The National Association of Racing (Japanese: 地方競馬全国協会 Chiho Keiba Zenkoku Kyokai, or NAR) is the authority for horse races operated by local governments in Japan (Prefectures, cities/towns/villages or unions of them). NAR itself does not operate horse races. In Japan, horse racing operated by local governments are called chiho keiba (Japanese: 地方競馬).