The Japan Pickleball Association (JPA) and the Pickleball Japan Federation (PJF) signed a merger agreement on March 13, 2026. The merger will officially take effect on April 14, 2026.
The Japan Pickleball Association (JPA) and the Pickleball Japan Federation (PJF) signed a merger agreement on March 13, 2026. The merger will officially take effect on April 14, 2026.
Integration
The two leading organizations in Japanese pickleball have merged. As Japan's sole governing body, we will promote the growth and development of the sport.
Bringing new dreams and a healthy lifestyle to communities across Japan through pickleball
My name is Rika Riordan, and I am deeply honored to serve as Chair of Pickleball Japan.
I first discovered pickleball four years ago while walking my dog at the Diamond Head tennis courts in Honolulu. From that moment, I was completely captivated by the sport. Driven by a desire to connect Japan and Hawaii through pickleball, I founded the Japan Hawaii Pickleball Association.
As I witnessed the incredible global momentum of pickleball, I felt a strong calling to share that energy in Japan and expand the possibilities of the sport there. This led to the establishment of the Pickleball Japan Federation.
Today, we have achieved a long-awaited milestone—the unification with the Japan Pickleball Association, something players across Japan have truly hoped for. As a newly unified organization, Pickleball Japan will move forward together—built on collaboration, trust, and a shared vision—to shape a new era for pickleball in Japan.
Pickleball is a uniquely sustainable sport, where two powerful elements grow side by side: its exciting competitive nature, and its ability to foster health and community. I believe this sport can inspire young people to pursue their dreams, while also supporting seniors—who are the backbone of Japan—in leading healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives within their communities.
I feel incredibly grateful for the many opportunities ahead—the things we aspire to achieve, and the responsibilities we must embrace. I am fully committed to dedicating myself to this role and giving it my all. Together with all of you, I look forward to chasing new dreams.
Core Philosophy
Pickleball — the sport that connects people.
Through pickleball, we connect people and contribute to the development of a sports culture that fosters vibrant communities and healthy lives.
We will expand the inclusive and accessible nature of pickleball—a sport that brings generations and backgrounds together—creating opportunities to enjoy, compete, and support one another. We aim to build an environment where anyone can participate easily.
At the same time, we will balance athletic competitiveness with social value, strengthening competition environments, developing the sport's foundation, and nurturing athletes. Through this, we aim to cultivate a new sports culture that connects people across generations and backgrounds.
We envision a society where people connect across generations and backgrounds through pickleball, with communities growing in every region of Japan.
We aspire to nurture athletes who compete on the world stage, and to develop pickleball as a new sports culture that connects people and nations.
Future Outlook
Through this merger, pickleball in Japan enters a new stage.
Moving forward, we will promote:
This integration will unify Japan's pickleball community and build a competitive foundation connected to the world.
Looking ahead to future international competitions and potential Olympic inclusion, we will continue developing athletes and improving competitive environments.
Competitions and certification systems planned for FY2026 will continue under the new structure while respecting existing plans.
Organization
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | Rika Riordan |
| Vice Chairperson | Shigeru Nishigami |
| Secretary General | Gaku Koizumi |
| Listed below in alphabetical order | |
| Executive Director | Kento Sasaki |
| Executive Director | Koki Sugimoto |
| Executive Director | Yuki Tanaka |
| Executive Director | Chiharu Hachiya Lorenzoni |
| Executive Director | Masahiro Marutani |
FAQ
Contact
For inquiries regarding the merger, please contact us below.