[Media Coverage] Ranked No. 6: Nikkei Trendy "Top 30 Hit Products of 2026"

Ben Johns, Men’s World No. 1, and Anna Bright, Women’s World No. 2 in the PPA rankings, to play in Japan for the first time in Ariake, Tokyo. Yuta Funemizu to compete as well. Free admission for spectators

The Pickleball Japan Federation (General Incorporated Foundation) (Pickleball Japan, “PJ”) is pleased to announce that pickleball was ranked No. 6 in Nikkei Trendy’s “2026 Best 30 Hit Products,” announced on November 3, 2026.
Pickleball has also been selected as one of the 30 candidates for the “2026 T&D Insurance Group New Words and Buzzwords of the Year,” chosen by Gendai Yogo no Kiso Chishiki (Basic Knowledge of Contemporary Terms) and announced on November 5, 2026.

Pickleball is a sport that is rapidly growing in popularity in Japan. Dedicated courts are opening one after another across the country.

A trial session organized by a fashion magazine received about 1,000 applications for 60 spots. At the 2nd PJL BURGER KING® CUP held in October, some categories reached capacity just 15 minutes after registration opened.

PJ is delighted to share the news of the No. 6 ranking in Nikkei Trendy and the nomination for the Buzzwords of the Year with players across the country.

We sincerely thank the players who share the appeal of the sport, everyone who creates places to play across the country, and the sponsors who support our activities.

Why Are So Many People Drawn to Pickleball Right Now?

Pickleball is played with a paddle and a perforated ball on a court the same size as a badminton doubles court. Even first-timers can keep a rally going relatively easily, so you can enjoy a game on the very same day.

It is easy to join in even on your own. There is also a style of play called “open play,” in which people who have gathered at the venue pair up and change partners from game to game.

Even with people you have just met, you naturally start talking and smiling as you play. When someone hits a great shot, you give a paddle tap. Standing on the same court with people of different ages and experience levels, and making new friends through play, is another appeal of this sport.

Playing together connects people. This appeal is also evident in the popular corporate tournaments.

Colleagues who rarely work together in daily business pair up and cheer on their teammates. These events also serve as team-building opportunities, allowing people to interact across departments and job titles.

Start with a Trial Session and Pick Up a Paddle

Why not experience the fun of pickleball at a trial session first?
The PJ official website lists trial sessions across the country that first-time players can join.

https://japanpickleball.org/official/trial-events/

In December, Head to Ariake, Tokyo — Watch the World’s Top Players for Free

From Monday, December 7 to Friday, December 11, 2026, “ZIPAIR & KENEDIX present The 3rd PJ Pickleball Championships 2026 in Japan” will be held at Ariake Tennis no Mori Park.

In the pro division, “PPA Asia 125 PJ TOKYO Challenger 2026” will be held in Japan for the first time. Ben Johns, ranked No. 1 in the official PPA men’s rankings, and Anna Bright, ranked No. 2 in the women’s rankings, are both scheduled to play in Japan for the first time at this event.

Yuta Funemizu, the first Japanese player to play in Major League Pickleball (MLP) in the United States, will also compete.

About 2,000 participants are expected, and a total of 61 courts, including 24 indoor courts, are planned to be used. Players of all ages, from juniors to seniors, will compete in their respective categories.

The “dink” is a soft exchange of the ball at the net. From there, the game suddenly shifts into a “firefight,” in which players trade fast shots at close range. This change of pace is one of the highlights of watching pickleball.

Admission is free in all areas throughout the event. Please come to the venue and see the top players up close.

* World rankings are based on the official PPA men’s and women’s rankings (as confirmed on November 2, 2026). The schedule, participating players, and pairings are subject to change.

For Members of the Press | Apply to Cover the Ariake Event

If you wish to cover the Ariake event, please apply using the form below. If you would like to interview players, please let us know along with the details of your coverage.

Apply to cover the Ariake event
https://forms.gle/qp9aL8TrYUfqVa2n9

* Player interviews may not be possible depending on match schedules, players’ wishes, and other factors.

About the Pickleball Japan Federation

The Pickleball Japan Federation (PJ) is the national governing body that promotes the spread of pickleball, the improvement of competitive standards, and international exchange in Japan. In June 2026, it became a recognized organization of the Japan Sport Association (JSPO), a public interest incorporated foundation.

Through hosting tournaments, providing opportunities to try the sport, training coaches and referees, and selecting and sending Japan national team members, PJ is building an environment where everyone, from first-time players to athletes aiming for the world stage, can take part in the sport according to their own goals.

Pickleball Japan Federation Official Sites

●Official website
https://japanpickleball.org/

●Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/pickleballjapanfederation

●Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pickleballjapan

●X
https://x.com/pjf_official

Contact

Pickleball Japan Federation
contact@japanpickleball.org

PJ Press Releases
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/searchrlp/company_id/144389