The Picklr Heads To Japan With 20 New Facilities Planned
Source: WhatNow
In a major move that signals pickleball’s growing global footprint, The Picklr, the largest indoor pickleball franchise in the world, is officially expanding into Japan. The brand announced plans on Thursday to open 20 state-of-the-art facilities across the country over the next five years.
The rollout will begin with the franchise’s first Japanese club opening in the Tokyo metropolitan area, with future locations already earmarked in Kanagawa, Osaka, Aichi, Saitama, Chiba, Hyogo, Fukuoka, Hokkaido, Kyoto, Miyagi, Hiroshima, and Okinawa. From retail and office complexes to light-industrial conversions and purpose-built centers, The Picklr’s expansion model is tailored to suit Japan’s dense urban environments and strong community culture.
The ambitious project is made possible through a newly signed Master Franchise Agreement with Nippon Pickleball Holdings Co., Ltd., Japan’s leading pickleball company and a key player in nurturing the sport’s domestic rise.
“Not Just Courts — A Culture”
Jorge Barragan, CEO of The Picklr, sees Japan as much more than another expansion market.
“Japan is known for valuing precision, wellness and community — all things built into The Picklr DNA,” said Barragan. “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.”
The sentiment is more than marketing speak. Japan’s enthusiastic embrace of racquet sports, combined with a strong interest in community fitness and recreation, makes it an ideal ecosystem for pickleball’s next evolution.
What To Expect From The Picklr Japan
Each Japanese club will reflect the same clean design aesthetic, membership offerings, and premium programming that have made The Picklr’s U.S. and Canadian clubs successful. Players can expect organized leagues, coaching clinics, social events, and high-quality amenities tailored for players of all ages and skill levels.
The Picklr’s entry into Japan marks a significant milestone—not just for the company, but for the wider pickleball community in Asia. It’s a sign that the sport’s momentum isn’t slowing down, and that Asia is becoming an increasingly important player in the global pickleball landscape.
A Global Vision Comes To Life
Globally, The Picklr has sold over 500 franchise locations, with more than 80 clubs projected to open by the end of 2025. The company’s international strategy, beginning with Japan, is expected to accelerate that growth even further.
With this strategic move into Japan, The Picklr is positioning itself not just as a franchise, but as a catalyst for cultural transformation in racquet sports—one that blends American innovation with Japan’s commitment to community and precision.
As the first courts prepare to open, all eyes will be on Tokyo—and what could be the dawn of a new era for pickleball in Asia.
