Japan: Italy’s motorsport community celebrates at the Embassy in Tokyo

(ANSA) - TOKYO, 13 OTT - Motorsport as a bridge between Italy and Japan. To mark Japan’s National Sports Day, celebrated on October 12, the Italian Embassy in Tokyo brought together over 200 guests for an event dedicated to the sporting and industrial excellence of “Made in Italy” in two- and four-wheeled competitions. The guest of honor was Princess Yōko of Mikasa. Among those present were the top executives of some of Japan’s leading automotive groups: Akio Toyoda (Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation), Yasuhiro Morita (Global CEO of Bridgestone), Yutaka Sanada (CEO of NISMO), Yasuaki Kuniyasu (CEO of Sumitomo Rubber Industries), and Hiroyuki Shioiri (President of Yokohama Rubber). Ambassador Mario Vattani outlined the purpose of the initiative: “Motorsports, its competitive disciplines, and the industrial supply chains that revolve around them have for decades been an expression of an extraordinary synergy between Italian and Japanese excellence,” he stated. According to the diplomat, the evening serves as confirmation of this: “Italian creativity and design engage with Japanese industry, giving rise to successful collaborations.” High-quality cars, motorcycles, and components, he added, bring to Tokyo “a testament to one of the most competitive ‘Made in Italy’ ecosystems in the world, both on the racetrack and in international markets.” The event is part of the sports diplomacy initiatives promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The embassy has, in fact, highlighted the program organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the 2026 Italian Sports Day Around the World and the audiovisual project “Moto d’Italia – Culture Beyond the Track.” There was a broad representation of Italian brands, ranging from Ferrari to Pagani, from Ducati to Aprilia, and including Ohvale, Otk, Pirelli, Brembo, Dino Paoli, Sparco, Sabelt, and Alpinestars. Alongside them were some of Japan’s leading companies in the sector, such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Bridgestone, which over the years have forged relationships with Italy in the areas of manufacturing, research and development, and racing. Numerous athletes were also in attendance: champion Ronnie Quintarelli, motorcycle racer Ryo Mizuno of the Ducati Kagayama team, the female drivers of the Kyojo Cup—Japan’s women’s auto racing championship—and the Super Formula drivers. There was also a focus on esports, thanks to a collaboration with Polyphony Digital, the development team behind the Gran Turismo video game series for PlayStation. The initiative highlighted the Italian leg of the Gran Turismo World Series, held in Milan last May. Polyphony’s president and CEO, Kazunori Yamauchi, was present at the event. Finally, during the evening, the 1000 Miglia announced a special event scheduled for April 2027 between Nara and Kyoto, to mark the centennial of the historic Italian race.
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