First Book by Mikio Osawa, Who Has Announced Over 10,000 Races in 30 Years of Horse Racing Commentary and Hosting, 'Learn Horse Racing Culture from Scratch with a Horse Racing Announcer' to be Released July 13, 2026

Learn Horse Racing Culture from Scratch

This book is an introductory guide written by an author with 30 years of experience in horse racing commentary and hosting, and 20 years as a caster for Green Channel's 'JRA Race Broadcast' and 'International Race Broadcast,' who has announced over 10,000 races, for those who want to learn about horse racing as a form of 'culture.'

In recent years, interest in horse racing has been growing, sparked by content like 'Uma Musume' and TV dramas.

However, there are also many people who say:

'I'm interested in horse racing, but I don't know where to start.'

'I've never been to a racecourse.'

'I've never bought a betting ticket.'

This book is written for such individuals, aiming to help them understand horse racing not just as gambling, but as history, culture, sport, and industry.

Horse Racing: Not Just Entertainment, but a 'Comprehensive Sport' Horse racing is not merely entertainment.

It has a long history, a rich culture, a significant economy, and countless dramas woven by people and horses.

This book serves as an introductory guide to learning about horse racing as 'culture,' with Mikio Osawa, who has served as a caster for Green Channel's JRA Race Broadcast and International Race Broadcast for 20 years and witnessed over 10,000 races and human stories, as your guide.

It goes beyond the basics of how to buy betting tickets and points for watching races, and explains:

The cultural background cultivated by horse racing A comparison with horse racing in various countries around the world The history of the development of Japanese horse racing The existence of Thoroughbreds The jobs of people who support horse racing Stories woven by people and horses with numerous anecdotes.

Why 'Horse Racing Culture' Now? It is written in an easy-to-understand manner for readers new to horse racing, and also provides experienced enthusiasts with a perspective to enjoy horse racing more deeply.

Why 'Horse Racing Culture' Now? Japanese horse racing is at a major turning point.

Japanese horses continue to challenge in the world's top races and have achieved results in major international races.

Furthermore, a new generation is becoming interested in horse racing through anime and games.

However, there are few introductory books that answer fundamental questions such as:

'Why does horse racing exist?'

'Why is the purchase of betting tickets permitted?'

'How was horse racing introduced to Japan?'

'How has Japanese horse racing developed?'

The author, who has been on the front lines of horse racing commentary for 30 years, has felt that 'the charm of horse racing lies not only in betting tickets, but in the history, culture, and human activities behind it.'

This book is his first published work, written to convey that charm to more people.

What You Can Learn from This Book Chapter 1: 'Horse Racing Basics' This chapter introduces the fundamental knowledge for enjoying horse racing, including racecourses (turf and dirt), central and local horse racing, class divisions and race systems, characteristics of Thoroughbreds, horse gender and coat colors, types of betting tickets and how to purchase them, odds, and payouts. It also explains the institutional aspects of horse racing, such as 'Why is the purchase of betting tickets permitted?'

Chapter 2: 'Origins of Horse Racing' This chapter traces the roots of horse racing culture, starting from the relationship between humans and horses, ancient European horse racing, the birth and development of modern horse racing in Britain, and the creation of the Oaks and Derby. It also introduces the history of modern horse racing as it spread from Britain to Ireland, France, and the United States.

Chapter 3: 'History of Japanese Horse Racing' This chapter explains the journey of Japanese horse racing, from ancient Japanese races, the introduction of Western-style horse racing during the late Edo period, horse racing in the Meiji era, the establishment of the Horse Racing Act, pre-war, wartime, and post-war Japanese horse racing, the establishment of the Japan Racing Association (JRA), and the development of local horse racing. It also covers events that color the history of current Japanese horse racing, such as the establishment of the Japan Derby, the first Japanese Triple Crown winner St. Lite, and the Arima Kinen named after Yoriyasu Arima.

Chapter 4: 'World Horse Racing' This chapter looks back at the history of Japanese horses challenging overseas races, introducing the footsteps of horses like Hakuchikara, Speed Symboli, Symboli Rudolf, Seeking the Pearl, Taiki Shuttle, and Forever Young. It also covers the establishment of the Japan Cup, challenges to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, overseas betting ticket sales, and the horse racing situations in various countries such as Britain, Ireland, France, the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, and the Middle East.

Chapter 5: 'People Involved in Horse Racing' This chapter introduces the jobs of many people who support horse racing, including breeders, owners, trainers, and jockeys. It delves into the behind-the-scenes aspects of horse racing, such as the Shadai Group and breeding farms in the Hidaka region, syndicate horse ownership clubs, stable hands and training assistants, jockey Yutaka Take, female jockeys, horse racing newspapers, horse racing broadcasts, and horse racing commentary. It also clearly explains the structure of the horse racing industry, including the flow of money from organizers and the distribution of prize money.

From Iwate Horse Racing to World Horse Racing: The Thoughts of Author Mikio Osawa After graduating from Waseda University, Mikio Osawa joined IBC Iwate Broadcasting as an announcer.

After joining the company, he was in charge of Iwate Horse Racing commentary and gained experience in the local horse racing scene.

He became a freelance announcer in 2003.

From 2006, he served as a caster for Green Channel's 'JRA Race Broadcast' for 18 years, announcing over 10,000 races.

From 2010, he also handled international horse racing broadcasts, reporting on the moments of Japanese horses challenging overseas and achieving great success.

In addition, since 2021, he has been serializing columns in 'Kameya Horse Racing Salon' and also serves as a host and moderator for events.

Outside of horse racing, he has been the commentator for WOWOW's European Football broadcasts since 2004, and currently provides commentary for events like the UEFA Champions League.

His dream is: 'To report on Japanese horses winning the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.'

This book is filled with perspectives and experiences that only an author who has watched horse racing for 30 years can share.

Book Overview Title: Learn Horse Racing Culture from Scratch with a Horse Racing Announcer Author: Mikio Osawa Publisher: Pal Publishing

Release Date: July 13, 2026

Price: ¥1,600 (excluding tax)

Pages: 240 pages

Format: 46-size

Dimensions: 188mm × 128mm × 15mm

ISBN-13: 978-4827215519

ISBN-10: 4827215510

Author's Comment 'Horse racing often carries the image of gambling, but behind it lies a long history, the efforts of many people, and a culture passed down through generations worldwide.

I wanted people who don't know about horse racing, aren't familiar with it, or want to learn about it from scratch, to understand its depth and appeal, which is why I wrote this book.

I hope this book will serve as a new gateway to horse racing and allow as many people as possible to feel its fascination.'

-- Mikio Osawa

Interview Topics for Media

The meaning of learning horse racing as culture

The history and development of Japanese horse racing

The internationalization of Japanese horse racing

Behind the scenes of international horse racing broadcasts

What a 30-year horse racing commentator has seen and conveyed

The jobs of people who support horse racing

Japanese horses and the challenge of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

Contact Information

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