#Japan #Awaji Island #JFBA #Sumoto City #Freskobal

Exciting News for Freskobal Enthusiasts: The Awaji Island Cup 2026

The Japan Freskobal Association (JFBA) has officially announced the first-ever Freskobal Awaji Island Cup 2026, scheduled for April 11-12, 2026. This event marks the first official competition held in Hyogo Prefecture, specifically in the scenic area of Awaji Island, known for its beautiful beaches and favorable climate.

The Awaji Island Cup will take place at Ohamapark in Sumoto City, which serves as the primary venue for the local Freskobal club, Freskobal Awaji Island GOA, led by Nanako Kamamoto. The region enjoys a mild climate with long hours of sunshine, making it an ideal spot for beach sports. Moreover, the location is strategically positioned; a short trip across the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge leads you to the renowned Frestobal venue at Okura Coast in Akashi City, known as the sacred ground for the sport in the west. Crossing the Great Naruto Bridge connects you to Shikoku, where multiple clubs are present, enhancing the sport's development.

This event aligns with JFBA's mission to promote “communication design sports,” where participants not only enjoy the sport but also engage with the local culture, cuisine, and community. The goal is to offer a unique Freskobal lifestyle that extends beyond competition. As the third stop of the Japan Tour 2026, the Awaji Island Cup will feature top-level matches as teams vie for the national representative position. Spectators are welcome, and admission is free, so don’t miss the chance to witness or experience this captivating sport!

Furthermore, this event has received support from the Japan Dream Foundation, emphasizing their commitment to developing sports through enriching competitions. Their mission focuses on improving sports standards, increasing participation, and helping more Japanese athletes achieve success on the international stage, making this cup a significant contribution to these objectives.

Event Overview

• - Name: Freskobal Awaji Island Cup 2026
• - Date: April 11-12, 2026 (Saturday & Sunday)
• - Location: Ohamapark, Sumoto City, Hyogo Prefecture
• - Organizer: Japan Freskobal Association (JFBA)
• - Cooperation: Freskobal Awaji Island GOA
• - Support: Sumoto City
• - The event will be conducted under the support program by the Japan Dream Foundation.

What is Freskobal?

Freskobal is a unique beach sport that originated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, back in 1945 at Copacabana Beach. Today, it has grown to be enjoyed at beaches around the globe. A distinctive aspect of Freskobal is that it is not a competitive sport in the traditional sense; rather, it focuses on cooperation between two players who work together to sustain a rally, thus making it a scoring activity. Matches last for 5 minutes at a distance of 7 meters apart. Known as a “sport of empathy,” Freskobal promotes teamwork over competition.

The JFBA is actively working towards unifying international rules in collaboration with the Rio Freskobal Federation (FEFERJ) and aims to establish the world's first international organization, UAFI, with a framework laid out by October 2025. The association presently comprises 28 recognized regional clubs and 6 recognized student organizations across Japan.

In conclusion, mark your calendars for April 11-12, 2026, and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Freskobal at the Awaji Island Cup. Experience the sport, culture, and hospitality of Awaji Island while cheering for the teams as they battle for national honors.