JR Central announced on April 3rd that, in conjunction with the ‘F1 Japanese Grand Prix’ held at Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture from April 5th, a special train ‘Japan Grand Prix Train supported by Suzuka Circuit’ will operate between Tokyo and Nagoya stations on the Tokaido Shinkansen where fans can interact with current racing drivers.
This initiative utilizes JR Central’s “Chartered Vehicle Package” service, which allows for the charter of individual cars on the Tokaido Shinkansen, deploying a whole N700S (J27 formation) for use. Racing drivers Tomoki Nojiri, Tsugio Matsuda, Nobuhiro Matsushita, and Ukyo Sasahara, along with former F1 drivers Satoru Nakajima and Aguri Suzuki, joined as guests, enjoying time with approximately 290 passengers during the roughly one-and-a-half-hour trip from Tokyo Station to Nagoya Station.
The train, primarily operating on Fridays, shares its schedule with the temporary service ‘Nozomi 457’, leaving Tokyo Station at 7:12 PM and arriving at Nagoya Station at 8:48 PM. The guests, including Nakajima, moved through the cars in sequence, happily obliging requests from participants for photographs and autographs. A broadcast studio resembling a radio booth appeared in car number 8 where the guests held a nonstop talk show.
Towards the end of the event, a ‘Dresser of the Day’ contest, in reference to the ‘Driver of the Day (DOD)’ which selects the most outstanding driver during a race, was held. Guests chose ‘the most elegantly dressed participant of the day’ from six nominees and presented them with a signed poster on the spot.
This event was planned by JR Central Towers which operates Nagoya Station, in collaboration with local businesses, aiming to energize the area. The Tokaido Shinkansen opening and Honda’s F1 participation both celebrate their 60th anniversary this year, leading to the realization of the event through discussions with Honda Mobilityland, which manages Suzuka Circuit.
The event aims to encourage spectators visiting the Japanese Grand Prix to use environmentally friendly trains. According to JR Central, about 30% to 50% of people visiting the Japanese Grand Prix from Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba prefectures use cars or motorcycles. Takeshi Saito, president of Honda Mobilityland, explained that ‘90% of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated by the F1 event are due to the movement of spectators.’ He appeals for cooperation in reducing environmental impact, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030.
The F1 Japanese Grand Prix will be held over three days from April 5th to April 7th at Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture.
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