Mazda Miata's 35th anniversary celebrated in Japan with fan meet-up

Mazda commemorated the 35th anniversary of the Mazda Roadster with a fan meeting to celebrate the legacy of one of the most iconic sports cars to come out of Japan.

The event was held at the company’s experiential showroom, “Brand Base Funabashi” in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, and drew Roadster enthusiasts from across the region.

The event was held in Funabashi, Chiba

The Roadster, a symbol of open-air driving pleasure, has experienced generational popular with drivers since its initial release in 1989.

It’s rear wheel drive configuration has made it a particular favorite of drivers interested in drift culture, with used vehicles providing an affordable entry point for those looking to get involved in the sport.

It is also sold around the globe where it is known as the Mazda Miata in the United States and the Mazda MX-5 in the rest of the world.

A group of people sitting on chairs listening to a presenter — The event was attended by Roadster areas from the local area

The anniversary celebration provided a platform for Roadster owners to connect, share their experiences, and celebrate the car’s rich history.

The event was attended by 70 lucky Roadster-owners who had won a lottery to attend.

A highlight of the gathering was a talk by Nobuhiro Yamamoto, the former chief engineer of the Roadster.

A man holding a microphone standing next to a car — Nobuhiro Yamamoto gave a talk on the development of the car

Yamamoto shared anecdotes about the car’s development, tracing its journey from its inception in 1989 to its current iteration.

Following the talk, Yamamoto took part in a book signing session.

A man talking to an audience — Nobuhiro Yamamoto was program manager for the MX-5/Roadster project

The event also featured a photo contest, showcasing the creative spirit of Roadster owners.

A series of photographs on display — A photo contest was held at the event

Participants submitted photographs capturing their memories with the car, ranging from scenic landscapes to personal moments.

Attendees voted to select two Grand Prize winners and two Excellence Prize winners, with all submissions reflecting a deep affection for the Roadster.

Four prize winning photographs on display — Winners were awarded in Grand Prize and Excellence categories

The celebration was enjoyed by the attendees with many voicing their desire for annual fan meetings and envisioning a growing community of Roadster enthusiasts.

A flag that reads "WE LOVE ROADSTER, CHIBA MAZDA" and signed by multiple people — Attendees signed a flag celebrating the anniversary

The Roadster’s journey began in May 1989 with the first-generation NA Roadster, initially released in Japan as the “Eunos Roadster” in September.

This two-seater lightweight sports car became an instant sensation, spawning numerous limited-edition models.

The second-generation NB Roadster, released in 1998 under the “Mazda Roadster” name, achieved a significant milestone, with global production reaching 531,890 units, earning it a Guinness World Record for the world’s most widely produced two-seater compact open sports car.

The third-generation NC Roadster, launched in 2005, featured a larger body and a new 2000cc engine, along with an electric retractable hardtop. It garnered critical acclaim, winning the 2005-2006 Japan Car of the Year Award.

The fourth-generation ND Roadster, released in 2015, returned to the car’s roots with a lightweight body and a user-friendly 1500cc engine (top cover type), with the RF model featuring a 2000cc engine.

It also achieved the prestigious 2015-2016 Japan Car of the Year Award.

The event was also held to support the “Chiba Mazda Children’s Cafeteria Support Project”, an initiative formed to support children’s cafeterias in Chiba Prefecture.

A pair of canvas bags and a sign stating that sales proceed go to chairty — Original goods were sold to support charity

At the Roadster anniversary celebration, original goods and vegetables from a farm owned by Chiba Mazda were sold to benefit the Children’s Cafeteria Support Project, with a portion of the sales donated to support Chiba City’s children’s cafeterias.

Children who utilize the cafeterias are also invited to participate in events, fostering an appreciation for automobiles.

The event venue, “Brand Base Funabashi” first opened in May 2024 and features outdoor vehicle displays, Autoexe and Mazda official goods displays.

The Roadster fan meeting marked the first of its kind at the facility, with Chiba Mazda now planning to host similar events for other Mazda models.

Source: PR Times