News & Stories
Apr 8, 2025
A new chapter for pickleball in Asia is officially underway. Yuta Funemizu, a former Soft Tennis World Champion, has made history as the first Japanese player to sign an exclusive contract with the Carvana PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP). This milestone marks a groundbreaking moment for Japan’s entry into the global professional pickleball scene, as the sport’s momentum continues to surge worldwide.
"I am truly honored to be the first Japanese player to sign an exclusive contract to play on the PPA Tour," Funemizu shared.
For Funemizu, this accomplishment is not just a personal victory but a pivotal first step in a larger mission to help pickleball flourish in his home country. "However, this is just a first step on my new journey,” he explained. “My next goals will be to become the first Japanese player in Major League Pickleball (MLP) and becoming the first Japanese to win a tournament on the PPA Tour. I also hope my presence on the PPA Tour will help grow the popularity of pickleball in Japan, where the sport is still relatively unknown."
From Soft Tennis Star to Pickleball Pioneer
After a decorated soft tennis career, including a world championship title, Funemizu made the bold decision to pivot into professional pickleball. In January 2024, he left Japan and moved to the United States to dedicate himself full-time to the sport. Competing in 23 tournaments during his first year, Funemizu steadily climbed the ranks, reaching the Round of 32 in PPA Tour events and notching a signature victory in mixed doubles over Collin Johns at the PPA Masters.
On the court, Funemizu is already earning attention for his dynamic right-side doubles play and a unique volleying style that resembles the aggressive, fast-paced approach of players like Christian Alshon and Gabriel Tardio. His game has proven effective not only on U.S. soil but also in international competition.
In 2024, Funemizu secured a silver medal in men’s singles at the Asia Pickleball Games in Taiwan and took home two gold medals—one in men’s doubles (Skill Division) and another in mixed doubles (Open Division)—at the PJF Pickleball Championships in Japan. These standout performances have not only cemented his status as a rising star but have also brought increased media attention to pickleball back in Japan.
(Photo Source: https://pickle-one.com/news/funemizu-joola/)
Global Growth, Local Impact
As pickleball continues its rapid rise in popularity—now recognized as the fastest-growing sport in the United States with over $30 million in prize money awarded in 2024—the global talent pool is expanding just as quickly. Chris Patrick, Deputy Commissioner of the Carvana PPA Tour, highlighted this international momentum:
“Yuta is an incredible athlete who is already seeing success in his transition to professional pickleball – and we’re excited to welcome him to the PPA Tour. The PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball are riding an incredible period of growth, both domestically and internationally. The interest we are seeing from athletes all over the world to compete on the premier pickleball tour is rising just as quickly, if not more so. Yuta will likely prove to be a trailblazer for others from the region to make the leap and achieve success in professional pickleball.”
Funemizu’s success is already creating a ripple effect in Japan. His story has been widely covered by Japanese media, generating new curiosity and excitement about the sport. In December 2024, he became the first Japanese brand ambassador for JOOLA, joining an elite roster of professional players. His growing profile is further supported by Visional, a Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed HR tech company that shares his vision of expanding pickleball's reach in Japan.
(Photo Source: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000694.000034075.html)
The Future of Pickleball in Japan
With neighboring countries like Australia, Vietnam, and India already seeing significant pickleball growth, Funemizu’s historic signing represents a key moment for Japan to join the movement. His presence on the sport’s most prestigious stages—both the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball—is expected to encourage more Japanese players to take up the paddle and dream big.
As Funemizu continues his journey toward becoming the first Japanese player to win a PPA Tour title and compete in Major League Pickleball, he is setting the stage for a new generation of Japanese athletes to follow.
And as he does, the world will be watching—not just for his victories, but for the lasting impact he’s sure to make on the sport in Asia and beyond.
