Sakai

Sakai City is "Osaka's second city." Sakai's population is about 820,000 (2022). Osaka Prefecture's 2nd largest city (after Osaka City). But Sakai residents are used to the position of "next to Osaka." Always compared to Osaka City. Sakai's main industry is manufacturing. Sakai has over 1,300 manufacturing companies. Metal product manufacturing shipment value ranks 3rd in Japan. The Sakai Senboku coastal industrial zone has factories from over 70 major companies. Steel, shipbuilding, petrochemicals. Many Sakai residents work in "manufacturing." For Sakai residents, "cars" are "products." Made in factories. But Sakai has unique culture. "Bicycle" culture. Sakai has Shimano headquarters. Shimano is the world's largest bicycle component manufacturer. Sakai has a "Bicycle Museum." For Sakai residents, "transportation" is bicycles. Not cars. Why? Sakai is adjacent to Osaka City. 15 minutes by train. Distance you can go by bicycle. For Sakai residents, "cars" are unnecessary. Trains and bicycles are sufficient. Sakai residents are used to "pedaling." But motorsport is the sport of "revving engines." Opposite to Sakai residents' culture. Sakai residents "make" cars in manufacturing. "Travel" the city by bicycle. But don't "enjoy" cars. Sakai has no circuit. Nearest is Suzuka Circuit (Mie Prefecture, about 100km). For Sakai residents, motorsport is "other regions' culture." Not their own culture.