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Announcement of PR TIMES Press Release Distribution: U19 Japan National Team Selected

  • 2 days ago
  • 4 min read

Four Japanese Juniors Challenge Asia — PCL Asia Rising Stars U19 Japan Team Selected —


Dispatch to the Asia Final in Hainan, China


The Pickleball Japan Federation (PJF), a general incorporated foundation based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has selected four players to represent Japan in the Asia Final of the U19 international development program “PCL Asia Rising Stars,” organized in collaboration with the international league Pickleball Champions League (PCL).


This program aims to provide young players from across Asia with international-standard competition opportunities and a structured development pathway. Its goal is to expand opportunities for Japanese junior players to challenge themselves on the global stage.


The selected Japanese representatives are scheduled to compete in the Asia Final, which will be held in Hainan, China, starting on March 31, 2026.


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The four players selected for the PCL Asia Rising Stars U19 Japan National Team (from left: Takeuchi, Endo, Noguchi, Fujiwara).


Japan National Team Players

Men’s Division


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DAIKI TAKEUCHI

Date of Birth: March 6, 2010

Hometown: Fukuoka Prefecture

Major Results: JPA Fukuoka Open 2026

・Men’s Singles 19+ OPEN – Champion

・Mixed Doubles 19+ OPEN – Champion


Comment:

I am very happy to have the opportunity to compete as a member of the Japan national team. Through this experience, I hope to grow further and deliver great performances. I will do my best!




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KOSHI FUJIWARA

Date of Birth: July 15, 2009

Hometown: Shizuoka Prefecture

Major Results:

APP JAPAN SKECHERS Open 2026

・Junior Men’s Doubles U18 – Champion

・Junior Men’s Singles U18 – 3rd Place

・Junior Mixed Doubles U18 – 3rd Place


Comment:

I would like to thank you for selecting me as a member of the PCL U-19 Japan National Team. This opportunity is possible thanks to everyone who has always supported me. I will represent Japan with pride and give my very best!



Women’s Division

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REIRI NOGUCHI

Date of Birth: May 16, 2006

Hometown: Ibaraki Prefecture

Major Results:

・UTR Tournament – Advanced Mixed Doubles Champion

・LINK Cup – Advanced Women’s Doubles Champion

・Advanced Mixed Doubles – Runner-up


Comment:

I am very honored to have been selected for the U-19 Japan National Team. I will not forget the gratitude I have for those who have supported me, and I will do my very best with pride and responsibility as a representative of Japan. Thank you for your support.



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YUNA ENDO

Date of Birth: August 7, 2009

Hometown: Tochigi Prefecture

Major Results: APP JAPAN SKECHERS Open 2026

・Women’s Singles U18 – Champion

・Women’s Doubles U18 – Runner-up

・Mixed Doubles U18 – Champion


Comment:

I am very happy to have the opportunity to compete in this tournament as a member of the U-19 Japan National Team. Although I feel nervous about my first overseas competition, I will not forget my gratitude and will do my very best with a smile.



Domestic Selection Tournament

The Japan national team was selected through a document screening process and a domestic selection tournament open to applicants from across the country.


Date March 8, 2026

Venue KPI PARK (Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture)

Eligible Age 10–19 years old


During the selection event, players were evaluated comprehensively based on their overall performance and future potential through a pre-screening of submitted play videos, fundamental drills, and match-style evaluations. The final Japan national team members were selected through this process.


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Scenes from the Selection Tournament


Asia Final Tournament The four players selected as members of the Japan national team will compete in the Asia Final, an event of the PCL Asia Rising Stars program.


Event Period March 31 – April 6, 2026

Location Hainan Island, China


In this tournament, top young players selected from across Asia will compete against each other on the international stage.

During the event, professional pickleball players from the PCL will serve as dedicated coaches and mentors, providing participants with the opportunity to receive direct guidance from world-class athletes.


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PJF Comment We had the opportunity to watch many junior players who will shape the future of pickleball, and we felt great potential in their performances.As the Pickleball Japan Federation, we will continue working to develop junior talent and support the growth of pickleball in Japan while creating more opportunities for young players to challenge themselves on the global stage.


PCL Asia Rising Stars

“PCL Asia Rising Stars” is a junior development program designed for young pickleball players across Asia, providing opportunities to gain international competition experience and receive top-level coaching on the global stage.


Pickleball Champions League (PCL)

The Pickleball Champions League (PCL) is a global pickleball platform that promotes the development of a structured competitive environment and international collaboration.Through professional league operations, academy programs, international tournaments, and the youth development program “Rising Stars,” PCL supports the long-term growth pathway of players around the world.


Pickleball Japan Federation (PJF)

The Pickleball Japan Federation (PJF) is the representative organization for pickleball in Japan. As a general incorporated foundation, it promotes the development of the competitive environment, tournament management, player development, and international collaboration.By expanding the value of pickleball as a sport that connects people across generations and backgrounds, PJF continues to work toward improving Japan’s competitive level and fostering the growth of sports culture.



Contact Pickleball Japan Federation (PJF)



 
 
 

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