Good evening, this is Omori, KRM's representative!
Tomorrow is finally the day of the 2nd Roadster in Tetsujin Plaza.
The forecast says clear skies! To all 62 cars entered, are you ready to go?
To fire ourselves up for tomorrow's big day (that's the official line — honestly, we just wanted to drive, ha ha), we rounded up tomorrow's participants and staff and set off on the **"Arriving a Day Early!? The Awaji Island Loop Rally Touring Run"**🚗💨
Here is a short report on how it went!
📅 9:00 AM — Meetup at Awaji SA (Southbound)
At 9:00 AM we gathered near the gas station at Awaji SA.
It was mostly staff this time, so the turnout was small, but a row of Roadsters is still a magnificent sight.
The sky was a piercing blue — perfect weather for dropping the top.
After a quick briefing, off we went!
First we headed south along the **"Awaji Sunset Line"** on the west coast. There are hardly any traffic lights, and the sea breeze along this stretch feels absolutely wonderful.
🦑 10:00 AM — Tako Senbei no Sato
Our first break was at **"Tako Senbei no Sato"**, the classic stop on any Awaji touring run.
All-you-can-eat samples and free coffee — you can't beat that (ha ha).
Ishikawa, our treasurer, stocked up on a mountain of "Tako-dayori" crackers, saying they were "snacks for the organizers tomorrow."
After a break of about 30 minutes, we headed off onto some more remote roads.
⛰️ 11:10 AM — Namikiri Fudo Myoo & Route 76 Suisen Line
From here we dove into Prefectural Route 76, the Minami-Awaji Suisen Line!
It runs right along the sea and yet twists and winds the whole way — an irresistible course for any driver.
Partway along we stopped at **"Namikiri Fudo Myoo"** for a restroom break and a prayer for safety🙏
Together we prayed that tomorrow's event would go off without a single accident.
(Tanaka from the planning team was hunting for photogenic spots here too, camera at the ready the whole time, ha ha)
🌴 12:10 PM — Ama Beach (Minami-Awaji)
Heading even further south, we arrived at **"Ama Beach (Ama-kaigan)"**!
*The itinerary said Anan, but we never crossed over to Tokushima — this is the spot (ha ha)
Palm trees line the shore, giving the place a tropical feel.
Photos of the cars lined up here really don't look like Japan at all.
Everyone dropped the top on their car for a commemorative photo session📸
🌭 1:00 PM — Lunch @ GURUDOG × THEBAR infinity
By now we were getting hungry, so it was lunchtime!
This time we dropped in on **"GURUDOG"**.
Their hot dogs are incredibly juicy and seriously filling🌭
Eating lunch on the terrace while gazing at your own car — this is what touring is all about.
Between bites, vice-representative Hiwa and I even talked shop — "for tomorrow's marshaling, this intersection is the key" — and we cleaned our plates.
🧅 2:15 PM — Michi-no-Eki Uzunooka
For a bit of post-meal exercise (?), we went on to **"Michi-no-Eki Uzunooka"**.
Of course, once you get here, there is one thing you simply have to do.
A commemorative photo in front of the giant **"Ottamanegi"** onion sculpture!
And then a group photo with everyone wearing onion wigs (ha ha).
(Maybe I'll put this photo up at the reception desk tomorrow...)
☕ 3:45 PM — Dairoku Coffee
For the finale we headed back north along the Sunset Line and wrapped things up at **"Dairoku Coffee"**.
We recharged on delicious coffee and sweets☕🍰
We looked back on the day and held our final meeting for tomorrow.
"Driving together really does bring us closer, doesn't it!" — and on that happy note, we called it a day.
📢 See You Tomorrow at Tetsujin Plaza!
And that is how the KRM organizing team recharged its batteries to full.
We'll be waiting for you from 10:00 AM tomorrow at Tetsujin Plaza in Shin-Nagata!
Spectators are more than welcome, so please do come and join us.
Right — time to head home, wash the car, and get to bed early for tomorrow!
To everyone taking part, please take care on the road tomorrow🚗👋