Sponsors
Tournament Vision
This tournament was established to share the joy of pickleball, foster an inclusive culture that builds connections across cultures, and bring a world-class competitive environment to Japan.
Volunteer
Let’s make this tournament a success together!
We’re looking for tournament volunteers, sponsors, and vendors to help make this event possible!
Players interested in competing are also warmly welcome!
Tournament Opening Reception!
Tournament Outline
Tournament Details
Organizer & Operator:
Pickleball Japan Federation (PJF)
Sponsored by:
DIAMOND:
ZIPAIR
JAPANET
PLATINUM：
DIADEM
JOOLA
GOLD：
Aflac Life Insurance Japan Ltd.
AOYAMA SPORTS
Mino Pickleball
Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.
YONEX
SILVER：
FRONTIER INTERNATIONAL
DELISH KITCHEN
TOURNAMENT SUPPORTERS：
AMINO VITAL
YOBI PADDLE
Under the Patronage of:
U.S. Embassy
Embassy of Australia
Embassy of Canada
Embassy of France
Embassy of Georgia
In Cooperation with:
Oahu Pickleball Association (OPA)
Washington DC Pickleball (WDCP)
Hachiyukai Medical Corporation
Schedule:
December 12–15, 2024 (Rain date: December 16)
On the final day, a pro exhibition match featuring top American pros will be held on the show court.
Tournament Hours:
09:00~17:00
*May be extended into the evening depending on weather conditions.
Venue:
Ariake Tennis Park Tennis Courts
Ariake, Koto City, Tokyo, Japan
Eligibility and Match Format:
Open Division:
Rating: 4.0 or higher
No age restriction
The winning pair in each category will be granted the opportunity to play in a pro exhibition match on the final day at the Show Court (2,500-seat capacity).
Format:
Double elimination (with consolation bracket)
Best of three 11-point games. Win by 2 points if the score reaches 10-10.
Prize:
The winning pair in the Open category will receive a round-trip ticket equivalent (economy class, Japan–Hawaii) provided by ZIPAIR.
Skill / Master Divisions:
Divided by skill level and age group per bracket
Round Robin Format (each bracket plays in a round-robin format)
Each pair is guaranteed a minimum of 3 matches.
Each match is one game to 15 points. If the score reaches 14-14, win by 2 points.
If there are 8 or more teams in a bracket, the top 2 teams from each group will advance to a single elimination playoff.
Playoff matches will be best of three games to 11 points, win by 2 points.
Note: Match formats may be subject to change depending on weather conditions and the number of entries in each category.
Divisions:
OPEN
Men’s Doubles
Women’s Doubles
Mixed Doubles
(Skill Rating 4.0 or higher)
SKILL Division (Ages: 8+, 35+, 45+)
Men’s Doubles
Women’s Doubles
Mixed Doubles
MASTER Division (Ages: 55+, 65+, 70+)
Men’s Doubles
Women’s Doubles
Mixed Doubles
Brackets:
Age Groups: 8+, 35+, 45+, 55+, 65+, 70+
Skill Ratings: 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0+, Open
Skill ratings are based on DUPR or self-assessment.
Tournament Schedule:
Referees:
Exhibition Matches: Official Referees
Medal Matches: Official and Volunteer Referees
All Other Matches: Volunteer Referees or Self-Officiated
For self-officiated matches, a court keeper will be present to assist.
Balls Used:
DIADEM Official Pickleballs – Outdoor Pickleballs
Selection Method:
First-come, first-served
Awards:
Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals awarded for each bracket
Entry Fee:
Registration Fee: $75
To qualify for the early bird discount, registration and payment must be completed by July 31, 2024. Please refer to the information below for fees after this date.
For applications submitted
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between August 1 and September 30, 2024, the registration fee is $85.
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between October 1 and November 30, 2024, the registration fee is $100.
Registration Fee Includes:
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Official tournament commemorative T-shirt
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Yakult Quick Charge
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Yakult 1000
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Amino Vital supplement
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Software usage fee
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PJF registration fee and first-year annual membership
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Consumption tax, credit card fees, and other charges
Bracket Fees:
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OPEN: $40 each
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Others: $20 each
Prizes:
Generous prizes are provided by various sponsors:
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ZIPAIR Prize: Round-trip economy class airfare between Japan and Hawaii
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DIADEM Prize: 10 paddles
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Joola Prize: 10 paddles
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Mino Prize: 10 paddles
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Yobi Prize: 10 paddles
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Yonex Prize: 10 paddles
Application Deadline:
Closed as of September 1, 2024, due to reaching capacity
Cancellation Fee:
Refunds will be issued (excluding software usage fees, payment processing fees, and foreign exchange differences) if cancellation is made by 23:30 JST on November 30, 2024. No refunds will be given after this deadline.
Weather:
The average temperature in Ariake, Tokyo, in December ranges from a low of 5°C to a high of 13°C. Precipitation is at its lowest for the year, typically under 1.5 mm. When sunny during the day, the weather is dry and pleasantly refreshing.
During matches or while waiting, warm clothing such as thick down jackets and fleece are necessary. The venue offers indoor waiting areas, locker rooms, and shower toilets.
In case of bad weather, match schedules will be adjusted as needed. Night games may be held, and depending on availability, indoor courts with the same surface as outdoor courts may be used. December 16 is reserved as a rain date.
Please note there are no refunds due to bad weather or schedule changes.
Important Notes:
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This tournament may be subject to changes due to the number of participants, social conditions, or other unavoidable circumstances.
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Injuries or accidents during competition will receive first aid, but the organizers and venue are not responsible for any subsequent issues.
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The organizers and venue are not liable for any damages caused to participants due to injuries, accidents, or theft.
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Participants are responsible for compensating any damages caused by their negligence to the venue, other participants, or third parties.
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The rights to images, videos, articles, and records taken during the tournament for websites and other media belong to the organizers.
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The tournament carries recreational insurance coverage.
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Doctors and trainers from Hachiyukai Medical Corporation, a special sponsor, are stationed on site.
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All players will be treated fairly and equally.
*The above conditions are subject to change.
Tournament Schedule
Schedule
Day 0: Wednesday, December 11
Pro Clinic
Clinics by Top 5 World-Ranked Pros!
Perfect preparation before the tournament!
Sessions will be held on December 11, 12, and 16!
Day 1: Thursday, December 12
Open Division
Category: Mixed Doubles
Age Group: Open
Level: 4.0 and above
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Masters Division
Category: Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles
Age Groups: 55+, 65+, 70+
Levels: 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0+
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Day 2: Friday, December 13
Open Division
Category: Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles
Age Group: Open
Level: 4.0 and above
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Masters Division
Category: Mixed Doubles
Age Groups: 55+, 65+, 70+
Levels: 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0+
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Day 3: Saturday, December 14
Skill Division
Category: Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles
Age Groups: 8+, 35+, 45+
Levels: 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0+
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Reception Party
Pacific PICKLE CLUB
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Day 4: Sunday, December 15
Skill Division
Category: Mixed Doubles
Age Groups: 8+, 35+, 45+
Levels: 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0+
Exhibition Match
Exhibition Match by World Top Pro Players at Ariake Show Court
12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Post-Tournament Events
Racket Pro Organization Coaching Classes
December 16–17
We are building a global coaching system, and the highest-level L3 certified coaches are authorized to train top professionals of the PPA. It is a prestigious and high-level coaching system.
Pro Clinic
Clinics by Top 5 World-Ranked Pros!
Sessions also available on December 16!
The above information is subject to change.
Skill Rating
USAPA Rating Guidelines
3.0
Forehand:
Able to hit medium-paced shots but lacks direction and consistency.
Backhand:
Tends to avoid backhand shots. Lacks direction and consistency.
Serve/Return:
Able to hit medium-paced shots but lacks depth, direction, and consistency.
Dink:
Unable to sustain dink rallies consistently. Control over this shot is still developing.
Third Shot:
Generally hits medium-paced balls with little direction.
Volley:
Able to hit medium-paced shots but lacks direction and consistency.
Strategy:
Understands the basics and is learning proper court positioning. Knows fundamental rules, can keep score, and is currently playing in tournaments.
3.5
Forehand:
Stroke development has improved, and shot control is moderately consistent.
Backhand:
Learning proper stroke form and beginning to develop consistency, but still avoids it when possible.
Serve / Return:
Consistently incorporates serve and return into play, but has limited ability to control depth.
Dink:
Consistency has improved, with limited ability to control height and depth. Can sustain medium-length rallies and is beginning to understand changes in speed.
Third Shot:
Developing drop shots to approach the net.
Volley:
Able to volley medium-paced shots, improving control.
Strategy:
Quickly moves into the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) when the opportunity arises. Recognizes the difference between hard and soft games and begins to vary play during recreational and tournament matches. Can maintain short rallies.
Learning proper court positioning. Has basic knowledge of stacking and understands when it is effective.
4.0
Forehand:
Consistently hits with depth and control. Still working on perfecting shot selection and timing.
Backhand:
Improved stroke mechanics and achieving moderate success by consistently using the backhand.
Serve / Return:
Accurately executes most serves and returns with varying depths and speeds.
Dink:
Improved consistency with moderate ability to control height and depth. Occasionally ends dink rallies prematurely due to lack of patience. Beginning to recognize the difference between attackable and non-attackable balls.
Third Shot:
Selectively mixes soft and power shots to create advantageous situations, but results are inconsistent.
Volley:
Able to volley shots at various speeds. Developing consistency and control. Beginning to understand block and reset volleys.
Venue
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
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World-Class Venue
A premier facility in Japan that hosted the Tokyo Olympics and international tennis tournaments
Venue:
Ariake Tennis Forest Park
Address: 2-2-22 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Access:
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8-minute walk from Kokusai-Tenjijo Station (Rinkai Line)
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8-minute walk from Ariake Station and Ariake Tennis-no-Mori Station (Yurikamome Line)
Hotel
Hotel Information
Booking Website:
The tournament venue is Ariake Tennis Forest Park.
Main areas to consider are listed below.
Ariake Tennis Forest Park is located in the Ariake–Daiba area.
Travel Time by Public Transportation:
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Haneda Airport → Ariake–Daiba Area: Approximately 45 minutes
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Ariake Tennis Forest Park → Tokyo Station / Ginza Area: Approximately 30 minutes
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Ariake Tennis Forest Park → Roppongi Area: Approximately 40 minutes
Participants wishing to book accommodations, please apply via the link below.
Online payment only
Group Inquiries:
If you're having trouble planning and booking your stay in Japan, we'll handle it for you!
We offer more than just travel, offering enticing “everyday” content that expands your experiences.
*The minimum number of traveler per group is 10.
For more information, please contact the email below:
JTB Corp.
Nagoya Dept. Global Mice Sales
Email: e_kato113@jtb.com
Presented by
Special Offer
Faq
FAQ
Registration - Categories
Q: Is it possible to enter doubles in two categories, such as Mixed Open and Mixed Skill?
A: You cannot enter two events on the same day, but you may enter events on different days.
Registration - Cancellation
Q: If it rains, will the cancellation fee for that day be refunded?
A: As a rule, rain delays may extend play through Monday. Refunds are only available if the entire tournament is canceled. We recommend booking return flights for Tuesday or later.
Registration - Divisions
Q: I don’t understand the difference between Masters and Skill divisions. Could you explain?
A: The "Masters" and "Skill" divisions in pickleball tournaments are mainly classified by participants’ age and skill level.
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Masters Division:
Age-based categories, such as 55+ and 65+. Players compete against peers in the same age group.
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Skill Division:
Based on players’ skill level, determined by self-assessment, past results, or official skill rating systems. Players compete against others of similar skill for fair competition. Age ranges from 8 to 54.
Registration - Partners
Q: Can I register my partner at the same time when I apply? Is it enough if one person registers for both?
A: Each player must create their own account and pay separately. Partners who register later can search and select your name when signing up for a bracket.
Registration - Partners
Q: How can I contact players listed as “Needs Partner”?
A: On the [Home] screen, click the [Needs Partner] button. A [Contact] button will appear next to each player, allowing you to send messages directly.
Registration - Partners
Q: If I apply without a partner, how do I find one?
A: If you don’t have a partner, click the relevant bracket during registration. A popup will appear where you can search for partners or be contacted by others looking for partners.
You can manage partner contacts from [Home] > [Needs Partner].
Registration - Rating
Q: I want to downgrade my skill rating from 3.5 to 3.0, but it’s not reflected on the bracket selection screen.
A: Rating changes can be made in your profile, but will only apply to the next tournament. You must compete in the current tournament using your current rating to prevent sandbagging and maintain fairness.
If you need a change, submit proof of your 3.0 rating. The system administrator (U.S. staff) will adjust your skill rating and event registration.
Registration - Age
Q: If I enter mixed doubles with my 8-year-old son, should I register in the 8–34 age class?
A: Yes. Age is determined by the younger partner. If skill levels differ, you compete at the higher skill level.
Registration - Age
Q: Masters divisions are separated at age 55, but if one doubles partner is 55 and the other is 54 at tournament time, which category should we enter?
A: If you turn 55 in 2024, you may enter the 55+ division. You may also register for 55+ even if you are still 54 at registration.
Registration - Fees
Q: For doubles participation, do both players need to pay the registration fee?
A: Yes. Each player must register and pay separately.
Hotel - Special Rates
Q: Does the tournament offer recommended hotels with special rates and shuttle service to the venue?
A: Thank you for your inquiry. Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel offers special rates for this tournament. The venue is about a 15-minute taxi ride away. We hope you will consider it.
https://pickleball-japan.org/en/tournament/prince-hotel
Payment - Methods
Q: Can I pay by bank transfer?
A: The U.S.-based system only accepts credit card payments. We apologize for the inconvenience and ask that you use a credit card to register.
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