Yokohama Ryusei Named 2026 Image Character for Tokyo City Keiba

Yokohama Ryusei: The New Face of Tokyo City Keiba in 2026

Tokyo City Keiba (TCK) has officially announced that popular actor Yokohama Ryusei will serve as the image character for the year 2026. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Japan's first night horse racing event, the Twinkle Race. TCK has chosen the theme “Twinkle Race STAR☆T! to Shine Japan” for this significant milestone, focusing on the desire to illuminate not only the horses but everyone involved in the racing community.

As part of this initiative, a new promotional video titled “Twinkle STAR☆T” featuring Yokohama Ryusei will be released on April 7, 2026. This video aims to capture the essence of TCK and its contributions to the sports of horse racing by showcasing the excitement and energy of the Twinkle Race.

The Twinkle Race, known for its distinctive melodies and vibrant atmosphere, has captivated audiences for four decades, and TCK is committed to enhancing the experience for both long-time fans and newcomers alike. The organization hopes to convey the joy and thrill of the sport through a variety of events throughout the year, inviting everyone to discover the magic of dirt racing.

In conjunction with this campaign, a new theme song titled “TWINKLE TWINKLE DIRT STAR” will be performed by acclaimed artist Mika Nakashima. This song is designed to resonate with the racing community and reflects the unique atmosphere of the Twinkle Race. With Nakashima’s emotive voice, the song promises to elevate the exciting stories and moments that make TCK a beloved place for horse racing enthusiasts.

The focus of the new concept movie will be on a casual and authentic portrayal of Yokohama Ryusei as he interacts with the guiding horse, Kreel Magnum, amidst the stunning backdrop of the TCK venue. Through captivating visuals and Ryusei’s vocal reflections about the exhilaration of discovering such a vibrant racing venue, the production aims to inspire a sense of wonder and excitement about the sport.

The significance of the Twinkle Race extends far beyond just racing; it represents a spirit of community and joy that TCK seeks to share across Japan. With the communication theme linking the glitz and glamour of the racing to the broader cultural narrative of Japan, TCK hopes to engage more individuals in discovering the unique allure of dirt racing.

Annual Campaign and Community Engagement

To celebrate this anniversary, TCK will host a variety of events and promotions designed to give back to its loyal fans. From April 2026 to March 2027, all significant races will feature an additional bonus on payout, converting the typical return of 100 yen into 110 yen, a gesture of appreciation from TCK to its audience.

Moreover, enhancements to spectator experiences will be made, such as the opening of the “Wing Seat” in the L-WING Stand, designed for individual guests to enjoy a comfortable viewing experience. The highly popular Illumination Show held during Twinkle Race days will also be renewed to offer fresh visual spectacles.

Reflecting on the legacy of the Twinkle Race, the 40th-anniversary logo has been introduced to symbolize this historic event. As TCK moves into this new chapter, it aims to further enhance its offering by elevating race value and prize incentives, especially with prize money for key races being increased to attract more competitors and fans.

Looking Ahead

As we approach the new TCK season in June 2026, the anticipation around Yokohama Ryusei's contributions and the excitement surrounding the Twinkle Race continue to grow. This initiative represents TCK’s commitment to not just celebrate the past but also build a brighter future for horse racing in Japan.

As the launch date for the promotional materials draws near, fans and spectators can look forward to a year filled with thrilling races and various engaging events designed to enrich the experience at Tokyo City Keiba. With the combined efforts of the talented artists and the racing community, 2026 promises to be a spectacular year for horse racing lovers across Japan.