Behind the scenes at a motorcycle race, I witnessed the soul of the 'Japanese spirit of craftsmanship'.

Hello. My name is Sakai, and I am a freelancer who moved to Fukuoka.
I travel to various places for work, and the other day, I had the opportunity to visit a circuit in Oita.

“A circuit? What do you do there?”

I imagine some of you might be wondering that, so let me show you in a photo... it's a place like this.

Yes. It is that circuit where motorcycle races are held.

Actually, I am in charge of creating the website for a professional motorcycle racing team as part of my work.

Since the race was being held in Oita, Kyushu this time, I was given the chance to observe inside the team's pit.

Although I am in a position where I manage the website, this was my first time seeing a motorcycle race in person.

When I greeted the team members, they were all truly wonderful people, and the atmosphere was very friendly.

However, as the race approached, the tension inside the pit kept rising...

This is truly what it means to have nowhere to stand. To get one motorcycle running...


・Someone warming up the tires.・Someone adjusting the motorcycle's electrical system.
・Someone connecting a computer to the bike to make various adjustments.
・Someone changing settings according to the weather.
・Someone adjusting the rider's gear and helmet.
・Someone preparing a spare bike just in case.
etc...

Easily over 10 people were moving around in such a cramped space.
There was no wasted movement, and even though they were moving at high speed, no one collided.

And there I was, a complete amateur.
I just stood in the corner of the room, hands clasped, watching them work so as not to get in the way.

In a way, the content provided to me to put on the website had always been just the “rider” or the “motorcycle.” Occasionally, there would be a “team group photo” at most.

But I never realized that so many professionals were involved behind the scenes.

I am the type of person who really loves watching craftsmen at work.
For example, even on YouTube, watching a craftsman just making rolled omelets makes me feel enriched, so to speak.

Pit work allows you to see that professional craft in action, to an extent that is just incredible!!!
They handle the infinite number of motorcycle parts and tools as if they were extensions of their own hands, fitting them perfectly and cleanly. And at high speed, too.

Due to team settings and other circumstances, I cannot show you videos of the bike maintenance, but honestly, it is nothing short of pure pleasure.

To be honest, compared to the overseas “MotoGP,” motorcycle racing is not that popular in Japan, but in reality, the bikes running in overseas races are “Japanese manufacturer” bikes like Yamaha and Honda.

It is precisely because Japanese people are dexterous and sincere that we can build motorcycles that don't break even when running at incredible speeds. Why isn't this more widespread in Japan? No, this is content that should be promoted! This is it!!

That is what I thought once again.

Professional athletes who take the stage, like the riders, are certainly amazing.
However, the people working behind the scenes are just as incredible!

I think motorcycle racing is a really clear example of this.
I wonder if there's a better way to convey this to people who aren't interested in motorcycle racing yet.

I want to shout from the rooftops that the embodiment of the 'Japanese spirit of craftsmanship' is right here.

For those who want to see the beautiful work of the unsung heroes, there are events called pit walks where you can get close to the pits, so why not try going to a motorcycle race?