A comedian from Shiga has become the face of soft tennis in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto. Hyokkori-han, who is signed to Yoshimoto Kogyo, has been appointed a soft tennis ambassador for the World Masters Games 2027 Kansai (WMG 2027 Kansai), to be held in May 2027. The appointment ceremony took place on Monday, October 12, 2026 (a national holiday), at the end of a class at the Sandanike Kaken Electric Tennis Courts in Fukuchiyama.
About 50 people, from elementary schoolers to people in their 70s
The class was part of “FUKUCHIYAMA SPORTS FESTA 2026” and began at 10:00. When Hyokkori-han appeared at the side of the court striking his trademark peekaboo pose, the crowd cheered.
About 50 people took part, from elementary school children to people in their 70s. After warming up together, they practiced drills such as strokes and backhands, one after another, watching Hyokkori-han demonstrate each one. He also walked among the participants, giving advice and getting laughs along the way.
Hyokkori-han played soft tennis at the national high school championships (Inter-High) as a student. When he showed quick reactions to the ball and steady shots, the crowd murmured in surprise. Combining a comedian’s approachability with real playing experience, he made it a session that beginners and experienced players could enjoy together.
A letter of appointment and a sash from the mayor
At the end of the class came the appointment ceremony, where Fukuchiyama Mayor Kazuo Ohashi presented a letter of appointment and a sash.
“I devoted my youth to soft tennis, and it taught me and raised me in so many ways,” Hyokkori-han said, and he called on people who have stopped playing to try it again: “Even as an adult, you can have your youth all over again.” Mayor Ohashi said he hopes Hyokkori-han will give a gentle nudge to those unsure about entering, so that their feelings can “pop out” (hyokkori) into action.
The other ambassador is 長江光一, a member of the NTT West soft tennis team. A right-handed front player, he won the singles, mixed doubles and team events at the 2013 East Asian Games, and has also won the All-Japan Singles Championships and the Emperor’s Cup All-Japan Soft Tennis Championships. He will also compete in the Athlete division, age 30 category, at WMG 2027 Kansai.
Open to everyone aged 30 and over, with soft tennis in Fukuchiyama
WMG 2027 Kansai is an international multi-sport event for lifelong athletes aged 30 and over, held every four years. It runs from May 14 to 30, 2027, with 59 events in 35 sports staged across the Kansai region. Soft tennis takes place from May 21 to 29 at the Sandanike Kaken Electric Tennis Courts in Fukuchiyama.
There are two divisions: the Athlete division for top players, and the Recreational division, open to beginners. Soft tennis participants also get perks such as free admission to sites including Fukuchiyama Castle and a ball printed with the WMG logo. For anyone who chased the ball in school club days, it could double as a reunion.
Event and entry information
- Event: World Masters Games 2027 Kansai (May 14–30, 2027, across the Kansai region)
- Soft tennis: May 21–29, 2027
- Venue: Sandanike Kaken Electric Tennis Courts (Fukuchiyama, Kyoto)
- Divisions: Athlete (for top players) and Recreational (beginners welcome)
- Entry period: March 2, 2026 – February 28, 2027
- Perks: free admission to Fukuchiyama Castle and other sites; a ball with the WMG logo
- Official WMG site: https://wmg2027.jp/
- Soft tennis information (Japanese): https://www.city.fukuchiyama.lg.jp/soshiki/7/84614.html
