It's finally here. The world's top pickleball tour, the "PPA Tour,"July 1–4, 2026,inTachikawa, Tokyo,has been officially announced to hold its first-ever event in Japan. The tournament name is「PPA ASIA 500 Sansan TOKYO OPEN 2026」. Co-hosted by Sansan and TV Tokyo Holdings, it is set to gather around 1,000 players. For Japan's pickleball world, this is without a doubt a "historic step."
Event overview: 11 courts appear at Arena Tachikawa Tachihi
The venue isArena Tachikawa Tachihi(& Dome Tachikawa Tachihi). At this facility in Tachikawa, Tokyo,11 pickleball courtswill be installed. The court surface usesPickleRoll. What's more, with full air conditioning, a comfortable competitive environment is ensured even in the intense heat of July.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament Name | PPA ASIA 500 Sansan TOKYO OPEN 2026 |
| Dates | Wednesday, July 1 – Saturday, July 4, 2026 |
| Venues | Arena Tachikawa Tachihi / Dome Tachikawa Tachihi |
| Number of courts | 11 courts |
| Court surface | PickleRoll |
| Scale of participation | About 1,000 people |
| Entries open | April 8, 2026 (planned) |
| Official website | ppatour-asia.com |
Organizing structure: a powerful team of Sansan and TBS × TV Tokyo Holdings
This tournament is organized byTBS Holdings, with the title sponsor beingSansan, Inc., and the business partnerMitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.is on the roster. And handling operations isTBS Television.
Sansan is a leading Japanese business SaaS company that has long used pickleball as a venue for business networking. With the backing of major companies like TBS and Mitsui Fudosan, it may develop into a"business × sport" hybrid eventthat goes beyond a mere sports event.
The competitive divisions are planned as a pro division with men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles, and mixed doubles, and the world's top players are expected to gather in Tokyo.
What is "PPA ASIA" — the battle for pickleball supremacy in the Asia-Pacific region
PPA ASIA (Professional Pickleball Association Asia) is an organization the PPA established to run its tour in the Asia-Pacific region. The 2026 Tokyo tournament is positioned as a historic event markingthe first-ever event held in Japanfor this PPA ASIA.
Pickleball's spread in Asia is remarkable, with the competitive population rapidly expanding in China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. In that context, the significance of a prestigious "ASIA 500" event awarding 500 points being held in Japan is great. It will serve as a touchstone for Japan to become "Asia's pickleball hub."
Crucial information for Japanese players: entries start April 8
What you're probably most curious about is "Can I get in?" As of now, the information is thatentries open on April 8, 2026(official site: ppatour-asia.com).
The PPA ASIA 500 is a pro-division-centered tournament, but an amateur division may also be set up. We strongly recommend checking information as it comes after entries open, while getting your preparations in order now — such as registering and updating your DUPR rating — to meet the eligibility requirements.
Also, for spectator tickets and the latest tournament information,ppatour-asia.comfrom there. Since there have been almost no chances in Japan to see the world's top pros play right in front of you, it's a must-see even for non-players.
Source:PPA ASIA 500 Sansan TOKYO OPEN 2026 confirmed | Sansan, Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can amateur players enter?
A. As of now, the details of official entry divisions have not been announced. They are expected to be released when entries open on April 8. Check ppatour-asia.com and this site for the latest information.
Q. How do you get to the venue, Arena Tachikawa Tachihi?
A. Arena Tachikawa Tachihi is conveniently located directly connected to "Tachihi Station" on the Tama Monorail. It's also just a few minutes from JR Tachikawa Station with no transfers, offering great access. It's an easy venue to enter and watch not only from the Kanto region but from across the country.
Q. What kind of tournament series is the PPA Tour?
A. The PPA Tour (Professional Pickleball Association) is pickleball's premier tour, featuring the world's top pros such as Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns. It's the largest in the pickleball world in total prize money, number of participants, and viewership, holding many tournaments in 2026 such as the Greater Zion Cup and the Texas Open.
