Japan's First Season-Based Walking Football League, 'Bourbon Penguins League 2026/27,' to Kick Off!

The Japan Walking Football League (JWFL / President: Koji Matsuda) will launch Japan's first season-based Walking Football league, the 'Bourbon Penguins League 2026/27,' on Monday, September 21, 2026 (a national holiday).

Bourbon Corporation (President and CEO: Masayoshi Yoshida) has been confirmed as the title sponsor. A total of eight teams will compete across seven matchdays and 14 rounds until February 2027. The league aims to provide a new sense of purpose for middle-senior and senior generations, with the winning team receiving the 'Saburo Kawabuchi Cup,' donated by the founding chairman of the J-League.

Tournament Overview

Name: Bourbon Penguins League 2026/27

Organizer: Japan Walking Football League (JWFL)

Title Sponsor: Bourbon Corporation

Venue: MIZUNO Futsal Plaza Chofu (Chofu City, Tokyo)

Participating Teams: 7 teams (ranked) + 1 exhibition team / Total 8 teams

Format: Double round-robin / 6-a-side (5 field players + 1 goalkeeper)

Award: The 'Saburo Kawabuchi Cup' will be awarded to the champion team

Duration: September 21, 2026 (Mon, Holiday) – February 23, 2027 (Tue, Holiday)

Eligibility: As of April 1, 2026, men must be 50 years or older, women 40 years or older.

Men in their 40s may register up to 3 per team, with a maximum of 1 on the field at any time.

Match Schedule

September 21, 2026 (Mon, Holiday) 12:00–17:00: Round 1 & 2 (Opening Ceremony)

September 22, 2026 (Tue, Holiday) 12:00–17:00: Round 3 & 4

October 12, 2026 (Mon, Holiday) 12:00–17:00: Round 5 & 6

December 26, 2026 (Sat) 11:00–16:00: Round 7 & 8

January 11, 2027 (Mon, Holiday) 11:00–16:00: Round 9 & 10

February 11, 2027 (Thu, Holiday) 12:00–17:00: Round 11 & 12

February 23, 2027 (Tue, Holiday) 12:00–17:00: Round 13 & 14 (Closing Ceremony)

March 22, 2027 (Mon, Holiday) 12:00–17:00: Reserve Day

※ Match schedule: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HlfTmibmt292B9EztraFd_DiDxLjs4em/view?usp=sharing

What is Walking Football?

Walking Football originated in England in 2011 as a sport designed to promote health among older adults.

The core rule is 'no running,' with players required to walk at all times. Physical contact is prohibited to ensure safety, making it an inclusive sport that anyone—regardless of age, gender, fitness level, or prior sports experience—can enjoy throughout their lives. The sport has since spread globally, with international and European championships now held for senior players.

The Vision Behind the League: A New Purpose for Middle-Senior and Senior Generations

This league aims to provide a renewed sense of purpose for middle-senior and senior generations.

We want to offer a space where individuals who left football due to injury or aging, those who stepped away from other sports for various reasons, or those who feel competitive sports are no longer accessible, can once again become passionate and enjoy friendly competition with peers. With this vision, we are launching Japan's first season-based Walking Football league.

Walking Football offers an inclusive 'enjoyment' environment where anyone, regardless of age, gender, or experience, can participate for life. JWFL will continue to promote inclusive environments that welcome people with and without disabilities.

At the same time, we have received numerous requests from players who wish to 'compete more seriously' and 'strive for excellence with teammates.' This league is created as a new 'competition' stage to answer those voices.

We aim to nurture this league into a beloved, lifelong sports platform where people can continue to challenge themselves at any age.

Partnering with Title Sponsor Bourbon Corporation

Since April 2026, Bourbon Corporation has supported JWFL as a partner, contributing to the league's overall activities.

With the launch of this league, our partner, Bourbon Corporation, has agreed to serve as the title sponsor.

Under our shared values of 'health, community, and human connection,' we have named the tournament the 'Bourbon Penguins League 2026/27' and will work toward sustainable league operations and the further promotion and development of Walking Football.

＜Comment from Bourbon Corporation＞

'In addition to providing safe and reliable food products, our company is committed to nurturing the next generation through support for culture, arts, and sports, with a focus on mental and physical well-being.

We are proud to support this league as title sponsor, as we share its mission of promoting health and community engagement through Walking Football.

We hope this first-of-its-kind league in Japan will foster intergenerational and community connections, becoming a major platform for lifelong sports where participants can continue to challenge themselves forever.'

Tournament Banner

The 'Saburo Kawabuchi Cup' Awarded to the Champion Team

The winning team will be awarded the 'Saburo Kawabuchi Cup,' donated by Saburo Kawabuchi, the founding chairman of the J-League.

This trophy, bearing the name of the long-time leader of Japanese football, represents the highest honor for the champion of Japan's first season-based Walking Football league.

Participating Teams

Seven teams from the Greater Tokyo Area, with diverse backgrounds and team identities, will compete.

An additional exhibition team brings the total to eight teams, all contributing to the excitement throughout the season.

① PPK Walking Football Club (Chiba Prefecture)

Based in Ichikawa City, Chiba, this club maintains a robust monthly schedule of ten activities, continuously creating an environment where 'anyone can join anytime.' Guided by the club philosophy 'Let's increase the number of energetic middle-aged and seniors,' they support sustainable exercise habits and community building. They aim to grow as a leading team in the WF community by providing a safe and enjoyable environment.

② Nadeshiko Walkers (Tokyo)

Centered around members of the W40 team that competed in the World Cup in Spain, this team organizes cup tournaments and friendly matches and participates in local events. They promote the spread of Walking Football as a lifelong sport by expanding 'a circle of connected friends' across ages and experiences. They are also actively involved as coordinators and referees.

③ Aoba VERDE Walking Football Club (Kanagawa Prefecture)

Founded in May 2019, the club uses Aoba Special Support School and other facilities as home grounds, practicing and competing under both international and JFA-recommended rules. They also volunteer in collaboration with support schools and the Yokohama Sports Association, aiming for participation in the FIWFA Nations Cup and expanding grassroots participation.

④T