Pickleball in Japan 🇯🇵 | Culture, Community & Growing the Game

Описание: In this episode, I’m coming to you straight from Japan with a full recap of an unforgettable pickleball experience overseas. From amazing courts to incredible people, this trip showed just how global—and powerful—this sport has become.

I sit down with Josh, a student from Seattle who’s bringing the competitive, high-energy US Open play culture to Japan, helping raise the level and push the game forward.

I also chat with Yasuko, a true pickleball junkie, tournament organizer, and one of the key drivers behind growing the sport locally. We talk about community building, event organization, and what it takes to grow pickleball from the ground up.

Plus, I share some early thoughts on a pair of shoes and two paddles I’ve been testing:

Xero 360 Rally

SpeedUp Tide

11six24 Vapor Power 2

Both have been getting a lot of court time lately, and I break down how they’ve been performing in real-game situations.

This episode is all about culture, connection, and how pickleball continues to bring people together across borders.

Follow Josh on IG @ smop.pickleball
Follow Yasuko on IG @ yasuko_the_pickleballer

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to:
✅ Like & Subscribe
✅ Leave a Comment
✅ Share with your pickleball crew

Follow along for more gear reviews, interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories from around the pickleball world.


0:00 Off The Bounce
3:38 Interview With Josh
10:31 Interview With Yasuko
16:15 In the Bag
19:56 Mail Call
23:17 Smash Or Pass