Honcho

Honjō City is "Saitama's edge." Honjō is in northwestern Saitama Prefecture. Population is about 78,000 (2021). Honjō is on the border with Gunma Prefecture. For Honjō residents, "Honjō" is a halfway place. Far from Tokyo (about 90km). Far from Gunma Prefecture too. Honjō residents feel they "belong nowhere." Honjō has Honjō Circuit. Small kart course. About 400m length. For Honjō residents, the "circuit" is familiar. But Honjō Circuit is "small." F1 doesn't come. Super GT doesn't come. Honjō residents must be satisfied with a "small circuit." Honjō's main industries are manufacturing and agriculture. Many Honjō residents work in factories or do agriculture. For Honjō residents, "cars" are "commuting tools" or "agricultural tools." Not hobbies. Honjō is too far to commute to Tokyo. Takes about 2 hours. Many Honjō residents work locally. Salaries are low. For Honjō residents, "motorsport" is luxury. Even though Honjō Circuit exists, they don't go. No money. No time. Honjō residents live "modestly." Don't do flashy things. For Honjō residents, the "flashy culture" called motorsport doesn't fit. Honjō is at Saitama Prefecture's edge. Far from Tokyo. Even though there's a circuit, Honjō residents aren't interested in motorsport.