From April 3 to April 8, 2025, the BOATRACE Miyajima will host the "G1 Miyajima Champion Cup Inauguration 71st Anniversary". The event, which features daily comedy shows, promises to be a lively celebration of boat racing and entertainment, appealing to both young and old alike.
This year marks the 71st anniversary of the Champion Cup, a prestigious G1 race that is held annually in honor of the racetrack's opening. The event not only showcases top-tier A1-class racers but also incorporates family-friendly events designed to keep everyone entertained.
Although the event is free to attend, visitors hoping to purchase boat tickets must be at least 20 years old. The program kicks off on the first day, April 3, with an opening ceremony set to begin at 9:15 AM, followed by the first day Dream Battle Interview.
Headlining on the opening day will be Kotetsu Morita, who is scheduled for a talk show at 1:30 PM after the special talk shows featuring racer Yuna Yonekura at 11:00 and 1:00 PM, and a comedy performance by the duo Shishigashira at 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM. Shishigashira, part of Yoshimoto Kogyo, is known for their unique comedic style and made it to the finals of the M-1 Grand Prix 2023. The pairing of a talk show and comedy is anticipated to set an engaging tone for the event.
On April 4, comedian Amu Start will take the stage, delivering comedic performances at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Racers Nozomi Noda will also join with two special talk shows at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, adding another layer of excitement to the proceedings. This variety in entertainment is designed to attract families looking to enjoy a fun day out.
April 5 promises more fun with popular comedian Yoshio Kojima making an appearance, performing shows at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Kids can enjoy various playful installations, and the event will also feature the Batteries comedy team, who are fresh off their success in the 2024 M-1 Grand Prix finals, with shows scheduled at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Special attractions for children include the Carps Fuwa Fuwa Dome, open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, weather permitting, and an interactive workshop where kids can create a glowing moon lamp, running at the same time but limited to 80 attendees. Food options will be available with kitchen cars operating from 9:50 AM to 4:00 PM.
As the weekend approaches, April 6 will feature an exciting Ninja Dojo event alongside performances by comedians Mach Cabrilly Murakami, Mitsuhiro Fukutomi, and Chance Ooshiro. Ooshiro will perform at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, while the latter two will have special talk shows scheduled at 11:20 AM and 1:20 PM, respectively. The Ninja Dojo is set to challenge kids with various fun activities, from throwing shurikens to climbing walls and will be open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, again depending on weather conditions.
On April 7, the comedy duo Matenrou will entertain attendees with their shows at 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM, followed by a lucky draw event for exciting prizes like home appliances at 2:40 PM. Each draw costs 3,000 yen worth of unconfirmed boat tickets, with participants allowed a maximum of five draws.
The final day, April 8, will be full of highlights, including special performances by the popular comedians Hori and Ozwald, both performing at 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM. The grand finale will also feature an interview with the participating racers for the champion race starting around 12:30 PM, culminated by the award ceremony after the last race.
As this exciting series of events unfolds, it promises to be a grand festive occasion that brings together the thrill of boat racing and the joy of entertainment, ensuring that participants of all ages have a fabulous time at BOATRACE Miyajima this April.