Formula Drift Japan is now in its 11th season since landing in Japan
Formula Drift Japan (FDJ) celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023, and the 2023 season has created quite a stir with WRC champion Kalle Rovanperä winning the championship in a spot entry, and junior high school driver Daiya Minowa making a big splash. The 2024 season will be a great surprise. AMW interviewed FDJ representative Kazuhiko Iwata and other key staff members to find out about FDJ’s origins, where it is now, and what the future holds.
“I was shocked by the ‘professionalization’ of drifting overseas”
Drifting is a driving style that originally emerged from the streets of Japan. Before the FDJ, Mr Iwata, who had participated in Japanese drifting competitions as an entrant, was shocked to see formula drifting being held in the USA.
“In Japan, it originated on the streets, and at the time it was difficult to gain understanding from society and ordinary companies. But in the US and Europe, it was established as a professional sport, and it was a proper form of motorsport. We want to establish drifting as a competition and preserve it. This would lead to the next generation and make it easier for companies to support it. With this in mind, we spent many years negotiating with Formula Drift in the USA and were able to bring it to Japan.”
To be a professional motorsport competition
It was clear throughout the interview that the FDJ has “to establish itself as a professional sports competition” as a pillar of its concept, but what specific initiatives are you working on?
“First of all, everything related to competition results, such as sporting regulations, judge regulations, and vehicle rules, is published on our website so that everyone can see it. This should ensure that everyone is satisfied with the competition results. We also operate with the belief that the athletes are athletes and that the competition must be constantly nurtured. We also place great emphasis on sound competition management, with the behavior of the athletes and their respective teams firmly stated in the sporting regulations.”
Mr Iwata said that, in addition to this, they are also thoroughly committed to safety when operating as a motorsport competition.
“We are particularly strict about the safety aspects of vehicle regulations. We also have a fixed number of staff members at every circuit in the country. Hiring local staff would indeed reduce travel costs, but by operating with a reliable fixed staff, we can ensure the safe and smooth operation of the event. We believe this also helps us to gain the trust of the entrants.”
Sympathizing with the aspirations of FDJ, he moved from drifting driver to management
The FDJ has continued its efforts to establish drifting as a motorsport sport, and many drifters have supported its activities. One such person is Yoichi Imamura, who is currently a member of the FDJ’s Disciplinary Committee, which sets the courses, conducts judging, and manages the events. Mr Imamura said.
“I have been involved in FDJ myself for about five years now, and until now I had the impression that drifting competitions were more of an event business. However, this has meant that only the drivers who have been popular for a long time have attracted attention and the next generation of drivers have not been nurtured, and it has also made it difficult to attract sponsors. I really sympathize with Mr Iwata’s idea that for drifting to remain in Japan, it needs to be a solid competition to continue. Indeed, I was once a champion, but to pass it on to the next generation, I am not just running the race, I am managing it and trying to make FDJ even better.”
Gymkhana announcer to take over play-by-play duties this season
A new member of the FDJ this year is announcer Eiichi Akutsu, known as ‘Akutsu-ana’, who is in charge of the on-the-spot play-by-play. With his wealth of experience in gymkhana, we asked Akutsu how he sees the FDJ and what kind of live commentary he hopes to provide to liven up the event.
“Last year, when I saw the FDJ, I was struck by the fact that drifting is now a proper motorsport event! I was shocked. I would like to make use of the experience I have gained in gymkhana competitions to make it more of a competition. But just being serious is not enough to get the audience excited, so I want to be the biggest FDJ fan and say, “The racers are doing such amazing things! FDJ is so much fun!” And I hope I can tell people about that as well.”
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In the 2024 season, FDJ plans to introduce a new “Drift Ride”, more advanced live-streaming, and Japan’s judging criteria.
In addition, Kalle Rovanperä, who has made an impact on Japanese drifting fans in the 2023 season, has been confirmed as a spot entrant, and other famous drivers from other categories are currently being lined up to compete. The FDJ’s breakthrough as a motorsport competition will be something to keep an eye on in 2024.
■FORMULA DRIFT JAPAN official website:
https://formulad.jp
translated by DeepL