1000 Miglia was one of the key participants at the event organised by the Italian Embassy in Tokyo to mark National Sports Day in Japan. In this prestigious diplomatic setting, over 200 guests – including industry leaders, institutional representatives and key figures from international motorsport – gathered to celebrate the excellence of “Made in Italy” and the deep complementarity between the motoring cultures of the two countries.
The event, hosted in the evocative setting of the residence of the Italian Ambassador to Tokyo, Mario Vattani, was attended by Princess Yōko of Mikasa as guest of honour, alongside leading figures from the automotive and components sectors: Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation; Yasuhiro Morita, Global CEO of Bridgestone; Yutaka Sanada, CEO of NISMO; Yasuaki Kuniyasu, CEO of Sumitomo Rubber Industries; and Hiroyuki Shioiri, President of Yokohama Rubber.
A dialogue between leaders of excellence
In his address, Ambassador Vattani highlighted the extraordinary synergy between Italian and Japanese excellence, whilst Akio Toyoda paid tribute to Italy’s automotive culture, describing it as a source of inspiration.
The initiative, organised as part of the Farnesina’s sports diplomacy activities for the Italian Sport Day in the World 2026, featured a dialogue between iconic Italian brands and major Japanese manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Bridgestone. Ample attention was also given to the world of gaming and digital innovation thanks to the presence of a simulator from Polyphony Digital, represented by its Chairman and CEO Kazunori Yamauchi, creator of the Gran Turismo video game series.
The 1000 Miglia and the Centenary in Japan
Amidst this exceptional gathering, the presence of the 1000 Miglia led to an announcement of international significance for the brand’s future. During the evening, a special event was unveiled which, in April next year, will celebrate the centenary of “the most beautiful race in the world” between the historic cities of Nara and Kyoto, both recognised by UNESCO.
The event forms part of the official celebrations for 2027, confirming the Red Arrow’s ability to act as an ambassador for the Italian way of life around the world and to unite regions and enthusiasts through the values of authenticity and the preservation of tradition, whilst always looking to the future.
