Bring out the "Ojisan"? Bet big at the Hamana Lake hydroplane races

▲Hydroplane racing at Hamana Lake is a fun activity for the whole family. (Photo by Reporter Chen Ziying)

Reporter Chen Ziying / Reporting from Hamana Lake, Japan

“Ojisans standing in a row—who will you pick today?” Don’t get the wrong idea—choosing an Ojisan here doesn’t mean taking one home. Instead, these Ojisans help tourists analyze the racers at Hamana Lake hydroplane races, including background info and recent performance, to serve as a “reference” when placing bets. Here, we call them the “Predicting Ojisans”!


▲Wearing green uniforms, these are the “Predicting Ojisans” inside the hydroplane venue. Want to place a bet? Hear what the Ojisan has to say—but be prepared to pay for the advice. (Photo by Reporter Chen Ziying)
Stepping into the spacious and grand Hamana Lake hydroplane race venue, you might just envy the Japanese, because Japan truly is a country that values sports and leisure. Whether it’s local cycling events or hydroplane races, you can feel the atmosphere of the entire nation enjoying sports together. Due to geographical and national size factors, Taiwan rarely holds hydroplane competitions, but in Japan, hydroplane racing is one of the four major public sports, with a history of sixty years. Local TV often broadcasts the races. Japan has 24 hydroplane race venues and over 500 racers—each of whom graduates from a “hydroplane school” before becoming a competitor. Each race also allows for “betting,” which explains why the “Predicting Ojisans” are so popular. The Hamana Lake Hydroplane Race Venue is actually operated by a local publicly listed company, the Hamana Lake Hydroplane Business Group, and is the only hydroplane venue at Hamana Lake.

▲The “General Admission” seats have more capacity than a movie theater—you can clearly see which racer is in the lead. (Photo by Reporter Chen Ziying)


▲The “VIP seats” are a different story—they not only offer assigned seating, but also tables like those in meeting rooms, complete with drinks and coffee. Betting all day here is very comfortable. (Photo by Reporter Chen Ziying)


▲Becoming a VIP-level bettor? Come sign up right away—so, who’s your chosen racer? Feel free to ask the “Predicting Ojisans” anytime. (Photo by Reporter Chen Ziying)

Before the race begins, six racers perform starting and turning maneuvers with their boats for the audience, after which the public can place bets. This is when the “Predicting Ojisans” start loudly promoting their “professional predictions.” Just choose an Ojisan, and he’ll base his analysis on the racers’ recent performances and backgrounds. Of course, it’s up to the public to decide whom to trust—the Ojisan won’t cover any losses.


▲Racers showcasing their boats. (Photo by Reporter Chen Ziying)

▲The throttle and steering wheel are key to a racer’s victory. (Photo by Reporter Chen Ziying)

When the “beeping sound” goes off, it’s hard not to get caught up in the thrilling atmosphere and rush to the open-air stands to watch, holding your breath as racers accelerate from the waiting area. When the light behind Racer No. 6 in the waiting zone lights up, all the racers speed forward—but this isn’t the official start yet. Racers first need to find their best starting positions. The race officially begins when the large clock near the stands starts ticking. Racers must circle a 600-meter waterway three times to determine the winner.

▲Racers must choose the most advantageous starting position for themselves—the race only officially starts when the large clock’s hand begins moving. (Photo by Reporter Chen Ziying)


▲Within 0 to 1 second after the hand starts, the boat must touch the starting line—otherwise, it’s considered a violation. (Photo by Reporter Chen Ziying)


▲The turns are the perfect chance to leave your opponents behind. (Photo by Reporter Chen Ziying)

The Hamana Lake Hydroplane Race Venue is a great spot for family outings on holidays and a place of entertainment for many retirees. The professional race venue is fun and offers legal betting. But if foreign tourists want to try their luck with a bet here, they’ll likely have to just go with their gut, pick a “Predicting Ojisan,” and trust him completely.

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Hamana Lake Hydroplane Race Venue
Address: 3727–7 Nakanochō, Shinji Town
          Kosai-shi, Shizuoka 431-0301
Contact Number: +81 53-594-7111
Official Website:http://www.hamanako-kyotei.com/
Admission Fee: 100 yen (about NT$30)