Ultra-Rare "Sufra" Buses Appear in Wakayama from July! You'll Be Super Lucky to Spot One☆

The Wakayama Prefectural Executive Committee for the World Masters Games 2021 Kansai (WMG2027 Kansai) will begin operating buses wrapped with the official tournament mascot "Sufra" in Wakayama City and Kainan City to raise awareness and build momentum for the "World Masters Games 2027 Kansai" (hereinafter referred to as WMG2027 Kansai), to be held in May 2027.

The buses will start running on July 1st, exactly the halfway point of the year. During the period, a campaign is planned where participants who photograph the wrapped buses and post them on social media can win original Sufra merchandise. Don't forget to take a picture if you spot one of the three "ultra-rare" buses running around the prefecture.

Wrapped Bus Overview

- Bus Company: Wakayama Bus Co., Ltd. - Operating Area: To be operated as route buses in Wakayama City and Kainan City - Number of Buses: 3 - Operating Period: July 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027 (scheduled)

Features of the Wrapped Design

A special design boldly featuring "Sufra," the official mascot of WMG2027 Kansai. With a visual that can be recognized at a glance even from a distance, it will promote the event as a "moving billboard" running through the city.

The tournament mascot "Sufra" is a sports fairy inspired by sakura (cherry blossoms). It was named "Sufra" by taking the initials of "Sport for Life." Its special skill is to support people who love sports (those who play, watch, or support) and make everyone happy. On the wrapped buses, Sufra will travel through the streets of Wakayama, delivering happiness to everyone along the way.

About the World Masters Games 2027 Kansai

The WMG (World Masters Games) is one of the world's largest lifelong sports festivals, held every four years, open to anyone generally aged 30 and over. It is a competition where people who love sports – playing, watching, and supporting – gather from around the world, regardless of age or skill level, to enjoy not only the competitions but also interaction and sightseeing.

WMG2027 Kansai is scheduled to hold the following competitions across the Kansai region: - 35 sports and 59 events are scheduled to be held - 5 sports and 7 events are scheduled to be held within Wakayama Prefecture

【Event Period】 17 days from Friday, May 14, 2027, to Sunday, May 30, 2027

【Competitions Held in Wakayama Prefecture】 <Wakayama City> - Dance Sports - Sailing (Sailing, Windsurfing) - Volleyball (Indoor)

<Kainan City> - Shooting (Rifle)

<Tanabe City> - Athletics (Ekiden)

<Kamitonda Town> - Athletics (Half Marathon)

This will be an excellent opportunity for masters athletes visiting from around the world, along with their families and friends, to experience the charm of Wakayama's sea, mountains, and city.

SNS Campaign to Win Sufra Goods (Preview)

The Wakayama Prefectural Executive Committee plans to launch a prize campaign using social media in conjunction with the start of the wrapped bus operations.

Details such as the implementation period and application methods will be announced later on the following: - World Masters Games 2021 Kansai Wakayama Prefectural Executive Committee Website https://wmg2021wakayama.jp/ - Official Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wmgwakayama2021/ X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/wmgwakayama2021

*Campaign details are subject to change without notice.

Contact Information for this Matter

World Masters Games 2021 Kansai Wakayama Prefectural Executive Committee Secretariat

Postal Code 640-8585 1-1 Komatsubara-dori, Wakayama City Wakayama Prefectural Government Sports Division, World Masters Games Promotion Office

TEL: 073-441-3699 Email: [email protected]