CLAIMS TO FAME
- A 40-year veteran of the Japan Racing Association across numerous roles
Masayoshi Yoshida on 11 September this year replaced Masayuki Goto after nearly a half century of service to the Japan Racing Association, including the last nine years at the helm of this consistently underrated gambling colossus. Goto, however, will remain in the organization as a “supreme adviser” to the JRA and keeps his senior posts with the Asian Racing Federation and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.
All eyes now turn to Yoshida, who is barely tested at this point as the top man of Japanese horse racing, but he inherits an extraordinary Asian gambling industry success story of growth and durability – and he has a formidable track record with the JRA.
Yoshida joined the JRA 40 years ago, rising through the ranks via corporate planning and racecourse management and becoming a board member and JRA finance and facilities director in 2016. He was appointed executive director in 2021 and then executive vice president in March this year.
The JRA continued its pandemic-defying ways by lifting turnover (net pari-mutuel handle) in 2022 by 5.4% to JPY3.27 trillion (US$21.8 billion). This 12-year growth streak in turnover is a testament both to Goto’s steady hand at the end of his magnificent career and the high degree of trust placed in Yoshida.
For the full list of 2023 Asian Gaming Power 50 winners, click here.
