On Friday, February 13th, “Osaka Auto Messe 2026” opened at INTEX Osaka in Nanko-kita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka. Osaka Auto Messe (OAM), which is one of the largest entertainment events in Kansai where visitors can enjoy the fun of cars and customization, is known as an event that attracts nearly 200,000 people every year. Celebrating its 29th edition, this year as well it collaborated with SUPER GT, and despite being a weekday, the opening day was bustling with many visitors. To embody the OAM2026 catchphrase “Omoroi Ashita Mugendai” (Fun Future, Unlimited), booths exhibiting customized cars and automaker displays lined the venue. And again this year, SUPER GT formed a strong partnership with this trend-filled OAM, taking part under the title “SUPER GT featuring OSAKA AUTO MESSE,” serving as one of the main contents. The series also conducted promotions for the new season, which will open with the Okayama round on April 11th and 12th. During the event period, various contents were presented, including exhibitions of both the 2025 GT500 and GT300 championship-winning cars, special stage appearances by SUPER GT drivers, and pit work demonstrations by mechanics from participating teams.
On the first day, the “SUPER GT 2026 Special Stage” was held on the main stage starting at 11:15 a.m.
First, the 2026 SUPER GT promotion video was shown, and then Pierre Kitagawa, the well-known official circuit announcer, and Junko Watanabe, who hosts the SUPER GT stage events, appeared on stage as MCs. Following them, the indispensable figure of any SUPER GT special stage— GTA President & CEO Masaaki Bandoh—appeared to loud applause as fans called out “Bandoh-saaan!”
At this stage, which also serves as a kickoff event for the upcoming season, President & CEO Bandoh spoke about the “changes” for this season. Among them, one thing that became clear was this season’s race format. This year, races will be divided into 300 km races and 3-hour races. The 300 km races will be held at Round 1 Okayama, Round 3 Sepang, Round 4 Fuji, Round 5 Suzuka, Round 6 SUGO, and Round 8 Motegi. The remaining Round 2 Fuji and Round 7 Autopolis will be held as 3-hour races.
He also touched on the number of engines allowed for GT500 class cars, revealing that this year the teams will be limited to one engine for the entire season. “Further development will be needed (from the standpoint of engine durability), but we must tackle environmental issues. In the end, we want to aim for races that everyone can enjoy,” he commented.
After that, when Pierre Kitagawa asked Bandoh about the shift to a one-make tire system starting in 2027, Bandoh said, “I wanted to have heated tire competition in the races, but considering future costs, we decided on a one-make system. This will allow us to reduce costs.” At the same time, he revealed his honest feelings by saying, “I wanted to maintain the current structure,” making clear that it had been a difficult decision.
Next, four drivers appeared on stage as guests: Kenta Yamashita (au TOM’S GR Supra), Hiroki Otsu (ARTA MUGEN HRC PRELUDE-GT), Mitsunori Takaboshi (MOTUL Niterra Z), and Yoshiaki Katayama (UNI-ROBO BLUEGRASS FERRARI). President & CEO Bandoh then aimed a straightforward question at Yamashita, who had participated in the GT500 manufacturer test at Okayama International Circuit just prior to Osaka Auto Messe, “Why is the GR Supra GT500 so fast?” Yamashita replied in his unique tone, “Because (my team) TEAM TOM’S is fast!” drawing laughter from the audience. He continued, “The test at Okayama the other day went well, so if we can bring out all of our strength, I think we have a chance,” hinting at the possibility of a consecutive title.
Meanwhile, Otsu, who will drive the new Honda HRC PRELUDE-GT this season, declared, “I want to be the central figure in the GT500 title fight this season. I have a strong desire to win the championship, so I will do my best.” Takaboshi added, “There have been changes within Nissan as a whole (internal structural changes), but we want to challenge Car No. 36 (GR Supra) and the new Prelude,” showing his strong competitive spirit. Katayama, who competes in GT300, reacted with surprise upon hearing that former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat would race with JLOC. “I didn’t know that!” he said, adding jokingly, “I’ll go ask him for an autograph.” Then he added more seriously, “I want the championship this year, so first, I want to work hard at Okayama (the opening round).”
At the end of the stage, President & CEO Bandoh commented, “The teams and manufacturers will all work together as one, so we would be very happy if everyone comes to the circuit and supports us.” He emphasized their commitment to working tirelessly to deliver another action‑packed season of SUPER GT, and the fans who enjoyed the talk show responded with strong applause.
Toward the end of the show, the five members of “Rouciel,” who will serve as the new official ambassadors of Okayama International Circuit, the venue of the opening round, from this year appeared on stage. They promoted the circuit that is setting the stage for the first event of the season, adding glamour to the stage.
The special stage will also be held on each day during the event period. President & CEO Bandoh will appear on all stages, and on Saturday the 14th, Otsu, Takaboshi, and Katayama will return. On the final day, Sunday the 15th, Sho Tsuboi and Togo Suganami will newly join Katayama. The talk show, known every year for President & CEO Bandoh’s surprise comments, remains a must-see highlight for visiting fans.
After noon, as the number of visitors further increased, the “SUPER GT PIT WORK” was held at INTEX Plaza. Car No. 6 UNI‑ROBO BLUEGRASS FERRARI, which competes in the GT300 class, performed an engine start-up and a tire‑change demonstration. Even before the program began, many fans had already gathered closely to watch.
Car No. 6 achieved a dramatic first victory last year at Round 2 Fuji, charging from the back of the grid. One of the team’s drivers, Yoshiaki Katayama, appeared as a guest. Together with MCs Pierre Kitagawa and Junko Watanabe, he explained the car and shared tips for tire-changing. “The Ferrari is easy to drive. Not just racing. I’d like to drive it normally too,” he said with a smile. But once the engine started, his expression grew sharp, showing the face of a true racing driver. As the Ferrari’s exhaust note echoed across the once-quiet venue, it instantly transformed into the atmosphere of a race circuit.
This year, two tire‑change demonstrations were performed. The race mechanics, with movements free of waste, changed the tires smoothly and vividly. When they completed the task in a short time with apparent ease, the audience applauded, admiring the professionals’ efficient work.
