Katsushika-ku

Katsushika Ward is the "shitamachi ward." Katsushika is at Tokyo's 23 wards' eastern edge. Katsushika's population is about 460,000. Katsushika is "shitamachi." Old-fashioned Tokyo. Shopping streets, public baths, town factories. For Katsushika residents, "shitamachi" is pride. Katsushika has "Tora-san." Protagonist of the movie "It's Tough Being a Man." Set in Shibamata, Katsushika. For Katsushika residents, "Tora-san" is identity. Human warmth. Warm-hearted. But no "speed." Katsushika residents live "slowly." Slowly walk shopping streets. Talk with neighbors. Don't rush. Katsushika residents' time perception is "slow." But motorsport is the sport of "speed." Fighting for every second. Opposite to Katsushika residents' time perception. For Katsushika residents, "cars" are unnecessary. Tokyo's car ownership rate is 0.32 cars per household. Katsushika is similar. Why? Trains are convenient. No parking. Parking fees are expensive. For Katsushika residents, no reason to "own a car." Katsushika has no circuit. Nearest is Tsukuba Circuit (Ibaraki Prefecture, about 60km). But Katsushika residents don't go. Katsushika residents live in "shitamachi." Not interested in "urban places" like "circuits." For Katsushika residents, the "new culture" called motorsport doesn't fit. Katsushika residents protect "old-fashioned Tokyo." Protect "Tora-san's" world. The "modern culture" called motorsport is far from Katsushika residents.