JAPAN BIZ: Emerging sports gain popularity in Japan, draw people of all ages

TOKYO - Emerging sports such as pickleball from the United States are gaining popularity in Japan as inclusive recreation that people can enjoy with their co-workers or residents of their local communities to foster social connections.

Since 2024, major real estate company Mitsui Fudosan Co. has been promoting pickleball, a paddle sport blending elements of tennis, table tennis and badminton, by setting up courts and holding related events at its shopping malls and other facilities to increase the attractiveness of its commercial properties.