Establishment of the Japan Poker Promotion Council
On August 27, 2025, a new organization known as the Japan Poker Promotion Council (PPCJ) was officially formed. This establishment was a collaborative effort by GENDA GiGO Entertainment, Waitinglist Corporation, and Sammy Corporation, all of which are leading companies in the entertainment sector in Japan. The PPCJ aims to promote the sustainable development and further advancement of the poker industry by creating a platform for cooperation among various stakeholders and related businesses.
Background of the Establishment
The popularity of amusement poker has surged in Japan recently, with a noticeable increase in the number of players engaged in this pastime. Concurrently, there has been a growing presence of Japanese players in international tournaments, resonating with the increasing scale of competitions abroad. In June 2025, the Poker Culture Promotion Members Alliance was formed, reflecting an unprecedented political interest in the healthy promotion of poker in Japan.
In this evolving landscape, the need for a well-established set of social rules and frameworks for the healthy development of poker is increasingly recognized, similar to regulations in e-sports, arcade games, digital darts, simulation golf, and other gaming activities.
Mission of the Council
The main mission of the PPCJ includes promoting cooperation among poker-related businesses, engaging in rule-making, fostering dialogue with a wide range of stakeholders, and devising strategies to enhance the image of poker. The council aims to maximize the intellectual, economic, recreational, and educational value of poker, thus establishing it as a recognized cultural activity in Japan. The PPCJ’s key objectives are:
1.
Rule-making: Establishing comprehensive regulations that facilitate fair play and ethical standards in the industry.
2.
Inter-industry Dialogue: Facilitating communication and collaboration among various stakeholders to strengthen the community.
3.
Promotion and Understanding: Encouraging broader awareness and understanding of poker as a legitimate competition and cultural activity.
Future Activity Directions
To achieve its objectives, the PPCJ plans to focus on:
- - Building and fostering relationships with relevant government agencies, parliamentarians, scholars, and industry associations.
- - Drafting voluntary guidelines promoting ethical practices within the industry.
- - Supporting and collaborating on domestic poker events to attract participation and increase awareness.
- - Initiating educational and outreach activities concerning poker to enlighten the public about its benefits and rules.
Greeting from the Council Director
Daisuke Matsuda, the council's director and a practicing lawyer, expressed his sentiments regarding the establishment of the PPCJ. He highlighted that while the allure and playing environment of poker are expanding in Japan, the establishment of cross-industry cooperation and social trust remain insufficient. The council was founded with the objective of creating a safe environment for enjoying poker and ensuring sustainable growth for the industry.
Matsuda emphasized that he wishes to cultivate poker into a respected cultural activity for future generations, inviting businesses that support this vision to consider joining the PPCJ.
Contact Information
For further inquiries regarding the Japan Poker Promotion Council, please reach out to:
Email:
[email protected]
Website:
https://poker-prmc.org/
Company Overview
Waitinglist Corporation
- - Address: Roppongi Grand Tower, 3-2-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6224
- - Representative: Kim Hongsung
- - Website: https://waitinglist.co.jp/
Sammy Corporation
- - Address: 1-1-1 Nishinaka, Shinagawa City, Tokyo, 141-0033
- - Representative: Ayumu Hoshino
- - Website: https://www.sammy.co.jp/
GENDA GiGO Entertainment
- - Address: 17th Floor, Tokyo Shiodome Building, 1-9-1 Higashi Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-7317
- - Representative: Kazuhiro Ninomiya
- - Website: https://www.gendagigo.jp/
About GiGO
The term GiGO stands for 'Get into the Gaming Oasis.' It represents the company's goal to evolve consistently, responding to people's desires for a realistic gaming experience in any era, maintaining its role as an oasis for fulfilling those cravings. The tagline emphasizes the commitment to providing engaging gaming environments, encapsulated in the acronym GiGO.