As the month of May leads us toward the hotter days just around the corner, it’s once again time for one of Japan’s great horse races, the Japanese Derby, or Tokyo Yushun, as it is sometimes called here in Japan. This Sunday sees the race run at its traditional home, Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu, just a short journey west from the center of the capital.

Despite the difficult conditions from the pandemic continuing well into 2021, horse racing in Japan has been largely able to weather the storm, and with strict protocols in place, it has essentially meant the industry remains on a steady path to when normality returns, and racing can once again take on its familiar appearance for all the people involved, whatever their role. Be it the lunchbox seller at the track, or the small-time punter chasing a rainbow, racing is sure to find the sum of its parts sometime again in the not-too-distant future.

In the meantime, this year’s Japanese Derby will have to take place with limited spectators, and the Japan Racing Association’s top official, President and CEO Masayuki Goto, had the following to say about this year’s race: “To ensure the health and safety of customers and staff, entry to the racecourse will be limited to those who have purchased reserved seats online in advance. The 88th derby will be held on May 30 and will determine the best 3-year-old from approximately 7,200 horses born in 2018.” He went on to add, “It’s my sincere wish that things settle down soon and that everyone can enjoy watching racing again on-site.”