Mazda Legend Turns Closed School Into Sports Car Museum

When an elementary school closes, it usually sits empty and forgotten. But in Akitakata, Japan, one abandoned school is revving up for an incredible comeback.

This August, the old school in Hiroshima Prefecture will open as the Sportscar Jinba-Ittai Museum, showcasing some of Japan's rarest and most beloved sports cars. Leading the charge is Takao Kijima, the 77-year-old former Mazda chief engineer who designed the legendary Roadster convertible.

The museum's name comes from a Japanese phrase meaning "a horse and a rider as one." Kijima used this philosophy when creating the Mazda Roadster, known globally as the MX-5 Miata, designing it so drivers feel completely connected to their cars.

At an age when most people are enjoying quiet retirement, Kijima moved to the small Takamiya district in April. His mission is bigger than just opening a museum. He wants to transform this rural community into a destination for motorsports fans from around the world.

The preopening event is scheduled for August 23, giving car enthusiasts their first glimpse at the collection housed in classrooms that once echoed with children's voices.

The Ripple Effect

This project shows how creative thinking can breathe life into struggling rural communities. Japan, like many countries, faces challenges with depopulation in smaller towns and empty school buildings. By turning a closed school into a celebration of automotive artistry, organizers are creating jobs, attracting visitors, and giving the community a new identity.

For Takamiya residents, the museum means their town won't be forgotten. For car lovers, it's a chance to see rare vehicles and learn from a living legend. And for Kijima, it's proof that passion projects have no age limit.

The transformation also preserves the school building itself, giving it purpose instead of letting it decay. Community spaces rarely get such enthusiastic second chapters.

Kijima's dedication at 77 sends a powerful message: retirement doesn't mean stopping, and small towns can become destinations with vision and commitment.