Himeji

Himeji City is the "castle city." Himeji has Himeji Castle. National treasure. World Heritage site. Called "White Heron Castle." Himeji Castle was built in 1333 (current keep completed 1609). For Himeji residents, "Himeji Castle" is pride. Himeji's population is about 530,000. Hyogo Prefecture's 2nd largest city (after Kobe). For Himeji residents, "history" is important. Himeji is a city that values "old things." Himeji residents protect "tradition." But motorsport is "new culture." Doesn't match Himeji residents' values. Himeji residents live "slowly." Slowly view Himeji Castle. Slowly feel history. But motorsport is the sport of "speed." Fighting for every second. Opposite to Himeji residents' time perception. Himeji has developed manufacturing industry. Nippon Steel, Mitsubishi Electric, Daicel factories. Many Himeji residents work in "manufacturing." For Himeji residents, "cars" are "products." Made in factories. But not "hobbies." Himeji has no circuit. Nearest is Okayama International Circuit (Okayama Prefecture, about 100km) or Suzuka Circuit (Mie Prefecture, about 150km). If Himeji residents want to do motorsport, need to leave the prefecture. But Himeji residents don't go that far. Himeji residents view "Himeji Castle." Don't view "circuits." For Himeji residents, "history" has value. But "speed" has no value. Himeji residents live in a castle city with over 600 years of history. The "100-year history" called motorsport is "shallow" for Himeji residents.