Speed Boat Racing Across Lake Hamana Brackish Lagoon In Shizuoka, Japan Editorial Stock Image
Hydroplane boat racing is one of a few varieties of public wagering allowed under Japan’s strict gambling laws. Other types include horse racing , bicycle racing , motorcycle speedway (ōtorēsu), and lotteries. The sport features professional drivers guiding speeding boats around a set course. Races take place at established venues located throughout the country. While still popularly referred to as kyōtei, the association promoting the sport has officially adopted the English name "Boat Race." In 2021, boat racing in Japan generated net sales worth approximately 2.33 trillion Japanese yen.
During the practice, a straight run of 150 meters is timed for each boat and announced to the public. Also, competitors are not penalized for false or late starts during the practice run. Hidden in plain sight, kyōtei is an easily accessible facet of national life, owing to its central role in Japan’s betting landscape.
According to figures for 2014, there are 1,583 professional racers, including 190 women, competing in the sport. Typical earnings for the top 300 racers are higher at ¥34 million, with some making as much as ¥100 million. There are also a number of special fan service events, such as those allowing participants to meet popular racers and interactive shows featuring celebrities. While the style of hydroplane boat racing is distinct to Japan, first developing in the 1950s, interest in the sport has recently begun to emerge in neighboring countries. In 2002 the Misari Motorboat Racing Park in Hanam, South Korea, became the firstkyōtei venue outside of Japan. There are over 40 locations around 競艇 Japan with dedicated betting windows where tickets can be purchased for kyōtei events.
See a celebration of Okinawa’s rich nautical history at the Naha Haarii, or dragon boat races. Every May during Japan’s Golden Week, the Naha Haarii transforms the Nahashin Port into a battle zone, as dragon boat teams compete in high-energy races. One of Okinawa’s biggest annual events, the Haarii festival runs over three days, and attracts more than 150,000 spectators. This is a wonderful time to visit the wharf to watch the races and enjoy the carnival atmosphere, with music, drumming, traditional dancing and live entertainment.
It is always prudent to check the official event website before attending to confirm the scheduling and location. If you know of an error in the calendar, then please let us know through the contact form. Great reportage, once again shedding a clinical view of a virtually unknown side of Japan. I love the eighth picture of the old man with the missing teeth smiling. He’s yet again another elderly person who lived a full life and accepting everything both the good and the bad. I can only imagine how much much needed money the government would rake in if those betting places did offer all the options you get in a Ladbrokes.
The kyōtei season begins in January and runs the entire year. The premier fixture is the year-end grand prix, which is held in December and features the circuit’s 18 highest earners. Securing a slot in this event is a major factor motivating racers over the long and arduous season. All teams in SailGP use identical F50 boats and the British team have offered their F50 to their competitor and any support the Japanese team require to enable them to go racing on Saturday. Kojima Boat Racing is a motorboat racing course located along Prefectural Route 21 in Motohama-cho, Kojima, in the city of Kurashiki.