Latest news with #NihonMatsuri
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Sepang Circuit plans expansion after post-pandemic profit return
KUALA LUMPUR: The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is mapping out long-term expansion plans after bouncing back into profitability following the financial strain of the pandemic. SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif (pic) said the circuit is finalising a 10-year business strategy to maximise its 303-hectare landbank. 'We only fully utilise about 50 per cent of the land during international events. The rest sits idle most of the year,' he told Bernama. He explained that unresolved land tenure issues had previously hindered investment opportunities. 'Any investor would ask, who do I sign the lease with? And we couldn't answer that directly,' he said. With a sub-lease agreement now progressing, SIC can negotiate long-term leases for hotels, motorsport facilities, and F&B outlets. Azhan Shafriman took over as CEO in April 2020, just as COVID-19 forced the cancellation of large-scale events. 'It was tough. We couldn't lay off staff or cut salaries, being under the MOF and the Youth and Sports Ministry,' he recalled. The downtime allowed SIC to resolve legacy issues, including upgrading a neglected sewerage treatment plant. 'We managed to secure funding through MOF and KBS to fix the sewage infrastructure,' he said. In 2023, SIC returned to profitability with the revival of international events like MotoGP. 'That year marked our turning point,' said Azhan Shafriman. Beyond motorsports, he aims to transform Sepang into a lifestyle hub. A lakeside café, the circuit's first F&B outlet, is a small but symbolic step. 'Before this, you had to drive out just to get lunch,' he said. Discussions are ongoing to bring in more eateries, convenience stores, and family-friendly spaces. SIC's presence benefits local traders and communities, supporting Sepang's sports and tourism economy. Though no longer hosting Formula 1, the circuit remains a buzzing motorsports and entertainment hub. The recent Super GT event drew over 78,000 spectators, boosted by a collaboration with the Nihon Matsuri festival. Last year, SIC welcomed 200,000 to 300,000 spectators across all events. 'You need music, food, lifestyle – that's how we build a crowd,' Azhan Shafriman added. SIC's proximity to Port Klang and KLIA gives it an edge as a regional hub for motorsports and automotive showcases. 'Let's say you hold an auto show here. You can actually test cars on the track,' he said. Upcoming events include the Malaysian Festival of Speed in September, featuring drift events and karting slalom. With MotoGP as its flagship event, SIC aims to diversify its offerings to attract both international and local fans. 'F1 or not, we have built a model that's thriving,' Azhan Shafriman said. - Bernama
Malay Mail
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
After 12 years' hiatus, Super GT racing series returns to Malaysia – its only overseas stop
KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 — After a 12-year hiatus, the Super GT racing series is returning to Malaysia – the only overseas stop in Japan's premier grand touring (GT) championship this year. Malaysia will host the third round of the 2025 Super GT series, from June 26 to June 28 at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit. Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia is the title sponsor for the Malaysian round. The other seven races in the 2025 race calendar will take place at premier circuits across Japan. Malaysia last hosted the Super GT in 2013 which coincided with the 20th anniversary of the racing series. The Super GT was slated for a comeback in July 2020, as Malaysia was eyeing to host the world's first-ever GT night race. However, the Covid-19 pandemic pulled the brakes on the plan. Making up for the letdown, the Super GT Malaysia Festival 2025 is revving up the fanfare, promising a treat for both automotive fans and Japanese culture enthusiasts. As the Super GT is a major event leading up to Visit Malaysia 2026, it has also been endorsed by Tourism Malaysia, Visit Selangor 2025 and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Super GT Malaysia Festival 2025 will also host a Japanese cultural festival or 'Nihon Matsuri', featuring the time-tested traditions of Japan. — Picture courtesy of Super GT Malaysia So, what's lined up for you? Two separate races — the GR86 Cup race and TGR Vios race – will be running concurrently with the Super GT during the three-day event. Special promotions of automotive products from renowned brands such as Toyota, Honda and Nissan also await car enthusiasts at automotive showcases there. Additionally, more than 50 cars from the Japanese Domestic Market will also be on display. Super GT official merchandise will also be on sale during the event. Cars, however, will not be the only ones stealing the spotlight. The Super GT is also hosting a Japanese cultural festival or Nihon Matsuri for fans to experience the time-tested traditions of the Land of the Rising Sun. The Nihon Matsuri will feature some 40 vendors rolling out an array of traditional Japanese delicacies, games and performances. Three top cosplayers will be chosen daily to win a cash prize of RM500 each. — Picture courtesy of Super GT Malaysia So, cosplayers, channel your inner superhero — or supervillain — and suit up! The organisers will be scouting for three top cosplayers daily to give away cash prizes worth RM500 each. Topping it off, the KLP48 international girl group — sister group to the popular Japanese mega girl-group AKB48 — will be performing at the GT Live! Concert on the final night (June 28). The GT Live! Concert will also feature several household names, including Kaka Azraff, the Garam Madu fame Naykilla and Jemsii, Fareedpf, Sabhi Saddi, Sara Fajira as well as Kaz and Sora. Prices of the Super GT tickets range from RM100 (K1 Grandstand) to RM15,000 (Dream Package per two passes). Except for those in the K1 Grandstand category, ticket-holders from all categories can also participate in a lucky draw by purchasing their tickets with a Mastercard. The grand prize for the Super GT Malaysia Festival 2025 lucky draw is a brand new Toyota GR Supra worth RM645,000. — Picture courtesy of Super GT Malaysia If you're lucky to win the grand prize, you may be driving home a brand new Toyota GR Supra worth RM645,000. For more information regarding Super GT Malaysia Festival 2025, including the schedule and ticket buying, visit
New Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Super GT Malaysia's epic surprise
Previous Next THREE exciting race categories, a full blown festival and a live concert awaits fans to the Super GT Malaysia Festival at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit from June 26-28. With the addition of the GT Live! post-race concert, fans of Super GT will cap the excitement on the track with a line-up of musical sensations from across the region. Haro Sports & Entertainment, as the rights holder and promoter for the Malaysian round of the Super GT, and Nihon Matsuri as co-organiser of the Super GT Malaysia Festival, promise fans a thrilling and memorable experience. A festival of epic proportions which will also showcase a Japanese food and cultural extravaganza. "Super GT Malaysia Festival is not a just a race. It's an event that's sure to entertain everyone," said Haro Sports managing partner Fahrizal Hasan. "From automotive exhibits to Japanese cultural extravaganza, and JDM car gatherings to the GT Live! post-race concert. Whatever your interest may be, one ticket gives you access to all the thrills," he added. Spectators will be introduced to Indonesia's hottest sensation hitting social media across the globe. You've heard them on TikTok, you've seen them on YouTube. Now, you can watch "Garam & Madu (Sakit Dadaku)" live on stage at the festival by the hit trio Tenxi, Naykilla & Jemsii aka TNJ. TNJ will headline GT Live! alongside the internationally acclaimed J-Pop and M-Pop female group KLP48 and Malaysia's new generation of musical talents Fareed of K-Clique, Sabhi Saddi and Kaka Azraff. Making all the thrills possible, UMW Toyota Motor and Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia have also joined to become the title sponsor of the festival. The festival will also host Round 2 of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge 2025, Malaysia's premier one-make series featuring professional drivers, amateurs and young talent racing in identically-prepared Toyota Vios cars. A highlight of grassroots motorsports in Malaysia, the Vios Challenge continues to blend competition and accessibility where victory depends solely on pure driving skill and racecraft.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Petiton started to bring the ‘town' back to SLC's Japantown
SALT LAKE CITY () — A petition has been started online, looking to bring the 'town' back to Japantown and to fill the historic area with Japanese businesses once again. This petition follows the recent announcement that Salt Lake County approved the sale of 6.5 acres of the Salt Palace for a new entertainment district, as well as Delta Center Renovations. The petition says its purpose is to activate 100 South Japantown Street with 'Japanese businesses, restaurants, and artist space within the Sports, Entertainment, Culture and Convention District, especially for any commercial space facing Japan Town Street.' How a Utah-based non-profit is working to fight food insecurity 'The whole thing that I have been focusing on is trying to reinvigorate the commercial aspect on that street, especially because the Smith Entertainment Group has mentioned that they will activate first south, and there's not that many specifics,' Clarissa Park, who started the petition, said. 'But to me, I just hope that they would activate it with commercial space and that they would prioritize Japanese businesses on Japantown Street.' Over two thousand people lived in Japantown before it was destroyed in the late 1960s when the Salt Palace Convention Center was built. It spanned across 100 South in Salt Lake City. Now, only a smart part of it remains, west of the Salt Palace, with the honor title 'Japantown Street.' The Salt Lake Buddhist Temple and the Japanese Church of Christ exist as landmarks that reflect the town's history. Yearly, Nihon Matsuri and the Obon Festival are celebrated in Japantown, focusing on Japanese culture and beliefs. Park wrote another petition about Japantown last year, focusing on , known as the Capital City Revitalization Zone, and asking that the Japanese American community be involved in the Participation Agreement between Smith Entertainment Group and the Salt Lake City Council. This petition received over 5,000 signatures. Park hopes the new one can reach the same amount. Park said that she lived half her life in L.A., and half in Utah, and was inspired by the celebration of cultural diversity she saw there. 'When I moved back, I saw that they had named 100 South between 2nd and 3rd West Japantown Street. I was like, 'Oh, that's so cool,'' she said. 'But where's the 'town' in Japantown? All that's left are the two churches. Coming from L.A., which is so culturally and ethnically diverse, it just made me really want to try to bring elements of what I experienced there back to Salt Lake because I know how ethnically rich Salt Lake is, too.' Park writes in the new petition that it remains imperative that the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple, Japanese Christian Church, and Japanese Garden remain protected and preserved as historical beacons and remaining pieces of Japantown, along with additions to celebrate the local Japanese community. 'I would love a place for me and my family to go to just on a whim. We don't have to be dependent on there being a festival happening or anything else,' she said. 'I just really saw this as an opportunity to get involved in the community again and hopefully raise awareness.' Park is grateful for all the support the petitions have received, and is asking people to continue spreading the word. Tonight, May 9, there will be an opportunity to sign the petition in person at Sugarhouse Coffee during the Sugarhouse Art Walk from 6 – 9 p.m. To learn more, visit the SLC Japantown Instagram. St. George set to host final IRONMAN race this weekend Otter-ly adorable: Help name the new river otter pup at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium Rule banning off road vehicles in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area overturned Petiton started to bring the 'town' back to SLC's Japantown Pope Leo XIV celebrates first Mass as details emerge of how conclave votes coalesced Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Utah's Japanese community, Japantown redevelopment plans focus at festival Saturday
Utah's Japanese community and Japanese culture are the focus of a festival Saturday that will also serve to call attention to proposed redevelopment plans in the Japantown area of Salt Lake City. Nihon Matsuri, in its 20th year, goes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26, in the Japantown area in the heart of Salt Lake City, on 100 South between 200 West and 300 West, which is known as Japantown Street. Among the expected visitors is Hiroyuki Okajima, consul general of the Japanese Consulate in Denver, which covers Utah. 'This festival is a chance for our community to share our history, art, food, entertainment, values, history of Japantown and my own personal heritage,' Jani Iwamoto, honorary consul of Japan in Salt Lake City and a former state senator, said in a letter of support for the event. The event also serves to celebrate the 'essential role' of the Japanese community 'in shaping the broader fabric of Utah's diverse culture.' Japanese food will be on offer at the festival along with exhibits and entertainment. 'Festivalgoers can look forward to an immersive cultural experience, including authentic Japanese cuisine, traditional and contemporary performances, children's games, martial arts demonstrations and educational exhibits,' according to a statement from organizers. Japanese men started coming to Utah in the late 1880s for jobs building the railroad and shifted to other work, including coal mining and working beet fields, according to the Utah Education Network's Utah History Encyclopedia. 'Utah's Japanese residents now include third and fourth generations — sansei and yonsei, respectively.' Okajima, head of the consulate, also met with Salt Lake City and Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity representatives during his brief visit here. The future of historic 'Japantown' will also be on display Saturday. The historic neighborhood, which has been whittled down to one downtown block over past developments, now finds itself at the center of the new 'sports, entertainment, culture and convention district.' Organizers plan to display 3D scale models of the current and future layouts of its remaining buildings in relation to its neighboring blocks. The Japanese Church of Christ and Salt Lake Buddhist Temple are tucked between the Salt Palace Convention Center's southwest end and the northern end of 'Block 67,' two properties with the latest developments in downtown planning. Salt Lake County is slated to vote Tuesday on whether to sell about 6.5 acres of Salt Palace land that could go toward a plan to demolish the section closest to the churches. Block 67 was recently added to the project amid concerns from Salt Lake leaders, partially because of its proximity to Japantown. Revitalizing the neighborhood and some of the other cultural buildings in the zone remains Salt Lake City Councilman Darin Mano's 'deepest hope,' but he said he was concerned the project's late addition could jeopardize that. 'I don't feel 100% confident that ... what we've done is determinative that the outcome will be positive,' he said earlier this month. 'There are still so many choices that will be made along the way — design choices, choices about where to put entrances to parking garages ... and things like that.' Meanwhile, conceptual designs that University of Utah architectural students created late last year to show what the historic neighborhood could look like will also be displayed at the event. All of the concepts reflect the neighborhood's past while 'creatively designing a Japantown of the future,' according to Lynne Ward, a member of the Japanese Church of Christ leadership. 'These ideas could spark energy into incorporating some of the ideas into the area,' she wrote in an email. Salt Lake City's proposed Main Street promenade also includes a nod to the neighborhood along 100 South east of the convention center, which divides the historic neighborhood.
