The Picklr’s Japan Expansion Plans: The Picklr, the world’s largest indoor pickleball franchise, is expanding into Japan. On Thursday, it announced plans to open 20 new locations across the country over the next five years. The first site will open in the Tokyo area. This move is part of a larger effort to grow the sport internationally.
20 Clubs Planned Across Japan
The Picklr will build clubs in several major Japanese cities. These include Kanagawa, Osaka, Aichi, Saitama, Chiba, Hyogo, Fukuoka, Hokkaido, Kyoto, Miyagi, Hiroshima, and Okinawa. The facilities will be placed in retail, office, light-industrial, and custom-built spaces.
This expansion is happening thanks to a new partnership. The Picklr signed a Master Franchise Agreement with Nippon Pickleball Holdings Co., Ltd., a top pickleball company in Japan.
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A Global Step for Pickleball
Jorge Barragan, the Chief Executive Officer of The Picklr, shared his thoughts on the project.
“Japan is known for valuing precision, wellness and community — all things built into The Picklr DNA. Expansion into this market allows us a chance to help shape what pickleball looks like on a global stage. For us, Japan is more than a market — it’s a launchpad for how The Picklr can lead the charge in Asia, just like we’ve done in the U.S. We’re not just creating courts; we’re creating a culture. And we believe that culture will resonate in Japan.” – (Jorge Barragan)
Each new Japanese location will look and feel like clubs in the United States and Canada. They will offer the same programs, services, and membership options.
What This Means for the Future
This move shows how fast pickleball is growing. The Picklr already has more than 500 locations sold around the world. By the end of 2025, it expects to open over 80 new clubs.
The expansion into Japan could also help grow the sport in other parts of Asia. With the help of Nippon Pickleball Holdings Co., Ltd., The Picklr hopes to bring more people into the pickleball community by offering fun, organized, and professional places to play.
News in Brief: The Picklr’s Japan Expansion Plans
The Picklr will open 20 pickleball clubs across Japan over five years, starting with a location in Tokyo. This expansion, done in partnership with Nippon Pickleball Holdings Co., Ltd., brings the sport to a wider audience. All clubs will match U.S. standards, helping to grow pickleball in Asia.
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