Women from All Walks of Life Thriving in GIRLS KEIRIN

In mid-February, a velodrome in Tokyo buzzed with excitement as a sizable crowd gathered despite it being a weekday evening. Families with children and young women filled the stands, their energy building as the women's event began. As the cyclists surged forward, spectators erupted into cheers, calling out names and shouting, "Go, everyone!"

Key Initiatives in GIRLS KEIRIN

• Enhancing appeal with new race events and redesigned uniforms
• Improving facilities, including dedicated women's bath areas
• Providing training school guidance on pregnancy and postpartum support

Rider Count Soars from 33 to 201

Since its relaunch in 2012, GIRLS KEIRIN has steadily gained traction as a competitive sport. The number of female riders, which began at just 33, had expanded to 201 as of December 2024. Prize earnings have also increased, with the average annual winnings reaching approximately ¥9.92 million JPY ($67,000 USD) in 2024.

Keirin originated in Japan shortly after World War II, with women's keirin introduced in 1949. At its peak, the sport boasted 669 registered female riders. However, growing skill disparities among competitors led to a decline in popularity, and women's keirin was discontinued in 1964.

In the 21st century, efforts to revive the sport gained momentum as part of a broader push to modernize keirin. Exhibition races featuring amateur cyclists helped reignite interest, paving the way for the official return of women's keirin in 2012. That was 48 years after its initial closure.

A Sport with Athletes Thriving in Their 40s

To mark the 10th anniversary of GIRLS KEIRIN in 2022, its governing body, Japan Keirin Autorace Foundation (JKA), launched an initiative titled "Bringing Keirin to the Forefront of Professional Sports." As part of this effort, high-profile races leading up to the prestigious year-end GIRLS KEIRIN Grand Prix were introduced. Alongside the races, uniforms were updated to enhance the sport's appeal.

GIRLS KEIRIN athletes come from diverse backgrounds, including former hairstylists, pop idols and individuals with no prior sports experience. Notably, many riders remain competitive well into their 40s, making career longevity one of the sport's defining characteristics.

Fumi Okui, now 43, made her professional debut at 32. A former Alpine skier during her student years, she later became a middle school teacher but never lost her passion for sports. That lingering desire ultimately led her to the world of keirin.

Returning to Competition After Childbirth

At first, some questioned how long GIRLS KEIRIN would last. However, Okui has since witnessed its steady rise within the industry. "The sport's value is increasing," she says. She has also noticed tangible improvements in the overall environment, including the addition of dedicated women's bath facilities at more velodromes. 

Women's keirin has also become a sport where athletes can earn a solid income. "I hope women's keirin becomes widely recognized as a legitimate career path," she says.

Support for female riders continues to evolve. JKA has developed a conditioning guide specifically for women in GIRLS KEIRIN. Training schools now offer instruction on menstruation, as well as guidance for training during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Some riders have successfully returned to competition after giving birth. 

Officials emphasize their commitment to supporting athletes throughout different life stages, stating, "We want them to thrive for as long as possible, adapting to each stage of life."

Velodromes have also undergone renovations, making them cleaner and more accessible to spectators of all ages. Looking to the future, Okui hopes the sport continues to grow.

"I'd love for families to come watch keirin together," she says. "If children see the races and dream of becoming riders themselves one day, that would make me very happy."

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(Read the report in Japanese.)

Author: Marina Kubo, The Sankei Shimbun