, formerly known as , is a steel roller coaster located at Fuji-Q Highland in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan. Manufactured by S&S – Sansei Technologies, the launched coaster uses compressed air to propel its trains. It opened on 21 December 2001 as the fastest roller coaster in the world with the fastest acceleration, reaching a top speed of in 1.8 seconds. The fastest speed record was previously held by Superman: The Escape at Six Flags Magic Mountain and Tower of Terror at Dreamworld, both of which accelerated to in 7 seconds. The ride was refurbished in 2017, removing the top hat element in favor of a vertical loop and increasing its speed and acceleration to in 1.6 seconds. Steel fabrication was provided by Intermountain Lift, Inc. In 2021, the ride was closed down indefinitely after multiple complaints of the ride breaking riders' bones were raised. History Dodonpa closed in 2016 for a major renovation. The ride's top hat was removed and replaced with a vertical loop, announced in a February 2017 press release from the manufacturer. Dodonpa reopened on 15 July 2017. The renovated and revamped ride featured an increased acceleration and maximum speed, which changed from in 1.8 seconds to in 1.6 seconds. The track length also increased from . The renovation made Dodonpa the world's first air-powered coaster to feature an inversion, as well as the fastest coaster in the world with an inversion. Ride experience The name of the ride stems from the deep, ominous drumming sound that flows from the speakers as passengers wait in line to board the train. This repetitive percussive music is created by taiko drums, an old traditional Japanese drum that was used to demonstrate power and influence in pre-modern Japanese villages. These drums were supposedly used in warfare to rally troops and scare off the enemy with their thundering sound. While waiting in line, riders hear the drums played through speakers, building up tension and excitement. Often, riders will chant along with the drum sound, which plays three consecutive beats represented by the sounds Do-don-pa. Once passengers board the ride, the train moves them from the loading station to the launch pad, where it waits, allowing time for the compressed air to build up. When the ride is ready to launch, a voice in English says "Launch time!" and begins a three-second countdown to launch. After the coaster shoots off at ,