Electrifying the Streets: Japan’s First Formula E Race in Tokyo

The streets of Tokyo played host to Japan’s first electric Formula E race on Saturday. The circuit, which was built around the Tokyo Big Sight convention center in the Koto Ward, was made up almost entirely of public roads.

Formula E cars are known for their eco-friendliness compared to Formula One cars, as they produce no exhaust fumes or noise. The opening ceremony of the inaugural Tokyo E-Prix saw Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike in attendance. German driver Maximilian Gunther from Maserati won the race, with British driver Oliver Rowland from Nissan finishing a close second. A total of 22 cars from 11 teams participated in the event, which drew around 20,000 spectators.

Many attendees were impressed by the speed of the cars but also by the lack of noise. Toshiyuki Nishi, a 35-year-old from Kawasaki just outside Tokyo, attended the race with his family and expressed interest in future events being held near his home. With sixteenth events scheduled for this season and marking its tenth anniversary, it’s clear that Formula E is here to stay in Japan.