The international tournament “KINTO Utsunomiya APP Asia Qualifier 2026,” sponsored by KINTO of the Toyota Group, will be held from Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Nikkan Arena Tochigi in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture. It is hosted by the Pickleball Japan Federation (general incorporated foundation). The total prize money for pro events is 2 million yen, and it also serves as Japanese national-team selection for the World Cup held in Da Nang, Vietnam, from the end of August.
A three-day international tournament in Utsunomiya
The venue is Nikkan Arena Tochigi (4-1-1 Nishikawada, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture). Over three days from July 10 to 12, 2026, it will be held as an international tournament bringing together everyone from pros to amateurs.
It is hosted by the Pickleball Japan Federation (general incorporated foundation), with KINTO of the Toyota Group as sponsor. With the sponsor’s name in the tournament title, it also draws attention as a sponsorship model for domestic tournaments.
Total prize money of 2 million yen, with wheelchair events too
The total prize money for pro events is 2 million yen. The categories held span a wide range, including pro men’s and women’s singles and doubles, age-based general categories, and even wheelchair unified and wheelchair doubles.
Organizing the event overview
Here is the basic information such as schedule, venue, and prize money.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament Name | KINTO Utsunomiya APP Asia Qualifier 2026 |
| Run | Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 12, 2026 |
| Venues | Nikkan Arena Tochigi (4-1-1 Nishikawada, Utsunomiya City) |
| Host | Pickleball Japan Federation (general incorporated foundation) |
| Sponsor | KINTO (Toyota Group) |
| Total prize money | 2 million yen (pro events) |
Also serves as national-team selection for the Da Nang World Cup
This tournament also functions as a Japanese national-team selection event for the “Pickleball World Cup 2026.” The national-team selection covers each of the men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events.
The World Cup is scheduled to be held in Da Nang, Vietnam, from August 30 to September 6, 2026. About 4,000 players from more than 80 countries are expected to participate, making Utsunomiya a match with a national-team spot on the line.
What the tournament brings
A structure combining major-corporate sponsorship and national-team selection pushes the sport’s profile up a notch. Placing pro events alongside general and wheelchair events at the same tournament broadens the entryway on both the spectating and participation sides.
If the flow of holding national-team selection domestically takes root, players’ goals become clear, and a cycle of strengthening is more likely to arise.
Summary
The international tournament in Utsunomiya sponsored by KINTO will be held July 10–12, 2026, with total prize money of 2 million yen for pro events. It also serves as Japanese national-team selection for the Da Nang World Cup from the end of August. Tournament-building that ties corporate sponsorship and national-team selection together is progressing.
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Source:PR TIMES／KINTO Utsunomiya APP Asia Qualifier 2026 / Pickleball Japan Federation (general incorporated foundation)
