15/05/2026

From Hokkaido to a New Stage for Pickleball — “RUSUTSU Pickleball Open 2026” Debuts

Rusutsu Resort will host the “RUSUTSU Pickleball Open 2026” on 28/06/2026(Sun).

The tournament will take place on Rusutsu Resort’s newly opened eight dedicated pickleball courts and will be hosted by Rusutsu Resort with support from the Japan Pickleball Federation (PJ). As pickleball continues to grow in popularity worldwide, this open tournament aims to promote the sport and support skill development for players ranging from beginners to intermediate levels. In addition to the excitement of competition, the event also provides opportunities for communication, new connections, and community building, with the goal of fostering a new pickleball culture in Hokkaido.

On 27/06(Sat), the Japan Pickleball Federation (PJ) will host a “PJ Ambassador Certification Seminar,” along with a “Step Up Lesson” led by PJ-certified professional player Joe Kasahara.

A special “Soccer Clinic & Pickleball Experience Event” featuring former Japan National Soccer Team player Tsuyoshi Kitazawa will also be held for children in grades 3–6, offering a fun introduction to both soccer and pickleball.

In the evening, guests can enjoy the “Night Pickleball Event,” featuring glowing courts illuminated by blacklights. Using illuminated paddles and balls, participants can experience an exciting style of play unlike daytime matches.

Rusutsu Resort will continue promoting sports tourism and wellness experiences through pickleball while contributing to the growth of pickleball culture in Hokkaido.

RUSUTSU Pickleball Open 2026

Held on Rusutsu Resort’s eight dedicated pickleball courts opened last year, this open tournament welcomes a wide range of players from beginners to intermediate levels. In addition to competitive play, the event also offers opportunities for communication and new connections.

[Date & Time]
28/06/2026(Sun) 9:00 – 17:00

[Venue]
Rusutsu Resort Pickleball Courts (8 courts)

[Organizer]
Rusutsu Resort

[Supported By]
Japan Pickleball Federation (PJ)

[Sponsors]
JOOLA / Others TBA

[Divisions]
・Men’s Doubles Beginner / Intermediate
・Women’s Doubles Beginner / Intermediate
・Mixed Doubles Beginner / Intermediate
・Men’s Singles Beginner / Intermediate
*Divisions are separated by skill level (Beginner / Intermediate).
*Mixed Doubles will begin after the completion of the morning Men’s and Women’s Doubles matches. Players may enter either “Men’s Doubles + Mixed Doubles” or “Women’s Doubles + Mixed Doubles.”
*Participants may enter only one of either Men’s Singles or Mixed Doubles.

[Format]
Round-robin preliminary matches + knockout tournament
First to 11 points (No deuce)
*Format may change depending on participant numbers and event progress.

[Official Ball]
JOOLA Official Outdoor Pickleball  40-hole outdoor ball

[Entry Fee]
Doubles: 8,000 JPY per team (tax included)
Singles: 4,000 JPY per team (tax included)

Please check the URL below for entry details and registration information.

RUSUTSU Pickleball Open 2026

PJ Ambassador Certification Seminar

A program designed to teach the basic rules of pickleball and key points for promoting the sport. Open to everyone from beginners to those interested in supporting pickleball development.

[Date & Time]
27/06/2026(Sat) 9:15 – 12:00 (First Half: Classroom Session / Second Half: Practical Session)

[Venue]
Classroom Session|Seminar Hall (Rusutsu Resort Hotel North Wing 3F)
Practical Session|Rusutsu Resort Pickleball Courts (4 courts)
*In case of bad weather, the event will be held at the indoor temporary courts (Rusutsu Arena).

[Instructor]
Tomohito Fujiwara

[Participation Fee]
PJ Individual Members: 4,000 JPY (tax included)
Ambassador Certification Course Fee: 5,000 JPY (tax included)

Please check the URL below for registration details.

PJ Ambassador Certification Seminar

Step Up Lesson

The first-ever “Step Up Lesson” in Hokkaido by PJ-certified professional Joe Kasahara. This session will focus on the theme: “Strategies for Winning — Don’t Miss the Chance Ball.”

[Date & Time]
27/06/2026(Sat) 9:00 – 10:30 / 10:45 – 12:15

[Venue]
Rusutsu Resort Pickleball Courts (2 courts)
*In case of bad weather, the event will be held at the indoor temporary courts (Rusutsu Arena).

[Coach]
Joe Kasahara (PJ Certified Professional)

[Participation Fee]
3,500 JPY per lesson / person (tax included)

Please check the URL below for registration details.

Step Up Lesson

Soccer Clinic & Pickleball Experience

Former Japan National Soccer Team player Tsuyoshi Kitazawa will host a “Soccer Clinic & Pickleball Experience” for children in grades 3–6. Children can enjoy the fun of physical activity and teamwork through both soccer and pickleball, making it easy even for first-time participants to join.

[Date & Time]
27/06/2026(Sat) 15:00 – 17:00

[Venue]
Rusutsu Resort Pickleball Courts (8 courts)
*In case of bad weather, the event will be held at the indoor temporary courts (Rusutsu Arena).

[Special Guest]
Tsuyoshi Kitazawa (Former Japan National Soccer Team Player)

[Participation Fee]
2,000 JPY (tax included)

Please check the URL below for registration details.

Soccer Clinic & Pickleball Experience

Night Pickleball

Enjoy a magical atmosphere as the courts glow under blacklights. Using illuminated paddles and balls, participants can experience an exciting style of play completely different from daytime matches. Combined with music and glowing court lines, the event offers a truly unique nighttime experience.

[Date & Time]
27/06/2026(Sat) 19:00 – 20:30

[Venue]
Rusutsu Resort Pickleball Courts (2 courts)

[Participation Fee]
Guests participating in the “PJ Ambassador Certification Seminar,” “Step Up Lesson,” or the “RUSUTSU Pickleball Open 2026” tournament on the following day may join free of charge.

[Notes]
・Glowing paddles and balls will be provided free of charge.
・As only two courts are available, participants will take turns using the courts.