Sankei Digital supported the planning and operation of the “WhiizU” virtual cycling app booth at the special stage “e-Cycling pavilion” during the “Taipei Cycle 2024 (Taipei International Bicycle Fair)”, Asia’s largest bicycle exhibition held at the Taipei World Trade Center from March 6th to 9th.
At the same stage, a “JAPAN DAY” event was held, allowing visitors to virtually experience Japanese cycle tourism. The session featured the “Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rinrin Road” in Ibaraki Prefecture, designated as one of the National Cycle Routes. Taiwanese-born actress and essayist, Hitoe Myo, who serves as the goodwill ambassador for the route, was a guest speaker promoting the attractions of Ibaraki.
Furthermore, Tatsuro Imari, the head of the bicycle utilization promotion section at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s International Sports Division, was invited as a guest to host a virtual course experience of the “GRAND CYCLE TOKYO Rainbow Ride”, a major cycling event that closes off areas including the Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo. A large number of people gathered for the experience of this special course, normally inaccessible to cyclists.
The “Cycling Shimanami” international competition, which utilizes the “Shimanami Kaido,” a national cycle route popular in both Ehime and Hiroshima Prefectures, can also be experienced as a live-action course on WhiizU. On the day, Ms. Mina Sato from Ehime Prefecture’s New Bicycle Culture Promotion Section visited the booth to promote the scenic views of the Seto Inland Sea’s islands and seven bridges, along with events related to the area.
The “Taipei Cycle 2024” saw nearly 5,000 visitors from 80 countries, along with 25,000 domestic visitors. This year’s newly introduced “e-Cycling pavilion” garnered popularity through its exhibitions, experiences, and lecture events, featuring Germany’s professional cyclist Fiona Schrader who was invited to try out the virtual cycling on “WhiizU”.