{"id":1105,"date":"2026-04-09T11:13:43","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T02:13:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pickle-times.com\/news\/sansan-tokyo-open\/"},"modified":"2026-04-11T01:55:58","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T16:55:58","slug":"sansan-tokyo-open","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/pickle-times.com\/en\/news\/sansan-tokyo-open\/","title":{"rendered":"The PPA is coming to Tokyo! Registration for the Sansan Tokyo Open 2026 is now open"},"content":{"rendered":"

It's finally here. In Tokyo,PPA Tour<\/a>will be held.<\/p>\n

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 TBS<\/strong>will 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.<\/p>\n

And what's intriguing is the organizer. None other thanTBS Holdings<\/strong>is acting as the tournament organizer. A TV network hosting a pickleball tournament -- doesn't that really feel like the times have changed?<\/p>\n

To sum up the tournament overview<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Item<\/th>\nDetails<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Dates<\/td>\nWednesday, July 1 \u2013 Saturday, July 4, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Venues<\/td>\nArena Tachikawa Tachihi \/ Dome Tachikawa Tachihi (Tachikawa, Tokyo)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Number of courts<\/td>\n11 courts (air-conditioned, dedicated PickleRoll mats)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Entry slots<\/td>\nAbout 1,000 (planned)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Total prize money<\/td>\nUSD 50,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PPA points<\/td>\n500 pt (A-series level)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Host<\/td>\nTBS Holdings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Title sponsor<\/td>\nSansan, Inc.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Co-creation partner<\/td>\nMitsui Fudosan<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Entries open<\/td>\nFrom April 8, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

Entry registration isthe official PPA Tour Asia website<\/a>via. Registration already opened on April 8, so if you're interested, check it now.<\/p>\n

Why Tokyo, and why now<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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 entertainment<\/strong>that goes beyond a mere competition. Mitsui Fudosan has also joined as a co-creation partner, conveying real seriousness about this as a sports business.<\/p>\n

Japanese players' participation is intriguing too<\/h2>\n

By the way, the PPA Tour has a Japanese pro namedYuta Funemizu<\/strong>. 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<\/a>). Whether he will compete in the Tokyo event is something to look forward to.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n

Q. Can amateurs living in Japan take part?<\/h3>\n

A. Yes, an amateur bracket is expected to be set up. For detailed eligibility and divisions, pleasethe PPA Tour Asia official site<\/a>check here. Entries have been open since April 8.<\/p>\n

Q. Can I get in just to watch?<\/h3>\n

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\/<\/a>for updates.<\/p>\n

Q. How much weight does 500 PPA points carry?<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Summary: Don't miss the Tokyo event<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Entry slots are limited to about 1,000. Moving early is wise.<\/p>\n

> Official info: PPA Tour Asia \u2013 Sansan Tokyo Open 2026<\/a>
> TBS official site: https:\/\/www.tbs.co.jp\/pickleball-tokyo\/<\/a>
> Sansan Inc. press release: https:\/\/jp.corp-sansan.com\/news\/2026\/0310.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Related Articles<\/h2>\n