A New Stage for Pickleball, Starting from Hokkaido. "RUSUTSU Pickleball Open 2026" — Making Its Debut!
- 16h
- 4 min read
PJ Ambassador Training Session, Night Event, and a Special Event Featuring Former Japan National Soccer Player Tsuyoshi Kitazawa
Rusutsu Resort in Hokkaido (Head Office: Sapporo, Hokkaido; President & CEO: Hisatake Kamori) will host the "RUSUTSU Pickleball Open 2026" on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
This open tournament will be held on the resort's eight dedicated pickleball courts — built just last year — and is organized by Rusutsu Resort with the support of the Pickleball Japan (PJ).
Aimed at promoting pickleball and raising the level of competitive play for this fast-growing global sport, the tournament welcomes a wide range of players, from beginners to intermediate level.
Beyond the thrill of competition, the event is designed to foster connection and community, with the goal of championing a new pickleball culture from Hokkaido.
On the day before the tournament, Saturday, June 27, the Pickleball Japan (PJ) will host a "PJ Ambassador Certification Course," along with a "Step Up Lesson" led by PJ-certified pro Joe Kasahara.
In addition, former Japan national soccer player Tsuyoshi Kitazawa will lead a special "Soccer & Pickleball Experience Event" — a unique program for children ages 4 to 12 to discover the fun of both sports.
As evening falls, a "Night Pickleball Event" will light up the courts under black lights, offering players a one-of-a-kind experience with glowing paddles and balls for a uniquely exciting atmosphere unlike anything during the day.
Rusutsu Resort remains committed to expanding sports tourism and wellness experiences through pickleball, and to advancing pickleball culture throughout Hokkaido.
◆ RUSUTSU Pickleball Open 2026
[Date & Time] Sunday, June 28, 2026 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
[Venue] Rusutsu Resort Pickleball Courts (8 courts)
[Organizer] Rusutsu Resort
[Supported by] Pickleball Japan (PJ)
[Sponsors] JOOLA / Others TBD
[Events]
Men's Doubles Beginner / Intermediate
Women's Doubles Beginner / Intermediate
Mixed Doubles Beginner / Intermediate
Men's Singles Beginner / Intermediate
Competition classes are divided by skill level (Beginner / Intermediate). Mixed Doubles is scheduled to begin after the conclusion of the morning Men's and Women's Doubles.
Participants may enter as "Men's Doubles + Mixed Doubles" or "Women's Doubles + Mixed Doubles." Men's and Women's Singles and Mixed Doubles: participants may enter only one of these two events.
[Format] Preliminary Round Robin + Single Elimination Finals First to 11 points (no deuce) Subject to change depending on the number of participants and tournament progress.
[Official Ball] JOOLA Official Pickleball — Outdoor 40-hole
[Entry Fee] Doubles: ¥8,000 per pair (tax included) Singles: ¥4,000 per person (tax included)
For entry details, please visit:
RUSUTSU Pickleball Open 2026
◆ PJ Ambassador Certification Course
This program covers the fundamental rules of pickleball and key approaches to promoting the sport, making it ideal for anyone from those just getting started to those looking to get involved in growing the game.
[Date & Time] Saturday, June 27, 2026 9:15 AM – 12:00 PM (First half: Classroom / Second half: On-court practice)
[Venue] Classroom: Seminar Hall (Rusutsu Resort Hotel North Wing, 3F) On-court: Rusutsu Resort Pickleball Courts (4 courts) In the event of inclement weather, the session will be held on indoor temporary courts (Rusutsu Arena).
[Fee] PJ Individual Membership: ¥4,000 (tax included) Ambassador Certification Course Fee: ¥5,000 (tax included)
For entry details, please visit:
PJ Ambassador Certification Course
◆ Step Up Lesson
[Date & Time] Saturday, June 27, 2026 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM / 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM
[Venue] Rusutsu Resort Pickleball Courts (2 courts) In the event of inclement weather, the session will be held on indoor temporary courts (Rusutsu Arena).
[Coach] Joe Kasahara (PJ-Certified Pro)
[Fee] ¥3,500 (tax included) per person / per lesson
For entry details, please visit:
Step Up Lesson
◆ Soccer & Pickleball Experience
A special "Soccer & Pickleball Experience Event" led by former Japan national soccer player Tsuyoshi Kitazawa, open to children ages 4 to 12. Whether it's their first time on the court or the field, kids are welcome to join in and discover the joy of moving their bodies and the fun of teamwork.
[Date & Time] Saturday, June 27, 2026 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
[Venue] Rusutsu Resort Pickleball Courts (8 courts) In the event of inclement weather, the session will be held on indoor temporary courts (Rusutsu Arena).
[Special Guest] Tsuyoshi Kitazawa, Former Japan National Soccer Player
[Fee] ¥2,000 (tax included)
For entry details, please visit:
Soccer & Pickleball Experience https://rusutsu.com/events/soccer-and-pickleball/
◆ Night Pickleball
The courts come alive under black lights, transforming into a mesmerizing space where the lines glow and shimmer. With luminous paddles and balls, enjoy an exciting playing experience unlike anything during the day. Set to music, the glowing court creates an extraordinary atmosphere that takes the game to a whole new world.
[Date & Time] Saturday, June 27, 2026 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
[Venue] Rusutsu Resort Pickleball Courts (2 courts)
[Fee] Free of charge for participants of the "PJ Ambassador Certification Course," the "Step Up Lesson," or the following day's "RUSUTSU Pickleball Open 2026."
For entry details, please visit:
Step Up Lesson