Pickleball is beginning to carve out a proper niche in Japan. Once a curiosity imported from the United States, the sport has grown more than sevenfold domestically in the past year, with Tokyo even hosting its first Tour Asia event in July. Enthusiasts are now openly talking about Olympic ambitions.
For the uninitiated, pickleball is played with paddles and a perforated plastic ball on a court the size of a badminton doubles court. It is simple to pick up, yet deceptively tactical, which perhaps explains why more than 24.3 million Americans already play it. Japan is still catching up, with around 330,000 players according to local pickleball media, but the surge in numbers suggests momentum is firmly on its side.
Tour Asia Brings the Spotlight
The Professional Pickleball Association Tour Asia in Tachikawa, western Tokyo, drew a lively mix of talent—about 100 professionals and more than 300 amateurs from across Asia and the United States. The final match attracted a sizeable crowd, among them Princess Hisako, widow of Prince Takamado, underscoring the growing profile of the sport.
“I think we can create a wave in Japan if we’re able to show how fun the game is,” said Yuta Funemizu, who claimed the Men’s Doubles title.
Unifying the Game
April saw two Japanese pickleball associations merge to form the Pickleball Japan Federation, a move designed to streamline governance and align with international efforts to push the sport towards Olympic inclusion in Brisbane 2032. By June, the federation had already been accepted into the Japan Sport Association.
“The merger unified the rules, philosophy, and tournament format, which will create ties with municipalities and schools,” explained Rika Riordan, chairperson of the federation.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the enthusiasm, one obstacle remains: courts. Demand is outpacing supply, leaving players scrambling for places to play.
“Pickleball spreads quickly, so we must catch up to provide more spaces for those who are curious about the game,” Riordan noted.
The numbers, the crowds, and the organisational strides all point to a sport on the rise. Japan may still be behind the United States in sheer scale, but the energy around pickleball suggests it is only a matter of time before the country becomes a serious player in the global scene.
