show, as well as avoiding heavy crowding.
There will be special limited express trains too.
A new ticket system with IC cards, SUICA and PASMO, is also in service.
People living in the Kanto region can go through automated ticket gates by just touching the ticket gate machines with the IC cards.
This system will significantly reduce the crowds at ticket gates!
When you are using an IC card, make sure that the amount left on the card is sufficient.
Charge your cards before traveling, avoiding the embarrassment of a closed gate and an alarm going off.
When coming to the Tokyo Motor Show 2007, be sure to take comfortable public transportation.]]>
Public Transport Report. I visiting the Chiba Prefectural Bus Associationtag:www.tokyo-motorshow.com,2007:/blog/e//6.1342007-07-12T02:00:00Z2007-07-12T01:30:15ZHello. I am Yoshizawa from the Tokyo Mot...yoshida
The 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 will be a new comprehensive show with all passenger cars, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, commercial vehicle bodies, parts, and other related products exhibited in one place, using all the premises of the Makuhari Messe complex.
People have higher expectations for the coming 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007, and it will be very likely for many people to flock to the show. What concerns visitors most may be transportation access to the show venue.
If you want to arrive at the motor show quickly and easily so you can enjoy it without having to worry about getting there, punctual public transportation, i.e. trains and buses, is a wise choice.
In this and following blog issues, we would like to report how public transportation serves the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007.]]>
In this first report, we went to the Chiba Prefectural Bus Association and interviewed Mr. Kato, who has been handling bus services for the Tokyo Motor Show since the 28th show in 1989, when the Tokyo Motor Show was held at Makuhari Messe for the first time. Buses will play an important role connecting train stations and the exhibition site.
Hello, I am Kato and I work at the Chiba Prefectural Bus Association.In 1989, the 28th Tokyo Motor Show was the first Tokyo Motor Show held at Makuhari Messe. We worked with the Chiba Prefectural Police Headquarters then to undertake several full-scale traffic control simulations, recognizing that the Tokyo Motor Show is one of the largest events in Japan.
Cars waiting to enter the parking lot lined up bumper to bumper with the end of the line still on the expressway. From the license plates, we could see that they were from all over Japan, from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south.
(1,924,200 people visited the 28th show)
At that time, the JR Keiyo Line had not yet extended form Tokyo Station to Kaihim Makuhari Station. We operated 100 shuttle buses between Makuhari Hongo Station on the JR Sobu Line and the Makuhari Messe exhibition site.
We worked hard to provide safe and convenient services for visitors.
Based on our experience and know-how over almost two decades, we will continue our efforts so that visitors can easily go to the Tokyo Motor Show.
During the sixteen days when the 40th Tokyo motor show 2007 is open, from Saturday, October 27 to Sunday, November 11, 2007, we are operating extra buses from Makuhari Hongo Station on the JR Sobu and Keisei Chiba Lines, and direct express buses from Yokohama Station (YCAT), to the exhibition site.The extra buses leave Makuhari Hongo Station, which serves the JR Sobu and Keisei Chiba Lines, every 5 to 10 minutes for Makuhari Messe.
There will be plenty of buses, and you won't have to wait long. Also, as this is a bus service for the motor show, we are deploying the latest types of buses wherever possible. During the motor show, we will run articulated buses, which are two buses connected together, between Makuhari Hongo Station and Makuhari Messe.
In Japan, articulated buses are very rare, running on only a few routes, and many people photograph the buses.
(You may be able to ride an articulated bus!)
The shuttle bus services for the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 site also have temporary tollbooths at the motor show site. Visitors can pay for the bus after getting off, avoiding crowding when getting on the bus. (For return buses, fares must be paid in advance.) In this way, getting on buses is quick and easy without buying tickets or other problems. Crowding is also eased when getting off buses. Traveling on buses is smooth and comfortable.
(Temporary tollbooths at the motor show site)
There is also an express shuttle bus service between Yokohama Station (YCAT) and the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 site. A one-way ticket costs 1,500 yen for adults and 750 yen for children. The buses use the latest traffic information to select the most appropriate routes, avoiding traffic jams. If a traffic jam occurs on the Metropolitan Expressway, the buses take the Tokyo Bay Aqualine.
Couples and families with children even welcome the sudden change of route, because they can enjoy the beautiful night view from the Aqualine on their way home. (There is no extra charge for such a route change.) We recommend this shuttle bus service to people living in Kanagawa.
(There is a sign for the buses, so you won't get lost.)
There are also express buses from Haneda and Narita Airports to Makuhari Messe for people from abroad or regions outside the Tokyo metropolitan district.
Some buses also offer English, Korean, and Chinese language services.
For people in wheelchairs, we provide information and assistance concerning the most wheelchair friendly buses. We hope people in wheelchairs will visit the motor show.
From Sunday, October 28, to Tuesday, October 30, 2007, Tokyo Truck Show will be held at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center. We will run direct buses connecting Tokyo Big Sight and the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 site at Makuhari Messe with approximately two buses every hour. You can easily visit both shows in one day.As the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 will be the biggest motor show ever held in Japan, all of our staff will do our best to ensure visitor safety and convenience, as well as reducing waiting time even further. Please visit the Tokyo Motor Show by bus.
Thank you, Mr. Kato of the Chiba Prefectural Bus Association!！
It's nice that there are convenient bus services from nearby stations and airports, as well as from the nearby stations.
In our next report, we will visit the JR East's Chiba Branch Office to ask about taking the train to the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007. We are looking forward to seeing you then.]]>
Messe Travel Service and Online Ticketstag:www.tokyo-motorshow.com,2007:/blog/e//6.1302007-06-28T02:00:00Z2007-06-28T02:00:04ZHello. I am Yoshizawa from the Tokyo Mot...yoshida
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First, Mr. Nakane of Messe Travel Service, the official travel agency for the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007, will explain to us about the hotel information.
Hello. I am Nakane.
In February, 2006, we, Makuhari Messe, Inc., formed an in-house company, Messe Travel Service Co., Ltd. that handles travel-related business. Messe Travel Service mainly offers accommodation and transportation services for organizers and other people involved in events held at the Makuhari Messe exhibition site, as well as offering invitation and reception services for VIPs and guests from abroad. We also assist both domestic and overseas companies in their industry tours site, as well as arranging after-convention entertainment.
Although it's been only one year and a few months since Messe Travel Service was created, we have already served more companies and organizations, both event organizers and exhibitors, than we expected. Last year, we assisted several events held at Makuhari Messe, as well as organizing tours visiting overseas trade shows.
Since we are an in-house company of Makuhari Messe, we can offer one-stop services, tailored for each event, to our clients, including arranging box lunches, managing parking, and deploying security guards. This is one of our strengths. Event organizers can rely on us with peace of mind, because we are Makuhari Messe's travel business section.
As for the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007, we are working with the JTB (Japan Travel Bureau) group, preparing several plans.
One of our aims is to attract more guests from Asian countries, particularly from China, which is achievable by organizing package tours and selling more tickets. Motor shows in Shanghai and Beijing are emerging and growing every year, and we need to further promote the attractiveness of the Tokyo Motor Show to Asians. We also aim to attract female guests, students including those on school excursions, and Japanese baby boomers. Through this, we can stimulate potential car buyers.
We will also open the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 Official Travel Desk during the motor show. This is like a concierge desk, offering both overseas and Japanese guests with assistance they need for accommodation or transportation.
Finally, we designated six hotels around Makuhari Messe as the Messe Travel Service Official Hotels. As rooms at these official hotels are limited, we also recommend additional hotels located within 30 minutes to and from the show site on the JR Keiyo Line.
Thank you, Mr. Nakane.
Messe Travel Service offers the Tokyo Motor Show and other exhibitions behind-the-scenes assistance, including arranging accommodation, satisfying each client's needs.
Next is ticket information. For the first time in the Tokyo Motor Show's history, you can buy tickets for the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 directly from the website. Mr. Kaneko of e-tix, which sells tickets online, explains about ticket sales.
Hello, I am Kaneko.The biggest benefit of our Online Ticket Service is that people can buy tickets directly from exhibition organizers' websites, in this case, the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 website, without paying any service or related fees.
The 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 employs the Print@Home system, which is the most attractive feature of our e-tix online ticket service. After paying for tickets at the website, all you have to do is print out the tickets with the barcode shown on the display. The printed sheets of paper are your tickets, so you don't need to leave your home to buy tickets. There are no membership fees, service fees, or other fees for issuing tickets. You can also buy tickets at advance ticket prices if you pay by the day before the public opening (October 27).
Each printed ticket has a barcode on it. As long as these barcodes are readable, the paper doesn't matter. You can even use the back side of a used sheet of paper.
There are other benefits for ticket users.
Since you can print your own tickets without waiting, you can conveniently arrange the tickets if you are going to the Tokyo motor show with friends or family living away from you. After one person purchases tickets for everyone, they can forward the confirmation email, which will be sent automatically from the system, to their friends and family. Upon receiving the email, all the friends and family need is a printer to print out their tickets. They don't even have to meet before entering the Tokyo motor show site. Just tell your friends and family where to meet. This is very convenient for busy people.
The e-tix system is multi-lingual, used all over the world. The system recognizes the language of users' browsers, automatically choosing and showing screens with appropriate languages. The system supports Japanese, English, German, Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish, Russian, Dutch, Swedish, and Czech. Overseas users can buy tickets using their own languages.
Thank you, Mr. Kaneko.
For the first time, Tokyo Motor Show 2007 tickets can be purchased directly from abroad. The tickets will make a great gift for friends living away from you. If you are a father living away from your family due to your job, you can give the tickets to your family as well. The online ticket service will start on August 1. Please take advantage of this great convenience.
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Kids Motorcycle Sports Schooltag:www.tokyo-motorshow.com,2007:/blog/e//6.1262007-06-14T04:45:50Z2007-06-14T05:01:41ZHello. I am Yoshizawa from the Tokyo Mot...yoshida
At the 39th Tokyo Motor Show 2005, Kids Motorcycle Sports School was particularly popular with the children. The school will offer lessons at this year's show too. We went to the Nippon Motorcycle Association (NMCA) which organizes the school, and interviewed the staff there.
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At our Kids Motorcycle Sports School, elementary school children actually ride motorcycles in the open air.
Since 1998, we have offered lessons to the public at 304 times (as of May 17, 2007). Up until today, 7,184 pairs of children and parents, 14,367 people in total, have enjoyed our lessons. Many of the children have returned to take our lessons again. In FY 2007, we are planning to offer lessons at thirty locations around Japan.
The theme of our school is “Challenge, Discovery, and Excitement.” Children enjoy riding real motorcycles, even when their bikes fall down and they get dirty.
At our school, parents always accompany their children, forming pairs together. Lessons start with the instructors teaching parents. Then, parents teach what they learned to their children, giving step-by-step instructions. In this way, our school also enhances communication and the bonds between children and parents.
(Children and parents learning together in harmony.)
Our school usually starts in the morning, finishing at around three o'clock in the afternoon. Participants have a full day of motorcycle education, starting from orientation and including a lecture with basic information about motorcycle riding. Then, they continue to ride the motorcycle course in pairs with parents and in groups with friends. Children ride 50 cc motorcycles, which are like scooters without clutches. Most children, if they can ride bicycles without training wheels, can ride the motorcycles by themselves after instruction.
(Let's go together, following the instructor!)
At first, some children hesitate to ride motorcycles. As soon as they are able to ride and discover what fun it is, they become very enthusiastic. They even continue riding if it suddenly starts to rain. By lunchtime, children and their parents will be talking very enthusiastically about motorcycling.
Our lessons at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007, however, are a short version so that as many people as possible can join. This short version takes approximately 30 minutes in total with only children riding motorcycles. Please also note that our lessons at the Tokyo Motor Show will only be offered on Saturdays and Sundays for a total of six days during the motor show.
(Look for this sign!)
At the 39th Tokyo Motor Show 2005, tickets for our morning sessions ran out approximately 30 minutes after the motor show opened in the morning. People had to start queuing before noon in order to participate in the afternoon sessions. At this year's motor show, we will have seven pairs per group, instead of six pairs at the previous Tokyo Motor Show, so that as many children as possible can participate and enjoy riding with us. There will be six groups scheduled in each session.
Children have to be in the third grade of elementary school or older and 130 cm or taller to participate. They also have to be able to ride bicycles without training wheels. Since the program at the show is a short and intensified, children are required to be strong enough to operate motorcycles wearing a helmet and other protective gear. Their toes and both heels must be able to touch the ground when sitting on the motorcycles. At our usual lessons, all elementary school students, from first to sixth grade, are accepted regardless of height, as long as they can ride bicycles without training wheels.
Please note that a parent and child pair is a prerequisite for participating in the program. If two siblings want to join it, then both parents must come.
Seeing other children riding motorcycles is exciting and will certainly encourage you. The sight proves even elementary school kids can ride motorcycles and it is a fun. More and more girls are coming to our school now too. Some girls are even more enthusiastic than many of the boys. We hope many of you discover the joy of riding motorcycles at our lessons at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Participants must wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and sneakers. We offer helmets, gloves, and other protective gear. When riding motorcycles, exposing bare skin is dangerous and can result in injuries.
Since our lessons at the Tokyo Motor Show are short, they may not be enough. The class finishes as soon as riders are able to ride the motorcycles by themselves.If you want to ride more, we recommend you come to our one-day lessons held in many places throughout Japan.
At the NMCA, we introduce many motorcycle schools and events held throughout the year. Please visit our website and enjoy riding motorcycles.
(Look, I can ride a motorcycle by myself!)
Thank you, the NMCA.
This year's Kids Motorcycle Sports School will be even more exciting than before, with more participants accepted. Enjoy riding real motorcycles! With an engine, it is a far cry from pedaling a bicycle. Feel the difference by yourself. The school may excite your interest in motorcycles, and some day when you grow up, you may enjoy touring on motorcycles with your family.
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Shanghai Report II - Auto Shanghai 2007tag:www.tokyo-motorshow.com,2007:/blog/e//6.1222007-05-31T02:00:00Z2007-05-31T02:05:45ZHello. I am Yoshizawa from the Tokyo Mot...yoshida
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previous report,the Chinese are really energetic, and Shanghai symbolizes their energy. The city is busy with new skyscrapers and old buildings mixed together and the linear-motor train running from the airport.
(Skyscrapers in Shanghai)
Companies exhibiting at Auto Shanghai put up many billboards around the city and a blimp was flying above the exhibition site. The entire city was filled with a festival-like atmosphere due to the automobile exhibition.
(The entire building turned into a huge billboard.)
The joys of traveling abroad include eating cuisine that you cannot eat at home. I enjoyed many delicious dishes such as authentic xiao long bao, (soup dumplings), and rice dumplings.In Shanghai, 5,000 yen can satisfy three hungry people, even at a classy restaurant. Lamb seems to be very popular, and we ate it a lot.
Inside the Auto Shanghai venue, there was a restaurant presented by an exhibitor. It served delicious and filling dishes.
(Very filling!)
In the outdoor space, there were many international fast food restaurants. One of them puts up a sign saying ramen in Japanese.
(The red lantern has ramen written on it.)
An amusement park in China with copies of American and Japanese characters was in the news recently. In fact, an automobile exhibition copying Auto Shanghai 2007 was being open during the same period, in the same area, and with the same theme. Even their website address is very similar to the Auto Shanghai 2007 website, with only one different letter. Some companies mistakenly even applied to exhibit there.
The organizer of Auto Shanghai demanded that exhibiting companies not exhibit cars resembling those of other companies. There were, however, some such cars. Some of them took the front and back from two different cars.
(Have you seen parts of this car somewhere else?)
As well as making cars similar in appearance to other companies' cars, some companies even manufacture automobile parts similar to other companies' parts. Such cheap poor-quality parts reportedly cause many accidents. This is a matter of life and death. They should use genuine parts.
As international society more and more severely criticizes such counterfeiting in China, such copied cars and parts may decrease in the future.
Through this visit, I well understood the rapid growth of the Auto Shanghai automobile exhibition, which symbolizes the huge possibilities of the Chinese market.
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Shanghai Report I - Auto Shanghai 2007tag:www.tokyo-motorshow.com,2007:/blog/e//6.1172007-05-18T02:00:00Z2007-05-28T09:02:39ZHello. I am Yoshizawa from the Tokyo Mot...yoshida
My boss, Oka, and colleague, Takahashi, visited Shanghai to see Auto Shanghai. I will ask Takahashi to tell us about the motor show.
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Auto Shanghai on the Press Days, Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21, and a Trade Day, Sunday, April 22.
The flight from Narita to Shanghai Airport is under three hours. We took the linear-motor train from the airport into the city center. The train is in the Guinness Book of Records with a maximum speed of 430 km/h. We covered the distance from the airport to the city center in about seven minutes.
(Is the train breaking the world record?)
Shanghai is rapidly developing. There are many skyscrapers, some of them under construction, and traffic jams are everywhere. We felt China's growing motorization in our bones.
On the streets, there are an extraordinary number of cars, many of them are sedans, and the city is very busy and lively. Even when the light is green, it is still not safe to cross the road. (Oka was nearly hit by cars many times!)
Intex Shanghai, where Auto Shanghai was held, is conveniently located near the city center, being accessible in approximately thirty minutes by taxi or train. Intex Shanghai is still under construction, with only about half of the exhibitor halls completed. Still, the indoor exhibition space is 140,000 square meters, 1.9 times larger than Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. In 2010, when all seventeen halls are completed, the exhibition space will expand to 200,000 square meters, almost the same as the Messe Frankfurt.
(The towering entrance is impressive!)
Chinese people do not like to wait in line. Many people cut into the approach for the entrance gates, creating chaos.
(At the entrance gates, guards check your belongings with X-ray inspections, just like at the airport.)
The theme of Auto Shanghai 2007 is Technology and Nature in Harmony.
Unlike European and Tokyo motor shows, where the environment and concept cars are emphasized, most of the vehicles exhibited at Auto Shanghai are already available. Some overseas manufacturers exhibited fuel-cell-powered vehicles and hybrid vehicles though. The wide variety of vehicles included a range from compact cars, minivans, and other recreational vehicles to luxury class cars. At Auto Shanghai 2007, five world premiere models, including BMW's Concept CS, were exhibited. Major automobile manufacturers consider Auto Shanghai a very important automobile exhibition.
(Very crowded even on a trade day!)
Booth attendants, who add some glitz and glamour to exhibitions, were also popular at Auto Shanghai. Like in Japanese exhibitions, many people gathered around the booth attendants, taking photographs. Some were taking photographs with cell-phones. The high level of enthusiasm is the same in China and Japan.
(Many people are taking photos of booth attendants!)
Some exhibitors provided dance, live music and other performances. With the Beijing Olympic Games in mind, some performances were inspired by sports such as swimming and rhythmic gymnastics. Unfortunately, the sounds from the booths were too loud and interfered with each other.
The organizers provided few events for guests. We only saw the opening ceremony. As the Chinese car market is rapidly growing, the exhibition focused on sales.
Apart from passenger vehicles, two-wheel vehicles, buses, and trucks, as well as parts for vehicles, were also exhibited. The booths varied in design. Some were sophisticated two-story booths, while some exhibiting parts looked like prefabs.
(Major manufacturers have booths with sophisticated designs.)
Many booths in the tents exhibiting automotive parts were simple ones with just one attendant and his desk.
Approximately 1,300 companies from twenty-one countries exhibited at the Auto Shanghai 2007. The very busy and lively exhibition had over 500,000 visitors according to the organizer.
During press days, only members of the press could enter. As soon as some enthusiastic automobile fans saw our press cards dangling from our necks, they offered to buy our cards for eighty yuan.
During trade days, 103,000 people visited the exhibition. This was a record figure for Auto Shanghai. The entrance fee for the general visitors during trade days was 100 yuan, twice the price of days when the show was open to the visitors. To put this in perspective, one rice-dumpling is two yuan. The number of the visitors during trade days showed that the Chinese people were enthusiastically looking forward to the exhibition.
(Some visitors took a break, sitting on the floor.)
Auto Shanghai 2007 directly reflected China's vitality. Very enthusiastic visitors thronged the vibrant exhibition.
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The 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 is coming!tag:www.tokyo-motorshow.com,2007:/blog/e//6.1102007-04-27T02:00:00Z2007-04-27T02:00:03ZHello. I am Yoshizawa from the Tokyo Mot...yoshida
a press release about the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 with more information, announcing at the same time the names of sponsors confirmed up to this date.
We had already issued a press release outlining the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007, but today's press release includes more detailed information such as the number of exhibitors and special event information.
Today, I would like to tell you about some information from the press release.]]>
this coming 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 will be a New Comprehensive Show with all passenger cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and other vehicles exhibited in one place.
Why is it called new and comprehensive?
Until the 32nd Show in 1997, the Tokyo Motor Show was a comprehensive motor show held every other year. Starting with the 33rd Show in 1999, the show separated into two shows, one exhibiting passenger cars & motorcycles and the other exhibiting commercial vehicles.
These two shows were held alternately, with one show every year.
This is why the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 is called the New Comprehensive Show.
Today's press release included new information and the number of exhibitors.
We are expecting four governments, one organization, and 242 companies from eleven countries and one region exhibiting at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007.
The exhibition areas will occupy 44,687 square meters, 11 percent larger than the previous show, including the new outdoor exhibition area.
Five times larger than nearby Chiba Marine Stadium, you might think the exhibition huge. Compared with other major motor shows around the world, however, the Tokyo Motor Show is actually rather small.
That’s why the Tokyo Motor Show aims to provide the maximum amount of information, all in one compact space.
In addition to the number of exhibitors, the press release also included information about “audience participation and hands-on” special events.
I would like to tell you about some of the events that are new in the 40th Show.
4x4 Adventure Test Ride: You can take a ride on a 4x4 driven by a professional driver, running on our special outdoor course! (This should be great fun and I really want to try it.)
Safety Drive Test Ride: You can ride and see how the ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) and other safety equipment work. This wonderful opportunity should not be missed.
Soapbox Derby: Race on a motorless vehicle with just a steering wheel and brakes, running downhill! Soapbox derbies started in the U.S.A., where the cars were originally built using soap boxes.
Other test rides include the latest clean energy vehicles and commercial vehicles, which are familiar events at the Tokyo Motor Show.
(Commercial and Barrier-free Vehicles Test-ride Arena at the 38th Tokyo Motor Show 2004)
(Clean Energy Vehicle Test Ride at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show 2005)
These test ride events are incredible experiences. Don't miss them!
There are many events for kids, too.
The very popular Kids Motorcycle Sport School, where children can ride motorcycles, and Clean Energy Vehicle Classes for Children and Parents, where parents and children can get familiar with about clean energy vehicles, will be held as in the previous year.
Tomica Choro-Q Corner is very popular among children and grown-ups.
What's more, outdoor stage events and familiar symposia that stimulate your intellectual curiosity are still more that you will not want to miss.
The press release on April 19 also announced the sponsors of the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007.
Thanks to these sponsors, we can make the show and all these great events we have mentioned into reality.
We would like express our gratitude to the following sponsors!
●Pokka Corporation
●Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
●NTT Resonant Inc.
●The Tokyo Electric Power Company, Inc.
●Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
Panasonic Automotive Systems Company
The following companies sponsor tie-up events:
●Bridgestone Corporation
●Tomy Company, Ltd.
●Konica Minolta Business Solutions Japan Co., Ltd.
The Tokyo Motor Show is celebrating its fortieth anniversary this year with many exciting events and exhibits of cutting-edge products!
It is impossible to explain everything in this blog. Please come and visit the Tokyo Motor Show, and see for yourself!
Check back later for the hottest information on Japan’s greatest motor show, the Tokyo Motor Show!]]>
coming soon!tag:www.tokyo-motorshow.com,2007:/blog/e//6.1112007-04-18T15:00:00Z2007-04-26T11:28:51Zyoshida
(There are two such trains.)]]>
Clean Energy Vehicles Test Ride” . Hybrid, fuel-cell, hydrogen-fueled, electric, and other clean energy vehicles will be available for test-rides. This year, there will be thirteen vehicles in total, including two buses, from eight manufacturers.
The last test ride event is the“ Commercial Vehicleｓ Test Ride” . Nine trucks, trailers, buses, and vans from eight manufacturers will be available.
As in the last blog entry, I interviewed staff at the Special Events Office, which runs the test ride and test-drive events.
Hello, everyone!
Cars you can test-ride at the Clean Energy Vehicles Test ride event are manufacturers' next-generation cars. This event presents a very rare opportunity for the general public to test-ride these next-generation cars. Even if you search around the world, these opportunities are rare. This test ride event is unique to the Tokyo Motor Show, a show full of experience-based events where visitor participation is welcomed.
Equipped with next-generation engines, these cars provide running stability equal to or better than time-proven gasoline-fueled cars. You will be impressed by the efforts, and technology of the manufacturers.
(Experience next-generation technology. Photo from the 39th Tokyo Motor Show 2005.)
Experience the next-generation vehicles that will enter the market in the future. At the entrance of the event area, panels will describe hydrogen-powered and fuel-cell vehicles, and exhibition booths will show videos. Come and see them.
Today, global warming and other environment issues are becoming immediate issues for us. In this event, cars will showcase new technologies made possible by manufacturers' hard work and innovation for solving environment problems.
See for yourself how these cars differ from ordinary gasoline-fueled cars. Take advantage of this opportunity and test-ride these clean energy vehicles to experience their impressive new technologies.
The next event I would like to introduce is the Commercial Vehicles Test ride event, where you can test-ride trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles that you often see on the streets. Seeing them so often, you may think they are very ordinary. Still, people rarely have the opportunity to actually sit in the front seat of a truck, closely watching the driver operating the truck. That makes this another rare opportunity. It is particularly worth sitting in the front seat of a truck, experiencing a view much higher than that in passenger cars.
(Trucks provide a much higher view than passenger cars. Photographed at the 38th Tokyo Motor Show 2004.)
As in the “Clean Energy Vehicles Test ride”, biofuel and fuel-cell buses will be available for test-rides. Like ordinary passenger cars, these larger vehicles are also becoming environment-friendly. See them in the “Commercial Vehicle and Clean Energy Vehicles Test Ride”.
In the “Commercial Vehicles Test Ride”, available vehicles will be different between the first and second half of the Tokyo Motor Show period. Please make sure which vehicles are available before participating in the event. Please note that children five years old or younger are only allowed to ride in buses. Your understanding is appreciated.
Trucks and buses on the streets may look different after you test-ride these commercial vehicles. Look around the Outdoor Vehicle Bodies Exhibition Space (open until Tuesday, October 30) at the North Hall after test-riding commercial vehicles and you will be even more interested in the commercial vehicles displayed there.
I would like to thank the staff from our Special Events Office for this explanation. I am sure these test-ride events will offer us valuable experiences. As I wrote in the last blog entry, a test-drive/ride ticket is required to participate in any of these test-ride/drive events held at the Tokyo Motor Show. Make sure to get your ticket at the ticket distribution corner at the west side of the South Rest Zone starting one hour before each test-drive/ride session.
There is one more thing I would like to tell you about in this blog entry. The Life Style Park will be held in the West Rest Zone from Thursday, November 1 to Sunday November 11. 
The Life Style Park is an event space where many kinds of events, where you will like automobiles and other vehicles even more, will be held.
Among many events, the “Trial Demonstration” and “Double Dutch” events are a must to see. They are performed twice a day during the Life Style Park period. In the “Trial Demonstration”, two riders, Naoki Kobayashi and Motoharu Honda, show their techniques, going on the stage and jumping their bikes. Their movements are so synchronized that it is hard to believe they are riding on bikes. There will be a talk show, as well as the demonstration.
(Great technique. Photo taken at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show 2005.)
The “Double Dutch” event is a dance and jump rope performance by three double Dutch teams: “CAPLIORE” “ASGRM” and “Viva Onna!!” There will be a collaborative performance of dancing and jump roping together with a traffic safety quiz.
Many more events will be held at the Life Style Park, including a wrecker truck demonstration by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), showing wrecker trucks hoisting and towing cars in trouble, and a performance by the Chiba Prefectural Police band.
As I mentioned before, a symposium, "Car users meeting with JAMA Chairman Cho," will be held from 14:00 on Thursday, November 8 at the International Conference Room on the 2nd floor of the Makuhari Messe International Conference Hall. The symposium will be broadcast live at the Life Style Park.
During the above-mentioned period, the Life Style Park will be jammed with many events from 10:00 a.m. (9:30 on Saturdays and Sundays) until closing time. A truck called “The Smile” will assess your aptitude for driving, and you can see the Chiba Prefectural Police corner, where police cars and motorbikes are displayed. Police uniforms for children will be available to borrow too. Be sure to visit the Life Style Park.
The 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 will open soon. If you don't have your ticket, the Cellular Phone Ticket is convenient. People have been taking advantage of this convenience since Wednesday, October 10. You can reserve tickets with your cell phone, which will serve as a ticket, enabling entry to the Tokyo Motor Show. Why don't you try this new way of buying tickets?
(With the above QR code, you can conveniently access the site from your cell phone.)
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(Japanese Motor Vehicles Guidebook 2007-2008 Vol. 54)
As I mentioned in the last blog entry, the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 will present four test-ride and test-drive events where visitors are welcome to actually ride or drive cars. They are the “Safety Experience Test Drive”, “4x4 Adventure Test Ride”, “Clean Energy Vehicles Test Ride”, and “Commercial Vehicles Test Ride” events.
In this and the next blog entries, I would like to look more closely at these events.
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Safety Experience Test Drive” event.
From the title, Safety Experience Test Drive, some of you may think this is a safe driving lesson. It is actually slightly different.
The Safety Experience Test Drive event aims to improve driver understanding and knowledge of car safety technologies. In the event, drivers actually experience some of the state-of-the-art safety devices installed in cars.
ABS, ESC, and TCS are three major safety devices in cars. ABS (Antilock Brake System) prevents the wheels from slipping when the driver brakes and the wheels lock. ESC (Electronic Stability Control) stabilizes the car, preventing it from skidding. TCS (Traction Control System) prevents wheels from spinning round without grabbing when the car accelerates.
I interviewed staff at the Special Event Office, which runs the test-ride and test-drive events, and the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), which provides assistance.
Hello, everyone!
This special mat was very difficult to find. Although cars drive quite slowly, strength and durability are required. We spent three months finding an appropriate mat.
(Cars cannot be controlled on the slippery mat.)
This mat enables drivers to experience the extreme situation where the car slips.
The slip can occur even at safe speeds. In addition, drivers can see the difference, switching ESC on and off, under the same conditions. This is a very special opportunity.
This Safety Experience Test Drive event also has other demonstrations, including a seat belt convincer with airbag. You can even participate in these without a test-drive ticket.
Six types of cars, nine cars in total, from six manufacturers will be available in the Safety Test-drive event, where you can have the rare opportunity of experiencing an extreme driving situation. Don't miss this valuable opportunity.
I would like to thank the staff at JAF for helping to make this event possible.
The next event I would like to introduce is the “4x4 Adventure Test Ride” . The staff at the Special Event Office will explain:
As the title suggests, the course of the “4x4 Adventure Test Ride” is very adventurous. The course consists of five sections: V-shaped Mogul where a twisting road is created with logs, Camber with a 30 degree slope, Tabletop/Water Zone where you climb a hill that is approximately 2 meters high and then drive through a pool that is approximately 30 centimeters deep, Slalom, and Climb-hill/Down-hill with a slope of up to 40 degrees.
Standard cars cannot drive in any of these sections. They will get stuck, unable to climb or go down the slopes. The test-ride event is a marvelous opportunity to experience the excellent running stability and road ability of 4x4 vehicles. You will be fascinated by 4x4 vehicles, being surprised by their abilities.
Several types of cars, nineteen cars in total, from seven manufacturers will be available in the “4x4 Adventure Test Ride” event.
Professional drivers are willing to offer information and answer your questions.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask them. When taking a test-ride, check the course information displayed at each section. It might be interesting to see what angle professional drivers take to approach the section, what course they select, and how they accelerate.
I would like to thank the staff from our Special Event Office for this explanation. I am already getting excited!
The “Safety Experience Test Drive” event enables you to safely experience car movement in an extreme situation, and the “4x4 Adventure Test Ride” event enables you to fully enjoy the abilities and fascination of 4x4 vehicles without going to the countryside. They both will be great fun. I am very interested in them and imagine you are too.
In these test-drive and test-ride events, you usually can drive or ride cars from several manufacturers. There are, however, a few days, on which cars from only one manufacturer are available. In the “Safety Experience Test Drive” event, there are two days, November 1 and 2, when only BMWs are available. In the “4x4 Adventure Test Ride” event, the same two days are designated as the DaimlerChrysler Japan (Jeep) days. On these days, instead of comparing cars of different manufacturers, you can take an in-depth look at cars from your favorite manufacturer. Also, there may be special events presented by the manufacturers.
A test-drive/ride ticket is required to participate in these events. Test-drive/ride tickets will be given out at the ticket distribution corner at the west side of the South Rest Zone from one hour before each test-drive/ride session. Make sure to get your ticket, as you cannot take a drive/ride without it. The two test-drive and test-ride events introduced in this blog entry will be held at the Makuhari Seaside Park. Test Ride Shuttle Bus service to the park will be available, making it easy and smooth to get there.
In the next blog entry, I will write about two other test-ride events, the “Clean Energy Vehicles Test Ride” and “Commercial Vehicles Test Ride” events. I will see you then!
]]>
(This is the Moscow Motor Show site.)
Did you know that a motor show is held annually in Moscow?
In Russia, the demand for cars is increasing every year. According to the "THE MOTOR INDUSTRY OF JAPAN 2007," 1,864,000 motor vehicles, a 10.3% increase from 2004, were sold in Russia in 2005.
Russia is the third fastest growing automobile market after China and India.
The transportation infrastructure in Moscow, however, is still being developed, and traffic is always very heavy.
In Moscow, we can see many expensive cars and luxury brand stores.
The city looked completely different from a few years ago.
This was my second time in Moscow. I went there seven years ago.
With the Russian economy thriving today, Moscow looks like a European city enjoying the economic boom.
Returning to the subject of the Tokyo Motor Show, the press presentation for the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 was held on September 20.
(Fujio Cho, Chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association,Inc is in the center.)
Over 200 press people attended the presentation!
(The press presentation room was stuffed with press people.)
The presentation really caught the interest of the press. They took notes enthusiastically, and the question and answer session ran over schedule. Chairman Cho expressed his hopes, saying he wants the Tokyo Motor Show to be an automobile culture event, not just a mere automobile exhibition.
I would like to cover some of the interesting topics announced at the press presentation.
(The first screening held in Makuhari Messe)
On August 6, a five-member jury further screened the 196 drawings, selecting three drawings showing the incredible originality and creativity unique to young children.
Since only three drawings will have the honor of being made into actual Tomica , people from Tomy and other jury members were very serious when looking at the drawings. I also had the opportunity of looking at the children's drawings, trying not to disturb the jury.
(Drawings are all interesting and enjoyable to look at.)
About boys' drawings
Boys' drawings are energetic!
Many of them use strong bold lines. Blue and black are used often. The designs of some cars are modeled on insects such as beetles, and some are uniquely designed resembling robots in animated films. We can see children's unconstrained imagination in their drawings.
One jury member said, "Many cars are modeled on fish and insects. Perhaps, boys are very interested in these living creatures." Another juror said, "There aren’t many sports car drawings. When we were children, boys used to draw sports cars." Even from children's drawings, we can see that sports cars are less popular these days.
About girls' drawings
Looking at girls’ drawings, we were impressed by the rich colors. While boys' drawings are filled mainly with blue, green, and black, leaving no blank areas, many girls' drawings ingeniously use multiple colors, such as stripes and gradations. Another characteristic of girls' drawings is their attention to detail. Even the rearview mirrors and door handles are decorated. Many cars drawn by girls have rounded forms, being modeled on fruits and vegetables.
（Straps for cellular phones are basic goods）
Pin badges, T-shirts, and cellular phone straps are very basic goods.
Paying sufficient attention to these basic products, we also created some new and surprisingly
fresh products that are exclusive for the 40th Tokyo Motor Show.
This official model figure is one such product! 
（See the whole model figure at the show site!）
We created this figure, since many people abroad think of model figures as symbolizing
contemporary Japanese culture. （First we had to summon up the nerve to show this figure to
Yoshizawa though.
）
We cannot show you the entire figure here, but the figure is exclusively for the Tokyo Motor Show.
The hairpin the figure wears is shaped like the Tokyo Motor Show logo.
Please see it at the show site!
Other official goods you shouldn't miss are goods with the ukiyoe of Katsushika Hokusai. 
（These are Hokusai goods.）
We wanted to borrow the strong impression of ukiyoe, excellent art of Japan, to promote the
Tokyo Motor Show to the world.
We succeeded in obtaining permission to use the image, and we are very proud of these goods.
There are a wide variety of ukiyoe goods including Japanese teacups, towels, and T-shirts.
They are very Japanese, and we hope visitors from abroad love them.
Since this year's Tokyo Motor Show is the 40th, we created a wide variety of special goods celebrating the 40th show.
They are slightly more expensive than the usual official products, but are good values considering
the high quality and good design.
(Zippo lighter celebrating the 40th show)
These official goods for the Tokyo Motor Show 2007 are all available in limited quantities. So,
make sure to buy them before they sell out! 
(You don't have to queue at the ticket counter anymore.)
Buying tickets online is a much smarter way of enjoying the Tokyo Motor Show.
I would like to give you two tips for coming to the Tokyo Motor Show.
1.Take comfortable public transportation, i.e. buses and trains, to come to the site, avoiding traffic jams!
(Counseling is offered concerning barrier-free vehicles)
Many people enjoy the special viewing.
At the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, 327 people in wheelchairs and 399 attendants participated.
Participants increased by almost 30 percent compared to the 37th Tokyo Motor Show in 2003.
More and more people are learning about the Special Viewing Day for People in Wheelchairs.
If you would like to attend the Special Viewing Day for People in Wheelchairs at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007, you can download the application form from the website from August 6.
Please fill in the form and email or fax it to the Makuhari Messe office of the Tokyo Motor Show.
The Special Viewing Day for People in Wheelchairs will be held in the afternoon from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. on the second press day, Thursday, October 25.
The square shaped pedestrian deck on the way from JR Kaihim Makuhari Station to Makuhari Messe now has more elevators.
The pedestrian deck is just in front of Gate North 2 at the Makuhari Messe site.
Coming from the station to the site is now easier.
In addition, elevators were newly installed in the East Hall (Hall 7) and North Hall (on the north side) at the Makuhari Messe site.
The 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 is even more barrier-free than previous shows.
On August 6, visit the Tokyo Motor Show Website!
(The Wakashio limited express train will be in service with a special train schedule for the 40 Tokyo Motor Show 2007.)
When the Tokyo Motor Show is open to the public from Saturday, October 27 to Sunday, November 11, 2007, we expect many more people will take the train than usual.
Kaihim Makuhari Station will increase station staff to better serve passengers.
It has some extra ticket gates, used only when very large events are held.
All these extra ticket gates will be in service during the Tokyo Motor Show, eliminating waiting queues.
Event if your fare is insufficient, you can pay at the extra ticket gates for the extra distance you have ridden.
We rarely use these extra ticket gates.
Apart from the Tokyo Motor Show, we used them when Glay, a Japanese pop band, played for an audience of 200,000 people and when the Japan Series baseball games were held.
We will work hard to make your travel to the show site easier and more comfortable.
(People going to the Tokyo Motor Show from Kaihim Makuhari Station)
For people in wheelchairs, we at JR are fully prepared to offer excellent service. Station staff work to assist people in wheelchairs to reach their destinations as part of our JR service.
This service are commonly being offered to wheelchair users company-wise regardless of the Tokyo motor Show. We also work hard to create barrier-free stations and trains.
The stations have temporary counters selling tickets for the Tokyo Motor Show.
After getting off the train, you can buy your tickets at the station.
This way, you can avoid queuing up at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Afternoon tickets are also available, allowing you to enter after 15:00 on weekdays. An afternoon ticket costs 1,100 yen for adults and 500 yen for junior high school and high school students.
Afternoon tickets are available only at Kaihim Makuhari Station and the Tokyo Motor Show.
They are especially convenient for people enjoying the Tokyo Motor Show after school or business hours.
(You can buy your tickets at the station before arriving.)
At the stations nearest the Tokyo Motor Show, we will help you to get to the Tokyo Motor Show smoothly and safely.
We hope you will take advantage of our smooth JR trains and service when visiting the Tokyo Motor Show.
We are looking forward to serving you.
(1,924,200 people visited the 28th show)
At that time, the JR Keiyo Line had not yet extended form Tokyo Station to Kaihim Makuhari Station. We operated 100 shuttle buses between Makuhari Hongo Station on the JR Sobu Line and the Makuhari Messe exhibition site.
We worked hard to provide safe and convenient services for visitors.
Based on our experience and know-how over almost two decades, we will continue our efforts so that visitors can easily go to the Tokyo Motor Show.
During the sixteen days when the 40th Tokyo motor show 2007 is open, from Saturday, October 27 to Sunday, November 11, 2007, we are operating extra buses from Makuhari Hongo Station on the JR Sobu and Keisei Chiba Lines, and direct express buses from Yokohama Station (YCAT), to the exhibition site.
The extra buses leave Makuhari Hongo Station, which serves the JR Sobu and Keisei Chiba Lines, every 5 to 10 minutes for Makuhari Messe.
There will be plenty of buses, and you won't have to wait long. Also, as this is a bus service for the motor show, we are deploying the latest types of buses wherever possible. During the motor show, we will run articulated buses, which are two buses connected together, between Makuhari Hongo Station and Makuhari Messe.
In Japan, articulated buses are very rare, running on only a few routes, and many people photograph the buses.
(You may be able to ride an articulated bus!)
The shuttle bus services for the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 site also have temporary tollbooths at the motor show site. Visitors can pay for the bus after getting off, avoiding crowding when getting on the bus. (For return buses, fares must be paid in advance.) In this way, getting on buses is quick and easy without buying tickets or other problems. Crowding is also eased when getting off buses. Traveling on buses is smooth and comfortable.
(Temporary tollbooths at the motor show site)
There is also an express shuttle bus service between Yokohama Station (YCAT) and the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 site. A one-way ticket costs 1,500 yen for adults and 750 yen for children. The buses use the latest traffic information to select the most appropriate routes, avoiding traffic jams. If a traffic jam occurs on the Metropolitan Expressway, the buses take the Tokyo Bay Aqualine.
Couples and families with children even welcome the sudden change of route, because they can enjoy the beautiful night view from the Aqualine on their way home. (There is no extra charge for such a route change.) We recommend this shuttle bus service to people living in Kanagawa.
(There is a sign for the buses, so you won't get lost.)
There are also express buses from Haneda and Narita Airports to Makuhari Messe for people from abroad or regions outside the Tokyo metropolitan district.
Some buses also offer English, Korean, and Chinese language services.
For people in wheelchairs, we provide information and assistance concerning the most wheelchair friendly buses. We hope people in wheelchairs will visit the motor show.
From Sunday, October 28, to Tuesday, October 30, 2007, Tokyo Truck Show will be held at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center. We will run direct buses connecting Tokyo Big Sight and the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 site at Makuhari Messe with approximately two buses every hour. You can easily visit both shows in one day.
As the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 will be the biggest motor show ever held in Japan, all of our staff will do our best to ensure visitor safety and convenience, as well as reducing waiting time even further. Please visit the Tokyo Motor Show by bus.
Thank you, Mr. Kato of the Chiba Prefectural Bus Association!！
Although it's been only one year and a few months since Messe Travel Service was created, we have already served more companies and organizations, both event organizers and exhibitors, than we expected. Last year, we assisted several events held at Makuhari Messe, as well as organizing tours visiting overseas trade shows.
Since we are an in-house company of Makuhari Messe, we can offer one-stop services, tailored for each event, to our clients, including arranging box lunches, managing parking, and deploying security guards. This is one of our strengths. Event organizers can rely on us with peace of mind, because we are Makuhari Messe's travel business section.
As for the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007, we are working with the JTB (Japan Travel Bureau) group, preparing several plans.
One of our aims is to attract more guests from Asian countries, particularly from China, which is achievable by organizing package tours and selling more tickets. Motor shows in Shanghai and Beijing are emerging and growing every year, and we need to further promote the attractiveness of the Tokyo Motor Show to Asians. We also aim to attract female guests, students including those on school excursions, and Japanese baby boomers. Through this, we can stimulate potential car buyers.
We will also open the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 Official Travel Desk during the motor show. This is like a concierge desk, offering both overseas and Japanese guests with assistance they need for accommodation or transportation.
Finally, we designated six hotels around Makuhari Messe as the Messe Travel Service Official Hotels. As rooms at these official hotels are limited, we also recommend additional hotels located within 30 minutes to and from the show site on the JR Keiyo Line.
Thank you, Mr. Nakane.
Messe Travel Service offers the Tokyo Motor Show and other exhibitions behind-the-scenes assistance, including arranging accommodation, satisfying each client's needs.
The 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 employs the Print@Home system, which is the most attractive feature of our e-tix online ticket service. After paying for tickets at the website, all you have to do is print out the tickets with the barcode shown on the display. The printed sheets of paper are your tickets, so you don't need to leave your home to buy tickets. There are no membership fees, service fees, or other fees for issuing tickets. You can also buy tickets at advance ticket prices if you pay by the day before the public opening (October 27).
Each printed ticket has a barcode on it. As long as these barcodes are readable, the paper doesn't matter. You can even use the back side of a used sheet of paper.
There are other benefits for ticket users.
Since you can print your own tickets without waiting, you can conveniently arrange the tickets if you are going to the Tokyo motor show with friends or family living away from you. After one person purchases tickets for everyone, they can forward the confirmation email, which will be sent automatically from the system, to their friends and family. Upon receiving the email, all the friends and family need is a printer to print out their tickets. They don't even have to meet before entering the Tokyo motor show site. Just tell your friends and family where to meet. This is very convenient for busy people.
The e-tix system is multi-lingual, used all over the world. The system recognizes the language of users' browsers, automatically choosing and showing screens with appropriate languages. The system supports Japanese, English, German, Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish, Russian, Dutch, Swedish, and Czech. Overseas users can buy tickets using their own languages.
Thank you, Mr. Kaneko.
For the first time, Tokyo Motor Show 2007 tickets can be purchased directly from abroad. The tickets will make a great gift for friends living away from you. If you are a father living away from your family due to your job, you can give the tickets to your family as well. The online ticket service will start on August 1. Please take advantage of this great convenience.
(Children and parents learning together in harmony.)
Our school usually starts in the morning, finishing at around three o'clock in the afternoon. Participants have a full day of motorcycle education, starting from orientation and including a lecture with basic information about motorcycle riding. Then, they continue to ride the motorcycle course in pairs with parents and in groups with friends. Children ride 50 cc motorcycles, which are like scooters without clutches. Most children, if they can ride bicycles without training wheels, can ride the motorcycles by themselves after instruction.
(Let's go together, following the instructor!)
At first, some children hesitate to ride motorcycles. As soon as they are able to ride and discover what fun it is, they become very enthusiastic. They even continue riding if it suddenly starts to rain. By lunchtime, children and their parents will be talking very enthusiastically about motorcycling.
(Look for this sign!)
At the 39th Tokyo Motor Show 2005, tickets for our morning sessions ran out approximately 30 minutes after the motor show opened in the morning. People had to start queuing before noon in order to participate in the afternoon sessions. At this year's motor show, we will have seven pairs per group, instead of six pairs at the previous Tokyo Motor Show, so that as many children as possible can participate and enjoy riding with us. There will be six groups scheduled in each session.
Children have to be in the third grade of elementary school or older and 130 cm or taller to participate. They also have to be able to ride bicycles without training wheels. Since the program at the show is a short and intensified, children are required to be strong enough to operate motorcycles wearing a helmet and other protective gear. Their toes and both heels must be able to touch the ground when sitting on the motorcycles. At our usual lessons, all elementary school students, from first to sixth grade, are accepted regardless of height, as long as they can ride bicycles without training wheels.
Please note that a parent and child pair is a prerequisite for participating in the program. If two siblings want to join it, then both parents must come.
Seeing other children riding motorcycles is exciting and will certainly encourage you. The sight proves even elementary school kids can ride motorcycles and it is a fun. More and more girls are coming to our school now too. Some girls are even more enthusiastic than many of the boys.
(Look, I can ride a motorcycle by myself!)
Thank you, the NMCA.
This year's Kids Motorcycle Sports School will be even more exciting than before, with more participants accepted. Enjoy riding real motorcycles! With an engine, it is a far cry from pedaling a bicycle. Feel the difference by yourself. The school may excite your interest in motorcycles, and some day when you grow up, you may enjoy touring on motorcycles with your family.
(Skyscrapers in Shanghai)
Companies exhibiting at Auto Shanghai put up many billboards around the city and a blimp was flying above the exhibition site. The entire city was filled with a festival-like atmosphere due to the automobile exhibition.
(The entire building turned into a huge billboard.)
The joys of traveling abroad include eating cuisine that you cannot eat at home. I enjoyed many delicious dishes such as authentic xiao long bao, (soup dumplings), and rice dumplings.
(Very filling!)
In the outdoor space, there were many international fast food restaurants. One of them puts up a sign saying ramen in Japanese.
(The red lantern has ramen written on it.)
An amusement park in China with copies of American and Japanese characters was in the news recently. In fact, an automobile exhibition copying Auto Shanghai 2007 was being open during the same period, in the same area, and with the same theme. Even their website address is very similar to the Auto Shanghai 2007 website, with only one different letter. Some companies mistakenly even applied to exhibit there.
(Have you seen parts of this car somewhere else?)
As well as making cars similar in appearance to other companies' cars, some companies even manufacture automobile parts similar to other companies' parts. Such cheap poor-quality parts reportedly cause many accidents. This is a matter of life and death. They should use genuine parts.
As international society more and more severely criticizes such counterfeiting in China, such copied cars and parts may decrease in the future.
Through this visit, I well understood the rapid growth of the Auto Shanghai automobile exhibition, which symbolizes the huge possibilities of the Chinese market.
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(Is the train breaking the world record?)
Shanghai is rapidly developing. There are many skyscrapers, some of them under construction, and traffic jams are everywhere. We felt China's growing motorization in our bones.
On the streets, there are an extraordinary number of cars, many of them are sedans, and the city is very busy and lively. Even when the light is green, it is still not safe to cross the road. (Oka was nearly hit by cars many times!)
(The towering entrance is impressive!)
Chinese people do not like to wait in line. Many people cut into the approach for the entrance gates, creating chaos.
(At the entrance gates, guards check your belongings with X-ray inspections, just like at the airport.)
The theme of Auto Shanghai 2007 is Technology and Nature in Harmony.
Unlike European and Tokyo motor shows, where the environment and concept cars are emphasized, most of the vehicles exhibited at Auto Shanghai are already available. Some overseas manufacturers exhibited fuel-cell-powered vehicles and hybrid vehicles though. The wide variety of vehicles included a range from compact cars, minivans, and other recreational vehicles to luxury class cars. At Auto Shanghai 2007, five world premiere models, including BMW's Concept CS, were exhibited. Major automobile manufacturers consider Auto Shanghai a very important automobile exhibition.
(Very crowded even on a trade day!)
Booth attendants, who add some glitz and glamour to exhibitions, were also popular at Auto Shanghai. Like in Japanese exhibitions, many people gathered around the booth attendants, taking photographs. Some were taking photographs with cell-phones. The high level of enthusiasm is the same in China and Japan.
(Many people are taking photos of booth attendants!)
Some exhibitors provided dance, live music and other performances. With the Beijing Olympic Games in mind, some performances were inspired by sports such as swimming and rhythmic gymnastics. Unfortunately, the sounds from the booths were too loud and interfered with each other.
The organizers provided few events for guests. We only saw the opening ceremony. As the Chinese car market is rapidly growing, the exhibition focused on sales.
Apart from passenger vehicles, two-wheel vehicles, buses, and trucks, as well as parts for vehicles, were also exhibited. The booths varied in design. Some were sophisticated two-story booths, while some exhibiting parts looked like prefabs.
(Major manufacturers have booths with sophisticated designs.)
Many booths in the tents exhibiting automotive parts were simple ones with just one attendant and his desk.
Approximately 1,300 companies from twenty-one countries exhibited at the Auto Shanghai 2007. The very busy and lively exhibition had over 500,000 visitors according to the organizer.
During press days, only members of the press could enter. As soon as some enthusiastic automobile fans saw our press cards dangling from our necks, they offered to buy our cards for eighty yuan.
During trade days, 103,000 people visited the exhibition. This was a record figure for Auto Shanghai. The entrance fee for the general visitors during trade days was 100 yuan, twice the price of days when the show was open to the visitors. To put this in perspective, one rice-dumpling is two yuan. The number of the visitors during trade days showed that the Chinese people were enthusiastically looking forward to the exhibition.
(Some visitors took a break, sitting on the floor.)
Auto Shanghai 2007 directly reflected China's vitality. Very enthusiastic visitors thronged the vibrant exhibition.
(Commercial and Barrier-free Vehicles Test-ride Arena at the 38th Tokyo Motor Show 2004)
(Clean Energy Vehicle Test Ride at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show 2005)
These test ride events are incredible experiences. Don't miss them!
There are many events for kids, too.
The very popular Kids Motorcycle Sport School, where children can ride motorcycles, and Clean Energy Vehicle Classes for Children and Parents, where parents and children can get familiar with about clean energy vehicles, will be held as in the previous year.
Tomica Choro-Q Corner is very popular among children and grown-ups.