Japan Mobility Show 2023, formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show, is currently being held from October 25 to November 5 at the Tokyo Big Sight.
The event aims to showcase the future of mobility as a whole, surpassing the realm of cars to encompass aircraft, public transportation, and personal mobility devices. Japan Mobility Show 2023 consists of 9 themed areas:
1. Next Generation Mobility-Related Vehicles, Vehicle Bodies, Parts
2. Motor Sports Area
3. Camping Car Area
4. Tokyo Future Tour
5. Parts, Machinery and Tools
6. Super Cars / Customized Cars
7. Tomica Corner
8. Out of KidZania
9. Japan Meat Show / Gourmet Kingdom
In the Next Generation Vehicle Area, car manufacturers throughout Japan and around the world showcase their newest vehicles, some of which had their world premiere at the event. In addition to cars and motorcycles, aircraft displays enhance the futuristic feel of the exhibition’s atmosphere.
In every aspect of the event, a strong focus on sustainability is prevalent, with a majority of exhibited vehicles being electric-powered or hybrid. The Japan Mobility Show explains in its official concept that the goal is to “aim for carbon neutrality through an environmentally friendly society.”
Tokyo Future Tour is an immersive experience that allows visitors a glimpse into the future of daily life with enhanced mobility that Japan is striving for in relation to 4 aspects: Life, Emergency, Play, and Food. In the Mobility x Life section, a floor show demonstrates various types of personal mobility rides, from electric hoverboards and scooters to a wheelchair capable of climbing stairs, as well as these devices’ compatibility with pedestrians and automated vehicles. Mobility x Emergency illustrates the potential that robots harness to assist in the event of a disaster, especially in areas that are too hazardous for humans. In addition, the show demonstrates that with the help of a power suit exoskeleton or weight-lifting apparatus anyone can be of assistance during a disaster.
After completion of the Tokyo Future Tour, visitors find themselves in an open, spacious hall littered with traffic cones and arrows. It is here that attendees have the opportunity to test ride the personal mobility devices that were just introduced to them. Amongst the segways, electric bicycles, and mobile recliners, one device that is particularly attention-grabbing is Honda’s UNI-ONE wheelchair. The hands-free wheelchair is propelled automatically according to the user’s body movements, without need for control input, all while keeping the user at approximately the same height as if they were standing.
The Japan Mobility Show offers something for the whole family, providing fun and educational content for children in collaborations with KidZania and Tomica. Family education and entertainment center Kidzania conduct activities for children to experience the job of an automotive industry worker, such as mechanic, vehicle painter, and even pit crew worker. One eye-catching booth in Out of KidZania features a 1:1 scale car made out of clay. Representatives from TOOLS International Corporation and the Japan Car Modeler Association aim to spread awareness about the lesser well-known career of clay modeling for vehicle design, as well as elevate the voices of the women who practice the art.
After a full day at the Mobility Show, visitors can take a break at the outdoor patios surrounding the Tokyo Big Sight, which are host to cuisine exhibitions Gourmet Kingdom and Japan Meat Show. Therein, attendees have their choice off various dishes with Japan-grown ingredients served by a fleet of food trucks.
Japan Mobility Show 2023 will continue until November 5. Tickets can only be purchased on the event’s official website.
