HISTORICALLY the Group 1 Arima Kinen is the closing spectacle of the racing season. However, the addition of two extra JRA Group 1 races has slightly shifted its place at the end of the fixture list. However, the prestige and frantic public interest firmly remains intact.

Held at Nakayama Racecourse, the Arima Kinen competes with the Japan Cup and the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) for the biggest race day of the year. This comparison is made in terms of betting turnover and average attendance.