Shizuoka

Shizuoka Prefecture is "Fuji's shadow." Shizuoka has Mt. Fuji. Japan's highest peak (3,776m elevation). But for Shizuoka residents, Mt. Fuji is "background." Visible every day. Not special. Shizuoka residents take Mt. Fuji for "granted." However, Shizuoka also has Fuji Speedway. At the foot of Mt. Fuji, in Oyama, Suntō District. About 580m elevation. Fuji Speedway opened in 1966. In 2000, Toyota Motor Corporation acquired it. Meaning Fuji Speedway is "Toyota's circuit." For Shizuoka residents, motorsport is "Toyota's activity." Not their own activity. Shizuoka's main industries are tea and manufacturing. Shizuoka is Japan's #1 tea production area (2022, about 40% of Japan's tea production). Tea farmers work "slowly." Tea plants are harvested once per year. No need to rush. But motorsport is the sport of "speed." Fighting for every second. Tea farmers and racers have opposite time perceptions. Shizuoka residents are close to Fuji Speedway (from Shizuoka City about 120km, about 90 minutes). But they don't go. Why? Shizuoka residents aren't interested in "local activities." Fuji Speedway is "Toyota's thing." External activity. Shizuoka residents are indifferent to motorsport despite having a world-famous circuit in their prefecture.