The Japan tennis equipment market is poised to register a valuation of USD 226.2 million in 2025. The industry is slated to grow at 2.2% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, witnessing USD 285.1 million by 2035. The expansion of the industry is due to a number of factors, both global and regional in nature.
One of the primary reasons for the growth is the increasing popularity of tennis as a recreational activity. There has been a consistent increase in the number of amateur players in Japan, with many adopting the sport as a healthy and fun activity. This increased demand has led to a greater need for tennis equipment, as individuals seek to invest in high-quality equipment to optimize their performance.
The establishment of professional and amateur tennis clubs, as well as the expansion of community-based sporting facilities, has increased opportunities for participation in the sport. This is aided by the extensive presence of tennis courts throughout the nation, making the sport readily accessible.
Furthermore, Japan boasts a strong tennis culture, with a history of both national and international success. Japanese male and female tennis players have achieved international recognition, which in turn encourages a higher national interest in the sport.
Their success encourages young players to take up tennis, thereby increasing demand for training equipment such as racquets, balls, and clothing. The fame of high-profile events like the Japan Open further enhances tennis's visibility in the nation's sporting scene, inspiring fans to participate in the sport more actively.
Improved technology in tennis equipment is also driving the industry's growth. Manufacturers have been utilizing innovative materials and design techniques to enhance the performance, durability, and comfort of tennis equipment. Consequently, players are more likely to buy improved and more specialized equipment, which in turn increases demand. Overall, the synergy of an expanding player base, technological advancement, and a strong tennis culture is driving the continued growth of the tennis equipment industry in Japan.
| Metrics | Values |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 226.2 million |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 285.1 million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 2.2% |
In Japan's tennis equipment industry, there is diversity in trends across end-use segments, which span professional athletes, amateur players, and leisure or casual users. For professional players, there has been a growing demand for highly specialized equipment. Racquets, for instance, have become more customizable with features like grip size and tension adjustment to suit the individual needs of top players.
Technological innovation, such as the application of graphite and carbon fiber in racquet making, has enabled lighter yet more robust frames that deliver greater performance. Additionally, professional athletes tend to use performance-enhancing shoes and clothing, prioritizing comfort, longevity, and performance under intense conditions.
For amateur players, affordability without sacrificing quality is the direction. Although players continue to look for high-performance equipment, the price sensitivity is higher in this industry. Consequently, there is an emerging industry for mid-range racquets that offer quality at a reasonable price.
Recreational players are also likely to spend money on products that are versatile and long-lasting, like multi-purpose racquets that can be used across different play styles and conditions. Additionally, recreational sports leagues and tennis clubs are key drivers of demand in this segment because players require equipment for regular use and competition.
The casual or recreational segment is dominated by growing participation among young players and families seeking a recreational, low-impact activity. Equipment for players in this segment will be less technical, with greater focus on user-friendliness and cost. Products such as entry-level racquets, tennis balls, and family-use accessories dominate the industry in this segment.
There has also been an increased trend toward multi-purpose racquets and light equipment for players of all ages and competencies. The emphasis here is on providing a comfortable experience to make playing easier for new members without having to spend much on top-level gear.
The buying considerations for tennis gear differ substantially by end-use segment. For professionals, performance is the biggest concern. Details such as material used in racquets, string tension, grip size, and stiffness of the frame are very important in deciding how well the gear is suited to the player's playing style.
Premium materials such as graphite, carbon, and titanium are commonly preferred for their capability to provide better control and power. Durability is also a critical consideration, particularly for footwear, where performance across a range of court conditions as well as comfort is important.
Between 2020 and 2024, the Japanese tennis equipment industry, as with other industries, underwent some changes mainly influenced by evolving consumer behavior, technological developments, and international happenings. A major change was the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic that hindered the manufacturing processes and supply networks and altered consumer behavior.
During the pandemic period, there was high demand for outdoor and solo sports such as tennis since people wanted to remain active but practice social distancing. Consequently, there was high demand for tennis equipment, particularly among leisure players and amateurs. Private facilities and tennis clubs, which were initially shut down, started experiencing increased footfalls as they re-opened, increasing further racquet, ball, and accessory sales.
Ahead of the years between 2025 and 2035, there are some upcoming trends that are anticipated to dictate the future of the Japanese tennis equipment industry. The increased adoption of smart technology in tennis equipment is a major trend. Smart racquets, equipped with sensors to monitor players' performance, will probably gain mainstream status.
These racquets will give players information about their swings, ball speed, and other performance characteristics, providing insights that can help them improve. As technology advances in fitness tracking, the addition of smart devices to tennis equipment is likely to become the norm, particularly among serious players wanting to maximize training.
Comparative Industry Shift Analysis (2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035)
| 2020 to 2024 Industry Shifts | 2025 to 2035 Future Trends |
|---|---|
| The pandemic contributed to an increased participation in outdoor and recreational sporting activities, including tennis, with individuals looking for safe means to remain active. This translated to an increase in demand for equipment used in playing tennis, mainly among casual users. | The future of tennis gear will witness growth in smart racquets and accessories with sensors built into them that monitor performance. Players will receive detailed information regarding their swings, ball speed, and other attributes, which will improve training as well as performance. |
| As a result of social distancing, people turned towards online purchasing of tennis gear. Retailers and manufacturers expanded their online presence, offering virtual consultations, direct-to-consumer sales, and customized products. | Sustainability will become an important factor, with manufacturers utilizing eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastics, biodegradable balls, and sustainable production processes. The growing environmental awareness among consumers will lead to increased demand for eco-friendly products. |
| There was an increase in the production of high-tech materials, such as carbon fiber and graphene, in racquet manufacturing, resulting in lighter, stronger, and more resilient products. | As the amateur and recreational player industry continues to expand, brands will emphasize offering affordable yet resilient racquets and accessories. Youth-centric products will also be a key segment to serve the increasing interest in tennis among young generations. |
| With reopening of the sports facilities and tennis clubs, the local market experienced increased sales of equipment by recreational players. Most sports facilities also concentrated on marketing the game to families and younger people. | Japanese tennis players and brands will experience increased overseas partnerships and market penetration. Player achievements and sporting events will continue to fuel demand and interest in the equipment both locally and internationally. |
The Japanese market for tennis equipment is exposed to several threats that may impact its growth and stability over the next few years. Economic uncertainty is one of the leading risks. Japan's economy, which has been impacted by stagnation and an aging population, may influence consumer spending on discretionary items, such as tennis equipment.
Economic recessions or deceleration may result in lower discretionary income, thus compelling consumers to cut back on sports equipment. Although tennis is popular, its position as a recreational and lifestyle sport leaves it vulnerable to fluctuations in the economic environment. Declines in consumer spending would therefore have a significant impact, particularly on the amateur and recreational markets, where price sensitivity is greater.
Another major risk is the potential disruption to the supply chain, particularly with ongoing global issues related to trade tensions, natural disasters, and the impact of pandemics. Japan heavily relies on international trade, and disruptions to the supply of raw materials, such as carbon fiber, which is widely used in racquet production, could lead to production delays and increased costs. Additionally, logistical issues, such as increased shipping costs and limited availability of raw materials, may hinder the timely supply of products to market, affecting inventory levels and overall sales.
The fact that there are many racquets available to suit various skill levels and tastes, including lightweight racquets for beginners and professional racquets for experts, fuels the high demand for this product. Additionally, the advancement of racquet technology, including the incorporation of carbon fiber and graphene, has helped boost sales, as players seek equipment that enhances their performance.
The ongoing development of racquet design and technology also maintains high demand. Professional competitions, including the Japan Open, increase interest in racquets as spectators are exposed to the equipment used by top professionals. Rackets are overall the bedrock of the Japanese tennis equipment market due to their necessity to the sport and the range of products to meet various player requirements.
Composites, especially carbon fiber and graphite, are the most popular choice of materials for tennis equipment in Japan. These are widely used because they have a very high strength-to-weight ratio, which makes them suitable for the construction of racquets. Composites offer the ideal combination of lightness, toughness, and flexibility, which enhances players' performance by providing them with more control, power, and comfort while playing.
Carbon fiber is a favorite of mid-range and high-end racquets due to its enhanced strength and durability. Graphite is also a composite material that has wide usage for its lightweight and strength, and is particularly well-liked by recreational players due to ease of play as well as by professionals who demand accuracy in their strokes. In addition, composite materials are utilized in racquets and also applied to tennis clothing and shoes, where light and robust performance are important requirements.
The market is represented by firms of various sizes, ranging from large multinationals to small specialists. The firms deal in a variety of products, including racquets, balls, fashion wear, footwear, and accessories, and strive to serve multiple consumer segments, ranging from amateur sporting enthusiasts to specialists.
While large international brands, such as Yonex Co., Ltd. and Mizuno Corporation, lead the market with their extensive product lines and wide distribution networks, niche competitors like Solinco and Tachikara offer specialized products that appeal to targeted segments. This combination of large industry leaders and innovative niche players drives competition and encourages continuous product innovation in the market.
Industry Share Analysis by Company
| Company Name | Estimated Industry Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Yonex Co., Ltd. | 15-20% |
| Mizuno Corporation | 10-12% |
| Bridgestone | 8-10% |
| Head N.V. | 6-8% |
| Babolat | 5-7% |
| Dunlop Sports Co., Ltd. | 4-6% |
| Tecnifibre | 3-5% |
| Adidas AG | 3-5% |
| Solinco | 2-4% |
| Tachikara | 2-3% |
| Oliver Sports & Squash GmbH. | 1-3% |
| XIOM Co., Ltd. | 1-3% |
| Seino Logix Co., Ltd. | 1-2% |
| Molax Line Ltd. | 1-2% |
| Amer Sports Korea | 1-2% |
| F&F | 1-2% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| Yonex Co., Ltd. | A top producer of tennis racquets, balls, and accessories, renowned for its high-performance racquets used by professional players. |
| Mizuno Corporation | Sells a full line of tennis shoes and apparel, emphasizing comfort and durability, well-liked by both professional and amateur players. |
| Bridgestone | Renowned for making high-quality tennis balls used extensively in competitive play, including in major tournaments. |
| Head N.V. | Producer of tennis racquets, bags, and accessories, known for racquet technology innovation and sponsorship by leading athletes. |
| Babolat | Deals in racquets, strings, and accessories, highly popular among competitive players for its high-performance racquets. |
| Dunlop Sports Co., Ltd. | Provides tennis balls, racquets, and accessories, with a global reputation for its long-lasting tennis balls. |
| Tecnifibre | R eputed for high-grade tennis strings and racquets, with emphasis on technological innovation to improve player performance. |
| Adidas AG | Sells tennis shoes and clothing, with a strong brand identity in international tennis tournaments and sponsorships. |
| Solinco | A specialist in the tennis industry, famous for manufacturing high-quality strings and accessories for serious players. |
| Tachikara | Mainly famous for manufacturing low-cost and long-lasting tennis balls for leisure players and schools. |
| Oliver Sports & Squash GmbH. | Specializes in manufacturing racquets and accessories, with a strong presence in the specialist market for squash and tennis. |
| XIOM Co., Ltd. | Specializes in racquet and accessories production with increasing popularity among professional players for high-quality equipment. |
| Seino Logix Co., Ltd. | Sells specialized tennis bags and accessories with a focus on providing products to both amateur and professional athletes. |
| Molax Line Ltd. | Reputable for offering tennis accessories, specifically grips and strings, that address specific player requirements. |
| Amer Sports Korea | Manufactures racquets, balls, and clothing through its international portfolio of sporting brands, such as Wilson and Atomic. |
| F&F | Has a specialization in cheap tennis gear for beginner players, which includes a comprehensive assortment of simple racquets and accessories. |
The Japanese tennis gear market is expanding, driven by a combination of established multinational companies and emerging niche firms. Yonex Co., Ltd., Mizuno Corporation, and Head N.V. continue to dominate the market, offering an extensive range of products that cater to both professional sportsmen and leisure players. These firms have a reputation for ongoing innovation and close ties to professional players, which enables them to continue their dominance in the market. Yonex, especially, is a leading company in racquet technology and tennis wear, and hence is a popular brand among Japanese players.
Smaller brands, such as Solinco, Tecnifibre, and Tachikara, have found niches by targeting specific product lines, including tennis strings, accessories, and low-cost equipment. These firms target particular niches, for instance, competitive amateur players and schools, and enhance the diversification of the market. Tachikara, for instance, is known for manufacturing high-quality, low-cost tennis balls, while Solinco is dedicated to offering high-end strings tailored to the demands of experienced players.
In terms of product type, the industry is divided into racquets, balls, apparel, footwear, ball machines, tennis bags, and other accessories.
With respect to material, the industry is classified into composites, metallic, and other materials.
By buyer type, the market is classified into individual and institutional.
By Sales Channel:
Based on sales channel, the market is divided into independent sports outlet, sports retail chain, franchised sports outlet, direct-to-customer online channel, direct-to-customer institutional channel, modern trade channels, and third-party online channel.
Based on region, the market is classified into Kanto, Chubu, Kinki, Kyushu & Okinawa, Tohoku, and the rest of Japan.
The industry is expected to reach USD 226.2 million in 2025.
The industry is projected to witness USD 285.1 million by 2035.
The industry is projected to witness 2.2% CAGR during the study period.
Racquets are widely purchased.
Leading companies include Yonex Co., Ltd., NISHOHI, Bridgestone, Mizuno Corporation, Tachikara, Amer Sports Corporation, Head N.V., Dunlop Sports Co., Ltd., Tecnifibre, Oliver Sports & Squash GmbH, Babolat, Adidas AG, Solinco, Volkl Int. GmbH, XIOM Co., Ltd, Seino Logix Co., Ltd, Molax Line Ltd., Amer Sports Korea, and F&F.
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Japan Tennis Equipment Market
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