Historic Win for Japan in Women's Frescobol Championship in Brazil
The Japanese Frescobol Association (JFBA) has announced a remarkable achievement for Japan at the recent Frescobol Brazil Championship, held from June 7-8. The duo of Kazuko Kazumi and Yuki Miyama reached a significant milestone by winning the women's division, making history as the first female champions in the sport.
Frescobol originates from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where it was created in 1945. In Japan, the sport began to gain traction in 2013, as local frescobol enthusiasts closely observed and learned from the more established Brazilian scene. The recent championship saw notable performances from various Japanese pairs including Naoya Kishida & Yuki Miyama, who previously secured a first place finish in the mixed category at the 2023 Circuit Lagos competition, setting a high standard for Japanese competitors to aim for in the future.
During this latest championship in Brazil, Kazumi & Miyama (affiliated with Frescobol Kansai GVK) excelled to achieve their historic victory, scoring an exceptional 22,666 points in the qualifying rounds, finishing first. The final match saw the pair further enthrall the audience, scoring 22,161 points while displaying what they described as 'the ultimate form of their rally'. Their performance captivated all attendees and lifted them to the highest point on the podium.
The runner-up pair of Chisato Okamoto (from Sports Club 21 Asagiri) and Maya Ochi (from Shonan Kugenuma Frescobol Club) also had a strong performance, notably with Okamoto being the youngest chosen for the national team as a middle school first-year student, garnering attention at the event. In the men's division, the pair of Kota Akatsuka (from Shonan Kugenuma Frescobol Club) and Yasuhiro Igarashi reached the finals yet finished in fifth place, giving a promising glimpse into the future of Japanese competitors in the men's category.
The results from the Japanese representatives are as follows:
After their win, Kazuko Kazumi expressed gratitude toward her teammate Yuki Miyama for their fourth try at the championship in Brazil, acknowledging the support from their community and hoping to inspire others through their journey. Miyama shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the years of hard work and the joy of finally achieving a successful outcome together, while thanking fans and fellow players for their encouragement throughout their journey.
JFBA President Kenji Kuboshima also congratulated the players for their dedication and performance, stating the championship showcased the remarkable growth and connectivity within the sport. He noted that the efforts of players and the support from their communities played a crucial role in their achievement at the championship. The event also reinforced the sense of camaraderie amongst international players, demonstrating that despite geographical barriers, the spirit of sportsmanship can unify.
Frescobol, often referred to as a 'Communication Design Sport', promotes collaboration over competition. The sport, enjoyed at beaches worldwide, encourages players to work together to keep rallies going, which has led to its classification as a sport of kindness. As of 2025, the JFBA has successfully established 27 accredited regional clubs across Japan, along with six recognized student organizations focused on creating vibrant local communities around the love for frescobol. Since its establishment in 2013, the association has actively sought to increase the sport's visibility and aims to establish clubs in all 47 prefectures by the end of 2025.
Frescobol originates from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where it was created in 1945. In Japan, the sport began to gain traction in 2013, as local frescobol enthusiasts closely observed and learned from the more established Brazilian scene. The recent championship saw notable performances from various Japanese pairs including Naoya Kishida & Yuki Miyama, who previously secured a first place finish in the mixed category at the 2023 Circuit Lagos competition, setting a high standard for Japanese competitors to aim for in the future.
During this latest championship in Brazil, Kazumi & Miyama (affiliated with Frescobol Kansai GVK) excelled to achieve their historic victory, scoring an exceptional 22,666 points in the qualifying rounds, finishing first. The final match saw the pair further enthrall the audience, scoring 22,161 points while displaying what they described as 'the ultimate form of their rally'. Their performance captivated all attendees and lifted them to the highest point on the podium.
The runner-up pair of Chisato Okamoto (from Sports Club 21 Asagiri) and Maya Ochi (from Shonan Kugenuma Frescobol Club) also had a strong performance, notably with Okamoto being the youngest chosen for the national team as a middle school first-year student, garnering attention at the event. In the men's division, the pair of Kota Akatsuka (from Shonan Kugenuma Frescobol Club) and Yasuhiro Igarashi reached the finals yet finished in fifth place, giving a promising glimpse into the future of Japanese competitors in the men's category.
The results from the Japanese representatives are as follows:
Mixed Pro Category
- - Igarashi & Miyama: 5th Place
Women's Pro Category
- - Kazumi & Miyama: Champion
- - Okamoto & Ochi: 2nd Place
- - Misako Yamato & Momoko Yamaguchi: 7th Place
Men's Pro Category
- - Akatsuka & Igarashi: 5th Place
- - Yuuji Toyama & Takanori Matsuura: 10th Place
After their win, Kazuko Kazumi expressed gratitude toward her teammate Yuki Miyama for their fourth try at the championship in Brazil, acknowledging the support from their community and hoping to inspire others through their journey. Miyama shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the years of hard work and the joy of finally achieving a successful outcome together, while thanking fans and fellow players for their encouragement throughout their journey.
JFBA President Kenji Kuboshima also congratulated the players for their dedication and performance, stating the championship showcased the remarkable growth and connectivity within the sport. He noted that the efforts of players and the support from their communities played a crucial role in their achievement at the championship. The event also reinforced the sense of camaraderie amongst international players, demonstrating that despite geographical barriers, the spirit of sportsmanship can unify.
Frescobol, often referred to as a 'Communication Design Sport', promotes collaboration over competition. The sport, enjoyed at beaches worldwide, encourages players to work together to keep rallies going, which has led to its classification as a sport of kindness. As of 2025, the JFBA has successfully established 27 accredited regional clubs across Japan, along with six recognized student organizations focused on creating vibrant local communities around the love for frescobol. Since its establishment in 2013, the association has actively sought to increase the sport's visibility and aims to establish clubs in all 47 prefectures by the end of 2025.
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