PJF Pickleball Japan Open in Yamaguchi
June 5 (Fri) – June 7 (Sun), 2026
Ishin Taiko Arena – 16 Indoor Courts
Tournament Vision
We are pleased to announce the second regional tournament hosted by PJF, which will be held in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Following the great success of the “PJF Pickleball Championships” held in Tokyo Ariake in 2024 and December 2025, we are expanding our initiatives to regional areas by leveraging the experience and expertise gained from those events.
Through pickleball, PJF aims not only to promote the growth of the sport, but also to contribute to regional economic development and tourism promotion. As a platform for international exchange through sport, this tournament will foster meaningful connections between the local community and players from around the world.
Tournament Outline
Tournament Details
Schedule:
Three days: June 5 (Fri), June 6 (Sat), and June 7 (Sun), 2026.
Venue:
Ishin Daiko Arena
4-1-1 Ishin Park, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi 753-0815, Japan
(Please refer to the map below.)
Courts:
Under Adjustment
Surface:
Under Adjustment
Tournament Schedule:
Rating:
Skill divisions: Under 3.5 / 3.5 and above
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Self-rating is permitted.
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To ensure fair competition, players are asked to evaluate their skill level appropriately.
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If a pair consists of one player rated 3.5 or above and one player under 3.5, the team must enter the 3.5+ division.
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Categories may be merged if the number of entries is low.
Age Divisions:
8+ (8–34), 35+ (35–49), 50+ (50 and above)
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There is a minimum age requirement for each division, but no upper age limit.
Example:
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A 35-year-old player may not enter the 50+ division.
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A 60-year-old player may enter the 35+ division.
Open Division:
4.0 level or above. No age restrictions.
Match Format:
Doubles only: Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles.
Round-robin format by age group and skill level within each bracket (all teams compete against each other within the bracket), followed by a single-elimination playoff, including a third-place match.
Preliminary matches: One game to 11 points.
Final matches: One game to 15 points, or best of three games to 11 points.
No deuce.
Ends will be changed during each match.
For games to 11 points, teams change ends at 6 points.
For games to 15 points, teams change ends at 8 points.
*Match format is subject to change depending on the number of participants.
Draw Meeting:
Friday, May 22, 2026
Draw Announcement:
Will be announced via website or email by the day before the tournament.
Referees:
OPEN medal matches: Official or volunteer referees
Other matches: Self-officiated
Approved Paddles:
USAP- or UPA-approved paddles only.
Official Ball:
To be announced on the website once finalized.
*Players may not wear clothing similar in color to the official match ball.
Selection Method:
First-come, first-served basis.
Awards:
Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals will be awarded in each bracket.
Entry Fee:
Total: ¥12,500
(PJF Membership ¥2,500 + Registration Fee ¥7,000 + Bracket Fee ¥3,000)
Existing PJF Individual Members (including Tokyo Ariake participants, certified RPO coaches, PJF ambassadors, UTR participants, etc.) are exempt from the ¥2,500 membership fee.
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If an existing PJF Individual Member enters one bracket:
Total ¥10,000 (Registration Fee ¥7,000 + Bracket Fee ¥3,000) -
If an existing PJF Individual Member enters two brackets:
Total ¥13,000 (Registration Fee ¥7,000 + Bracket Fee ¥6,000) -
If a new Individual Member enters one bracket:
Total ¥12,500 (PJF Membership Fee ¥2,500 + Registration Fee ¥7,000 + Bracket Fee ¥3,000) -
If a new Individual Member enters two brackets:
Total ¥15,500 (PJF Membership Fee ¥2,500 + Registration Fee ¥7,000 + Bracket Fee ¥6,000)
Registration:
Priority Registration for PJF Individual Members – Coming Soon!
General Registration for Non-PJF Members – Coming Soon!
Prizes:
Exciting prizes provided by our sponsors will be awarded.
Registration Deadline:
May 21, 2026, or until capacity is reached.
Cancellation Policy:
The registration deadline is May 21, 2026 at 11:59 PM (Japan Time).
Refunds will be issued minus credit card processing fees.
No refunds will be available after this deadline.
DUPR:
This tournament is not connected to DUPR.
Please register with this understanding.
Volunteer
Let’s make this tournament a success together!
We are currently seeking tournament volunteers, sponsors, and vendors to support the operation of this event.
As with last year, we will need the generous support of many volunteers. Players participating in the tournament are also more than welcome!
Coming Soon!
Tournament Schedule
Schedule
Please check in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled match!
Check-in Time:
Players scheduled for the first match of the day must check in at 8:50 AM.
Warm-up courts will be available on a first-come basis after check-in. Please share courteously.
Please note that match times are approximate and may change significantly. Kindly allow extra time in your schedule.
Pre-Event: Sunday, March 29
2nd PJF Yamaguchi Branch Pickleball Yamaguchi Prefecture Tournament
Day 1: Friday, June 5
8:50 AM – Check-in
9:15 AM – Opening Ceremony
10:00 AM – Matches Begin (scheduled until 6:30 PM)
Day 2: Saturday, June 6
8:50 AM – Check-in
9:30 AM – Matches Begin (scheduled until 7:00 PM)
Day 3: Sunday, June 7
8:50 AM – Check-in
10:00 AM – Matches Begin (scheduled until 3:00 PM)
Reception
2026 – Reception Invitation
We will be hosting a tournament reception as an opportunity for sponsors, tournament officials, and players to come together.
We warmly invite you to join us and encourage your participation.
Registration details will be sent to all players by email once the application period opens.
We kindly ask for your patience until further announcement.
Date & Time:
Saturday, June 6, 2026
The start time will be announced at a later date.
The reception is expected to last approximately two hours.
Venue:
Yuda Onsen Konkon Park
Address:
5-2-15 Yuda Onsen, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi, Japan
Tel: +81-83-922-8009
Fee:
Complimentary
Includes food and free-flow drinks.
Rules
Tournament Rules
a. Unless otherwise specified, the rules outlined in the USA Pickleball (USAP) 2026 Official Rulebook will apply.
b. Players may use only paddles approved by UPA and USAP.
c. Referees may randomly inspect paddles at the start of a match and whenever a player changes paddles.
d. All matches will follow USAP scoring rules, and points may only be scored by the serving team.
Important Notes
1) Announcements Regarding Cancellations or Schedule Changes Due to Rain Updates will be posted on the official website by 5:00 AM on the day of the event (only if there are cancellations or changes). 2) Late Arrival to the Court If a team has not gathered at the court by the scheduled match start time: An announcement will be made after 2 minutes. If the team is still not present after 5 minutes, the court keeper will declare a forfeit. 3) Match Format Round Robin: (Group round-robin format) One set to 11 or 15 points. If the score reaches 10–10 (or 14–14), play continues until a 2-point margin is achieved. Each team may take two 1-minute timeouts per match. Open Category Only: Double Elimination (with consolation bracket) Best of 3 sets, each to 11 points. If tied 10–10, a 2-point lead is required to win the set. Each team may take one 1-minute timeout per set. 4) Self-Officiated Matches Matches are self-officiated by default. If any issues arise, the court keeper will call a referee to resolve the situation. Chief Referee: Mr. Howard Hepworth (A Level 3 professional referee who has officiated PPA finals) 5) Medical Timeout If a player is injured, the court keeper will call medical staff, who will determine whether a timeout is warranted. If approved, only one medical timeout of up to 15 minutes is permitted. 6) Post-Match Procedure After the match, a representative from each team must sign the score sheet, and the winning team is responsible for bringing the basket to the main tournament desk to report the result. 7) Support for Players with Hearing Impairments 7-1. Scorecards will be provided on the court. 7-2. Before each match, the court keeper will remind opponents to use hand signals for all "in" or "out" calls and for indicating the score. 7-3. A volunteer with a whiteboard will be on standby to assist if written communication is needed during the match.
Key Information
a. The tournament organizers reserve the right to amend rules, regulations, and match schedules as necessary. All decisions made in this regard shall be final. b. All players must check in at the tournament desk at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled matches. c. If a player fails to arrive at the assigned court within 5 minutes of the announced match start time, the match will be considered a forfeit. d. In matches without a referee, the server (or their partner) must call out the score, and the opposing team must repeat the score. Use of hand signals is permitted. e. The duration of a medical timeout is limited to 15 minutes. f. Injury or Withdrawal: In the case of an injury, a player may choose to forfeit the match. The score at the time of withdrawal will remain, and the opponent will be awarded the maximum possible points. If the player's condition improves, they may be allowed to participate in the remaining scheduled matches. g. Protests: All protests must be submitted in writing to the Tournament Committee on the same day, along with a protest fee of USD $100.00. Protests submitted after the day of the match will not be accepted. h. Media Rights: PJF and its official representatives reserve the right to photograph and video record all activities during the tournament. These materials may be used for promotional and educational purposes to support the growth of pickleball. i. Photography Rules: General and personal photo/video recording is prohibited during the tournament. However, personal, non-commercial photography is permitted. The organizer does not guarantee the protection of individual privacy. If you photograph others, you do so at your own risk. All personal media (photos/videos) that include other individuals are the sole responsibility of the person taking them. The organizer accepts no responsibility for individual behavior or actions. j. Disclaimer of Liability – Safety and Damages: PJF members, captains, organizers, and their representatives are not responsible for any safety incidents, injuries, or damages occurring during the tournament or on the premises. This includes but is not limited to accidents, injuries, losses, or damages resulting from unforeseeable circumstances, actions by others, or other conditions. We strongly recommend that participants obtain adequate insurance for emergencies. This disclaimer is intended to clarify responsibilities and does not limit the organizer’s efforts to maintain a safe and comfortable environment.
