FAQ - UNICON XII
Frequently Asked Questions and their answers are sorted into "General Questions," "Rules," "Travel," etc.
Please direct new (unanswered) questions by e-mail, online in the FAQ section, or by mail addressed to: JUA-IC, Toyu Hrajuku Building 3F, 3-52-8 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0051.
General Questions
U001 What’s UNICON XII?
UNICON XII is short for "12th World Unicycling Convention and Championships."
U002 When is UNICON XII?
UNICON XII will officially run from July 23, 2004 to August 1, 2004. Events are planned after the last official day to encourage intercultural exchange, and we look forward to your participation!
U003 Who can participate in UNICON XII?
Anybody can, but Japanese participants will have to go through a selection process.
U004 Who is sponsoring UNIXON XII?
UNICON XII is sponsored by Japan Unicycling Association, Inc. (JUA, Inc.)
For more detailes, please refer to UNICON XII Outline.
U005 What is IUF?

IUF is the acronym for International Unicycling Federation. IUF promotes unicycling throughout the world. IUF supports the country sponsoring a UNICON and works to raise the standards of unicycling competition to that of the Olympics.
U006 How many participants will be at UNICON XII?
About 900 participants from approximately 14 countries are anticipated.
U007 What facilities will UNICON XII use?
We will use Kasumigaoka National Stadium, National Yoyogi Stadium Second Gymnasium, Metropolitan Yoyogi Park (Bike Path / Sports Ground), Fujimi Panorama Resort (MTB Courses) in Nagano Prefecture, and National Olympics Memorial Youth Center. For more information please refer to the VENUES section.
U008 What do team liaisons do?
Liaisons volunteer to help out with registration, answering questions, etc.
U009 Will meals be available at the events?
All faciliies are located in neighborhoods with businesses. We are still working on having food vendors at the facilities. At the MUni event, we will order "bento" boxed lunches.
U010 What will the climate and weather be like?
Normally, Tokyo in summer is hot, so short-sleeved shirts, shorts, and sandals will suffice. In air-conditioned rooms, trains, and cars, or in the evenings, an extra layer of clothing may be convenient. The MUni events, at Fujimi Panorama in Nagano Prefecture, are in the mountains, so a long-sleeved shirt is advisable.
Click here for weather for the week. Tokyo   Nagano
U011 What language will be used at UNICON XII?
The primary languages will be Japanese and English.  We are still looking into arranging for interpreters for German and other languages.
U012 Will there be UNICON XII souvenirs for sale?
T-shirts will be offered, but due to a limited quantity, will be accepting orders before UNICON XII. We recommend purchasing several T-shirts for exchange with participants from other countries. Please take advantage of the unicycle-related items for sale at the various workshops.
U013 Who can attend the Party?
Attendance is limited to 500 UNICON XII participants, and overseas guests will take priority.
U014 Who attends IUF meetings?
Anybody may attend, but we will restrict Japanese participants at UNICON XII to group representatives and JUA officials. Japanese participants not in these categories but who wish to attend will need to apply for permission, in writing, through group representatives. Depending on the number of participnats, permission may not be granted.
U015 Can I ride a unicycle on Mt. Fuji?
Unicycling on Mt. Fuji is forbidden.  Bicycles and other vehicles cause rock-falls which pose danger to other mountain climbers.
U016 When is the gym open?
The Olympic Center gymnasium will be available on the registration day and on the last day, from after the end of Basketball finals until the opening of Awards Ceremony.
U017 What is the Discussion Room for?
Discussion Room (Room 415) maximum capacity 40 people, is the disignated UNICON XII Headquarters. Please register here. Discussions may be held in the Seminar Room (Room 417) as well ad in this Discussion Room.
Click here for Discussion Room (Room 415) layout (Japanese Language).
U018 Are there specific places or opportunities to socialize with other unicyclists?
The Discussion Room is set aside for socializing throughout the convention.  However, it will not be available during the IUF meeting.
U019 How will the Opening Ceremony be conducted?
Teams representing each nation carry their flags and hoist them onto poles.  We recommend teams wear their uniform or T-shirts.  Teams will have 1-3minutes for performances.  Teams may simply circle the area if no performances are prepared.
U020 What will happen at the Awards Ceremony and Closing Ceremony?
The Closing Ceremony is scheduled on the last day, after the final game of basketball, at the National Olympic Memorial Youth Center Gymnasium. If we have time, there will be a "Unicycle Surprise Event," and in the evening, Awards Ceremony and "Encore"  performances.
U021 What will happen at the Farewell Party?

A Farewell Party is being planned at the Reception Hall. Light refreshments will be served, and we will "party." It may even be the highlight of UNICON XII. This will be a great opportunity for exchanging T-shirts and gifts, and deepening our friendship.
U022 Will UNICON XII stay on time?
The schedule has been put together with the utmost of care to proceed as planned.
U023 I want to participate in every single event.
Japanese participants, after going through a selection process, will be allowed to  participate only in assigned events. Overseas guests will be allowed to participate in every single event.
But the schedule may make it difficult or impossible to participate in every single event.
U024 What will happen when the schedule changes?
Liaisons will post updated information on the bulletin boards at the hotels, stadium, gymnasiums, etc., in Japanese and English (if possible, in other languages, too). Team leaders have the responsibility to check for these updates and pass the information onto their teammates. Please also check for updates in this webpage.
U025 What is the Seminar Room for?
Seminar Room (Room 417), maximum capacity 300 people, has chairs (with attached desks), and equipment for watching videotapes. It is available from 6pm to 10pm during UNICON XII.
Our hope is that this room be used primarily for international exchange.
Click here for Seminar Room (Room 417) layout (Japanese Language).
Rules
R001 Please explain the selection process for Japanese participants.
The selection process will be announced as soon as it is determined.
R002 Will IUF rules be used?
Yes.  UNICON XII rules listed in the IUF Rulebook will be used.  Please refer to the RULES secton.
R003 What are the age groups?
Although the details are still being worked out, Jr. Experts category is age 14 and under. Other age categories, as soon as determined, will be posted on the  RULES section. Please check frequently for updates.
R004 What categories are in the artistic events?
Artistic Event categories are: Individual Freestyle, Pairs Freestyle, Group Freestyle, Standard Skill, and Open-X. Please refer to the Rulebook for details.
R005 Will the Group Freestyle be divided into two classes?
We’re considering having two classes:  Expert and Jr. Expert.  Please refer to ARTISTIC.
R006 What events are being planned for the races?
Other events, besides the six events (100m, 400m, 800m, 50m One-Foot, 30m Wheel-Walk, and Obstacle Course) needed to determine the World Champion, are being considered currently. As soon as the events are determined, they will be announced on the Schedules. Please check the UPDATES section. 
R007 What events have an Expert category?
The competitor with the fastest times compete against each other in the finals. Finals will be conducted for the 800m, 400m, 100m, 50m One-Foot Ride, and 30m Wheel-Walk.
R008 Where will MUni (Mountain Unicycling) happen?
MUni races will occur at a MTB course at “Fujimi Panorama” in Nagano Prefecture, and participants will ride buses and gondolas to get there. These races will be scenic and fun for racers and sightseers alike! The chance to go Mountain Unicycling in Japan is rare, so this will be extra special. For more details, please check the SCHEDULE section.
R009 Can I practice for the MUni (Mountain Unicycling) race?
We’re looking into getting the MUni course before the races for practice.
R010 Where will the marathon be?
We plan to use Yoyogi Park Cycling Course for the marathon. Afterwards, we’re planning for fun games like “the handkerchief drop.”
R011 What is MUni (mountain unicycling)?
MUni (mountain unicycling) is a really fun sport in which anybody can participate.  Having a unicycle specifically designed for off-road riding will make the experience even better.  Please refer to the UNICON XII Rulebook for more detailes.
R012 How do I register for the relays?
After the group representative completes the group registration, individual participants may register. For more details, please refer to the REGISTRATION secton. Please register before the deadline. The order of relay team members must be decided and registered the day before the relay races.
R013 What’s happening with unicycle basketball and unicycle hockey tournaments?
Of course we will have them.
Please refer to EVENTS and SCHEDULE sections for detailes.
R014 Will everything run on time?
To accommodate as many participants as possible, and to ensure that everything runs smoothly, we are making detailed plans. Please be careful not to miss your turn in this packed schedule. If your name is called, and you are not there, you will be disqualified. We will do our best to avoid having to cut you from an event, and ask for your cooperation.
Travel
T001 Where is the official hotel?
Dormitory lodging for overseas guests and UNICON XII staff is at National Olympic Memorial Youth Association Center. Japanese participants, please check the ACCOMMODATION section.
T002 How is the transportation from the airport (Narita Int’l Airport) to the dormitory?
Please refer to USEFUL INFO section.
T003 Where is the dormitory?
The dormitories are located in areas called “Shibuya,” and “Shinjuku.”
Please refer to ACCOMODATIONS and USEFUL INFO sections for details.
T004 How are meals arranged at the dormitory?
Meal availability vary from one dormitory to another, but the Olympic Center has a cafeteria.
T005 Are there places to get meals near the dormitory and gym?
We plan to offer “Bento” boxed lunches in addition to the numerous shops and restaurants available in the areas.
T006 Are there sightseeing tours available?
Notices about sightseeing tours will be announced on this site.
T007 Can and should people rent cars?
Renting cars are possible.  If you don’t require a specific car type, we can rent a car as needed.  (You will need your passport and an International Driving License, and apply for insurance at the rental car agency.)
Please be advised that all facilities and accommodations are all conveniently located in Tokyo, so that rental cars are unnecessary.  Parking spaces in central Tokyo are few and charge, roads are narrow, and traffic jams are everywhere.  Train and subway stations, and bus stops are only 5 to 7 minutes by foot, so walking is usually faster.  We recommend you use public transportation.  We plan on using chartered buses to and from the MUni event, since each way takes approximately 2 hours on the expressway.
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If you have requests, please contact us. We will do our best to help you, with pleasure.