Japanese-themed race days a winner for Hong Kong Jockey Club, with 2 more added

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has expanded its popular Japanese-themed race days from two to four this year, a move aimed at drawing more spectators, including mainland Chinese and overseas visitors, by adding cultural elements from one of residents’ favourite travel destinations.

The expansion of the “Japan Nights” event series was highlighted on Thursday in conjunction with the opening of the 2025 “Japan Autumn Festival in Hong Kong”, a two-month programme marking its 10th anniversary.

Hanane Sabri, head of racing marketing at the Jockey Club, said the increase in the number of events was a direct response to high demand.

“Last year we had only two Japanese nights and this year we are going to have four. So we expanded our budget in that regard because the Japan Nights were very successful last year,” she said.

Sabri said the club planned to create a fully immersive Japanese race-day experience appealing to the senses, which would include live bands from Japan, new culinary offerings and a lucky draw for travel vouchers.