Naha Haarii Dragon Boat Races, 3rd May

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.

The British team on board their F50 did not see the Japanese boat and that resulted in a significant crash, with both boats being unable to continue. Thirty years ago, at 14, I was a child who made a huge mistake. I married my first boyfriend because I was pregnant with his child. I found myself trapped in an abusive relationship with a man who abused pain medication every day, refused to work and only wanted to live off government assistance. I didn’t believe in any of that and vowed to work myself out of that life. It was a seventh win in eight SailGP finals for Australia driver Tom Slingsby.

See a celebration of Okinawa’s rich nautical history at 競艇 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.