Tokyo, Japan – August 24, 2023 – Mapbox Japan G.K., a leading provider of digital map development platforms, is proud to announce its official collaboration with "Tour de Tohoku 2023," a cycling event aimed at supporting the reconstruction efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake. The event, organized by Yahoo Japan Corporation and The Kahoku Shimpo, will take place on September 16 and 17, 2023. As part of this collaboration, Mapbox Japan will introduce the "Tour de Tohoku 2023 Official Real-Time Map Tohoku Support Project powered by Mapbox," offering participants and supporters an innovative way to engage with the event through real-time digital mapping.

The initiative features a digital map displaying the event's courses, real-time locations of consenting participating riders, and live video feeds. This allows supporters to virtually experience and cheer on the event remotely. The website currently hosts archived footage from last year's event and will showcase live rider locations on September 17, 2023. Additionally, a dedicated booth at the event venue will display the real-time map on large monitors, offering mini-games and commemorative gifts to enhance attendee engagement.

About Tour de Tohoku:

Since 2013, Tour de Tohoku has been held annually to support the reconstruction of areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and to preserve the memory of the disaster for future generations. Mapbox Japan, committed to contributing to the recovery of the Tohoku region and expressing gratitude to the roads that connect communities, has been supporting the event since 2021.

Event details:

• Dates: September 16 (Saturday) and 17 (Sunday), 2023​
• Location: Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, and surrounding areas​
• Special Website: https://realtimemap.jp/​

Features of the real-time map:

1. Enhanced participation experience: Consenting riders can view their own routes and track other participants' locations on the digital map, fostering a sense of community and immersion in the event.
2. Remote supporter engagement: Supporters can virtually follow riders' progress in real-time, experiencing the event's atmosphere and excitement from afar.
3. Comprehensive information access: The map provides details on evacuation sites, local points of interest, and interviews with residents along the route, enriching the experience with cultural and safety information.

On-site booth activities:

Mapbox Japan's booth at the event will feature:​

• Interactive map displays: Large monitors showcasing the real-time map, allowing visitors to track riders and explore the course.
• Map puzzle game: A timed challenge where participants complete a puzzle of Miyagi Prefecture, offering an engaging way to learn about the region.
• Photo spot: A dedicated area for participants to take commemorative photos, capturing memories of the event.
• Original novelties: Exclusive gifts for visitors who download Mapbox-powered game apps at the booth, adding a fun incentive for attendees.

Through these initiatives, Mapbox Japan aims to enhance the Tour de Tohoku 2023 experience, offering innovative ways for participants and supporters to engage with the event and the Tohoku region.