The 19th KIX International Friendship Dragon Boat Festival

Kansai Airports is thrilled to announce the 19th KIX International Friendship Dragon Boat Festival on 5 October 2025, organized by the KIX Dragon Boat Competition Executive Committee (consisting of the Japan Dragon Boat Association, the Wakayama Dragon Boat Association, and Kansai Airports).

Dragon boat is known as a soft sport that anyone can enjoy regardless of age. Teams of a drummer, ten to twenty paddlers, and a steerer compete against each other in the race.

Since the first KIX International Friendship Dragon Boat Festival was held in 2004, teams consisting of people in the communities around Kansai International Airport (KIX), airport employees, and Japanese and international club teams have competed in the event. It is now one of the biggest dragon boat competitions in Japan. A total of 59 teams from Japan and overseas including the Netherlands, Qatar, and Hong Kong will join the festival this year, and spectators are welcome to join the race.

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

Details
Date and time: Sunday, 5 October 2025, 8:30 to 17:00
Venue: Kansai International Airport (in the special 200-meter course in the inner water 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., Rengo Co., Ltd., Kintetsu Group Holdings Co., Ltd.,
Hankyu Corporation, Suntory Holdings Limited, Nankai Electric Railway Co., Ltd., and For You Inc.
Supporters: Wakayama Broadcasting System, Izumisano City, Sennan City, Tajiri Town, Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport, Kansai International Airport Tenant Liaison Committee, and Kadiac Co., 
Ltd.