【Kyoto Racecourse】Part 1
Embracing the Founder’s Spirit in the Modern Era

April 22, 2023, marked the grand opening of the Kyoto Racecourse. Initially established at its present location in 1925, the racecourse witnessed the construction of its second-generation stand in 1938, designed by our company’s founder, Takeo Yasui. Since then, we have been continuously involved in its renovation works.

From the gable end’s side, the stand is distinguished by its impressive parabolic curve that rises along the seating area and stretches out along the roof. This stand, which was featured on the covers of architectural magazines at that time, includes a 23-meter cantilever beam, a gondola for special viewing seats suspended from it, and window glass installed as a windbreak. This significant pre-war construction showcases the beauty of its form and is among Takeo Yasui’s notable works.

The reconstruction, undertaken as part of the centennial celebration in 2025, retained the elegance of the circular paddock while intensively focusing on enhancing visibility, a fundamental principle of racecourse design.
“Form expressing Function”—this principle of the founder has been faithfully perpetuated in the fifth iteration of the Kyoto Racecourse.