PPA Asia 125 PJ Tokyo Challenger 2026
About PPA Asia 125
PPA Asia 125 is the latest addition to the pickleball scene in the region.
PPA Asia 125 runs in parallel to PPA Tour Asia, bringing tournaments closer to local courts and players across the region.
The new circuit creates a platform for emerging talent, rising regional pros, or established players climbing back up the World Pickleball Rankings to compete across Asia. It’s your pathway to professional pickleball.
Featured Players
The PPA Tour’s leading stars make their Japan debut
BEN JOHNS
Ben Johns
One of the most celebrated players in professional pickleball.
As of the start of the 2026-27 PPA Tour season, he has claimed 185 career titles — 42 in Singles, 64 in Men’s Doubles, and 79 in Mixed Doubles.
He has achieved the Triple Crown (winning Singles, Men’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles at the same event) 21 times, and has remained at the top of the world game for many years.
ANNA BRIGHT
Anna Bright
A leading player in women’s professional pickleball, ranked No. 2 in the world in Women’s Doubles on the PPA Tour with 39 career titles.
She was a standout on the tennis team at UC Berkeley, where she reached a career-high national ranking of No. 13 in college tennis.
She later transitioned to pickleball, turning pro in 2022.
Japan’s First MLP Player
YUTA FUNEMIZU
Yuta Funemizu
A former world champion in soft tennis, Yuta Funemizu is a leading Japanese player and the first Japanese athlete to compete in Major League Pickleball (MLP) in the United States.
Known for his delicate ball touch, tempo-controlled rally play, and quick reactions at the net, he has excelled both in Japan and internationally. In 2026, he became the first Japanese player to win a men’s doubles title on the PPA Tour, and also won men’s doubles at PPA ASIA 500 Sansan TOKYO OPEN 2026.
At this event, Yuta Funemizu will team up with Ben Johns in men’s doubles — a rare chance to see the speed, precision, tactics, and intensity of world-class play up close in Japan.
Prize Money Table
Prize Money Table
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD Men’s Doubles |
¥1,000,000(≈ $6,000) | ¥500,000(≈ $3,000) | ¥200,000(≈ $1,300) | ¥100,000(≈ $700) |
| WD Women’s Doubles |
¥1,000,000(≈ $6,000) | ¥500,000(≈ $3,000) | ¥200,000(≈ $1,300) | ¥100,000(≈ $700) |
| XD Mixed Doubles |
¥1,000,000(≈ $6,000) | ¥500,000(≈ $3,000) | ¥200,000(≈ $1,300) | ¥100,000(≈ $700) |
| SMD Men’s Singles |
¥200,000(≈ $1,300) | ¥100,000(≈ $700) | ¥70,000(≈ $480) | ¥50,000(≈ $350) |
| SWD Women’s Singles |
¥200,000(≈ $1,300) | ¥100,000(≈ $700) | ¥70,000(≈ $480) | ¥50,000(≈ $350) |
*USD figures are approximate conversions as noted in the original documentation.
MD = Men’s Doubles / WD = Women’s Doubles / XD = Mixed Doubles / SMD = Men’s Singles / SWD = Women’s Singles
Tournament Outline
| Tournament Name | PPA Asia 125 PJ Tokyo Challenger 2026 |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 7 (Mon) – December 9 (Wed), 2026 |
| Venue | Ariake Tennis Forest Park Ariake Coliseum 2-2-22 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0063 |
| Organizer | Pickleball Japan Federation (General Incorporated Foundation) |
| Eligibility & Match Format |
Single-elimination format. Best of 3 games, each game to 11 points (win by 2). *Match format may change depending on weather and participation. |
| Division |
12/7 (Mon) Men’s & Women’s Singles PRO 12/8 (Tue) Mixed Doubles PRO 12/9 (Wed) Men’s & Women’s Doubles PRO |
| Ball | Joola HC40 (planned) |
| How to Apply | Entry to this tournament is not first-come, first-served. Everyone who applies is first placed on a waitlist. After participant selection is finalized, we will contact confirmed participants in order. |
| PJ Membership Fee | Entry requires individual membership registration and payment of membership dues with PJ (Pickleball Japan Federation). If you are not yet a member, you will need to register as a new member (issuing a membership number takes 1–2 days). |
| Bracket Fee |
The PRO (PPA Asia 125) bracket is entered and paid for separately from the PJ membership fee, via the official PPA Tour site “PickleballTournaments.com.” *See the “Entry” section further down this page for details. |
| Entry Opens | Monday, September 14, 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Cancellation Fees |
From Saturday, October 25: 50% of total amount paid From Tuesday, November 25: 100% of total amount paid In addition to the above, card processing fees, exchange-rate differences, and software usage fees will be deducted. |
| Weather |
[Climate & What to Wear] December in the Ariake area typically sees average temperatures between a low of about 5°C and a high of about 13°C, with little rainfall and plenty of clear, sunny weather. While daytime conditions are comfortable, it can get cold while spectating or waiting between matches, so please bring warm layers such as a heavy down jacket or fleece. [Venue Facilities] In addition to an indoor waiting area, locker rooms, shower rooms, and restrooms are available. Both the indoor courts and the Coliseum are fully air-conditioned. |
| Notes |
[Changes to Event Content & Disclaimer]
|
| Awards | Top finishers in each bracket will be honored (with prize money and prizes). |
| Organized & Operated By | Pickleball Japan Federation (General Incorporated Foundation) |
| Dedicated Contact | ariake@pickleball-japan.org |
Schedule
PPA Asia 125 (PRO) runs for three days, December 7 (Mon) – 9 (Wed), 2026
Dec 7 (Mon)
Men’s & Women’s Singles PRO
Dec 8 (Tue)
Mixed Doubles PRO
Dec 9 (Wed)
Men’s & Women’s Doubles PRO
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Special Events
Tournament Rules
World-standard rules ensure a fair environment for every player
Basic Rules
- The rules in the UPA-A 2026 Official Rulebook apply.
- Only paddles that are UPA-approved and have passed inspection at the venue’s testing machine may be used.
- Referees will check paddles at the start of each match.
- The tournament ball is planned to be the Joola HC40 (neon yellow). Please avoid wearing apparel or clothing in the same color as the ball.
- UPA scoring rules apply to all matches, in which only the serving side scores the point.
Important Notices
- Cancellation/rescheduling notices due to rain, etc.: Only if there is a change, it will be posted to the official website at 5:00 AM that day.
- Reporting to court: If a player has not reported to their court by the scheduled match time, an announcement will be made 2 minutes later. If the player is still absent after 5 minutes, the court keeper will rule it a forfeit.
- Match format: Single-elimination format. Best of 3 games, each game to 11 points (win by 2). Each team may take 1 timeout (1 minute) per match.
- Judging: All matches will be officiated by an official referee. The chief referee is Mr. Howard Hepworth (L3), a professional referee who also officiates PPA finals.
- Medical timeout: The court keeper will call the on-site medical staff to the court to assess the situation. If approved, a medical timeout is limited to a maximum of 15 minutes, once only.
- Reporting results: After the match, each team’s representative signs the scoresheet, and the winner reports the result by bringing the basket to the front desk.
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Accommodations for deaf or hard-of-hearing players:
- Scorecards will be provided on the match court.
- Before the match, the court keeper will confirm with the opponent that “out”/”in” calls and score calls must be made with hand signals.
- Volunteers will be on standby with a whiteboard in case discussion is needed.
Supplementary Rules
- Tournament organizers reserve the right to modify rules and regulations, or rearrange the match schedule, as needed. All decisions related to these matters are final.
- All players must complete tournament check-in at least 30 minutes before their scheduled match.
- If a player does not arrive at the assigned court within 5 minutes of the match start time being announced, that match will be considered forfeited.
- In matches without a referee, the server (or their partner) calls the score, and the opposing player repeats it. Hand signals may also be used.
- Injury/forfeit: A player who is injured may forfeit the match. In that case, the score at the time of forfeit stands, and the opposing player is awarded the maximum points. If the player recovers, they may compete in their remaining scheduled matches.
- Protests: Protests must be submitted in writing, accompanied by a USD $100.00 protest fee, directly to the tournament committee before the end of that day’s play. Protests submitted after that will not be accepted.
- Filming rights: PJ and its official agents reserve the right to take photos and video during the tournament. These will be used to promote and grow pickleball.
- Rules on filming: General/individual photography and videography during the tournament is prohibited (personal, non-commercial filming is permitted). The organizer does not guarantee the privacy of individuals. Any filming that includes other people is done at your own risk. The organizer is not responsible for the actions of individuals.
- Safety and liability waiver: PJ members, captains, organizers, or their agents are not responsible for safety-related accidents, injuries, or damages occurring during the tournament or on the venue premises. This includes, but is not limited to, accidents, injuries, losses, or damages arising from unforeseeable circumstances or acts. We recommend obtaining appropriate insurance as a precaution. This waiver is intended to clarify mutual responsibilities and does not limit efforts to maintain a safe and comfortable environment.
Please note: The rules and proceedings above may change due to weather or other unavoidable circumstances. Thank you for your understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parking available?
Tournament Committee
A World-Class Venue
A premier Japanese facility that has hosted the Tokyo Olympics and international tennis tournaments
- VENUE
- Ariake Tennis Forest Park
Ariake Coliseum - ADDRESS
- 2-2-22 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0063
- ACCESS
-
8-minute walk from “Kokusai-Tenjijo” Station (Rinkai Line)
8-minute walk from “Ariake” Station (Yurikamome) / 8-minute walk from “Ariake Tennis-no-Mori” Station