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My name is Yuji Fukasawa, and as of April 1st, I have assumed the role of President of the Japan Tennis Association (JTA), a public interest incorporated foundation.I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere greetings upon taking office.
The JTA is a public interest organization dedicated to promoting tennis both as a lifelong sport and as a competitive spectator sport. Our mission is to contribute to the physical and mental development of individuals and to foster international goodwill.Guided by the philosophy: "Connecting people and nations through tennis by showcasing its excellence and contributing to a diverse, harmonious society where everyone can enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life," we are committed to the development and training of players, the promotion of tennis at all levels, and the overall growth of the sport in Japan.
One of our major initiatives is the Mid-to-Long-Term Development Plan 2022–2032, which focuses on broadening participation, identifying and nurturing new talent, strengthening competitiveness, and ensuring sustainability. Over the past decade, we’ve seen tremendous achievements by Japanese athletes on the international stage. Building on this momentum, our next objective is to elevate Japan into one of the world’s leading tennis nations.
To reach this goal, we are working to develop players who can consistently rank in the world’s top 100 and capture the hearts of fans worldwide. This includes fostering both skill and character through what we call “champion education.” We are also striving to create an environment that can support players aiming for the top 50 in global rankings.
In addition, we are advancing projects such as the Mount Fuji Project, which aims to create nationwide pathways for aspiring world-class players. We are also expanding the number of international tournaments held in Japan, promoting the construction of more hard and red clay courts, and enhancing indoor facilities across the country.
At the same time, we are aware that the tennis-playing population in Japan is declining, partly due to demographic trends. To counter this, we are actively working to make tennis more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. Initiatives like Teni-ping, a simplified version of the sport, and the Tennis Play & Stay program for children and beginners are helping to increase engagement. We are also organizing events nationwide and collaborating closely with local communities to promote grassroots tennis.
We are making structural improvements as well, such as implementing the JPIN (JTA Player Identification Number) Project, which simplifies registration by allowing players—from juniors to veterans—to use a single ID. This aims to make our systems more user-friendly and efficient.
All of these efforts are made possible thanks to the trust and support of our many stakeholders. Strengthening these partnerships is a top priority. We will continue working to build an organization that earns broad support through strong governance, compliance, and a steadfast commitment to sports integrity.
I firmly believe that sports have the power to revitalize Japan—especially its regional communities. Tennis is a globally beloved sport that people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy. Through the revitalization of tennis, I hope to energize both our nation and its local regions.
To all tennis enthusiasts, players, sponsors, media partners, tennis organizations, government officials, ministries, and domestic and international sports governing bodies—thank you for walking this path with us. We sincerely ask for your continued understanding and support of the Japan Tennis Association’s efforts.
Thank you.
Yuji Fukasawa
President
Japan Tennis Association
April 1st, 2025