Osaka Rolls Out Blueprint in Bid to Host Formula 1

Osaka unveils strategy to bring Formula 1 to the city, confirming project plans set earlier this year.

Japan’s third city, Osaka, is seeking to enhance its reputation and has established its own Convention and Tourism Bureau in an effort to regain interest on both the national and international stages.

Earlier this year, Osaka first mentioned its ambitions regarding Formula 1, which currently takes place in Suzuka and enjoys popularity within the country. This has given potential promoters hope for the project’s success.

“Since we announced in January this year that we would attempt to attract the F1 Grand Prix, we have received numerous opinions from various stakeholders and fans,” stated Hiroshi Mizohata, President of the Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau.

“In Japan, motorsport tends to be seen as a pursuit for a few enthusiasts, but diversity is increasing, and it has become a sport that everyone can enjoy. It also serves as a testing ground for environmentally friendly mobility, such as carbon neutrality,” he added.

Osaka has formed a council for the promotion of motorsport to lead the project. However, Mizohata also believes that Formula 1 would gain in popularity if Yuki Tsunoda, the country’s sole representative in the top category, were to achieve success or secure a seat with a leading team such as Red Bull.

“I am convinced that motorsports will be revitalised if motorsport athletes, like Shohei Ohtani in baseball, become the subjects of dreams and hopes for children in Japan, as they are in Europe and other overseas countries,” Mizohata expressed.

Osaka, which will likely have to wait until the end of Suzuka’s contract at the end of this decade, is nonetheless deeply engaged in understanding F1: “I would like to have in-depth discussions with experts so that we can contribute to the proper understanding and development of motorsports.”