The 18th KIX International Friendship Dragon Boat Festival! - KIX 30th anniversary -

Kansai Airports is thrilled to announce the 18th KIX International Friendship Dragon Boat Festival on October 27, organised by the KIX Dragon Boat Competition Executive Committee (consisted of the Japan Dragon Boat Association, the Wakayama Dragon Boat Association, and Kansai Airports).

Dragon boat is a soft sport that anyone can enjoy regardless of gender or age. Teams of ten to twenty paddlers, a drummer and a steerer compete against each other in the race. It is drawing increasing attention as a competition event and was selected as an official event for the World Masters Games 2027 in Kansai.The total of 63 Japanese and international teams will engage in heated battles this summer against the backdrop unique to an offshore airport of the terminal buildings and airplanes in the air.

There will be tents and kitchen cars for spectators at the venue. Please invite everyone to enjoy the heated competition.

Kansai Airports Group will continue to create new travel experiences by offering exciting events to our customers.

Date and time: Sunday, October 27, 2024, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
In consideration of the impact of Typhoon No. 10, the September 1 event has been cancelled and would be postponed to October 27.

Venue: “The special 200-meter course in the inner water” (The waterway between KIX Islands 1 and 2)

Organizer: The KIX Dragon Boat Competition Executive Committee (The Japan Dragon Boat Association, the Wakayama Dragon Boat Association, and Kansai Airports)
Main planner: The Osaka Dragon Boat Association
Partner: The World Masters Games 2021 Kansai Organizing Committee
Sponsors: Iwatani Corporation, Shima Seiki MFG., Ltd., Takenaka Corporation, Obayashi 
Corporation, Daikin Industries, Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Rengo Co., Ltd., 
Kintetsu Group Holdings Co., Ltd., Hankyu Corporation, Suntory Holdings Limited, 
Nankai Electric Railway Co., Ltd., and For You Inc.
Supporters: Sankei Sports, Wakayama Broadcasting System, Izumisano City, Sennan City, Tajiri Town, Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport, Kansai International Airport Tenant Liaison Committee, and Kadiac Co., Ltd. (in no particular order)

Access to the venue

URL to the competition page: https://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/notices/dragon2024