It's finally here. In Tokyo,PPA Tourwill be held.
From July 1 to 4, 2026, at Arena Tachikawa Tachihi / Dome Tachikawa Tachihi in Tachikawa, Tokyo,PPA ASIA 500 Sansan TOKYO OPEN 2026 Produced by TBSwill be held. There are around 1,000 entry slots -- an impressive number. It is a big event with a total prize purse of $50,000 (about 7.5 million yen) and 500 PPA ranking points on the line.
And what's intriguing is the organizer. None other thanTBS Holdingsis acting as the tournament organizer. A TV network hosting a pickleball tournament -- doesn't that really feel like the times have changed?
To sum up the tournament overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | Wednesday, July 1 – Saturday, July 4, 2026 |
| Venues | Arena Tachikawa Tachihi / Dome Tachikawa Tachihi (Tachikawa, Tokyo) |
| Number of courts | 11 courts (air-conditioned, dedicated PickleRoll mats) |
| Entry slots | About 1,000 (planned) |
| Total prize money | USD 50,000 |
| PPA points | 500 pt (A-series level) |
| Host | TBS Holdings |
| Title sponsor | Sansan, Inc. |
| Co-creation partner | Mitsui Fudosan |
| Entries open | From April 8, 2026 |
Entry registration isthe official PPA Tour Asia websitevia. Registration already opened on April 8, so if you're interested, check it now.
Why Tokyo, and why now
Last year (2025), the Sansan FUKUOKA OPEN was held in Fukuoka, drawing 1,232 participants with $70,000 in prize money, a major success. The PPA Asia tour in Japan has been steadily building a track record, and this year the stage moves to Tokyo.
There is also data showing that Japan's domestic pickleball population surged from about 9,000 to 45,000 in a single year. With the merger of the PJF and JPA, the organizational structure is now in place -- the timing when "a foundation ready for a pro tour" had been built.
The fact that TBS is involved should not be overlooked. "Show-style production" and live streaming that leverage its video and audio expertise are planned, with the aim of developing it as sports entertainmentsports entertainmentthat goes beyond a mere competition. Mitsui Fudosan has also joined as a co-creation partner, conveying real seriousness about this as a sports business.
Japanese players' participation is intriguing too
By the way, the PPA Tour has a Japanese pro namedYuta Funemizu. A former soft tennis world champion who switched over, he is the first Japanese player to sign a contract allowing him to play on both the PPA Tour and the US pro league (MLP). Whether he will compete in the Tokyo event is something to look forward to.
The pro category also has five events: men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles. Amateurs are also expected to be able to take part, so it may be a chance to compete on the same court as the players you admire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can amateurs living in Japan take part?
A. Yes, an amateur bracket is expected to be set up. For detailed eligibility and divisions, pleasethe PPA Tour Asia official sitecheck here. Entries have been open since April 8.
Q. Can I get in just to watch?
A. Details on spectator tickets have not yet been announced, but since TBS is the organizer, there is a high chance that watching via live stream will be possible. Keep a close eye on the official site (https://www.tbs.co.jp/pickleball-tokyo/for updates.
Q. How much weight does 500 PPA points carry?
A. In the PPA Tour Asia level classification, "500" corresponds to A-series scale. It is below the recently held MB Hanoi Cup (1000 pt), but it is positioned as an event that draws many top pros from Japan and abroad.
Summary: Don't miss the Tokyo event
In July 2026, you can watch PPA pros compete in Tokyo. And amateurs may be able to stand on the same stage. As a pickleball player, I think this is an absolute must-attend event.
Entry slots are limited to about 1,000. Moving early is wise.
> Official info: PPA Tour Asia – Sansan Tokyo Open 2026
> TBS official site: https://www.tbs.co.jp/pickleball-tokyo/
> Sansan Inc. press release: https://jp.corp-sansan.com/news/2026/0310.html
