The Kyōtei (競艇), literally "boat racing" and referred to as BOAT RACE, is a runabout racing event primary held in Japan. It is one of Japan's four "Public Sports" (公営競技, kōei kyōgi), which are sports events where parimutuel betting is legal.

Kyōtei was introduced in Japan in April 1952, when the first race was held at Ōmura Kyōtei Stadium in Ōmura City, Nagasaki Prefecture.

In April 2010, to promote the sport to a wide variety of people as well as internationally, the Kyotei Promotion Association began referring to the sport as BOAT RACE, and the organization itself was renamed the BOAT RACE Promotion Association. There are 24 kyōtei stadiums in Japan, all of which refer to themselves as BOAT RACE courses.

A Kyōtei race is conducted on man-made lakes with a 600-meter oval boat course. Six boats race three laps around the course (1,800 meters). Races are generally over in about two minutes.

Kyōtei employs the flying start system of beginning races. Once competitors receive the signal to pit-out of the docks, they will maneuver their boats in an effort to secure a starting position while a large clock situated at the start/finish line begins a one-minute countdown. Starting positions are usually established with 30 seconds before the clock reaches zero, and with about 12 seconds remaining the boats begin to race up towards the start line at full speed. Boats must cross the start line within one second after the clock reaches zero. Unlike typical powerboat racing, where if a boat crosses the line too early, there is a time penalty added to the offending boat, in Kyōtei, crossing too early - called a false start (フライングスタート, furaingu sutāto; "Flying Start") or crossing too late - called a "Late Start" (出遅れ, deokure), is an automatic scratch and bets on that boat are refunded, with the boat officially excluded from the race. The Japanese term for this exclusion is "return absence" (返還欠場, henkan ketsujō). In a sense, the flying start system can be compared to the mobile start used in harness racing.

Once a race begins, boats fight for the best position entering the first turn marker. Race winners are often decided on the very first turn of the race. The first boat across the line after three laps is the winner, with the first three finishers deciding the payouts for bets.

If a boat causes interference with another boat, is involved in an accident or becomes disabled, the boat is disqualified (失格, shikkaku). No refunds are given for disqualified boats, unless all boats are disqualified for some reason, unlike if a boat is scratched for missing the start too early or too late.

Prior to the start of a race, competitors conduct a practice start and run a few laps around the course to practice their straight runs and cornering. These ensure that their boats are functioning properly, and also provide the betting public with useful information. During the practice, a straight run of 150 meters is timed for each boat and announced to the public. Also, competitors are not penalized for false or late starts during the practice run.