The Picklr Japan Expansion: The Picklr, the world’s largest indoor pickleball franchise, is set to expand in Japan. The company announced in May that it will open 20 pickleball centers across the country in the next five years. The first facility is planned for Tokyo, followed by others in Kanagawa, Osaka, Aichi, and more.
Why Japan, Not Other Asian Countries?
This move surprised some, as The Picklr skipped other major Asian pickleball markets like India, Malaysia, and Vietnam. However, Co-Founder and CEO Jorge Barragan recently explained the decision on Zane Navratil’s PicklePod podcast.
Barragan said that Japan is the perfect place to begin the company’s growth in Asia.
“Japan already has a strong racquet sports culture with existing infrastructure in place ”-(Jorge Barragan).
He added that this makes it very likely that pickleball will grow in Japan, just as it has in India, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
Local Support from Kenton Stehr
Jorge Barragan gave credit to Picklr Japan CEO Kenton Stehr for helping bring pickleball to Japan.
“I mean Kenton, for us, he was trying to achieve the things for us. Not only is he working to build the infrastructure of Picklr there, but he is also contributing to the overall growth of pickleball in general”-(Jorge Barragan).
Barragan believes that the Tokyo area is ready for pickleball.
“I think Tokyo, that market is primed because there are a lot of tennis facilities right now. Racquet sports are huge in Japan. And then the culture behind wellness and community is significant. Then you have got a guy like Kenton behind it and the expertise of the Picklr ”-(Jorge Barragan)
Japan’s Promise and Future Growth
Barragan also mentioned Japan’s strong technology and readiness for innovation.
“We believe that we can catch up because of the infrastructure that is in place as far as Tokyo and the innovation that happens there. And then you have got a guy like Kenton that is going to lead the efforts there ”-(Jorge Barragan).
“I think the launch pad’s going to be pretty significant. Yes, I have always kind of been somewhat surprised that Japan has not had the same sort of explosion as Vietnam. And I think it is primed to do it ”-(Jorge Barragan).
Even though pickleball is still new in Japan, it is already starting to grow. Recently, Burger King even released a Pickleball Burger in Japan, showing the sport’s growing popularity.
A Big Step for Pickleball Around the World
The Picklr’s expansion into Japan is an important move for the sport. With the help of Kenton Stehr and the country’s love of racquet sports, pickleball may become a big part of Japanese life. If successful, this could lead to more growth for pickleball all across Asia.
News in Brief: The Picklr Japan Expansion
The Picklr will open 20 pickleball centers in Japan over the next five years, starting with Tokyo. CEO Jorge Barragan said Japan’s racquet sports culture and strong infrastructure make it a perfect fit. With Kenton Stehr leading efforts in Japan, the franchise sees the country as a key part of its Asian expansion.
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