Cycling’s Billion Dollar Races - The Fascinating World Of Japanese Keirin
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- čas přidán 17. 11. 2018
- Whilst in Japan, Jon checked out the biggest form of bike racing in the nation, Keirin Racing, a sport where ¥1.3trillion Yen are bet each year! An event where tradition is central, we take a look at what makes Japanese Keirin racing so special...
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It's safe to say that Japanese track racing, specifically the Keirin, is a pretty special event. Jon absolutely loved his day at the track and was amazed by all that he saw.
Let us know what you think of this event, have you ever been to Keirin racing? 👇
If you enjoyed this video, make sure to give it a thumbs up and share it with your friends. 👍
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Leave us a comment below! - Sport
Did you know Keirin was so huge in Japan?! Let us know what you think of the sport.
I first learned about this sport in the last summer Olympics. I thought it was trek all the way but then they said keirin and I was immediately on Google looking up.
Now I'm just stunned. I had no idea it's so strict in Japan. It simply amazes me.
It's rather fascinating. Thanks for the video
Heard about it several years ago when l vistied a friend in Japan.
I have been hooked since!!
Get Emma to do the women's race
yes, you should have taken a look at their training regimen, it's pretty brutal :)
I had no idea... and I live here! Awesome video!
"Anything that involves a trillion is certainly a great deal of money"
*laughs in Zimbabwe*
Comment of the week please
Have you randomly gotten that ad talking about the Zimbabwe 100 trillion bank note too?
I remember a radio Station having a game where people could win a million one year, all they had to do was to select a number box... The trick was that you didn't know what currency was in that box, so if you chose the right box you could win a lot of money... But if you chose the wrong box all you got was a few pence!!
Dirk Gently - Trillion - i was expecting a Douglas Adams reference!
Venezuelans laugh too, I'm from Argentina, in 5 years from now we will be laughing too hahaha
Was hoping to see at least one lap of them actually racing rather than clips of them hanging around the track and walking their bikes around.
He probably wasn't allowed to show a full race for whatever reason.
You might like: czcams.com/video/qxze08tCoCA/video.html
The "montage" at the end was so disappointing. They build up for some exciting moments! Here we go! They're Off--- and yeah here they are walking their bikes back inside goodbye plzsubscribe.
I wish they'd at least say the reason if they weren't allowed to show it instead of that stupid bait.
@@Greippi10 I think a montage has to be more than 5 seconds long.
@@markconnelly1806 Notice how that's a recording of a TV? If that video becomes popular, I'm willing to bet that it gets copyright striked.
Showing the bikes more closly and a complete 2minutes race would have complete this interesting episode
It was just fine...
Agreed, wanted to see a race too but that is what CZcams is for I guess.
@@markgrenier6787 yer it was fine ..... I'm sure what GCN wanted.
Also lot of keirin does use a motorbike still. It was only different at this specific velodrome he was in.
They can now be watched live on YT
Nice video, but I am missing some interesting facts. You can race, if you have a permit, and to have that you have to go through Keirin academy. One of the exams is to unfold and re build your bike in exact oder on time. It is sport for Japanese cyclists, and about 6 invited individuals from around the globe. As you mentioned, people bet on the cyclists. You have to anounce your tactics in advance and stick to it (example Senko - long sprint, Oikomi - short sprint). Winner have to give small present to other cyclist in the race (bottle of energy drink...). Looking for next epizode :)
This is fascinating info, thanks Petr! 👍🏻
@John More fascist than the Axis powers. Oh wait...
Ahh crap, arubatsuru (albatross) -- like what happens in Japanese golf, when you score a hole-in-one, IIRC.
Gajins can go to this Keirin Academy?
baranybumm in theory but foreign athletes usually do a two-month course and then appear in special races (and they almost always thrash the Japanese racers)
Top class currency conversion.
quick maffs
no smartphone to google it lololol
This was classic tv documentary standard coverage in terms of production, content and presentation. Truly impressive.
Thanks Jon.
Not quite sure how to respond to such a genuinely nice comment. Are you feeling ok Michael?
Cheers
@@gcn Don't get me wrong, it's no excuse for wearing two watches like a nutcase.
Global Cycling Network i just chimed in above in the same manner before seeing McDermott comment. Frankly, Emma is excellent, Oscar is talented but you ( and I must presume your travel production team ) furnished a cracking cracking piece.
Umm, perhaps it was a Japanese production team this time?
I still miss the old boys banter but the content your putting out lately is large budget tv show quality.
Thanks Simon! Glad you're enjoying it. We certainly have a lot of fun making it!
One of the best videos on keirin racing in Japan on CZcams. The bikes are jaw dropping and the heritage of the sport is completly different from what we see in the western world.
Once a month, you can ride your bike on the velodrome when bicycle association opens the track for everyone.
The pavement is quite smooth and the speed you carry is higher than outside road.
Of cause the scenery is boring, but you can concentrate on riding, So, It is fun to ride a bike there and I think you will feel like keeping riding as long as you can.
That's awesome.
@@UenoLocker54 it is like this -> czcams.com/video/-P0-iYVg638/video.html
You can experience keirin racing with your friends and others.
Both free and fixed gear are allowed.
And if you want, you can do 500 m and/or 1km time trial.
Anyway I want to see GCN members race keirin. it would be fun to watch
@John Thank you for your nice comment, you save people from painful misconception.
@John No need for the snark. They're clearly Japanese and aren't fluent in English. I think we might just be able to give them a break, don'tcha think?
Nice. I will ride my touring bike around it hehehehe
NJS.. the holy grail of fixed gear bikes. Please show more of the bikes they are absolutely beautiful.
I thought they looked rather uninspiring. Nothing aerodynamic or shapely, super shallow rims, old-fashioned gumwall tires...looks like something you'd find abandoned in the back of someone's shed. It hurts a bit knowing they could have made everyone a good deal faster if they just updated the spec once or twice in the last several decades.
@@kevinvermeer9011 everyone has their own preferences. It's like comparing a classic sports car to a modern one. Sure you are going faster in the new car but you would be having just as much fun driving the classic. Besides, NJS is a standard to ensure fair racing so riders don't get unfair advantage in equipment. NJS also happens to have very strict quality standards which is why it is converted for fixed gear bikes.
Matt C correct, agreed.
I wanted more info about the bike. I guess I can look it up. :(
@@kevinvermeer9011 i'd really like to be polite. but please kevin... just go home.
those bikes are beautiful exactly how they are and there are reasons for that. but i don't care enough to explain them to you.
One of the managers at my company has a brother who does Keirin racing. She described him a "human horse that people bet on".
At least he doesn't become horse meat at the end of the career. Sadly most race horses end up that way.
Ive watched that anime :)
@@lordalfa600 That doesn't sound any worse than most other ways of meat farming to me.
I do get the feeling that's how they are treated. I think it's the lack of fans that do it, so they end up objectified.
However, he probably earns more than her and has more free time to not be an object.
@@tams805sounds like women's keirin in its early years (the 2010s) when the JKA tried to market them like idols
Thanks guys, this was genuinely interesting. Super interesting different racing culture.
Glad you liked it
Glad you enjoyed it Richard! We found it fascinating too.
@@JonCannings Probably the most interesting thing is the parallel's with horse racing....
I have been there and watched some races (without betting) and I found it interesting because they do not want anyone to be consistently the be the fastest and there is no age limit. As long as you are competitive in your given category (and there many) you can race well into your fifty's. Some of the lower categories (with higher ages) the speeds are very modest. The highest category is where you will see foreigners come in for a special event series (by invitation only).
Thats pretty interesting and indicative or Japanese culture all at once, thanks.
Those guys living together must not have a Keirin the world.
Hahaha
Boo. You're Keirin me.
This pun has to be NJS approved
good one
GAY!
Jon was so excited to get to the Keirin, he just stormed out a blood pressure test.
And Jon almost bumped his head on the low ceiling. I went to cycle in Fukuoka last month. Now that I have been cycling in Japan: I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese , I really think so.”
The fuck are you gammons talking about?
@@Le_Petomane czcams.com/video/IWWwM2wwMww/video.html
This has been my favorite video from GCN in a good while. Well done, Jon. Please make more videos like this!
GCN, basically explaining that the pound is down.....alot.
lol
or the Yen is up🤔
Which is why I’ve recently purchased most of my bike build from Sigma Sports!
@@daltonbedore8396 I think you've forgotten about brexit than. The pound is down and it won't be getting up anytime soon.
No a thousand yen is $10 usa so. 10,000 yen is $100. The a trillion is like 900 mil. Close to a billion
Thank you GCN, this probably the best of Japanese Keirin explains video ever. Very details.
I've always wondered about Keirin so I appreciated this very informative segment. Hope you guys had fun in Japan. Keep up the great work!
I LOVED this video!! Thanks for covering Japanese cycling!!
Cheers Tee!
fantastic documentary vid! long overdue for gcn.
Such a great episode. I've always been curious about Keirin racing. Thank you GCN.
Those bikes are absolutely stunning. I can't even imagine how skilled the builders must be considering they've had such a long time to perfect their craft on the same frame designs rather than constantly having to move onwards to the next innovation.
A Bridgestone NJS is high on my list
thank you gcn. super interesting, a joy to watch.
Best content as usual JC. Really fascinating and traditional sport.
I never heard about this kind of racing before today. Thanks so much for sharing!
I loved their colour co-ordinated kit! Thanks for such enthusiastic presentation bringing interest to the video.
Fantastic video as always!
This is so fascinating and awesome! As someone who is fascinated in Japan, Keirin truly amazes me! This video made me know more about the Keirin.
I love their bikes, classy threaded stems and lovely Japanese steel tubing
James Le Bas absolutely one of Keirin's main attractions!
Gorgeous, aren't they?
@@gcn Love the channel, I own a Fuji feather fixed gear myself and would love to see more fixed gear related videos👍
Will we get to see more of the racing? I own two road bikes a 91' Miyata 914 upgraded with STI shifters, and a stock bar the tires and tubes 85' Panasonic DX5000, also a 79' Miyata 1000LE touring bike. All made in Japan, exceptional build quality. Miyatas Splined Triple Butted tubing, stiffest steel tubing I have ever ridden! Fantastic stuff!
@@edwardlunn6975 Hey i have a Panasonic too DX2500 from '87 to be exact.
Absolutely amazing! Grats for the documentary!
Keirin is action packed and the result is settled within 5 minutes. I like watching it every now and then.
@GCN love this video! so glad you guys featured Japanese Keirin! Good to see my home country featured in GCN video :)
FYI, all Keirin bikes are made of steel for safety reason (steels bend, carbon/aluminum shatter and possible it could injure athletes with shattered pieces) since crash and bail is really common because of head/shoulder/elbow bumping (also to help frame builder businesses as well)
It's true. So many people in the US are still riding old made in Japan Fuji or Miyata steel bikes. I doubt many of the carbon bikes on the road today will still be around in 30 years. The thing I really like though is that the keirin bikes are still made by Japanese builders. If other countries had made similar rules for their races, maybe people in europe & the US would still be building bikes too instead of just having everything made in for them in Taiwan & China.
Great report, interesting about the NJS stamp of approval and how Campagnolo has only once managed to get a group set approved. Good to see the steel still being raced and what a sea of racing kit colours. Japan one of the best places I've visited, well worth a visit. Thanks again for another great video. Andy
Absolutely fascinating. One of the best GCN videos.
This was my favorite GCN story of 2018. A fascinating look into the world of Keirin racing.
Great vid, love Japan's Keirin racing! ❤
It's so cool, huh?
more track bike /fixed gear video 😁
shut up weeb
Why would you try to silence and insult someone in a comment section? That's just silly. Enjoy the videos and be a happy person. @@TheM4Dr1Zz
Yes please! I really enjoy fixed gear stuff
Agreed, more track content required.
Thanks so much for the awesome video. Always wanted to know more about keirin since koichi nakano used to rule the professional Sprint world championships.
I never raced in Japan, but I loved racing keirins. Back in my day, we were still physical. Nowadays, it's so mild.
Thanks for the tour.
That was great - getting to know about Keirin racing...!
I absolutely loved it ! Great video ! More Fixed Gear / Track cycling content please :)
Really fantastic video. I knew so little about keirin that I didn't even know there was a whole lot to know. And now I want to go to Japan again...
Great show guys, you just keep getting better
Didn't think this video would be something i would have liked. But i really enjoyed watching it and it was truely fascinating. Good job gcn
Glad to hear it dan!
I wish we could have seen more of the racing! Like an entire race with commentary.
czcams.com/video/qxze08tCoCA/video.html
This is amazing and fascinating. I love the deep traditions embedded in the sport. Thank you for this inside look GCN!
thats cool you guys chose this topic , i had completely forget about this form of racing id seen in magazines decades ago .
Jon's best video to date. Really interesting.
More where this came from, cheers!
Love the cultural idiosyncrasies. I had no idea about this discipline. Fascinating
Look into Asians if you had no idea about this... They truly are the most respectful race of people, incredibly hard working, honest and smart. Ive never met a dirty or disrespectful Asian
John probably the worst way you could disprove a point ever. Try again
@John The mathematical error in assuming the personality of 4 billion people based on people you have met is just the same as assuming the criminality of them based on bad news you hear.
@John yes, that idiot did. Lol people and their sweeping statements
Watching this again, and remembering that already the first time around I was amazed by the colour scheme of that stadium! Wes Anderson..
Thanks for providing this insight into Keirin racing. Another great video.
An amazing incite into such a different culture. Michael Palin would be proud of this Jon.
Great video, Jon!
Really enjoyed the show. Grew up watching track racing in Kenosha Wisconsin USA.
Super interesting! Hope your visit there has footage enough for several more videos. Left me hungry for more - more on the bikes, more on the structure/strategy of the race, interview with current/former riders. Whole new universe!
Never seen so much durace cranks and hubs in my life
That's a great video, thanks GCN.
It would great to learn whether there is any difference in training for track vs Keirin athletes.
Lookup up "Keirin school" which is isolated training program that the riders have to attend. For example they do hill reps on a super steep "wall".
Fascinating! Thanks, GCN!
I went to the same place and had the exact same reaction... so different from what I expected...thanks for bringing back the memories and explaining some of what is happening inside
"What Keirin is all about?"
Gambling!
Great informative video! There was a lot I didn't know even though I live here in Japan. I do see the Keirin racers out on the road on occasion on their piste bikes with the obligatory front brake attached, but have never actually been to see the races. One thing I was disappointed though was the choice of BGM especially at the beginning. Yes, the kind of music used there helps to make the feel the viewer lie they are in exotic Asia, but Hollywood has been doing that for years and I think I'm not the only who's tired of it. The type of music is how the West sees us and not what we actually listen to. I don't know what would be the right type of music, but I think you could try a little harder than going to the most obvious choice. Sorry for the rant. I'm really a fan of GCN and love what you guys do. I hope you can take this as constructive criticism. Thanks.
Agreed on the music. It was a fantastic video but the first thing I noticed was the music choice.
Greetings from Germany. We know your struggle :D
should have played babymetal 🤘
But the choice of generic koto music might be to do with copyright. If they use a modern song "universal music group" kills the CZcams video.
@@dfpguitar maybe so, but it still doesn't change how I felt. I don't think they meant any harm. They just didn't think give it much thought. Babymetal would definitely be great, but they can't use that, I'm sure there are other possibilities besides the generic koto music.
Really the music? You do realize anime, exaggerates stereotypes, yet is extremely popular. Create content, let's stop criticizing creators whom are not preaching hate.
Fascinating. A true look into something really different. GCN keeps on coming up with great content.
Cheers Julian! We found it super interesting.
Great. No idea about any of this.... Fun to see how much Jon enjoyed it. Great insight & access.
Two more things to add: The colour of that stripe on their shorts indicates level of experience. I also remember reading that they have to announce what strategy they will be using during the race, not sticking to it later is considered taboo. Weird, but think it had to do with the gambling aspect of it.
Crikey. It's a far cry from what we know as pro cycling!
I have a question:
Do they have brakes??? Because I didn't see any
Brilliant reporting! Thank you!
Thanks
Big thumbs up, thanks. I would have liked to see more of the bikes. Cheers from MTL
Amazing coverage 😇 Thank you for the detailed coverage. Loved the bikes. 👍
It's always a treat to see some steel. I'm off to tesco's on one of my steels to celebrate. The heavy one I think. Not a scrap of cf on it at all. Let's get the Beersin for the Keirin; good honest steelist's.
sandydenny lives agree! Bout a year ago I decided to try aluminum just... because I make lots of poor decisions in my life and (I guess) I thought: “hey I haven’t extended my line of thinking towards bikes yet” ...
Miss my steel baby. Going to eventually get back, when I can find an excuse to justify the frame/fork purchase.
Quality video. I could tell you were genuinely interested in Keirin.
This was one of the best uploads in ages.
Thank you for sharing the Japanese Keirin!! I am Japanese, so I know quite Keirin Track race. The Keirin is one of the best popular sport in Japan, although most Japanese don't know the Road Race. Hopefully, I look forward to creating GCN Japanese channel (like Espanol) !!
Great video Jon.
Thanks
I hope you had time to visit one of the NJS frame builder's shops. Would be awesome to see one braised and hammered together in person.
Awesome video!!!! Thanks GCN! :D
Thanks GCN, my subscription is really worthy, i am a Filino and i am also a cycling enthusiast, your videos are very informative and helpful, it made me more interested about cycling. Thank you so much, i hope one of your staff could visit the Philippines particularly in Cebu.
For a look at the American take on Keirin racing, please consider coming to Dick Lane Velodrome in Atlanta for the annual Keirin event. Usually in May so already gone this year, but it's a rather different version with lots of fans, cheering and unique Southern US flavor. My personal favorite cycling event to watch in person, ever!
I think the outdoor track at Herne Hill that is a similar size (450m) in SE London has an all weather surface on it these days as riders were riding there in the rain when I visited the other day.
It does I regularly ride there the only thing that prevents riding is when it is icy
But there aren’t races when it’s wet only training
Excellent video! This is truly fascinating to someone who loves cycling, such as myself, and was previously unaware of Keirin's existence. The research of the presenter and the "behind the scenes" footage show an attention to detail that is, if I may say, very appropriate to the subject matter and the culture in which it is based. Top quality. Thank you!
That was fantastic, please more of this style of videos
they look like horse racers
Or greyhounds with the pace rider ( akin to the rabbit which runs in the dog race ).
@@willeigo8468 haha true
The part of the tales I learned is that Keirin is actually designed to be "a horse race" when the economy is struggling and real horses are difficult to come by. Not sure if I heard the Japanese old man correctly, but this sounds likely.
Chawanat Nakasan - I’ve also heard that the Japanese government funded the construction of a lot of the velodromes as work projects to help the economy, but in order to make the project worthwhile, they needed to create a larger source of income than what the European velodromes make. So the “sport” of Kierin was created to bring in consistent gambling money.
I actually like human race than animal race because I love human cruelty
Sir, you are the NEW Matt Stephens of GCN. The others are good, but you are professional reporter.
Except :
1. What was the hand waving about 'ju jitzu'? Very unnecessary, irritating and unprofessional - keep hands still or in pockets!
2. Vocally untrained takes much too long to get to and make a point. . . . . .
3. Why does the lens focus unnecessarily and lengthily on the speaker - we can hear what he says. The camera should be used more fruitfully . . . . as has been pointed out several times.
4. 'Without' cycling footage, why was this video not made in Europe?
Conclusion - 'Very amateurish production. IMHO.
Peter Roberts I find that the hand movement was better than staying still or having hands in pocket. This channel in general has a more natural flow rather than stiff movements of staying still and hands in pockets
Fascinating stuff. Been to Japan twice, on tour playing gigs but never got a chance to see Keirin racing in the flesh. I hope to see it one day...
Great presentation. Would have enjoyed a couple of races. Thanks much.
2 watches? playing it safe, eh? great program, though!
Possibly to track two time zones?
@daAnder71 it does though, at 14:17 it shows 13.16
Nice informative video, but I would've liked to have seen some more racing action. It's like, you wait 'til the end of the video for the race and all you get is 10 seconds?
Thank you! An excellent look into the world of Keirin. Too bad you didn't have time to check out the whole cycling scene in Japan -- it's AMAZING!
A very informative and interesting video, well done and keep them coming.
The Japanese Keirin culture is so fascinating! Great video. There are also really nice documentaries about Keirin racing with Shane Perkins, Francois Pervis and some more on CZcams. I highly recommend watching this as well. :-)
Thanks for the tips, will check them out.
Basically human greyhound racing.
Better than forcing Dogs or Horses to it I suppose...
I mean.... couldn’t you say that about most racing?
Maybe not car racing I guess.
Although I would certainly pay to see dogs driving race cars
Somewhat I supppose.
Incredibly different than US Velodrome racing which my children & I participated in !
My son qualified in Velodrome racing in 2015 for the US Olympic Trials - so we know the sport well.
Our US Athletes in Track cycling are truly self funded amateurs whereas the Japanese have morphed this into a professional sport / business.
Nothing wrong at all about that just very different model despite the other similarities they share.
Thanks GCN for showing us Keirin Racing !
Lol. %100
I really enjoyed this special; it’s great to see different parts of the cycling world we might not normally see.
👌 cheers bud!
Really good insight on this steeped in tradition type of racing! Will check out a live race in future:)
Now i feel like building up a track bike again..
Yes! Do it.
I had heard of keirin racing back in the 1970s but couldn't see any until the advent of CZcams. Thanks for covering the topic.
Make sure it's NJS approved
Did it ever occur to you to actually show the RACING? Would have been nice to see.
I love Jon's biking history and nerdery videos so much!
Possibly the best video of the channel, congratulations
My pleasure. Cheers
Great video!
Gutted you never showed us an example race - or at least some finishing laps. I really wanted to know how one "looked".........
those simple steel bikes are BEAUTIFUL! museum worthy
Theo Bos even went to Japan for several years to compete in the Japanese Keirin. He said that is was a big part in his overall succes.