Envision sleek boats speeding across water. This is the Heiwa-jima Boat Race Stadium in Tokyo. This is not just any boat racing venue. It holds a special place in the world of Japanese boat racing.
Heiwa-jima Boat Race Stadium is located in Tokyo’s Ota district. It opened its doors in 1954. The stadium quickly became a popular spot for boat race enthusiasts. Today the Heiwa-jima Boat Race Stadium stands as the largest in sales among Tokyo’s three boat racing venues. It is also known as Boat Race Heiwa-jima since 2010.
However the start was bumpy. Initially the races were sponsored by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Sales weren’t great. So the operation was ceased in 1955. Later that year the city of Fuchu took over the sponsorship. It is unclear why Fuchu became involved. One theory suggests it was for financial reasons. Fuchu had just been founded in 1954 through a merger.
In 1957 the name changed to Heiwa-jima Boat Race Stadium. The stadium added races sponsored by the Sagami Lake Motorboat Racing Association in 1960. This continued until 2004. The Sagami Lake Motorboat Racing Association dissolved. Now only Fuchu sponsors the races. So Ota district has no involvement in the races.
The facility is owned by Keikyu Development. It is part of the Keikyu Group. Nearby there is a pachinko parlor a game center a hot spring and restaurants. They all form Big Fun Heiwa-jima together with the Heiwa-jima Boat Race Stadium.
Heiwa-jima Boat Race Stadium was once called the “Mecca of the East”. It hosted the Kin-en King Decision Race four times. The stadium boasts the second highest number of SG events held. Only Suminoe Boat Race Stadium has hosted more. Heiwa-jima also hosted the first Boat Race Classic and Challenge Cup.
In 2009 the Heiwa-jima DE Yoshi-moto event started. It aimed to attract new fans. Since 2012 Heiwa-jima has held twilight races called “Tokyo Afternoon Race”. The races start later than usual. From June to August the schedule is delayed by one hour.
In 2018 LUNA a female magician became the Boat Race Heiwa-jima support ambassador. The mascot is “P-STAR” a Godzilla character.
松永良一, an appraiser of the Japan Motorboat Racing Association was in charge of the actual condition until February 2011. 福田裕美 and other members of Tosi Voice are in charge of the actual condition from March 2011. Most of the telops inserted into the relay video are made with CGI.
Heiwa-jima Boat Race Stadium is unique. It has a tight course. The water surface is difficult. The odds of winning from the inside are low.
The stadium is undergoing renovations since May 2023. They are scheduled to be completed in 2028. A corner of the venue is closed.
Originally the Tokyo Tele-シアター was installed. You could enjoy boat races on large monitors. Now it is an off-site sales office called “Boat Race Heiwa-jima Theater”.
Once there was a sign with 川柳良一’s calligraphy that said “The world is one family humans are brothers”. This was removed in 2010 and replaced with a billboard ad.
Yoshinoya a beef bowl chain has a store inside the facility.
The race surface utilizes a canal. It runs between Heiwa-jima and the Oomori coastline. The water is seawater. Tides affect the water level. Waves are gentle. Buildings surround the course. Strong winds can create rough water. Making Heiwa-jima’s course one of the most challenging. Winning from the outside is more common here.
After turning at the first mark racers head towards the back straight. The Daikoku Ward and Heiwa-jima Water Quality Management Office are nearby. They release water to improve water quality. This helps maintain environmental standards.
The wind often blows from the first to the second turn. This is known as “Tilt 3 degrees wind” among race fans.
Major races held at Heiwa-jima include the Commemorative Tournament the Tokyo Bay Cup and the Kirin Cup. The stadium is easily accessible by bus or train. There is a parking lot for around 1300 cars. Heiwa-jima Boat Race Stadium offers an exciting and unique boat racing experience. It blends history with modern entertainment.