#Japan #Pickleball #Himeji #Noah Indoor Stage #Badminton

The Popularity Surge of Racket Sports in Japan

Racket sports have recently witnessed a remarkable growth trajectory in Japan, with pickleball membership soaring approximately 30 times and badminton nearly doubling. According to a comprehensive survey conducted by Nikkei MJ, Noah Indoor Stage, a leading indoor tennis school operator, has made significant strides, climbing from the 19th to the 15th position in the annual sports facility revenue ranking.

Pickleball Takes Center Stage

Pickleball has emerged as a new favorite pastime, particularly appealing to newcomers. Its accessibility has made it a popular choice among various age groups, supported by Noah Indoor Stage's establishment of 18 dedicated pickleball schools. As of July 2025, membership has surged to 363, reflecting a staggering 30-fold increase compared to the previous year. This boom signifies a broadening interest in lifelong sports that promote health and wellness.

Badminton, too, remains a prominent option, with memberships reaching 2,081 by April 2025, doubling over the same period. The increasing participation in these racket sports signals a growing awareness of health and fitness, with individuals seeking enjoyable ways to maintain an active lifestyle.

The Role of Fashion in Sports

The trend of integrating athletic wear with everyday fashion, often referred to as 'athleisure', has also helped elevate the profile of racket sports. Well-known sports brands are enhancing the design of racket sports apparel, catering particularly to younger demographics and female players. Influencers on social media showcase their stylish athletic wear while playing, further highlighting the fashion appeal of these sports.

In this era of social media, such trends not only attract participants but also serve to promote racket sports as fashionable activities. Everyone from professional athletes to leisure players is now more likely to participate and share their experiences online.

Noah Indoor Stage: Leading the Charge

Noah Indoor Stage operates more than 35 tennis schools across Japan, drawing in over 40,000 members. With climate-controlled courts, students can enjoy tennis without concerns about weather or sun exposure. The facilities provide free rentals of rackets and shoes, making it easy for beginners to start their journey in tennis. Classes are carefully tailored to different skill levels, ensuring that each player can improve while having fun.

Additionally, the school offers a variety of racket sports, including soft tennis, badminton, and table tennis, helping individuals of all ages to embrace an active and healthy lifestyle. The growth of these programs illustrates a commitment to not only enhancing sports participation but also promoting overall wellness in the community.

For more details about the pickleball program, visit their website here.

For further insights into Noah's offerings, you can find more information on their official site here.

Company Overview

Noah Indoor Stage Corporation

• - Location: 524 Higashiyama, Himeji, Hyogo, 672-8014, Japan
• - CEO: Masayuki Onishi
• - Services Include: Planning and operation of tennis clubs and schools, training and dispatching tennis instructors, organizing tennis events, selling tennis equipment, planning and operating badminton schools, and conducting pickleball programs.
• - Company Website: Noah Indoor Stage

This surge in racket sports' popularity reflects a broader cultural shift toward active lifestyles, with accessible sports that everyone can enjoy for a lifetime.