Hachioji

Hachioji City is the "student city." Hachioji has 23 universities and junior colleges. Student population is about 100,000. Hachioji's total population is about 580,000. Meaning about 17% of Hachioji residents are students. For Hachioji residents, "students" are daily life. Around Hachioji Station, restaurants, bookstores, apartments for students line up. Hachioji is a "city for students." But students don't "own" cars. For students, cars are too expensive. Students travel by train. Travel by bicycle. For Hachioji residents, "cars" are unnecessary. Hachioji is at Tokyo's western edge. About 50 minutes to Shinjuku. Many Hachioji residents commute/attend school in city center. For Hachioji residents, "Hachioji" is where they sleep. Where they study. But not where they play. Hachioji residents go play in city center on weekends. Hachioji is said to have "nothing." Hachioji residents struggle with this image. But reality doesn't change. Hachioji has no circuit. Nearest is Fuji Speedway (Shizuoka Prefecture, about 80km). For Hachioji residents, motorsport is a "distant world." Hachioji residents are students. No money. No time (busy studying). The "expensive hobby" called motorsport is impossible for Hachioji residents. Hachioji is the "student city." Students study. Read books. But don't ride in cars. Between Hachioji residents and motorsport, there's an economic wall.