Japanese Horse of the Year

The Japanese Horse of the Year is the highest honor given in Japanese thoroughbred horse racing. It is awarded annually by the Japan Racing Association (JRA). Since 1987 the honor has been part of the JRA Awards. This award originally started as part of the Keishū Sha Awards in 1954 and since 1972 part of the Yūshun Awards.

Records
Most successful horse (2 wins):
 * Shinzan – 1963, 1964
 * Speed Symboli – 1967, 1970
 * Hoyo Boy – 1980, 1981
 * Symboli Rudolf – 1984, 1985
 * Symboli Kris S – 2002, 2003
 * Deep Impact - 2005, 2006
 * Vodka – 2008, 2009
 * Gentildonna – 2012, 2014
 * Kitasan Black – 2016, 2017
 * Almond Eye – 2018, 2020
 * Equinox - 2022, 2023

Honorees
Includes honorees from 1954 to 1972, which was when the JRA Awards was called the Keishū Sha Awards.