#Japan #Fukuoka #Frescoball #YUIMAALU #Beach Cleanup

The Frescoball Fukuoka Cup 2025: A Commitment to Clean Beaches

On June 21, 2025, the Japan Frescoball Association (JFBA) will host the Frescoball Fukuoka Cup, a unique sporting event that blends athletic competition with environmental stewardship. This year, the JFBA is joining forces with YUIMAALU, an innovative point-based app designed to encourage beach cleanups, to make a positive impact on the local environment.

The JFBA, helmed by Executive Director Kenji Kuboshima, has been actively promoting frescoball, a communication-focused sport, across Japan. They are also dedicated to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 14, which aims to conserve ocean resources. The city of Fukutsu, where the beach cleanup will take place, is recognized for its pioneering efforts in environmental protection through its unique “Turtle Department,” which focuses on the conservation of marine life and habitat.

Fukuma Beach, the event's picturesque venue, is renowned for its beautiful white sands and abundant pine trees, making it an ideal site for both recreation and conservation activities. The local community has worked tirelessly to maintain this natural paradise, which attracts sea turtles for nesting. In a bid to give back to this stunning location, the JFBA and YUIMAALU will engage participants in a fun-filled beach cleanup, integrating environmental protection into the fabric of the tournament.

About YUIMAALU

YUIMAALU is a revolutionary point-based application that rewards individuals for cleaning up litter. Users can accumulate points by picking up garbage in various outdoor settings, including parks, streets, and beaches. The app offers users the opportunity to exchange their points for attractive products and services, turning cleanup activities into rewarding experiences. Given that the majority of ocean debris originates from urban areas, keeping cities clean significantly contributes to healthier waterways.

Participants in the upcoming beach cleanup will receive a practical souvenir: a mini tongs keychain featuring the JFBA logo, designed to make litter collection easier and more accessible. Users are encouraged to download the YUIMAALU app and bring it along to the event, making cleanup convenient and enjoyable.

Collaboration with Kurage Rengou

In addition to the JFBA and YUIMAALU, the beach cleanup will see participation from Kurage Rengou, an organization founded in 2021 by Yu Yamazaki. Their mission is to foster a connection with the ocean through fun and educational experiences, offering workshops and community activities aimed at tackling marine plastic issues. With their uniquely low-barrier beach cleanup initiatives, Kurage Rengou is making sustainability an achievable goal for everyone.

Event Details

• - Name: Frescoball Fukuoka Cup 2025
• - Date: June 21-22, 2025 (with the beach cleanup taking place after the opening ceremony on June 21)
• - Location: Fukuma Beach, Fukutsu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
• - Organizer: Japan Frescoball Association
• - Co-Sponsors: Frescoball Fukuoka, Fukuma Beach Utilization Association “Fukutsu Beach Club”
• - Support: Fukutsu City, Fukutsu Tourism Association, Fukutsu Chamber of Commerce
• - Special Website: Frescoball Fukuoka Cup

This tournament is made possible through support from the Sports Promotion Lottery, with funds raised being reinvested into community sports initiatives. For more information about the lottery and its supporting role in sports development, visit the GROWING website.

What is Frescoball?

Originating in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1945, frescoball is a unique beach sport that emphasizes cooperation rather than competition. Participants rally against each other for five-minute rounds while maintaining a distance of seven meters. This collaborative nature has earned frescoball the title of “the sport of empathy.” As of May 2025, the JFBA has confirmed 27 regionally recognized clubs and six student organizations across Japan, promoting community building through this vibrant sport. Founded in 2013, the JFBA strives to elevate awareness of frescoball and aims to establish clubs in all 47 prefectures by the end of 2025.