In Pixar's Cars 2, Japan hosts the first World Grand Prix race.
The opening World Grand Prix event takes place in Tokyo. Lightning McQueen competes for Team Lightning McQueen, while Mater accompanies him and becomes involved in an international spy adventure. The Tokyo race introduces the film's larger global setting and features neon-lit city streets, sharp turns, and a dramatic bridge sequence.
The World Grand Prix continues with races in Italy and England. The championship is designed to promote Allinol, an alternative fuel created by Miles Axlerod, although the race series hides a much larger plot involving manipulated cars and the lemons.
Japan is therefore the first stop, not the entire location of the championship. Italy hosts the second race at Porto Corsa, and England hosts the final race in London. The sequence of countries is a useful way to distinguish the three major racing locations in Cars 2.