The 44th Tokyo Motor Show Opens All 14 domestic manufacturers and 17 overseas manufacturers are exhibiting.

The 44th Tokyo Motor Show (hosted by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association) opened on October 29 at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto Ward. (Public days: October 30 - November 8)

Under the show's theme "Your heart will race," all 14 domestic passenger car, commercial vehicle, and motorcycle manufacturers (15 brands) and 17 overseas manufacturers (27 brands) are exhibiting. The total exhibition area exceeds that of the previous show (2013). With the concept of "Technology + Fantasy," it aims to be the world's premier showcase of cutting-edge technology.

World premieres (global debuts) will feature 76 vehicles (passenger cars, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, etc.), while Japan premieres will showcase 68 vehicles. Among major domestic manufacturers, concept models and technologies aimed at the practical application of autonomous driving are prominently displayed and demonstrated.

 

■ The First Show Held 10 Years Before the Tokyo Olympics

The predecessor to the current motor show, the "All Japan Automobile Show," was held in Hibiya Park in central Tokyo in 1954. (The name "Tokyo Motor Show" was adopted starting with the 11th event in 1964.) At that time, car ownership was a "pipe dream" for ordinary people. Of the approximately 270 vehicles on display, only 17 were passenger cars; most were trucks and motorcycles. Even so, it recorded about 550,000 visitors during the event period, demonstrating the high level of latent demand. Since then, it has marked milestones: the "Year of the First Personal Car" in 1966, the 1970s with notable technological innovation and design diversification, the 1980s when Japanese cars made significant strides globally, and 1991 when attendance exceeded 2 million. Last year marked its 60th anniversary. The venue has also changed, moving from Hibiya to the Tokyo International Exhibition Center in Harumi, then to Makuhari Messe in Chiba, and since 2011, it has been held at Big Sight.

■ Smart Mobility City

In recent years, the show's content has expanded beyond just car displays, with proposals addressing contemporary needs like "environment" and "safety technology" becoming prominent. Since the 42nd edition (2011), the concurrently held "Smart Mobility City" (SMC), a theme project by the organizers, features exhibits not only from automakers but also from related companies and organizations in information and communications, environment and energy, urban development, housing, and more, showcasing cutting-edge products, technologies, systems, and services. This year's SMC theme is "More Freedom... Cars Change, Life Changes, Society Changes." Test drives of next-generation mobility solutions and autonomous vehicles are also available, continuing the shift from a show you watch to one you participate in and enjoy.

■ Related Events

Related events were held again this year to promote the show and build excitement.

On October 10 and 11, the "Tokyo Motor Fest 2015 with Min-Mo" (organized by the same executive committee) was held in the Aomi area of Tokyo's Waterfront Subcenter. Part 2 of this festival will be held at Megaweb in Odaiba during the Motor Show period. (Web Dentsu Inc. News article: http://dentsu-inc.com/articles/3185 )

Additionally, on October 24th , the "Tokyo Motor Show 60th Anniversary Parade" took place in central Tokyo areas like Hibiya and Ginza, with participation from top executives of automobile manufacturers.

(Web Dentsu Inc. News article: http://dentsu-ho.com/articles/3240 )

On the 29th, the first day of the motor show, "Mobilityscape Tokyo 2015" will be held at the venue. This event aims to provide domestic and international media with a deeper understanding of Japan's automotive industry and will feature a talk session with the five chairmen and vice-chairmen of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).

Tokyo Motor Show Official Website: http://www.tokyo-motorshow.com/