Actor Manabu Ino Guest Appearance / Virtual Cycling App from Taiwan “WhiizU” Organizes Hill Climb Race
Uniwill Technology Inc. (Headquartered in Taiwan, CEO: Ken-Chen Chien), developer and operator of the virtual cycling app “WhiizU,” has established a sales partnership with our company, Sankei Digital Inc. (CEO: Tatsushi Doi). In response to the earthquake that struck off the eastern coast of Taiwan on April 3, Sankei Digital will host a virtual cycling charity event for disaster relief on Friday, May 24, at 8 PM. Actor Manabu Ino, widely recognized for his appearances on NHK BS’s cycling information program “Charider★Refreshing! Cycle Clinic,” will be invited as a guest, and the event will be live-streamed on the YouTube channel “Cyclist TV.”
Charity Event for Disaster Relief Hosted via Taiwan’s Virtual Cycling App “WhiizU”
Hualien City in eastern Taiwan, which suffered damage from the earthquake, is renowned as the stage for the globally recognized hill climb race “Taiwan KOM,” attracting nearly 800 participants annually from around the world. Starting from sea level in Hualien, the race spans 105 km, climbing through Taroko Gorge and reaching the peak of Hehuan Mountain Wuling at an altitude of 3,275 meters. Known for its tremendous difficulty, this race has recently seen an increase in Japanese participants. Taroko Gorge, beloved among cyclists, has now been indefinitely closed due to earthquake-related damage. Restoration is estimated to take five years, causing significant economic impacts for Hualien City, which heavily relies on tourism as a core industry.
In response, Sankei Digital is organizing a charity event using “WhiizU,” the virtual cycling app from Taiwan. While “Taiwan KOM” courses are not yet available on the app, a virtual hill climb race (14.2 km) will instead be conducted along the scenic route of Jiufen, Taipei—a location popular among tourists and recognized in Japan.
Actor Manabu Ino, Who Participated in Taiwan KOM, Guest Appearance—Free Viewing and Participation
Actor Manabu Ino, who has previously challenged the “Taiwan KOM” race, will join as a guest. In addition to sharing his experiences and insights about Taiwan KOM and Taroko Gorge, Ino will personally participate in the race. The event, including the talk session and race, will be streamed live on the YouTube channel “Cyclist TV” (https://www.youtube.com/@TV-ru5sh) and can be enjoyed by anyone.
Additionally, participants can download the WhiizU app to their smartphones or tablets and, with a smart trainer compatible with bicycles (or conventional rollers and other sensors such as power meters), participate in the virtual race event for free.
Event Details
【Event Name】 Charity Event for Disaster Relief for Taiwan’s Eastern Earthquake
【Date and Time】 Broadcast starts Friday, May 24, at 8 PM
【Streaming Channel】 “Cyclist TV” (https://www.youtube.com/@TV-ru5sh)
【Featured Guest】 Manabu Ino
【Content】 Talk session & Virtual hill climb race using a cycling app
【Donation Information】 Details to be provided below and during the event
【Event Entry Process】
STEP 1: Download the “WhiizU” app. Download it here → https://www.whiizu.com/getStart
STEP 2: Tap “Competition” on the app screen
STEP 3: Select the Jiufen course from the list of competitions to join (※)
For more information, updates will also be posted on WhiizU’s official X account (formerly known as Twitter).
WhiizU Japan Official X Account: https://twitter.com/WhiizU_Japan
※ Bicycle and smart trainer are required for participation
【About Manabu Ino】
A popular actor known for appearing in stage productions, films, and TV dramas, as well as voice acting in dubbed anime and movies. Dubbed as “Saka-Baka Actor” (Hill Climb Crazy Actor) for his love of hill climbing, he is beloved among fans for his regular appearances on NHK BS1’s “Charider★Refreshing! Cycle Clinic.” At the age of 46 in 2018, he successfully completed “Taiwan KOM,” known as the world’s toughest hill climb race.
【About WhiizU】
A virtual cycling app developed in Taiwan. It boasts approximately 30,000 users (as of December 2023) primarily based in Taiwan. WhiizU supports two types of courses: 3D full animation and live-action filmed routes, providing a versatile and immersive experience. The app features avatar functionality, making self-projection easy, making it ideal for race events. The app also features Japanese language support.