"Open to the Public" New Tokyo Motor Show has Strong First Day
The 37th Tokyo Motor Show opened to the public on Saturday, the 25th. As it has been two years since the last passenger cars and motorcycles show, crowds of young people were waiting in front of the gates from early morning, and by the time the gates opened at 9:30, long lines had formed. The key question for the organizer and exhibitors was how the public would react to the show's "model change," and that reaction was very positive indeed, with events like the Clean Energy Vehicle Test Rides getting off to a strong start. |
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It was a cloudy and slightly cold first day, but well before opening time and on throughout the day, a steady stream of people flowed from JR Kaihimmakuhari Station to North Gates 1 and 2. Meanwhile, at West Gate 1, the elevated passageway from the Messe Parking Lot was filled with people waiting for the opening, and the line even extended out to the lot itself. The main North 1 gate recorded more visitors than the previous show (the 35th show).
About 30 minutes after opening, all the halls were beginning to bustle. Crowds were forming and excitement brewing at popular booths highlighted in television and news reports. This year's show features a large number of concept cars demonstrating new environment, safety and IT technologies as well as the latest designs for popular sports models, and the sports cars were the focus of interest for the younger members of the crowd. Visitors seemed impressed by a greater number of "globally-oriented" cars on display, including the new models scheduled for launch.
The Clean Energy Vehicle Test Rides are one of the show's highlights and attracted consistent crowds throughout the day. Lines quickly formed in front of the reception desk for the fuel cell vehicle rides. The "On the Forefront of Japanese Design" symposium held on the second floor of the International Conference Hall (charged separately) had more than 330 participants, completely filling the seats. In the Event Hall, the "Carrozzeria Exhibit" was filled with students and young people, exactly the crowd that the organizer wanted to draw.
For families, the excitement was at "Festival Park" in the West Rest Zone. The 1:00 PM "Traffic Moral Saver Anzenger" show began to a full audience of children. Also popular was the "Children's Driver License" booth provided by the Chiba Prefectural Police. Kids happily lined up to get their own "license" issued. |
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