The Picklr, which lays claim to being the world’s largest indoor pickleball franchise, is expanding into Japan through a master franchise agreement with Nippon Pickleball Holdings Co., Ltd., bringing its signature indoor facilities to a rapidly growing pickleball market.
Japan and the Asia-Pacific region present major growth opportunities for The Picklr, as pickleball gains momentum across the market. With its inclusive appeal and easy-to-learn nature, the sport is quickly capturing attention in Japan, making it a key focus for the brand.
The first Picklr facility is slated to open in the Tokyo metropolitan area, with 20 clubs planned in the country within the next five years. Targeted facility locations include Tokyo, Kanagawa, Osaka, Aichi, Saitama, Chiba, Hyogo, Fukuoka, Hokkaido, Kyoto, Miyagi, Hiroshima, and Okinawa. Facilities will be located in retail, office, light-industrial, and purpose-built spaces, designed to meet the needs of local communities while maintaining The Picklr’s consistent, premium experience.
The Picklr CEO Jorge Barragan, said, “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.”
Nippon Pickleball Holdings CEO Kenton Stehr added, “Our mission is to set a new standard for the sport in Japan, combining professional-grade facilities, top-tier programming, and a scalable model that can support long-term growth. Japan deserves a world-class pickleball experience, and it was clear, based on what The Picklr has built in the US, that we will be able to deliver that to the Japanese market.
The Picklr’s corporate team in Utah, all Japan-based clubs, will mirror the look, amenities, programs, and membership offerings of their U.S. and Canadian counterparts. At the same time, the Japan team will have the flexibility to form local partnerships tailored to their market.
The Picklr’s entry into Japan is poised to meet the same fast-growing demand for indoor pickleball facilities seen in the United States and Canada. Year to date, The Picklr has sold more than 500 locations globally with plans for more than 80 to open by the end of 2025.
