Japan has a decent set of options when it comes to a day out and a flutter. There are the horses of course like many other countries, but also boat (kyotei) and bike racing (keirin) too.
In recent years, horse racing has been very successful in attracting younger punters, resulting in big and surprisingly diverse crowds. Boat and bike racing, on the other hand, are very different. Now and again there might be a relatively decent amount of people present, but nothing compared to the numbers found regularly heading to the racecourse. There’s nowhere near the same diversity either. In fact, there really isn’t any diversity at all. It’s basically just men in their mid-fifties and older — the vast majority of whom don’t exactly meet the description of moneyed.
Yet despite the shared interest, age and social background, it’s an amazingly solitary pursuit. There’s generally little in the way of banter or camaraderie. No idle chitchat or encouragement. Just studying, betting and then quietly heading back home.
Denton says
Cool. I’ve only ever seen it on tv. A sport I’m sure must be fun to gamble on too. Did you go home lucky?!
Lee says
Sadly, no. Got close a few times, but close doesn’t win any money…
It is fun to watch and have a flutter on. I’d only ever seen it on TV during the Olympics before coming here, so great to see it live. And the added factor of potential winnings makes it a lot more exciting. Just need to turn that potential into cold hard cash!
cdilla says
It looks a bleak way to pass the time. If I was going to gamble I’d prefer the comfort of an up-market casino.
You’ve caught a great contrast between the flaky peeling paint on the stands and the smooth flowing track surface, and also between the gritty gambler surrounded by his dishevelled research, offering his encouragement, and the brightly attired cyclists on their shiny wheels, zoned out from everything but their riding.
Bizare topiary. Though a prettier way to protect “lost” cyclists from hurting themselves on those odd gurneys than the green padding that enrobes the tower stanchions for presumably the same purpose.
Lee says
Cheers. To be honest, while there is a certain grimness to it, there’s still the Iive sport element to enjoy. The hope of a big win too. Plus as an unexpected and rarely seen foreigner, I’ve always been made to feel very welcome.
Those old school gurneys are something else eh? Seen a couple of crashes, and one when the cyclist was wheeled away on one of them. Seemed like it’d only make his predicament worse, but mercifully nothing further untoward happened to him.
Hans ter Horst says
A bit sad seeing people chasing that one life-changing win that never comes 🙂
So few people gambling, you really made statement here although I know that there is still a lot of money going round in Keirin and the gambling on the outcome. Maybe it is more common to buy the tickets at he booths in town or online these days…
Lee says
I was there with them too!
To be honest, a lot of people stay indoors at the track and watch the racing solely on TV screens. There are also races from other venues to watch and gamble on too. So still a reasonable amount of people placing bets.
Squidpuppy says
A very painterly composition, and moment capture; nice. I dunno why, but it reminds me of Thiebaud and Hockney – probably the color contrasts and the stark geometries.
Is the venue more attended during weekends and evenings?
Given that horse, boat, and bicycle racing in Japan are government sponsored, as a tax revenue source, perhaps that’s why – despite the empty stands, the wheels keep turning? Seems to me anywhere else, this kind of turn-out would prompt a swift shut down.
Lee says
Thank you. Very kind of you. Means I got something right.
This meeting was the lowest ranked level of racers. A weekday too. So other meetings will definitely attract more people. But a lot of punters just stay in the stands and watch the races (and races from other venues) on the TV screens. So still a reasonable-ish number of people present. That said, walking round the various stadiums, it’s obvious that the numbers aren’t anything like they once were. So many stands, betting booths and so on have long since been closed. It was clearly a very popular pastime — at one time…