Yurakucho Arima Kinen Event Prediction: "2-7-4 (Funasshi)"

The Japan Racing Association (JRA) is holding a PR event titled "Yurakucho Arima Kinen ~Shine Bright, This Year's Final BIG CHANCE Grand Prix Week~" in the Yurakucho Station area of Tokyo from December 16th until race day on the 22nd, ahead of the year's final horse racing festival, the 58th Arima Kinen. The area is illuminated with green LED lights evoking a lawn, featuring a special effect where wearing dedicated glasses makes the lights appear as horse silhouettes, recreating the feel of a racecourse. The "Arima Mameshiba Café," a collaboration with Dentsu Inc.'s original character "Mameshiba," offers menu items like the "Arima Ore" featuring Mameshiba latte art and the special "Dream Arimanju" Chinese bun, said to boost your luck. A photo spot recreating the scene of the legendary horse Deep Impact crossing the finish line at the 51st Arima Kinen is also set up. Visitors can mount a life-size horse statue to feel like a jockey, with the photo instantly printed as a calendar or postcard to take home.

 

On the 19th, the "Arima Kinen Prelude!? True Funabashi Talent Showdown" took place on the stage in the station front area. Since Nakayama Racecourse, where the race is held, is located in Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, the mascot character "Funassyi" and the comedy duo "Penalty" (Wacky and Hide), both from Funabashi, made an appearance. They heated up the venue with events like a "jumping power showdown" to determine which was the true representative talent of Funabashi. Ahead of the day's announced race card, the "Japan's Earliest Arima Kinen Prediction Battle" was also held. The three predicted the race focusing on their favorite horses. Funassyi announced, "I'll base my bet on horse number 15, with 2-7-4 (Funassyi)." Wacky sent "energy" wishing for the Arima Kinen's success, while Hide said, "Horse racing is thoroughly enjoyable for women and families alike. Please come visit." Funassyi energetically appealed, "Nasshi, Nakayama Racecourse also has beautiful Christmas illuminations, nasshi. Please come enjoy the races together, nasshi!"

A public viewing of the race will be held in the same area on the 22nd.

"Yurakucho Arima Kinen" Event Site: jra.jp/yurakucho_arima/