Matsuyama

Matsuyama City is "Shikoku's largest city." Matsuyama's population is about 510,000. Shikoku's most populous city. But for Matsuyama residents, "Shikoku" is small. Shikoku's total population is about 3.6 million (2023). Less than one prefecture on Honshu. For Matsuyama residents, "Honshu" is far. About 430km from Matsuyama to Osaka. About 8 hours by ferry and car. For Matsuyama residents, "Honshu" is "another world." Matsuyama has Dogo Onsen. One of Japan's oldest hot springs. For Matsuyama residents, "onsen" is daily life. Matsuyama residents "slowly" soak in hot springs. Don't rush. Matsuyama residents' time perception is "slow." But motorsport is the sport of "speed." Fighting for every second. Opposite to Matsuyama residents' time perception. Matsuyama is on an island (Shikoku). Separated from Honshu. For Matsuyama residents, "circuits" are far. Nearest circuit is Okayama International Circuit (Okayama Prefecture, about 5 hours by ferry and car) or Suzuka Circuit (Mie Prefecture, about 7 hours by ferry and car). If Matsuyama residents want to do motorsport, need to cross to Honshu by ferry. But Matsuyama residents don't go that far. Matsuyama residents go to "onsen." Don't go to "circuits." For Matsuyama residents, "relaxation" has value. But "speed" has no value. Matsuyama residents live in Shikoku's largest city. But "Shikoku" is separated from Honshu. The "Honshu culture" called motorsport is too far for Matsuyama residents.