World Champion Taisuke Ishida to Chair First-Ever Footbag World Championships in Japan and Asia, Finals in Tsukuba on August 15 (Sat)

The Footbag World Championships Organizing Committee (Chair: Taisuke Ishida) will host the '45th IFPA World Footbag Championships 2026' in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, from August 10 (Mon), 2026, to August 15 (Sat), 2026.

This event marks the first time the Footbag World Championships are held in Japan and Asia. August 11 (Tue) is a rest day, and the finals will take place on August 15 (Sat), 2026, at Tsukuba Capio Hall.

The chairperson, Taisuke Ishida, is a professional footbag player with multiple world championship titles. A former world-class competitor, he is now bringing the global stage of footbag to Japan.

Experience the World's Highest-Level Footbag in Tsukuba on August 15 (Sat)

Footbag is a sport where players use their feet to kick a small ball, competing in skill continuity and creativity. Known internationally as 'Hacky Sack,' it has recently regained popularity, especially among younger generations in the United States.

On August 15 (Sat), witness top players from around the world perform live at the finals. Whether you're new to footbag, a parent, or interested in sports and street culture, we invite you to experience this exciting event in person.

Comment from Chairperson Taisuke Ishida

I warmly welcome everyone—both those familiar with footbag and those who have never seen it—to attend the finals on August 15.

A single small ball can amaze, connect, and captivate people in extraordinary ways. I would be delighted if you could experience this moment together with us at the venue in Tsukuba.

We aim to make this historic first event in Japan and Asia a stepping stone to pass footbag on to the next generation.

About the Crowdfunding Campaign

The event is running a crowdfunding campaign on CAMPFIRE. Within 24 hours of launch, the first goal of 300,000 yen was achieved. The campaign has now reached its 3rd goal of 800,000 yen and is currently aiming for the 4th goal of 1,000,000 yen.

Crowdfunding page:

https://camp-fire.jp/projects/942016/view

Event Overview

Event Name: 45th IFPA World Footbag Championships 2026

Dates: August 10 (Mon) to August 15 (Sat), 2026

Rest Day: August 11 (Tue), 2026

Finals Date: August 15 (Sat), 2026

Finals Venue: Tsukuba Capio Hall

Location: Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture

Organizer: Footbag World Championships Organizing Committee

Supported by: City of Tsukuba

Sponsors: PFU Limited, Twelves Estate Inc.

Official Website: https://www.footbag.jp/FootbagWorlds2026

For Media Professionals

The finals on August 15 (Sat) offer a rare opportunity to cover and film the world's highest-level footbag performances. We welcome media inquiries for interviews, including with Chairperson Taisuke Ishida, as well as filming of competition scenes and audience reactions.

Inquiries:

Footbag World Championships Organizing Committee

Public Relations Contact: Takuma Kanaya

TEL: 080-5433-6499

MAIL: [email protected]

Official Website: https://www.footbag.jp/FootbagWorlds2026

Crowdfunding: https://camp-fire.jp/projects/942016/view