Boat Race Japan

In boat racing, the boats are lined up in six lanes, with Lane 1 closest to the first turn mark, and Lane 6 furthest away. That makes Lane 6 the most challenging starting position!

But in this race, Hayato Nakatani (in the yellow Boat No. 5) gets off to an amazing start from the outside, recording the fastest starting time of all six boats at just 0.01 seconds.

With the longest run-up to the start, Nakatani carried that speed straight into the first turn mark.

A daring move from the furthest lane - and it’s enough to take control of the race!

In boat racing, Lane 1 has the inside line, closest to the first turn mark, and is generally considered the most advantageous position on the water.

But in this championship final at Boat Race Ashiya, five of the six boats have moved well away from the normally advantageous inside position, dropping far back to build up speed for the run to the start.

That puts Tatsuya Yamaguchi in the black Boat No. 2 at the front of the outside group - an unusual position for Boat No. 2, which would normally be much closer to the inside.

One boat on the inside, with five lined up behind it. All six boats head for the first turn mark at full speed.

And just like that, the race is off to a wild start.

What looked like a narrow gap became the winning move!

This race showcases one of boat racing's most important techniques: the sashi.

A sashi is an inside passing maneuver in which a racer slips through an opening at the first turn while maintaining speed and control. It requires precise timing, as the opportunity can disappear in an instant.

Watch closely as Shiki Takahata (in the blue Boat No. 4) executes a perfectly timed sashi to defend against Ryo Kamakura (in the yellow Boat No. 5) and takes control of the race.

Another impressive performance from one of Japan's talented female boat racers.

If you're planning a summer trip to Japan, consider adding a Boat Race venue to your itinerary.

With 24 locations across the country - whether you're traveling through Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto or further down south in Kyushu, there's a Boat Race venue waiting to be discovered.

Take in the excitement of high-speed racing, enjoy the views by the water, and discover local attractions beyond the major tourist destinations - a visit to a Boat Race venue can be a memorable addition to your Japan trip!

Save this post for inspiration and explore one of Japan's most unique spectator experiences.

The 2026 Boat Race Grand Championship delivered an unforgettable final! 🏆

As the most prestigious SG (Special Grade) race of the year, only Japan's elite racers earn a place in this championship. This year's final was made even more special with top female racer Emi Endo lining up against the very best - a rare sight in elite-level sports, where men and women compete together on the same stage.

From the start, Kakuro Yoshida (in the white Boat No. 1) launched into an early lead with a textbook escape and never looked back. Meanwhile, Emi Endo (in the red Boat No. 3) nailed her start with outstanding speed, securing second place from the opening lap and holding her position all the way to the finish. Yoshiya Baba (in the black Boat No. 2) completed the podium with a strong third-place finish.

🏁 Final Results:
🥇 1st: Kakuro Yoshida (White Boat No. 1)
🥈 2nd: Emi Endo (Red Boat No. 3)
🥉 3rd: Yoshiya Baba (Black Boat No. 2)

What did you think of the final? Were you cheering for Yoshida's dominant escape or hoping to see Emi Endo make history? Let us know in the comments!

The 36th Boat Race Grand Championship was just held in June! Check out the video to see who this year's finalists were!

Known as the most prestigious Special Grade (SG) race, the Grand Championship features only the very best racers. Entry requirements are incredibly strict - reserved for the defending champion, the finalists of the 2025 Grand Prix, this year's Boat Race All Stars winner, and the top performers in SG qualifying races. Racers who have never competed in an SG event are not eligible, making qualification an achievement in itself.

This year's finalists have earned their place through outstanding performances and hard-fought victories. Now, they'll battle for the sport's ultimate title.

Who do YOU think took home the championship? Share your pick in the comments below! Follow along for the results and highlights!

*Please note: Each racer's statistics are based on results from November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, and may not reflect their most recent results.

Think the race is over after the first turn? Think again.

Hirohisa Yamamoto (in the white Boat No. 1) looked set for victory after taking control at the opening turn, but the battle was far from over.

Lap by lap, Makoto Busujima (in the yellow Boat No. 5) closed the gap. Watch until the end to see how Busujima’s perseverance won him the lead in the final lap!

This is the kind of last-minute upset that boat racing fans live for!

Would you want to watch a race like this and experience the excitement for yourself?
Check out our race schedule here! https://boatrace.jp/extent/common/en/locations-and-schedule/

Every racer has one race they'll never forget.

For Kenta Ueda, an A2-ranked racer from Aichi, it was his first-ever Grade 1 win at the 2023 Young Derby - one of Japan’s premier competitions for up-and-coming boat racers, and one he had always dreamed of competing in.

In this exclusive interview, Ueda reflects on the pressure of starting from Boat No. 1, often viewed as the most advantageous position, and how he stayed focused until the finish to secure one of the most memorable wins of his racing career.

Stay tuned for more racing insights, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments with Ueda!

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Lake Biwa is known as Japan’s largest lake, offering visitors beautiful scenery, relaxing cruises, and a variety of ways to enjoy its natural surroundings.

Many visitors are familiar with the famous Michigan sightseeing cruise, but there is another exciting boat experience waiting on the shores of Lake Biwa: Boat Race Biwako!

Enjoy the peaceful views of the lake before experiencing the energy and excitement of high-speed boat racing up close. From stunning lake scenery to thrilling competition, Boat Race Biwako offers a unique way to discover another side of Lake Biwa.

If you’re looking for a different experience in Japan, why not add Boat Race Biwako to your itinerary?