On August 9, 2025, the Japan Riders Forum (JRF), led by the renowned Kazama family, hosted the mid-meeting for the social contribution touring event, Nippon Support Touring 2025, at the village-run Yamanakako camping site. This event has been meticulously designed to deepen the bonds among participants while enhancing riding safety and reflecting on prior activities.
Event Overview
Nippon Support Touring is more than just a riding event; it's a gathering aimed at cultivating a sense of community among riders while emphasizing the significance of safety practices. The day was structured into several engaging sections that kept participants actively involved.
Part 1: Riding Lessons by Shinnosuke Kazama
The first part featured an enlightening session of free riding lessons conducted by Shinnosuke Kazama, a rider with an impressive track record that includes completing the prestigious Dakar Rally in 2017 and 2018. Nine eager participants received hands-on training focused on braking techniques, a fundamental skill for every rider. The lessons included valuable insights on adjusting tire pressure and riding posture, especially when transitioning to different surfaces, along with practical full-braking drills on uneven terrain. Each participant had the opportunity to experience their bike's behavior under different conditions, making it an invaluable learning experience geared toward safer riding.
Part 2: Reflecting on Nippon Support Touring's Journey
With 26 participants present, this segment involved a recap of the journey the Nippon Support Touring initiative has taken since its kickoff in Wajima. Reports detailing volunteer activities and interim registration data were shared, showcasing a strong commitment to community engagement. An exciting highlight was the introduction of the Way Point Mask (WPM) program, which has already identified 103 new discovery points. Furthermore, participants engaged in core training through slacklining, adding a fun, gamified element to the day’s events.
Part 3 & 4: Campfire Interaction and Kazama's Mongolia Report
As the evening approached, a campfire gathering allowed participants to unwind and share stories. With 24 people present, discussions flowed freely long past scheduled time. A surprise addition to the evening was a photo report about Shinkazu Kazama's tree-planting expedition to Mongolia in July, which sparked great interest among attendees. Coupled with a barbecue, this segment provided a lively and interactive setting for meaningful connections to flourish.
Future Prospects
Currently, Nippon Support Touring has surpassed 1,000 registered participants across Japan, expanding the scope of its activities. The JRF aims to continue organizing diverse events that encourage riders to contribute to society while enjoying their passion for biking. For updates on future events, participants are encouraged to check the official website.
About Nippon Support Touring
Initiated by the Japan Riders Forum, Nippon Support Touring is a socially responsible riding event designed to contribute positively to society. It encompasses a rich history that dates back to 2011 when Kazama called upon riders across the nation to assist earthquake recovery efforts in Tohoku by leveraging the unique mobility of motorcycles to access disaster-stricken regions. This spirit of community service evolved into the MFJ (Motorcycle Federation of Japan) sponsored initiative from 2015 to 2019 called "Let's Ride Tohoku! MFJ Tohoku Reconstruction Support Touring." Since 2020, it has transitioned into its present format under JRF’s leadership, promoting rides that blend enjoyment with meaningful community contributions. The ongoing series of events started from April 26 to November 30 this year.
For inquiries, please reach out to:
Japan Riders Forum (JRF)
Address: 9F, Nagasebe Daini Building, 5-21-2 Hiroo, Shibuya, Tokyo, 150-0012, Japan
TEL: 03-3447-8522
E-MAIL:
[email protected]
HP:
Official Site
Organization Background
The JRF is dedicated to promoting motorcycle culture and social responsibility. Its mission includes elevating riders' status, revitalizing local communities through touring, and providing disaster relief assistance. Noteworthy events include the solar-chasing touring rally "SSTR," the Nippon Support Touring initiative, and the "Mother Lake Rally" focused on female riders around Lake Biwa.