World Rally Cars Race Through Gifu's Historic Town

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The deep roar of engines echoed through the narrow streets as rally cars came into view. Spectators lined both sides of the roads, waving flags and cheering for the drivers.

Rally Japan, the Japanese round of the World Rally Championship (WRC), took place from November 6 to 9 across Aichi and Gifu prefectures. The race runs on public roads, including winding country lanes and mountain paths.

During the event, local communities, especially around Toyota Stadium in Toyota City, Aichi, come alive with excitement. Another particularly lively spot is the Iwamura district in Ena City, Gifu Prefecture.

*Local residents, dressed in samurai costumes inspired by regional legends or in traditional kimono, welcoming the rally cars.*

*Spectators eagerly photographing the cars.*

Tradition Meets Rally

On November 8, rally cars sped down the main street of Iwamura, a district designated as a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the Japanese government.

*This section, where rally cars run through the historic streets, is often called the "Iwamura Liaison."*

Unlike the timed competitive stages, this section — known as a liaison section, which connects the course stages — allows cars to pass slowly, almost like a parade. This picturesque, distinctly Japanese scene, called the "Iwamura Liaison," has become a symbol of the event.

Iwamura has a population of about 4,500. In 2004, five towns including Ena City and Iwamura Town merged to form the district. The area is also known for some of the most beautiful rural landscapes in Japan. Hosting a world-class event in such a tranquil setting has helped put Iwamura on the map.

*The Tomita district's rural landscape in Iwamura, praised as Japan's top farming scenery, where life moves at a slower pace. | The rally doesn't require a ticket, adding to its popularity.*

Community Efforts

Hideaki Harada, chairman of the Iwamura District Administrative Council, said, "In the early days [the 2022 event], there were many concerns from the community about whether we could ensure safety. But over successive events, residents began to engage wholeheartedly to make the event a success."

*The section with banners behind the crowd is scaffolding set up for the media.*

Residents welcomed the rally cars dressed in kimono and traditional armor, and public viewing areas were set up for spectators. Much of the event is organized by the town itself, with around 200 local volunteers helping with road and parking safety.

*Mitsuteru Watarai, president of Iwamura Brewery, which produces the sake "Onna Joshu," used in the event's award ceremony. A rally enthusiast, he also participates in Ena City's rally support team.*

Scaffolding for media photography, built to highlight Iwamura, was also a community-led effort. With growing coverage from overseas media, spectators now come from all across Japan.

Koichi Niimura, director of the Iwamura Promotion Office, remarked, "We have limited administrative staff, so I am deeply impressed by the dedication of local volunteers. This is a prime example of how government and community can work together."

*Local children cheering on the rally cars.*

Regional Promotion

Through Rally Japan, the charm of the country's rural areas reaches the world — but behind it lies the tireless efforts and warm hospitality of local residents.

In 2022, Rally Japan returned for the first time in 12 years. The inaugural event was privately organized, but from 2023 onward, municipalities including Toyota City have taken over as organizers. Ena City also joined the organizing committee to help run the event.

Makoto Kato of Ena City's Rally Town Development Division explained, "The goal of municipal organization is regional promotion and developing our city."

Looking Ahead

However, challenges remain regarding the economic impact of Rally Japan in Iwamura. Chairman Harada candidly said, "Tourists aren't really spending that much money here." Since the competition spans a wide area across Aichi and Gifu, spectators often move from stage to stage, following the cars.

This creates only a temporary bustle, concentrated when the rally cars pass, and there are few accommodation options within the district.

"Rally Japan has given Iwamura a global profile. But we hope to become a place where visitors can stay and enjoy the region over the long term," Harada said. He also expressed a wish for people to visit Iwamura even when no rally is taking place.

Author: Naoki Aikawa, The Sankei Shimbun

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