TOKYO, Jan 15 (News On Japan) –
Yomiuriland’s iconic Ferris wheel, cherished by guests for over 4 a long time, marked its ultimate day of operation on Monday, as followers flocked to bid farewell to the beloved attraction and relive previous reminiscences.
The Ferris wheel, which stood with out main malfunctions for 44 years, drew giant crowds on its final day. It had been a logo of Yomiuriland since its launch in 1980, boasting a top of 61.4 meters—making it the tallest in Japan on the time.
A customer of their 20s recalled: “I came here for my first Christmas date, but it was too crowded, and we couldn’t ride it back then. Today, I finally got to ride it with the illumination, so it was a great experience.”
Another customer of their 40s shared: “I used to ride it countless times with my daughter when she was younger. Upon hearing today would be the last chance, we rushed over.”
Even youthful guests expressed their pleasure, with a 5-year-old merely saying: “It was fun.”
Maintained with minimal points through the years, the Ferris wheel was thought-about a dependable fixture on the park. Eiichi Toe, 59, who had been accountable for its upkeep since becoming a member of the corporate in 2011, praised its efficiency: “Among the park’s attractions, it was called a model machine. With proper maintenance, it ran safely with few problems. It’s remarkable how it kept running for 44 years with only minor repairs.”
On its ultimate day, clear climate offered a spectacular view of Mount Fuji. However, the choice to retire the Ferris wheel was pushed by age and the dearth of air con, which made it tough to function throughout scorching summers. Yomiuriland plans to interchange it with a contemporary Ferris wheel named “Sky Go Round,” which is able to grow to be the park’s new landmark.
Some guests went to nice lengths to benefit from the day. One customer rode the Ferris wheel 5 instances inside an hour after arriving at 6:30 PM. “This was the first Ferris wheel I ever rode. Since it’s closing, I wanted to create lasting memories, so I kept riding it. I’m planning to keep my ticket as a memento,” the customer mentioned.
At 8:30 PM, a farewell ceremony was held in entrance of the illuminated Ferris wheel. Yomiuriland Director Toru Kitahara mirrored: “Every morning, our staff gathered beneath the Ferris wheel for meetings before dispersing across the park. In the evening, we’d all return here. In that sense, it was like a home to us.”
The Ferris wheel’s top of over 60 meters highlighted a regulatory hurdle generally known as the “60-meter barrier.” A 2007 modification to the Building Standards Act mandated approval from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for amusement services exceeding 60 meters in top. Yuko Fukui, a Ferris wheel researcher, famous that the elevated time and prices for acquiring permits have led to a decline within the variety of Ferris wheels over 60 meters.
Interestingly, a number of retired Japanese Ferris wheels have discovered a second life overseas, significantly in Southeast Asia. The “Space Eye” Ferris wheel from Space World, a now-closed theme park in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, was relocated to a industrial complicated in Cambodia in 2020, the place it operates beneath the identify “Angkor Eye” and enjoys native reputation.
Fukui defined the attraction of Japanese Ferris wheels abroad: “Japanese Ferris wheels are highly regarded for their safety and meticulous maintenance. Even as secondhand equipment, they are considered reliable. With Southeast Asia experiencing vibrant growth similar to Japan’s post-war boom, these attractions draw large crowds seeking entertainment.”
Source: ANN