The Badminton Association of Japan (BAJ) announced that the number of registered badminton players for FY2025 (as of March 31, 2026) was 299,493, the highest since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This represents an increase of 7,048 from the previous fiscal year, with students driving the overall growth.
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- 📰 Published: May 22, 2026 at 23:00
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The Badminton Association of Japan (BAJ) reports on the number of registered badminton players for the 2025 fiscal year (as of March 31, 2026).
The number of registered players in FY2025 reached 299,493, an increase of 7,048 from the previous year (292,445), approximately 102% of the previous year, marking the highest number since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite shifts in demographic structure, the number of student-age registrants (university, high school, junior high school, elementary school) was 230,618, an increase of 5,497 from the previous year. Students accounted for approximately 78% of the total increase of 7,048, indicating that many young people are participating in the sport.
By category, high school registrants reached 115,462, an increase of 4,081 from the previous year, making them the primary drivers of growth.
Regionally, Tokyo (+993), Saitama (+792), and Chiba (+689) saw the highest increases, with growth centering on the Tokyo metropolitan area. Significant increases were also seen in other regions, such as Tottori Prefecture, which saw an increase of 534 (approximately 127% of the previous year).
BAJ will continue to promote the development of badminton and the expansion of the player base through the creation of competition opportunities and outreach activities.
[FY2025 Badminton Registered Players Overview]
■ Player count trend
299,493 (Year-over-year: +7,048, 102% of previous year)
■ By Category (FY2025)
- General total: 68,875 (Year-over-year: +1,551, 102% of previous year)
*General total = general, corporate, ladies, teaching staff, society
- Student generation total: 230,618 (Year-over-year: +5,497, 102% of previous year)
University students: 6,941 (+295, 104%)
High school students: 115,462 (+4,081, 104%)
Junior high students: 87,099 (+1,142, 101%)
Elementary students: 21,116 (-21, 99.9%)
■ Top prefectures by increase
1. Tokyo: 28,306 (+993, 104%)
2. Saitama: 13,973 (+792, 106%)
3. Chiba: 14,613 (+689, 105%)
4. Tottori: 2,509 (+534, 127%)
5. Fukuoka: 8,782 (+530, 106%)
FAQ
What is the number of registered badminton players for the 2025 fiscal year?
299,493 people. This is an increase of 7,048 people from the previous year, marking the highest record since the expansion of the novel coronavirus infection.
Which generation is driving the increase in the number of registrants?
The student generation accounts for about 78% of the total increase of 7,048 people, with the number of high school registrants increasing by 4,081 to 115,462 from the previous year, leading the growth.
In which regions has the increase in the number of registrants been notable?
The increase has been notable in the capital region, primarily in Tokyo, Saitama, and Chiba prefectures. Additionally, Tottori Prefecture recorded a significant increase of 127% compared to the previous year.
What are the future plans of the Japan Badminton Association?
The Japan Badminton Association plans to further develop badminton and expand the player base through the creation of more competitive opportunities and promotional activities.
What is the registration status for adults (including working adults)?
The total number of adult registrants is 68,875, an increase of 1,551 people (102% of the previous year) from the previous year.
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