Kyōtei

Other popular types of motor boat racing include circuit racing and drag racing. Circuit racing takes place on closed courses, often around islands or other landmarks. Drag racing, meanwhile, is a straight-line race between two boats. The distinctive form of hydroplane racing called kyōtei is one of just a few types of gambling allowed under Japanese law. Proceeds from races are used to fund local municipalities and support the activities of nongovernmental organizations.

One theory suggests that a Ryukyun prince was studying in Nanjing, China, when he saw the local Chinese doing these races. Upon returning home, the prince made his own Sabani, and soon afterward, local Okinawan fishermen made theirs too to be used for fishing and later for racing competitions. These races were banned when Japan made the Ryukyuan Kingdom one of their prefectures. The races were temporarily revived until 1928 when it was once again abolished. Dragon boat races wouldn’t become a permanent yearly event until 1975. One of Okinawa’s biggest annual events, the Haarii festival runs over three days, and attracts more than 150,000 spectators.

The first boat across the line after three laps is the winner, with the first three finishers deciding the payouts for bets. A Kyōtei race is conducted on man-made lakes with a 600-meter oval boat course. There are 24 kyōtei stadiums in Japan, all of which refer to themselves as BOAT RACE courses. 開催場 / Stadium … Fill in the race Stadium where the race is being held at.

Large teams represent various companies, schools, and even the army. It's a great team-building event for the community and a nice way to celebrate good marine harvests. Races are typically held at major Japanese racetracks, and there are also many smaller, local tracks where races are held regularly. 競艇 Gambling on boat races is big business in Japan, and it’s not uncommon for racegoers to bet large sums of money on their favorite racer.

If you know of an error in the calendar, then please let us know through the contact form. Sponsored ContentSponsored posts are clearly labeled with a "Sponsored" tag. Additionally, content such as tours and tickets, hotels and apartments are commercial content. "Cumulative Number of People Participating in Boat Race Gambling in Japan from 2015 to 2021 ." As a Premium user you get access to background information and details about the release of this statistic.

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. A unique aspect of the sport is the fact that women can compete as equally as men. As the weights of racers make an important difference in hydroplane racing, female racers, often lighter than their male counterparts, have certain advantages. Check out other events happening around Okinawa like these cherry blossom viewing spots, the Naha Matsuri, and the Tedako Festival.

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. 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.

I had a great time learning how to bet on motorboats with friends. Another popular type of powerboat race in Japan is the circuit boat race, which takes place on a circular track. This type of race is often longer than a drag boat race, and can last for several hours.