Japanese race queens are female models who support motor sports teams and sponsors both on and off the track. They are usually dressed in attractive outfits that match the cars or brands they represent, and often hold umbrellas to shade the drivers or pose for photos with fans. The term “race queen” was coined in Japan in the late 1960s, when a famous actress starred in an oil company’s ad campaign.
Since then, race queens have become a popular and unique part of Japanese idol culture, with many of them pursuing careers as gravure idols, cosplayers, or net idols. However, race queens are not just eye-candy; they also have knowledge of racing and automobiles, and communicate with their fans through blogs and social media. Race queens are an integral part of the Japanese motor sports industry and its fan base.