#Japan #Shizuoka #Frescobol #Makinohara

New Regional Frescobol Club Founded in Shizuoka

The Japan Frescobol Association (JFBA), dedicated to promoting the communication design sport of frescobol, has recently announced the establishment of its 28th official regional club, Frescobol Makinohara Verde (FMV), located in Makinohara City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Frescobol, a beach sport that originated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Copacabana Beach in 1945, made its way to Japan in 2013. Since then, players across Japan have expanded the community, culminating in the formation of FMV. This new club is particularly significant for the Tokai region, a focal area for frescobol promotion.

The name "verde"—which means "green" in Portuguese—evokes the lush landscapes of Brazil, perfectly complementing the picturesque views of Suruga Bay in the club's eye-catching logo. The presence of many Brazilian nationals residing in Makinohara City creates a multicultural atmosphere, and there is a strong belief that the establishment of this club will serve as a catalyst for further Japan-Brazil cultural exchange.

In fact, Brazilian participants in prior frescobol events in Japan often express their surprise and delight at discovering they can play frescobol here: "I never thought I would be able to play frescobol in Japan!" This year marks the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil, and the JFBA takes pride in having launched a club that symbolizes this relationship.

The club's activities promise to immerse participants in Brazilian culture, showcasing an unprecedented local community experience. Those interested in establishing regional frescobol clubs, similar to FMV, are encouraged to reach out to the JFBA for guidance and support.

Comments from FMV Representative Mai Komatsu

"A frescobol team has now been formed in Shizuoka! Makinohara City is a multicultural town with a significant number of foreign residents, particularly from Brazil. It also boasts a renowned coastline, making it an ideal location for frescobol. Our motto is to create a space where anyone, regardless of nationality, can connect naturally and enjoyably. Everyone is a beginner, so we warmly welcome new participants!"

Club Overview

• - Name: Frescobol Makinohara Verde
• - Abbreviation: FMV
• - Representative: Mai Komatsu (Makinohara City Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team, Makinohara Lab member)
• - Activity Base: Sagara Sun Beach
• - Instagram: Frescobol Makinohara Verde Instagram

What is Frescobol?

Frescobol is a beach sport that originated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Conceived on Copacabana Beach in 1945, it is now enjoyed on beaches around the world. One of its unique characteristics is that it is not a competitive sport where two players face off against each other; instead, they cooperate to continue a rally. Each game lasts for five minutes, with players maintaining a distance of 7 meters apart. This collaborative approach has led to frescobol being described as a "sport of compassion."

As of August 2025, there are 28 JFBA certified regional clubs and six certified student organizations in Japan, fostering community connections through frescobol. Established in 2013, the Japan Frescobol Association aims to raise awareness of this sport and aspires to create regional clubs in all 47 prefectures by the end of 2025, actively promoting frescobol across the country.