News & Stories
May 2, 2025
Japan has officially stepped onto the global pickleball stage with the launch of Pickleball X, a groundbreaking athlete development initiative under the Pickleball Global Top Professional Development Project. Backed by a team of passionate volunteers and spearheaded by former world champion Daniel Moore, this pioneering project aims to turn 12 standout players into Japan’s first true professional pickleball stars.
Over the next six months, these hand-picked athletes will undergo elite training in preparation for competition at the highest international levels.
A Bold Vision Behind the Name “Pickleball X”
The name Pickleball X reflects the project's ambitious spirit. The “X” represents infinite possibility and collaboration. As Daniel Moore explained, “We will bet on the unknown possibilities of the rapidly expanding sport of pickleball… and open up new opportunities not only in sports, but also in connection with various companies and individuals.” The project is affectionately nicknamed PX, and it’s designed not only to develop athletes, but to ignite a cultural movement around the sport in Japan.
(Photo Source: https://jp.corp-sansan.com/pickleball/pickleball-x/)
A Nationwide Search Yields 12 Exceptional Talents
The call for applications began on January 31, drawing 128 hopefuls from across Japan, ranging in age from 12 to 69. After a rigorous document review and live skill evaluations held at KPI PARK in Yokohama, a panel of experts selected six men and six women based on technical ability, physical conditioning, mental strength, and adaptability in live match play.
“We introduced an AI-powered feedback system,” shared the project organizers, “to give all applicants personalized insight into their potential, regardless of whether they were selected.” It’s a unique touch that shows PX’s deep commitment to nurturing talent at every level.
Meet the 12 Selected PX Athletes
The final roster showcases a diverse blend of veteran champions and rising stars, all with backgrounds in competitive racket sports like tennis, badminton, and padel.
Men’s Team:
Naomichi Ooya (23) – Junior tennis standout from Kanto tournaments.
Tetsuya Sato (55) – Former Davis Cup player, six-time Japan League champion.
Yuki Sugiyama (29) – Pickleball medalist and top-level tennis competitor.
Narisa Hatakeyama (28) – Former All Japan Junior Tennis champ, current Japan Padel Team captain.
Takumi Matsuda (20) – University tennis standout with top finishes in Japanese pickleball events.
Yuta Yoshida (28) – National tennis representative and Crossminton world medalist.
(Photo Source: https://jp.corp-sansan.com/pickleball/pickleball-x/)
Women’s Team:
Mayu Omori (20) – Tennis and lacrosse prodigy with national-level results.
Kei Sawaki (14) – Teenage tennis phenom and multiple youth tournament medalist.
Seina Shima (28) – Former national junior tennis champion, now excelling in international pickleball.
Miyu Hazawa (29) – Versatile athlete with multiple pickleball and tennis honors.
Hinano Fukunaga (28) – Experienced competitor with achievements in both tennis and international pickleball.
Mahiro Fukuhara (22) – Collegiate tennis powerhouse with top 16 national results.
(Photo Source: https://jp.corp-sansan.com/pickleball/pickleball-x/)
What Comes Next: Six Months of High-Performance Training
From March 1 to September 30, 2025, the PX players will be immersed in a rigorous training regimen that includes:
Specialized Coaching: Advanced pickleball techniques, strategy, physical conditioning, and mental resilience.
Intensive Camps: Regular sessions focused on high-intensity, match-specific drills.
Tournament Experience: Domestic and international competition exposure, with performance analytics and feedback.
Career Development: Support in areas like self-management, coping with pressure, and building a professional mindset.
Prize Tournaments: Exclusive events offering competitive play and financial incentives to close out the program.
(Photo Source: https://jp.corp-sansan.com/pickleball/pickleball-x/)
A Word From the Coaches
Project leader Daniel Moore brings a personal passion to the mission:
“Pickleball is a sport that has changed my life greatly. I want more people to know about this sport that has had such an amazingly positive impact on me… I want the members to become players who attract fans… and evolve into players who can win on the world stage.”
Co-coach and former tennis pro Rika Fujiwara echoes that sentiment:
“I want the members to become players who can focus on the process without being obsessed with the results… Our goal is to be ‘the No. 1 team that has fun.’”
A United Effort Backed by Industry Leaders
The Pickleball X project has already gained strong support from leading organizations in Japan’s sports and business sectors. Sponsors include Sansan, Globeride, Pickleball One, and Aoyama Limited Partnership, with partners like KPI Corporation, TBS Television, and Hotel & Tennis Resort Club Verde lending their expertise and resources.
With the project's foundation now firmly in place, organizers are actively seeking new sponsors and partners to support future phases and ensure the continued growth of the sport.
(Photo Source: https://jp.corp-sansan.com/pickleball/pickleball-x/)
A New Era for Pickleball in Japan
Pickleball X is more than a development project—it’s the launchpad for a new generation of Japanese athletes set to take on the world. With visionary leadership, top-tier training, and a vibrant community forming around it, Japan’s pickleball future looks bright.
Stay updated on the players’ journey and project developments at the official website:
https://jp.corp-sansan.com/pickleball/pickleball-x/
For inquiries:
Pickleball X Project Management Office - pickleball@sansan.com
Let’s rally behind these trailblazers and cheer them on as they serve up a bold new chapter for pickleball in Asia!
