A Tale of Two Venues: The 2019 Tokyo Motor Show

The 2019 Tokyo Motor Show broke from tradition, and I wasn’t the only one caught by surprise. Instead of the familiar single-venue rush at Tokyo Big Sight, the event expanded, splitting its attractions between the main hall and the new Aomi Exhibition Hall. This “Open Future” theme aimed to create a more immersive experience, but the reality of the split venue presented its own set of challenges.

The Aomi Hall experience

The Aomi Hall, though smaller, housed some of the biggest names in the industry, including Toyota, Daihatsu, Isuzu, and UD Trucks. The hall had a distinct focus on the future of mobility, with many interactive displays and concept cars. For those with a valid driver’s license, there was even an opportunity to test drive some of the latest vehicles.

Navigating the split venue

However, the convenience of a single location was lost. Navigating between the Aomi Hall and the main Tokyo Big Sight venue required a trip on a shuttle bus or the Yurikamome line, a journey that felt disconnected from the main event. In fact, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) later acknowledged that the split venue caused “considerable inconvenience for visitors.” While the 1.5-kilometer “Open Road” connecting the venues was a nice idea, it didn’t fully bridge the gap for many attendees.

A photographer's perspective

From a photographer’s perspective, the smaller Aomi Hall offered a more intimate setting. The lighting, as is typical for the Tokyo Motor Show, was excellent, but the crowds still made it a challenge to capture that perfect shot. Patience, as always, was the key.

While I missed the unified experience of previous years, the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show’s ambitious “Open Future” concept was a glimpse into the evolving world of automotive events. It’s a shame I no longer have my license; the thrill of test-driving some of those innovative vehicles would have been an unforgettable experience.