Office Chair Racing in Japan
Monday, 2026/04/13180 words3 minutes792 reads
Office chair racing has become a growing sport across Japan. Teams of three competitors race through city streets on office chairs, propelling themselves backwards by kicking the ground. The races last two hours, with teams trying to complete as many laps as possible, often covering over 20 kilometers.
Tsuyoshi Tahara founded the first race in 2010, inspired by a childhood memory of being scolded for playing with an office chair. The sport has expanded nationwide, with annual competitions in 10 cities including Tokyo and Kyoto. Major corporations like Toyota now send teams to participate.
The sport appeals to Japan's hardworking office employees, offering them a chance to escape their desks and enjoy something playful. Yasunori Miura, a dedicated racer, trains four times weekly on a heavier gym chair to build leg strength. He also does strength training twice a week.
Racers must wear safety equipment including helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads. They can only use commercially available, non-customized chairs. The winning prize is typically 90 kilograms of rice, chosen for its practicality and ease of sharing among team members.
