PRESIDENT AND CEO
Japan Racing Association
POWER SCORE: 1,305
POSITION LAST YEAR: 13
CLAIMS TO FAME
- A 46-year veteran of the Japan Racing Association across numerous roles
AS WITH OTHER major Asian horse racing markets in Hong Kong and Australia, the massive, world-beating Japanese racing market has held its own over the course of the pandemic, offering the industry much solace amid retreats in pachinko revenue and the declining fortunes of Japan’s integrated resort campaign.
Japan Racing Association (JRA) President and CEO Masayuki Goto therefore presides over one of the most important pandemic and post-pandemic-era industries in the region. And like the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the JRA is a key generator of public revenue.
In the top job since 2014, the Tokyo native’s long period of service to the JRA started in 1975, and in the 46 years since he has worked in a wide range of roles for the association.
In the last 15 years these have included a stint as director in charge of planning and finance, and executive director responsible for policy, stables and breeding.
He was also posted to the JRA’s New York office as chief representative for three years in the 1990s, giving him precious hands-on international experience.
So it comes as no surprise that Goto’s reputation and the Japanese market’s prestige have been further enhanced by his recent election as co-vice chair of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). Goto’s three-year term began on 5 October.
For the full list of 2021 Asian Gaming Power 50 winners, click here.
