Japan has truly established itself in the world of sports having hosted both the rugby World Cup and the Olympics in recent times. These global sporting fixtures have allowed foreignors experience the uniqueness of Japanese culture. This time tennis takes front stage at the Ariake Colosseum just outside Tokyo. On this October day, some of the tennis players competing in the Kinoshita Group Japan Open Tennis Championships will notice references to some of Japan’s deepest traditions first hand.

The first reference is on the palate. To enter the players lounge they pass through a traditional blue noren, an interior decorative curtain originating from the Heian Period (794-1185). At the Kinoshita Group Japan Open Tennis Championships these curtains are purely decorative and are held in place with latticework wooden frames called Shoji, sliding doors covered with a tough, translucent white paper diffusing light. Adorning the food counter is a backdrop of Chochin lanterns, a tradition that dates back 1085.

Every day Chef Hiroyuki Sato with Michelin star experience, prepares a variety of traditional Japanese sushi from Hakkoku restaurant located in the upmarket business district of Ginza. Naturally enough players can enjoy western food including Italian, French and Chinese but they can also enjoy sushi prepared in the traditional Japanese way. On the menu today players can enjoy Chinese Spicy Chicken, Smoked salmon, Marinated salmon with beets, yellowtail carpaccio, Milanese salami as well as different noodle arrangements.

Once properly nourished, players can relax at the players ‘tatami room’ upstairs. These traditional rooms are established by creating wooden frames into which tatami mats are slotted to keep them in position. The mats themselves are made by weaving the long rushes of a plant called Igusa. They emit a pleasant plant aroma and are of the highest quality. This provides a relaxing environment for players as they unwind from their matches. To further immerse them in Japanese culture, manga books are stored in bookcases in the centre of the room.

The Kinoshita Group Japan Open Tennis Championships provides a unique experience for top tennis players to enjoy the traditions and cultures of Japan while competing on the world stage for the coveted ATP 500 tennis title. Players have also enjoyed visiting the Japanese capital and these memories will be engraved in the players memories until they return to compete in the tournament in 2024.