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Frescoball Kirishima Cup 2026: A New Era for Beach Sports in Japan

In an exciting development for beach sports enthusiasts, the Japan Frescoball Association (JFBA) has officially announced the inaugural Frescoball Kirishima Cup 2026. Scheduled for July 11 and 12, this tournament will take place at the picturesque Kirishima Beach Park in Miyazaki Prefecture. This event marks a pivotal moment for the sport as it aims to expand its reach and foster community connections through the unique and collaborative nature of frescoball.

Frescoball, a dynamic beach sport originating from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, captivates players and spectators alike with its focus on cooperation instead of competition. Unlike traditional sports where teams compete against each other, frescoball encourages players to rally together, making it a true embodiment of a “communicative design sport”. Players maintain a distance of seven meters and engage in a 5-minute match, scoring based on their ability to keep the volley going. This feature highlights the sport's appeal as a means of fostering camaraderie and social interaction.

The Frescoball Kirishima Cup is part of the 2026 Frescoball Japan Tour, an initiative aimed at establishing the national team for the upcoming international competitions. The tournament will be the sixth of eight events in this series, which officially kicks off in February. The tour's mission is to enhance community engagement and promote the sport's value across Japan, thereby encouraging the growth of both local participatory and spectator populations.

Miyazaki Prefecture, known for its warm climate and stunning beaches, is an ideal location for this event. With beautiful white sands, similar to international beach volleyball standards, Kirishima Beach Park is poised to be a perfect setting for this exciting tournament. The choice of this location also reflects JFBA's ongoing commitment to expanding frescoball's influence in Kyushu, following the successes of last year’s Frescoball Fukuma Cup held in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Located near a notable umeshu (plum wine) production facility, Kirishima Beach Park is well-loved among locals and visitors alike. The Kirishima Factory Garden offers a wealth of experiences, including factory tours, shops, and restaurants that allow guests to immerse themselves in Kirishima's rich beverage culture. Visitors to the Kirishima Cup will enjoy free entry to witness and experience the excitement of frescoball firsthand. This presents a fabulous opportunity to connect with the local community while enjoying a sport that has its roots in Brazilian culture.

Event Overview

• - Event Name: Frescoball Kirishima Cup 2026
• - Date: July 11 and 12, 2026
• - Location: Kirishima Beach Park, Kirishima Factory Garden, Miyazaki Prefecture
• - Organizer: Japan Frescoball Association (JFBA)
• - Sponsor: Kirishima Shuzo Co., Ltd.

What is Frescoball?

Frescoball has a rich history, having been conceived in 1945 on the Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. It has slowly evolved into a phenomenon enjoyed worldwide at various beach locations. One of the key objectives of the JFBA is to unify international rules through collaboration with the Rio Frescoball Federation (FEFERJ) and the formation of the UAFI, an unprecedented global governing body for frescoball, aimed at synchronizing the sport worldwide by 2025. Currently, there are 29 registered regional clubs and six student organizations in Japan, showcasing the rapid growth and enthusiasm for frescoball across the country.

As we approach July 2026, the anticipation for the Frescoball Kirishima Cup continues to grow. With its unique approach to teamwork and community spirit, frescoball is not just creating waves on international beaches but also bringing people together right here in Japan. Don't miss this chance to witness this exciting event and get involved in a sport that's all about connection and collaboration.