Japan Frescobol Association Announces Establishment of 'União das Associações de Frescobol Internacional (International Frescobol Federation)', the World's First International Frescobol Organization.

The Japan Frescobol Association (Representative Director: Kenji Kuboshima, hereinafter "JFBA"), which promotes the communication design sport "Frescobol" in Japan, announces the establishment of 'União das Associações de Frescobol Internacional (International Frescobol Federation)', the world's first international Frescobol organization, on April 1, 2026.

Frescobol originated in 1945 on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Its unique competitive nature, where opposing pairs continue a rally in a "cooperative" manner, has long captivated people worldwide. Now, through the collaboration between the Japan Frescobol Association (JFBA) and the Rio de Janeiro Frescobol Federation (FEFERJ), the establishment of the first international organization in the history of world Frescobol, 'União das Associações de Frescobol Internacional (International Frescobol Federation)', has been realized.

The first international tournament in Japan, 'JBG® Suma Frescobol World Cup 2025', gathered players from 10 countries worldwide.

The catalyst for this was the 'JBG® Suma Frescobol World Cup 2025', the first international Frescobol tournament held in Japan in October 2025. This commemorative tournament, marking the 80th anniversary of the sport's origin, the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil, and set on Suma Beach in Kobe City, Rio's sister city, confirmed the cooperation between the two countries. At that time, a basic agreement for the establishment of an international organization was concluded.

The co-representatives of UAFI are KENJI KUBOSHIMA (JFBA, JAPAN) and PEDRO FELIPE DA COSTA (FEFERJ, BRASIL). SHO YAMASHITA (JFBA, JAPAN) serves as the Secretary-General.

The headquarters are located in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. This location is blessed with warm weather and beautiful beaches throughout the year and has previously served as a reinforced base for domestic Frescobol popularization, hosting events such as the 'Okinawa Frescobol Camp' and 'Okinawa Frescobol Agenda'.

Moving forward, we will strive for the development of Frescobol worldwide, including the regular holding of international Frescobol tournaments and initiatives to increase member countries. Please look forward to it.

International Frescobol Federation [União das Associações de Frescobol Internacional (UAFI)] ＜Date of Establishment＞

April 1, 2026

＜Business Activities＞

◯International popularization and development activities for Frescobol ◯Cooperation and support with associations and organizations worldwide ◯Planning, operation, and supervision of international tournaments ◯International standardization of competition rules and evaluation criteria ◯Public relations activities and enhancement of international brand value

＜Location＞

Okinawa General Building Asato 8F, 381-1 Asato, Naha City, Okinawa

＜Representatives＞

◯Kenji Kuboshima / KENJI KUBOSHIMA (JFBA, JAPAN) ◯Pedro Felipe da Costa / PEDRO FELIPE DA COSTA (FEFERJ, BRASIL)

＜HP＞

https://bizpageplus.livedoor.com/uafi

＜SNS＞

https://www.instagram.com/uafi_frescobol

https://x.com/UAFI_FRESCOBOL

What is "Communication Design Sport" Frescobol? Frescobol is a beach sport originating from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was conceived in 1945 on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro and is now enjoyed on beaches worldwide. The greatest feature of Frescobol is that two opposing players do not compete but cooperate to continue a rally, making it a scoring sport. The game time is 5 minutes, played at a distance of 7 meters. It is also called the "sport of consideration" due to its cooperative rallying nature.