The fast and the furniture - Office chair Grand Prix revs up in Japan's Kyoto

"A special competitive sport transformed a hundred office chairs into racing chariots at Kyoto’s Kyotanabe Cross Park. Footage captured the Chair-1 Grand Prix 2026 event in Kyotanabe City on Sunday. Amateur racers donned helmets, gloves, elbow pads, and knee pads to partake in one of Japan’s quirkiest motorsports: office chair racing. The rules of this Grand Prix-style event are simple yet unforgiving. The racing chairs must be completely unmodified - standard casters only, no skate wheels allowed. Riders propel themselves down the race lane, paddling with their feet, expertly manoeuvring turns while shifting body weight, applying subtle thigh pressure, and relying on instinct to weave through slalom cones without losing speed. The competition was serious; braking involved dragging a foot, and the course was lined with plastic barricades, making for thrilling spectator entertainment. Tsuyoshi Tahara, representative director of the Japan Office Chair Racing Association explained, “Originally, the main objective was to revitalise the shopping district in Kyoto, but now it’s garnering attention from overseas and international media. Its popularity stems from the fact that anyone can participate and enjoy it." "After an hour and 20 minutes, my legs are killing me, and my heart rate is through the roof. But it’s so much fun! ‘Isu-1 GP’ is the best!" said participant Noriko. Another racer, Naoki, shared his strategy, “Patience is key. Even if the gap widens, just be patient, and you’ll find a way to overtake in the end." First-timer Yoshiya said, "I’ve been looking forward to this competition! I practised every day for the past two months. It’s my dream to race alongside the champion." Founded in 2009 and inspired by Formula One and Le Mans endurance racing, the event pits teams of three against each other in a two-hour battle to complete the most laps of the 200-metre loop circuit, covering over 20 kilometres. Tsuyoshi Tahara founded the inaugural race in 2010 in Kyotanabe City - an idea sparked by a childhood teacher who scolded him for playing with an office chair. Since then, the sport has expanded nationwide, with annual competitions in 10 cities, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Shizuoka, attracting even major corporations to send teams to participate."

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