#Japan #Fujisawa #Frescobol #JFBA #Shonan Cup

The Frescobol Shonan Cup 2026: A Celebration of Sport

The Japan Frescobol Association (JFBA) has officially announced the hosting of the 'Frescobol Shonan Cup - Kugenuma - 2026', taking place on March 7 and 8. This event marks the fifth consecutive year that an official match has been held in the renowned Shonan area, known as a sacred place for Frescobol in the eastern part of Japan.

Frescobol, a unique and collaborative sport, has been gaining traction across the country. The JFBA, under the leadership of Executive Director Kenji Kuboshima, aims to promote this communication design sport domestically. The Shonan area, which boasts six JFBA-recognized regional clubs, serves as a hub for Frescobol activity. Since 2022, the Kugenuma Beach and Hiratsuka have hosted the Shonan Cup, distinguishing itself by prominently featuring the name 'Shonan' in its title. This inclusion reflects the JFBA's hope to foster further growth and popularity across the entire area.

The Frescobol Shonan Cup 2026 will play a pivotal role in determining pairs for the 'FRESCOBALL JAPAN TOUR 2026', which kicks off in Okinawa in February. As the second round of the tour, the Shonan Cup is highly anticipated not only for its competition but also for the stories that will unfold. The off-season has led to exciting changes, with new pair formations and continuations, making it an exhilarating event for spectators and participants alike. Many pairs will have their debut at this tournament, marking a significant moment to watch the future of Frescobol in Japan unfold over these two days.

The event will take place at the Kugenuma Beach, home to the Shonan Kugenuma Frescobol Club (SKFC), which has produced many national representatives. Admission and experiential activities will be free, so everyone is encouraged to come and enjoy the atmosphere.

Event Details

• - Name: Frescobol Shonan Cup - Kugenuma - 2026
• - Dates: March 7 (Saturday) and 8 (Sunday), 2026
• - Location: Kugenuma Beach Recreation Zone, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture
• - Organizer: Japan Frescobol Association (JFBA)
• - Cooperation: Shonan Kugenuma Frescobol Club (SKFC)

What is Frescobol?

Frescobol originated in Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1945 and has since become popular worldwide. One of its distinctive features is that it focuses on cooperation rather than competition; players work together to sustain a rally, making it a scoring sport that emphasizes teamwork. Matches take place over a five-minute period at a distance of 7 meters. The sport promotes empathy and has been described as a 'sport of consideration'.

In an effort to unify international rules, the JFBA reached a fundamental agreement in October 2025 to establish the world’s first international organization, the 'UAFI', in collaboration with the Rio Frescobol Federation (FEFERJ). This initiative is essential for fostering global unity within the Frescobol community. Domestically, the JFBA includes 28 accredited regional clubs and 6 approved student organizations.

Everyone is welcomed to witness this extraordinary event filled with talent, camaraderie, and the spirit of Frescobol. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this unique experience!