We started the day at the Mazda factory in Hiroshima. Mazda is the largest employer in Hiroshima, with 20 000 people working for them. The site covers 2.23 million square metres and is 70km from end to end. We looked at the history of the company and their cars, including their first three wheeled delivery bike (picture). We watched the assembly line install engines and transmissions in 55seconds and learnt that employees can expect to do the same job on the assembly line for at least 3 years before hoping for promotion. We saw their concept cars, including the Ryuga (pictured), and a hydrogen and gas fueled rotary RX8.
We then left for the rail station and our second trip on the Shinkanzen (that travels at 297km/h). We arrived in Kyoto and immediately saw many old-style palaces and shrines. We went to the Golden Shrine, that is actually covered in gold leaf. We went to our hostel in the middle of Kyoto and unleashed the boys on unsuspecting population. Japan has a national holiday tomorrow, so it was a party atmosphere in the town centre this evening. The yen has been burning a hole in many of the boys' pockets, and they took the opportunity to boost some retailer's takings tonight.
We head to Kobe tomorrow, to train at the world class facilities of the Kobe Steelers, and to meet with some of their international players.
James still has his wallet - stay tuned for more updates.
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