The Executive Council of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) is delighted to announce that it has granted the National Association of Racing (NAR), Japan with Affiliate membership of the ARF.

The NAR is an administrative racing authority comprising racing operators run by local governments in Japan, which operate thoroughbred racing across 14 racecourses on an almost daily basis. It was established on 1 August 1962 as a Special Public Institution under the Horse Racing Act and, since 1 January 2008, in accordance with the amendment of the Act, has been a Special Public Organisation that conducts business and other activities that are in the common interest of regional racing organisers. The purpose of the NAR is to promote the fair, impartial and smooth operation of regional racing and to contribute to promoting the improvement and breeding of horses as well as other aspects of animal husbandry.