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The Inaugural Freskobal Makinohara Cup 2026

The Japan Freskobal Association (JFBA) has made a significant announcement: the first-ever Freskobal Makinohara Cup 2026 will be held at Sagara Sun Beach in Makinohara City, Shizuoka Prefecture, on June 6-7, 2026. This event marks a milestone in the promotion of the communication design sport of Freskobal in Japan.

As part of the Freskobal Japan Tour 2026, this event represents the fifth competition, showcasing the sport's growing popularity within the country. The JFBA, under the leadership of President Kenji Kuboshima, aims to establish a solid foundation for Freskobal across Japan, particularly targeting enhanced performance for athletes in their teens and twenties.

In preparation, a national youth training camp will take place in Ito City, Shizuoka, in January 2024, focusing on player development. Moreover, the JFBA-sanctioned local club Freskobal Makinohara Verde will be inaugurated in August 2025. This gradual spread of Freskobal in the Tokai region is a testament to its increasing acceptance and enthusiasm among the local population.

What makes this event even more special is that Makinohara City is home to a vibrant community, including residents from around 30 different countries, with Brazilians making up the largest group. Freskobal, which originated in Rio de Janeiro in 1945, has been embraced as a beloved national pastime in Brazil. Many residents from Brazil in Makinohara continue to enjoy playing Freskobal, creating a unique cultural exchange.

Mai Komatsu, the representative of Freskobal Makinohara Verde, expressed her hopes, stating, “We aim to have at least ten local teams participate.” This call for involvement is timely, as 2025 marks the 130th anniversary of friendship between Japan and Brazil, fostering stronger ties between the two nations during this sporting endeavor.

Attendees can expect an engaging atmosphere, as the event will allow visitors to experience the sport for free. The JFBA invites everyone to come and enjoy this enriching cultural event, emphasizing that fostering sportsmanship and friendship is at the heart of Freskobal.

About Freskobal: A Unique Team Sport

Freskobal is a beach sport invented in Rio de Janeiro that emphasizes collaboration over competition. The game, conceived at Copacabana Beach in 1945, has gained international popularity and is loved for its unique gameplay. Unlike traditional competitive sports where players compete against each other, Freskobal involves two players working together to keep a rally going, demonstrating the spirit of cooperation.

During gameplay, teams maintain a distance of 7 meters while engaging in rallies for a designated time of five minutes, which has led to it being referred to as a “sport of consideration.” The JFBA is committed to unifying international rules and, in October 2025, achieved a basic agreement to establish UAFI, aligning with the Rio Freskobal Federation (FEFERJ) to create a cohesive global community for the sport.

In Japan, the popularity of Freskobal is steadily growing, with 29 recognized local clubs and six registered student organizations actively promoting the sport. The upcoming Makinohara Cup 2026 promises to be a significant event in further enhancing the sporting landscape of Japan while strengthening cultural ties through this exciting beach sport.