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The Thrilling Third Annual Chao Chao Bowling Tournament

The much-anticipated Third Annual Chao Chao Bowling Tournament is set to commence on October 2nd and 3rd, 2026, at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel Bowling Center. Organized by Namiki Corporation, this event promises an exhilarating experience for bowling enthusiasts with a total prize pool of ¥8 million, including ¥2.5 million for the champion.

Overview of the Tournament

This officially recognized event by the Japan Professional Bowling Association (JPBA) will showcase 120 participants, including 117 professional female bowlers and 3 amateur female bowlers. After a two-year hiatus since 2024, the tournament returns with exciting matchups and an opportunity for the athletes to showcase their skills.

One of the highlight stories is Mizuki Nakajima, the two-time defending champion, who is eagerly attempting to clinch a third consecutive victory. Nakajima had an outstanding average score of 217.71 in the JPBA women's annual ranking for 2025, solidifying her top position. Another competitive participant, Manato Ishida, emerged as the top points leader in the 2025 women’s ranking, making this tournament a high-stakes competition between top talents. The mix of seasoned champions and rising stars sets the stage for gripping action throughout the event.

Competition Format

On the first day, all competitors will bowl 12 qualifying games, with the top 36 advancing to the semifinals, where an additional 4 games will determine who progresses to the final day. Only 12 out of 120 bowlers will make it through to the finals. As the tournament unfolds, the oil patterns on the lanes will shift, demanding precise adjustments in strategies, ball choices, and positioning from the players.

After battling through intense qualifying rounds, the final day features a round-robin format of 11 games, culminating in a series of matches where the top four contenders will progress to the final step-ladder round. This climax of the competition will determine the ultimate winner of the tournament.

Schedule and Viewing Options

Key Dates:

• - October 1st: Pre-tournament public practice and festivities.
• - October 2nd: Preliminary rounds and opening ceremony.
• - October 3rd: Finals and award ceremony following intense matches.

Daily viewing tickets range from ¥3,000 for the pre-tournament practice to ¥6,000 for the qualifying rounds and ¥4,000 for the finals. The matches will also be streamed live on YouTube’s JPBA Tournament Channel, allowing fans worldwide to engage with the tournament festivities from home.

Special Features

In addition to the hefty prize fund, an exceptional reward of ¥1 million will be awarded to any bowler achieving a perfect game during the final step-ladder matches, showcasing the high stakes of this competition.

As the tournament draws near, both local and international sports media will have opportunities to cover this vibrant event. Media representatives interested in attending must submit applications by September 18th, in line with the guidelines set by JPBA.

About Namiki Corporation

Originally founded in 1937, Namiki Corporation is dedicated to enhancing opportunities within the bowling community through events like the Chao Chao Tournament. Based in Itabashi, Tokyo, they manage over 17,000 properties, providing comprehensive services in real estate. Through their ongoing initiatives and support for competitive bowling, they aim to popularize the sport and develop the skills of upcoming athletes.

With the tournament just around the corner, the excitement is palpable as both seasoned professionals and aspiring competitors gear up to claim victory. Fans, bowlers, and sponsors can expect a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship at this prestigious event.