FUTOMOMO EXPO Opens to Showcase the Appeal of Keirin at Osaka-Kansai Expo

FUTOMOMO EXPO Opens to Showcase the Appeal of Keirin at Osaka-Kansai Expo

The JKA Foundation opened a booth titled “FUTOMOMO EXPO~FUTOMOMOoooooooo~” at Gallery WEST of the Osaka-Kansai Expo to showcase the allure of keirin.

An opening ceremony was held on August 8, chosen as “Day of Wa.” JKA Chairman Hiroshi Kido, S-class S group ace player Takumi Masugi, and Myakumyaku attended the event.

The booth features a large balloon focusing on the thighs of keirin cyclists. It offers a game-like activity where participants can race against a keirin cyclist, a large immersive theater to experience the charm of keirin, and a corner where visitors can receive an ice pack made from shaved ice using bicycles. It conveys the appeal of keirin, a Japan-originated sport also selected for the Olympics.

In his speech, Chairman Kido emphasized that keirin is a sport characterized by powerful thighs developed through rigorous training and has grown internationally from Japan. He highlighted Japan’s top-level prowess, noting that at the 2024 World Championships, five cyclists won six medals, including three golds, expressing his desire to convey such appeal through the exhibits.

Kazunari Tanaka, Counselor of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s Manufacturing Industries Bureau, expressed expectations that keirin is not just a sport but also contributes to regional revitalization and social contribution, leading to new fan acquisitions through events. Hiroyuki Ishige, Secretary-General of the 2025 Japan World Expo Association, also appreciated the sponsorship as a platinum sponsor and praised it as an “unparalleled opportunity to experience both real and virtual.”

Regarding his first impression of the booth, Takumi Masugi commented, “I saw it in photos, but seeing it in person is totally different.” He expressed hope that after experiencing the appeal of keirin, families would visit the velodrome and inspire children to aspire to be future keirin cyclists.

The exhibition will be held from August 8 to 29, with “Real × Virtual Live Streaming Events” on August 9 and 23. (Coverage cooperation: JKA Foundation)

Notice
This article was generated using automatic translation by GPT-4 API.
The translation may not be accurate.