Mysterious Mazda Concept Teased for the First Time Ahead of Japan Mobility Show 2023

The Tokyo Motor Show, a biennial automotive event that would have celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2024 if not for the name change, is a legend among auto shows – it was held like clockwork since 1954 for 46 editions. They only skipped a beat in 2021 due to you know who, and because the 2019 edition was a smashing success, JAMA now wants to attract even more audiences to Tokyo Big Sight in Ariake, Koto Ward, Tokyo, Japan, from October 28.

That's in stark contrast to other auto shows, which had to change venues or dates because of dwindling interest. Just think about the difference between this event and NAIAS (North American International Auto Show in Detroit), which moved to a fall slot, or the Geneva Motor Show, which not only changed dates but also landed in… Qatar. So, this year, stuff like the Lamborghini Revuelto and Lanzador celebrate their Middle East premiere at the first edition of the Geneva International Motor Show in Qatar!

Anyway, back to the Japan Mobility Show (JMS instead of TMS, it's not so bad when you put it in short), just like with NAIAS – an automotive event saved by the Big Detroit Three – JAMA counts on considerable participation from local manufacturers. Naturally, all of them will be in attendance, from minor to big. For example, Honda will have a Prologue crossover prototype but also a 'mini' Honda e created out of acrylic resin.

Nissan, meanwhile, is slowly unveiling all major novelties – and they have already revealed the Hyper Urban and Hyper Adventure concepts, and more could follow. Toyota, of course, is not shying away from JMS because they will showcase the preview of their next-generation EV series with the first concept landing on the show's catwalk. Plus, the rumor mill is adamant that they will also bring to life a model called 'Land Hopper,' the body-on-frame compact variant of the J250-based 2024 Land Cruiser.

As for Mazda, they just announced their planned lineup of models that will arrive at the show to support the company's theme of "The future created by the 'love of cars.'" That means the Japanese automaker will focus on the newly launched 2024 MX-5 Miata with a variety of examples on stage, including the original generation plus the latest update and also an MX-5 SeDV (Self-empowerment Driving Vehicle) that "can be controlled using only the driver's hands."

Mazda is also set to join some of the programs created by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association – in the motorsport area, they will feature a "Mazda2 Bio Concept," powered by the next generation of biodiesel fuels. Additionally, there's also a simulated Mazda 'factory' where preschool and elementary school children will go through experiences designed to let "children explore the world of adult jobs through role play" as part of the "Out of KidZania" project – with KidZania being a popular educational entertainment venue.

However, that's not all. With an accompanying teaser image, the company also promises that a new concept car will arrive as Mazda's world premiere at the show. The only hint is that it symbolizes the exhibition's theme, so it's most likely a sports car rather than a crossover SUV. We can easily bet on a next-gen MX-5 preview, but it could also be something unrelated, such as a cool out-of-time rotary-engined RX concept.