What is “Arima Kine Horse race?” Actually I didn’t know it until I came to Japan.

Arima Kine Horse Race is a house racing championship hosted by JRA, Japan Racing Association on the last Sunday of each year at Nakayama Racecourse in Funabashi City of Chiba Prefecture. It is a world-class Grade I championship with a course length of 2500 meters. It is the most important race before the end of Japan’s horse racing season every year.

The race was first hosted in 1956, it had become one of the most important house race in Japan since then. The winner horse of the race will be rewarded a prize of 200 million Japanese yen, the amount had been increased to 250 million yen at the beginning of 2015.

Arima Kinen, the name of the race is originated from the name of Arima Yoriyasu who was the second chairman of the JRA, in order to commemorate his contributions to the development of Japan’s horse racing industrial. He died in 1957, the name of the race was changed to Arima Kine Horse Race since then.

Arima Kinen is not only a sport festival event, it also serves as a unique tradition of year end in Japan. It is well recognized by the society.

Japanese people is hard-working and earnest. Our group consisted of five people, we have exchanged up to 20 or 30 emails regarding important matters and precautions of Arima Kinen Horse Race before took the trip.

Arima Kinen Horse Racing of 2014 was hold on December 28th. Japan already entered holiday seasons of the new year. Train stations and travel spots were all packed with people. Nakayama Racecourse was no exception. I never had imaged to see so many people in Japan, it felt like back in China.

The racecourse is packed with people indoor or outdoor. People spread news papers on the floor, some lied down on the floor, some even brought coverlets, it seems they had spent the night here. I think maybe it is hard to find another place that is more disordered and dirty than here.

When the race reached its climax, everybody shouted and screamed with force. However the order was well-maintained, there was not collisions or stampede accidents.

The weather is great, there is a helicopter hovering in the sky. When we reached there, the race already entered its 7th games, people gettered around the course try to have a clear look.

My friend told me how to make the bet and how to buy a betting ticket. I chose the one that looks most simple, put a deposit of 200 yen. There are men and women all around me shouting.

It’s rare to see Japanese people getting so excited.

Among the six people of our group, one person won a prize. In the cold wind, although I didn’t win any prize, I felt so happy.

My friend said she is satisfied of the trip because she saw some famous personalities.

Actress Ms. Maomi Yuki, Fuji TV new anchor Mt. Naohide Fukuhara, comedian Mt. Takaaki Ishibashi and former professional baseball player and manager Mt. Shigeo Nagashima.

We watched beautiful horses and sunset when left for home.

Information

* Please refer to the latest info before visiting the place.