The 39th Japan Open returns to Tokyo from September 19 to 21, 2026, bringing together a large field of Japanese professionals, amateurs and international players for one of the longest-running major tournaments in Asian pool.
Organized by the Japan Professional Pocket Billiard Association (JPBA), the 2026 Japan Open is once again co-sanctioned by the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports (ACBS) and the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA), with WPA world ranking points on offer.
The tournament features separate Men’s 10-Ball and Women’s 9-Ball competitions, with the opening rounds played across several pool rooms before the surviving players move to New Pia Hall for the championship rounds.
For Philippine pool fans, there will be plenty to follow. A sizeable Filipino contingent has entered the tournament, with 23 Filipino players listed across the men’s and women’s divisions.
When Is the 2026 Japan Open?
The Japan Open will be played over three days from September 19 to 21.
| Date | Stage |
|---|---|
| September 19, Saturday | Men’s 10-Ball qualifying |
| September 20, Sunday | Men’s knockout rounds and Women’s 9-Ball opening rounds |
| September 21, Monday | Men’s Last 16 through the final and Women’s quarterfinals through the final |
The men begin competition on September 19, while the women enter the tournament one day later on September 20.
Japan is only one hour ahead of Manila, making the tournament relatively easy to follow for Filipino fans throughout the weekend.
Where Will the Japan Open Be Played?
Unlike many international tournaments held entirely inside a single arena, the early rounds of the Japan Open are spread across several pool rooms around Tokyo and the surrounding area.
Men’s qualifying on September 19 will be played at venues including Billiard Rosa, Shibuya CUE, Bagus Shinjuku, Bagus Kawasaki, Sunbilli Ogikubo and LINK Nishikawaguchi.
The surviving 128 men then converge at Billiard Rosa in Ikebukuro on September 20 for the single-elimination stage.
The women play their September 20 rounds at Shibuya CUE and Sunbilli Ogikubo.
Everything then moves to New Pia Hall in Tokyo for the final day on September 21, where eight Diamond PRO-AM Black tables will be installed for the championship rounds.
Men’s 10-Ball Format
The Men’s Japan Open begins with a large double-elimination stage before becoming progressively more unforgiving as the tournament moves toward its final day.
September 19: Double Elimination
The field is divided across several qualifying venues and plays race-to-8, winner-break 10-ball. The double-elimination stage reduces the tournament to 128 players.
September 20: Single Elimination
The remaining 128 players return at Billiard Rosa, where the tournament switches to single elimination.
Matches increase to a race to 9, with the field eventually reduced from 128 players to just 16.
September 21: Last 16 to Final
The final 16 advance to New Pia Hall, where matches return to a race to 8 and remain single elimination all the way through the championship match.
The men use random self-racking with a rack sheet, winner breaks and call-shot 10-ball rules. Push-outs are permitted, while a 10-ball made on the break does not automatically win the rack.
The combination of winner breaks and relatively short races means momentum could play a major role, particularly if a player is able to string several racks together.
Women’s 9-Ball Format
The Women’s Japan Open begins on September 20.
The opening stage is played as a race to 7, double elimination, followed by a single-elimination qualifying stage contested as a race to 8.
Eight players survive the opening day and advance to New Pia Hall.
The quarterfinals, semifinals and championship match on September 21 are all played as a race to 7.
Importantly, the published tournament rules specify alternate break during the September 20 rounds before switching to winner breaks from the quarterfinals onward.
2026 Japan Open Prize Money
The Men’s 10-Ball champion will receive ¥1,400,000, while the runner-up earns ¥700,000.
Men’s 10-Ball Prize Money
| Finish | Prize |
|---|---|
| Champion | ¥1,400,000 |
| Runner-up | ¥700,000 |
| 3rd-4th | ¥350,000 each |
| 5th-8th | ¥180,000 each |
| 9th-16th | ¥90,000 each |
| 17th-32nd | ¥60,000 each |
Women’s 9-Ball Prize Money
The Women’s 9-Ball champion will receive ¥500,000, with ¥250,000 going to the runner-up.
| Finish | Prize |
|---|---|
| Champion | ¥500,000 |
| Runner-up | ¥250,000 |
| 3rd-4th | ¥130,000 each |
| 5th-8th | ¥70,000 each |
| 9th-16th | ¥35,000 each |
The published payout schedule amounts to ¥5.2 million for the men and ¥1.57 million for the women, giving the two tournaments a combined payout of ¥6.77 million.
Foreign players are subject to a 20.42% withholding tax on prize money.
23 Filipino Players Entered in the Japan Open
The Philippines will have one of the largest overseas contingents at this year’s Japan Open, with 18 men and five women listed in the field.
Filipino Players: Men’s 10-Ball
- 🇵🇭 Anthony Raga
- 🇵🇭 Kyle Amoroto
- 🇵🇭 Antonio Lining
- 🇵🇭 Paul Arpilleda
- 🇵🇭 Paul John Ortega
- 🇵🇭 Lauro Bongay
- 🇵🇭 John Mauricio
- 🇵🇭 Assis Tadique
- 🇵🇭 Meynard Tipawan
- 🇵🇭 Erickson Navarrete
- 🇵🇭 Jaycee Garcia
- 🇵🇭 Saldy Galliguez
- 🇵🇭 Ramil Gallego
- 🇵🇭 Miguel Salvilla
- 🇵🇭 Dante Maravilla
- 🇵🇭 Valeriano Pajuay
- 🇵🇭 John Ripay
- 🇵🇭 Charles Ladiana
Filipino Players: Women’s 9-Ball
- 🇵🇭 Charis Santos
- 🇵🇭 Kayla Herrera
- 🇵🇭 Cheeya Navarro
- 🇵🇭 Denise Santos
- 🇵🇭 Alliah Alfafara
That gives the Philippines 23 players across both divisions.
Among the most recognizable names are Anthony Raga, Kyle Amoroto and veteran Antonio Lining, but the size and open nature of the Japan Open field also gives lesser-known Filipino players an opportunity to make deep runs in Tokyo.
International Players to Watch
The Japan Open traditionally combines Japan’s deep domestic pool scene with international challengers from across Asia and beyond.
One of the biggest names listed in the women’s tournament is China’s Chen Siming, while the international field also includes players representing Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam and the United States.
The Filipino delegation is particularly prominent in the men’s competition, while Chinese Taipei also sends a sizeable group of players.
Unlike an invitational tournament built around only the world’s highest-ranked players, the Japan Open’s enormous open field is part of its character. Established professionals, international visitors and Japanese competitors all have to survive the same multi-stage tournament.
Who Are the Defending Japan Open Champions?
Japan enjoyed a home double in the 2025 edition of the tournament.
Shonosuke Komiya won the Men’s 10-Ball title, while Chie Aoki captured the Women’s 9-Ball championship at the 38th Japan Open.
Both tournaments therefore enter 2026 with Japanese players looking to defend home territory against another large international field.
Final Day at New Pia Hall
The atmosphere changes considerably on September 21 as the remaining players leave the traditional pool-room setting and move into New Pia Hall for the championship rounds.
Eight Diamond PRO-AM Black tables will be installed at the venue.
The Men’s Last 16 is scheduled to begin from 9:30 a.m. Japan time, which is 8:30 a.m. in Manila.
The Women’s quarterfinals are scheduled to begin from 11:30 a.m. Japan time, or 10:30 a.m. Manila time.
Final-day equipment listed by the organizers includes Diamond PRO-AM Black tables, Aramith Tournament TV Black balls and Nikke cloth.
Where to Watch and Follow the 2026 Japan Open
Fans can watch tournament coverage through the JPBA official YouTube channel.
🔴 Livestream: JPBA Official YouTube Livestream
Billi-Walker is also linked by the organizers for live scores and tournament updates.
With hundreds of matches taking place across several venues during the opening rounds, not every match is expected to receive a dedicated stream. Fans following individual players should therefore keep an eye on live scoring and official JPBA updates throughout the weekend.
77.Billiards will also be following the Filipino players throughout the tournament, including schedules, results and their progress through the draw.
Tickets for the Japan Open Final Day
Advance ticket sales through Lawson have already ended, but JPBA says remaining reserved seats for the September 21 final day will be sold at New Pia Hall for ¥3,500 to ¥5,000.
Standing-room tickets will be available for ¥3,000.
Day-of-event ticket purchases are cash only.
Why the Japan Open Matters
The Japan Open is now in its 39th edition and remains one of the signature tournaments on Japan’s pool calendar.
The combination of huge fields, open qualification, demanding short races and a switch to a major final-day arena gives the tournament a different feel from many modern international events.
For Filipino fans in 2026, there is another major reason to pay attention.
With 23 Filipinos in the field, there will be opportunities throughout the draw for the Philippine flag to make its presence felt in Tokyo.
2026 Japan Open: What You Need to Know
- Dates: September 19-21, 2026
- Location: Tokyo, Japan
- Organizer: Japan Professional Pocket Billiard Association
- Men’s event: 10-Ball
- Women’s event: 9-Ball
- Men’s champion prize: ¥1,400,000
- Women’s champion prize: ¥500,000
- Combined published payout: ¥6.77 million
- Filipino players: 23 total, including 18 men and five women
- Final-day venue: New Pia Hall
- Livestream: JPBA Official YouTube
- Live scores: Billi-Walker and official tournament updates
The action begins on September 19 with the Men’s 10-Ball tournament, followed by the start of the Women’s 9-Ball competition on September 20. Both champions will be crowned at New Pia Hall on September 21.