Japanese Soft Tennis Champion Yuta Funemizu Transitions to U.S. Pickleball

Yuta Funemizu, a distinguished athlete from Japan, is making the transition from the less-known realm of soft tennis to the booming scene of U.S. pickleball. Soft tennis, characterized by the use of a lighter ball and less tightly strung rackets, has seen Funemizu achieve notable success during his time with the Japanese national team while he was a student at Waseda University. Despite numerous accomplishments, including a string of ten consecutive victories in the Japan league, Funemizu often felt overshadowed in a sport that did not garner significant attention.

As he approached his thirtieth birthday, Funemizu’s life took a new direction when Soichiro Minami, the founder of BizReach Inc., introduced him to the growing sport of pickleball, known for its engaging gameplay and accessibility. With the sport gaining traction in the U.S.—notably during the COVID-19 pandemic—Funemizu became captivated by its appeal, prompting him to make a life-altering decision to pursue it seriously. In January of the previous year, he moved to the U.S. with Minami’s assistance, motivated by the ambition to rapidly hone his skills through relentless practice and competition.

In March of this year, Funemizu’s efforts paid off when he was selected in the draft, making him the first Japanese player to join Major League Pickleball. He has embraced the journey with enthusiasm, sharing his experiences on a YouTube channel and initiating a crowdfunding project to support his endeavors. Funemizu expresses excitement about competing and hopes that those who contribute to his project will join him in sharing this remarkable journey towards the pinnacle of the sport. His ambitious dreams and down-to-earth approach resonate with many supporters who are captivated by his story.