Q: How would you introduce yourself - on and off the court?

On the court, I'm even-keeled but I thrive off good energy. Chemistry with my partner is a huge part of how I play — I love competing alongside friends. Off the court, I'm always chasing progression: through sport, travel, business, or creativity. I was born and raised on Maui where I still live, and I split time in Encinitas, California for training and tournaments. I grew up spending a lot of time in Japan where most of my family lives, and I've always been drawn to building connections between cultures through sports and lifestyle. Surfing, golf, fitness, and being outdoors are a huge part of who I am.

Q: How did you first get into pickleball - and what made you take it seriously?

I came to pickleball through tennis. I was running a residential real estate team on Maui at the time, and at first it was just fun and competitive — but I quickly realized how fast the sport was growing and how unique the community felt. My college tennis friends Hunter and Yates Johnson had made the switch from the ATP Tour to professional pickleball, and watching them inspired me to take it seriously. Once I started competing against some of the top players in the world, I knew I wanted to fully commit and see how far I could take it professionally.

"I've always been drawn to building connections between cultures through sports and lifestyle."

- Kento Tamaki, OSAKA Pickleball Athlete

Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration, and why?

On the court, it's the athletes I surround myself with on tour — especially my college friends still playing tennis and pickleball at the highest level. Growing up in a small town on Maui, I was also lucky to be around some of the best watermen in the world — surfers, foilers, fishermen. Being around all types of competitors brings creativity and individuality to your own sport. Off the court, my family has been my biggest inspiration. They taught me discipline, resilience, and how important it is to stay grounded no matter what level you reach.

Q: How would you describe your playing style?

Aggressive, athletic, and creative. I like to bring a mix of speed, hands, and unpredictability to the court. Coming from a tennis background, I naturally like to take space away from opponents and apply pressure early in points. I don't want my opponent to ever feel comfortable, and I use my athleticism to keep them constantly reacting rather than dictating.

"I try to bring a different style and perspective into pickleball by blending influence from tennis, surfing, and my Japanese background."

Q: What do people underestimate about high-level pickleball?

The athleticism and the mental side of the game. At the highest level, it's about staying consistent and understanding that pickleball is a game of runs and momentum. What separates players is decision-making under pressure, adaptability, and staying mentally sharp for long stretches. And the game is evolving incredibly fast — if you're not constantly growing, you're falling behind.

Q: What make you unique on the court?

People recognize my athletic background and the energy I bring. I also try to carry a different style and perspective into pickleball — blending influences from tennis, surfing, and my Japanese background and culture. That cross-cultural identity isn't just who I am off the court; it's genuinely visible in how I move and compete.

Q: Do you have any pre-match rituals or routines?

Before matches I try to stay calm and locked in through yoga, movement, stretching, breathing work, and visualization. I focus on staying mentally centered and physically loose. After matches, I usually decompress and get my mind off pickleball entirely — I enjoy being fully present in the moment, whatever that moment looks like.

"Don't try to copy everyone else, develop your own identity and strengths as a player."

- Kento Tamaki's advice to aspiring professionals

Q: What does being part of the OSAKA family mean to you?

It means being part of a brand that genuinely values creativity, culture, and innovation. Osaka has such a unique identity that blends sport, design, and global influence — and I'm excited to help grow pickleball alongside a brand that feels so deeply aligned with who I am. The fit feels natural, not just as an athlete but as someone who cares deeply about connecting cultures.

Q: How do you hope to inspire the next generation of players?

I want younger players to see that you don't have to fit into one box. You can come from different backgrounds, bring your own style into the sport, and still compete at the highest level. I hope to help grow the game globally and inspire more players from Japan and around the world to believe they belong on the professional stage. Pickleball should look like the whole world — and I want to be part of making that happen.

"You can come from different backgrounds, bring your own style into the sport, and still compete at the highest level.""

- Kento Tamaki on inspiring the next generation.