KINTO Utsunomiya APP Asia Qualifier 2026 Announced
Pickleball Japan has announced the 'KINTO Utsunomiya APP Asia Qualifier 2026,' to be held from July 10–12, 2026, at Nikkan Arena Tochigi in Utsunomiya. The event serves as both an international APP tour stop and a national selection tournament for the Pickleball World Cup 2026.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 13, 2026 at 05:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 12, 2026 at 20:18
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 13, 2026 at 09:41 (13h 22m after Collected)
The Japan Pickleball Association (PJ), a general foundation, is pleased to announce the 'KINTO Utsunomiya APP Asia Qualifier 2026,' to be held over three days from Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Nikkan Arena Tochigi in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture.
This tournament is part of the international pickleball tour 'APP (Association of Pickleball Professionals)' held across Asia. It will also serve as Japan's national selection event for the 'Pickleball World Cup 2026,' scheduled to take place in Da Nang, Vietnam, from August 30 to September 6, 2026.
The Pickleball World Cup 2026 is expected to attract over 80 countries and regions, with approximately 4,000 athletes participating. This event will be a crucial tournament for selecting Japanese representatives to compete on the global stage.
Wheelchair Events
In addition to professional and open categories, the tournament will feature wheelchair unified and wheelchair doubles categories. Wheelchair unified will continue from the previous edition, while wheelchair doubles will make its debut at this event, aiming to combine competitive excellence with inclusivity.
Domenika Turkovic, Roman Estareja, Yu-Chieh Hsieh, Bobbie Ohsiro
■ Tournament Overview
[Tournament Name]
KINTO Utsunomiya APP Asia Qualifier 2026
[Event Period]
July 10 (Fri) – July 12 (Sun), 2026
[Venue]
Nikkan Arena Tochigi
(4-1-1 Nishikawada, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture)
[Organizer]
Japan Pickleball Association (PJ)
[Title Sponsor]
KINTO
[Total Prize Money]
2,000,000 JPY
※ For professional categories only
[Categories]
- Men’s and Women’s Professional Singles
- Men’s and Women’s Professional Doubles
- Professional Mixed Doubles
- Men’s and Women’s Open Singles (19+, 35+, 50+)
- Men’s and Women’s Open Doubles (19+, 35+, 50+)
- Open Mixed Doubles (19+, 35+, 50+)
- Wheelchair Doubles
- Wheelchair Unified
Nikkan Arena Tochigi will transform into the starting stage for Japan’s journey to the world stage. ※ Image generated by AI.
Original Medals
Original medals will be created to honor the athletes’ dedication and achievements.
Top International Players
World-class pickleball players will gather in Utsunomiya.
International-Standard Courts
Professional matches will be played on roll-out courts.
Culture of Mutual Support
The spirit of cheering for teammates both on and off the court is one of pickleball’s greatest charms.
■ National Team Selection
Following the conclusion of the tournament, the Japan national team for the 'Pickleball World Cup 2026' will be selected based on rankings and results from the 'KINTO Utsunomiya APP Asia Qualifier 2026.'
Categories for Selection:
- Men’s Singles
- Men’s Doubles
- Men’s Mixed Doubles
- Women’s Singles
- Women’s Doubles
- Women’s Mixed Doubles
※ Detailed selection criteria will be announced at a later date.
■ Entry Information
Professional categories will be by invitation/selection, while open categories will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Entry start dates, competition details, and spectator information will be announced sequentially on the official website and social media channels of the Japan Pickleball Association.
■ Pickleball World Cup 2026 Overview
[Tournament Name]
Pickleball World Cup 2026
[Event Period]
August 30 – September 6, 2026
[Location]
Da Nang, Vietnam
[Scale]
Over 80 countries and regions
Approximately 4,000 athletes
[Competition Format]
National team competition + individual events
■ About the Japan Pickleball Association (PJ)
The Japan Pickleball Association (Pickleball Japan) is dedicated to promoting pickleball in Japan, enhancing competitive standards, and advancing international exchange.
In April 2026, the Japan Pickleball Association (JPA) and the Pickleball Japan Foundation (PJF) merged to form a unified governing body, 'Pickleball Japan (PJ),' to ensure sustainable development and a cohesive competition system in Japan. Moving forward, PJ will lead efforts in promotion, athlete development, tournament operations, and international collaboration.
Through this tournament, PJ aims to further elevate the level of pickleball in Japan and support athletes in their global aspirations.
■ Media, Filming, Observation, and Visitation
Media coverage, filming, observation, and visitation for the 'KINTO Utsunomiya APP Asia Qualifier 2026' are subject to prior application. Journalists and visitors wishing to attend must apply via the forms below. Only approved individuals will be permitted access for media, filming, or observation. To ensure smooth operations and safety, we kindly request cooperation with the prior application process. Same-day applications are possible but will be processed after prior applications.
▼ Media Coverage and Filming Application Form
https://forms.gle/YXSiSqFYmdUAi9yp7
▼ Observation and Visit Pre-Registration Form
https://forms.gle/BYxqm6xNju6nfMBf6
■ Contact
Japan Pickleball Association
Email: office@japanpickleball.org
This tournament is part of the international pickleball tour 'APP (Association of Pickleball Professionals)' held across Asia. It will also serve as Japan's national selection event for the 'Pickleball World Cup 2026,' scheduled to take place in Da Nang, Vietnam, from August 30 to September 6, 2026.
The Pickleball World Cup 2026 is expected to attract over 80 countries and regions, with approximately 4,000 athletes participating. This event will be a crucial tournament for selecting Japanese representatives to compete on the global stage.
Wheelchair Events
In addition to professional and open categories, the tournament will feature wheelchair unified and wheelchair doubles categories. Wheelchair unified will continue from the previous edition, while wheelchair doubles will make its debut at this event, aiming to combine competitive excellence with inclusivity.
Domenika Turkovic, Roman Estareja, Yu-Chieh Hsieh, Bobbie Ohsiro
■ Tournament Overview
[Tournament Name]
KINTO Utsunomiya APP Asia Qualifier 2026
[Event Period]
July 10 (Fri) – July 12 (Sun), 2026
[Venue]
Nikkan Arena Tochigi
(4-1-1 Nishikawada, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture)
[Organizer]
Japan Pickleball Association (PJ)
[Title Sponsor]
KINTO
[Total Prize Money]
2,000,000 JPY
※ For professional categories only
[Categories]
- Men’s and Women’s Professional Singles
- Men’s and Women’s Professional Doubles
- Professional Mixed Doubles
- Men’s and Women’s Open Singles (19+, 35+, 50+)
- Men’s and Women’s Open Doubles (19+, 35+, 50+)
- Open Mixed Doubles (19+, 35+, 50+)
- Wheelchair Doubles
- Wheelchair Unified
Nikkan Arena Tochigi will transform into the starting stage for Japan’s journey to the world stage. ※ Image generated by AI.
Original Medals
Original medals will be created to honor the athletes’ dedication and achievements.
Top International Players
World-class pickleball players will gather in Utsunomiya.
International-Standard Courts
Professional matches will be played on roll-out courts.
Culture of Mutual Support
The spirit of cheering for teammates both on and off the court is one of pickleball’s greatest charms.
■ National Team Selection
Following the conclusion of the tournament, the Japan national team for the 'Pickleball World Cup 2026' will be selected based on rankings and results from the 'KINTO Utsunomiya APP Asia Qualifier 2026.'
Categories for Selection:
- Men’s Singles
- Men’s Doubles
- Men’s Mixed Doubles
- Women’s Singles
- Women’s Doubles
- Women’s Mixed Doubles
※ Detailed selection criteria will be announced at a later date.
■ Entry Information
Professional categories will be by invitation/selection, while open categories will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Entry start dates, competition details, and spectator information will be announced sequentially on the official website and social media channels of the Japan Pickleball Association.
■ Pickleball World Cup 2026 Overview
[Tournament Name]
Pickleball World Cup 2026
[Event Period]
August 30 – September 6, 2026
[Location]
Da Nang, Vietnam
[Scale]
Over 80 countries and regions
Approximately 4,000 athletes
[Competition Format]
National team competition + individual events
■ About the Japan Pickleball Association (PJ)
The Japan Pickleball Association (Pickleball Japan) is dedicated to promoting pickleball in Japan, enhancing competitive standards, and advancing international exchange.
In April 2026, the Japan Pickleball Association (JPA) and the Pickleball Japan Foundation (PJF) merged to form a unified governing body, 'Pickleball Japan (PJ),' to ensure sustainable development and a cohesive competition system in Japan. Moving forward, PJ will lead efforts in promotion, athlete development, tournament operations, and international collaboration.
Through this tournament, PJ aims to further elevate the level of pickleball in Japan and support athletes in their global aspirations.
■ Media, Filming, Observation, and Visitation
Media coverage, filming, observation, and visitation for the 'KINTO Utsunomiya APP Asia Qualifier 2026' are subject to prior application. Journalists and visitors wishing to attend must apply via the forms below. Only approved individuals will be permitted access for media, filming, or observation. To ensure smooth operations and safety, we kindly request cooperation with the prior application process. Same-day applications are possible but will be processed after prior applications.
▼ Media Coverage and Filming Application Form
https://forms.gle/YXSiSqFYmdUAi9yp7
▼ Observation and Visit Pre-Registration Form
https://forms.gle/BYxqm6xNju6nfMBf6
■ Contact
Japan Pickleball Association
Email: office@japanpickleball.org
FAQ
What is the KINTO Utsunomiya APP Asia Qualifier 2026?
It is an international pickleball tournament in Utsunomiya in 2026, part of the APP Asia tour and a qualifier for Japan's national team.
When and where will the tournament be held?
From July 10 to 12, 2026, at Nikkan Arena Tochigi in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture.
Are there wheelchair events?
Yes. Wheelchair doubles will debut, and wheelchair unified will continue from the previous edition.