#Japan #Fukuoka #PPA Tour #Pickleball One #Sansan Fukuoka

A New Era for Pickleball in Asia

Pickleball One, a leading organization in Japan, announces its role as the operational partner for the upcoming PPA TOUR ASIA, Sansan Fukuoka Open, which will take place from August 26 to 31, 2025. This event is set to be a significant milestone as it marks the first official competition of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) in Japan. With the aim of bringing world-class pickleball action to the Asian continent, players from various corners of Japan and international participants are expected to join this grand tournament.

Understanding the PPA Tour

The PPA Tour, established in 2018, has rapidly become recognized as the premier professional pickleball league in the world, hosting events across the United States and beyond. The prize pool for the 2024 season is projected to reach an astounding $30 million (approximately 4.3 billion yen), a testament to the sport’s growing popularity. As pickleball continues to trend globally, Asia is witnessing a surge in the sport's following, with the PPA announcing its first Asia tour in 2025. The Fukuoka Open has been chosen as one of the initial eight tournaments of this prestigious tour, further solidifying Japan's place in the international pickleball community.

Event Highlights

The Fukuoka Open will be hosted at the Ito City Sports Park in Fukuoka, Japan, featuring two main arenas equipped with air conditioning and using specialized pickleball courts (PickleRoll). Set to host 1,232 participants, this tournament will have one of the largest prize pools in Japan with a total of $70,000 (approximately 10 million yen). Additionally, the matches will be broadcast live, not just within Japan but across Asia, enhancing the reach of this exciting sport.

Throughout the event duration, Pickleball One will facilitate business networking gatherings by inviting local pickleball-related companies, aiming to foster connections in the industry. Moreover, there will be areas for the general public to experience pickleball firsthand and enjoy a variety of food options from stalls and food trucks, making it a fun family-friendly occasion.

All updates regarding the tournament will be shared through its official website and on Sansan's social media accounts.

Role of Pickleball One

With over 200 successful events executed in Japan, Pickleball One is excited to bring its expertise to the Fukuoka Open, ensuring a smooth and engaging tournament experience. The organization will be responsible for various aspects of the event management, including conceptual designing, comprehensive management of referees, match progression, audience flow, and volunteer coordination.

Event Overview

• - Event Name: PPA TOUR ASIA, Sansan Fukuoka Open
• - Dates: August 26 (Tuesday) - August 31 (Sunday), 2025
• - Location: Ito City Sports Park, Fukuoka Prefecture
• - Main and Secondary Arena: Air-conditioned
• - Surface: Specialized pickleball mats (PickleRoll)
• - Organizer: Sansan Inc.
• - Sanctioned by: United Pickleball Association Asia Pte. Ltd.
• - Managed by: Pickleball One
• - Supported by: KBC, Gojinsha Planning Institute, PJF (Japan Pickleball Federation)
• - Current Sponsorship: Available
• - Cooperation with: Japan Pickleball Association

Participation and Registration

The anticipated participant registration period will run from May 6 (Tuesday) to July 31 (Thursday) until 10 PM (Japan time). For detailed information on entry and sponsorship opportunities, you can check the event's dedicated website: Sansan Fukuoka Open.

This tournament aims to showcase the excitement of pickleball and its potential to unite various generations through sport. Shusaku Kumakura, CEO of Pickleball One, expresses great pride in the opportunity to facilitate this unique event where Japanese players can compete on the international stage, promoting the sport across Japan.

Future Outlook

Having operated the first pickleball-focused media in Japan and organized numerous events, Pickleball One is eager to contribute to the growth of the pickleball community in Japan. As part of the ongoing development of the sport, several initiatives are set to take shape, such as:

• - Disseminating world-class tournament management strategies across Japan through regional events.
• - Creating specialized pickleball shops stocked with equipment for players at all levels.
• - Continuing to develop Pickleball One's media platform to meet diverse user needs for information, products, and experiences related to pickleball.
• - Increasing the availability of accessible engagement opportunities through events, schools, and friendly competitions.

Through these efforts, Pickleball One is committed to building a thriving ecosystem that encourages people of all ages to enjoy the game, forge connections, and become actively involved in the expanding world of pickleball.