Pickleball events debut in Awara and Tokyo as sport gains popularity in Japan

Awara City in Fukui Prefecture hosted its first public pickleball experience day on June 26, 2026. The free event, held at the city’s Agricultural Training Center, welcomed participants of all ages from the local area and beyond. Attendees received rule explanations, basic practice sessions, and on‑court instruction from Nippon Pickleball Holdings deputy director Tomoji Hayashi.

In Tokyo, the Oggi Pickleball Challenge took place on July 23, 2026 at the newly opened Sansan Pickleball Court in Ikebukuro. The beginner‑friendly, women‑only sessions were offered at no charge, with equipment provided and a short talk featuring Oggi model Hoshika Furuhata. Both events aimed to promote health, community interaction, and the growing popularity of pickleball in Japan.