Japan Travel: Suzuki Car and Motorcycle History Museum in Hamamatsu

This museum is also known as Suzuki Rekishikan in Japanese.

In Hamamatsu, Suzuki has its own museum which is also similar to the Toyota commemorative museum, only more compact. However when in Hamamatsu, it's worthwhile to take a visit, too.

• visiting the museum is free but requires an online appointment
• exhibits showing the history of Suzuki (with English transcription and audio translation)
• the current production process, 
• along with its own 3D film show- that functions as a great virtual plant tour. 
• and a free souvenir Suzuki swift toy car at the exhibit portion
• Souvenir items can be purchased from the vendo machine

Similar to Toyota (see the Toyota plant tour here), Suzuki also started with looms production, transitioning to motorcycle production,
and finally to cars and other technologies.

The museum of Suzuki Manufacturing history is located in Suzuki Plaza, Hamamatsu.
You can make a reservation online (take note: Japanese-only website).

http://www.suzuki-rekishikan.jp/reserve/

Translated page (to English):
https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.suzuki-rekishikan.jp%2Freserve%2F&edit-text=&act=url 

For individuals / private groups, select this button on the reservation website: 

Read more to see some photos:

Japan Travel: Toyota Factory Tour and Museum Tour in Nagoya

There are three Toyota-related attractions that are very popular in Nagoya. 

These are the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, The Toyota Kaikan Museum, and the Toyota Plant Tour.

1) Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology 

(at Nagoya city center, a short walk from Nagoya station)

Shows the history of Toyota, Toyota looms, car displays from old to new, Toyota production way exhibits and videos. Allocate at least 3 hours for this museum. Closes at 4PM. 

Open Monday to Saturday, 9:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Closed Sundays and Toyota's company holidays. 

Entrance is 400 yen.

http://www.tcmit.org/english/

The 1 Million Yen Essay Contest: Sept 11 2015

JFTC ESSAY TOPIC FOR 2015:

"Promoting Globalization within Japan:
An action plan to attract overseas investment, human resources, and other resources"

Every year beginning 2005, the Japan Foreign Trade Council sponsors the JFTC Essay Competition. This essay competition is open to everyone, young and old, of any nationality.

The objectives of the essay according to the JFTC page is "to encourage students, young researchers and business people to express their opinions on matters of national and international importance."


 The prize for the winning essay is:

• One Grand Prize of ¥1,000,000

• Three Prizes for Excellence of ¥200,000 each

The award winners from abroad will be provided with a round trip air ticket to Tokyo, Japan to attend the award ceremony to be held on January 6, 2016.

Requirements:

• Language: the essay can be written either in ENGLISH OR JAPANESE.... Click to read more..