LET'SPANPON!
PanPon is the treasure of Hitachi.
Connecting people and communities through PanPon, from Hitachi to the world.
Introduction
Have you ever heard of a sport called "PanPon"?
PanPon is a sport that combines elements of table tennis and soft tennis!
PanPon is a local sport born in Hitachi City. Known as "Hitachi PanPon," it has been cherished and passed down primarily among employees of Hitachi, Ltd. and its group companies, as well as the citizens of Hitachi City.
Anyone can enjoy it casually and actively, regardless of location. No special athletic ability or experience is required. From children to adults, people of all ages and genders can stand on the same court, naturally smile, and become absorbed in the game - that's the charm of PanPon.
However, this wonderful culture of "Hitachi PanPon" is not yet widely known in Japan.
This website "LET'S PANPON" was created with the hope of sharing the joy, depth, and potential of PanPon with as many people as possible.
Going forward, we will share photos and information about trial sessions, tournaments, and events, spreading PanPon - the treasure of Hitachi - from Hitachi to Japan and the world.
What is PanPon?
PanPon is a net sport originating from Hitachi City, played with wooden paddle rackets (boards), a low net, and a rubber ball (typically a soft tennis ball).
The rules are simple enough for beginners to understand quickly and start rallying right away. Yet, the depth of strategy, tactics, and teamwork makes the game more interesting the more you play.
"Simple, but not too simple"
This perfect balance is why PanPon has been loved for so many years.
Why We Promote PanPon
We believe PanPon is not just a sport, but a culture that shapes the future of Hitachi City - a valuable asset for community building.
Reason 1: Touching Wood, Nurturing Rich Sensibility
PanPon rackets are made of wood. The warmth, scent, weight, and texture of wood stimulate the senses (especially touch and smell), enriching our sensibility. Using local Ibaraki wood also helps develop understanding of regional industries and hometown pride.
Reason 2: A Lifelong Sport Supporting Physical and Mental Health
PanPon is a sport that "anyone can enjoy, anywhere, in a short time." With minimal disadvantages from age, gender, or physical ability differences, children, adults, and seniors can all enjoy it together. It can be played both indoors and outdoors in relatively compact spaces, making it an accessible lifelong sport.
Reason 3: Fostering Hometown Pride and Enhancing Hitachi's Appeal
PanPon was born and nurtured in Hitachi City. Our predecessors developed and refined this sport so that "people of all ages could enjoy it safely in limited time." We hope that children who experience PanPon will learn about Hitachi's history and develop pride in their hometown.
Through PanPon, people connect with people, generations connect with generations, and the city comes alive. We aim to create such a vibrant community.
Our Vision
Education x PanPon (Future Vision)
We envision a future where "every elementary school student in Hitachi City experiences PanPon" as one of our goals.
Art & Craft
Making PanPon rackets (boards)
Physical Education
Playing PanPon with self-made rackets
Social Studies
Learning about hometown (Hitachi) through PanPon
Through cross-curricular "learning by doing," we foster hometown understanding and pride that cannot be gained from knowledge alone.
Making PanPon Events Entertainment (Vision)
PanPon matches have high entertainment value that even beginners can intuitively enjoy watching.
We aim to evolve PanPon tournaments into "events where everyone can participate and enjoy," attracting non-players' attention to increase the PanPon population and raise Hitachi City's profile.
Increasing participation opportunities with beginner leagues, age-based leagues, regional competitions, etc.
Adding food trucks and experience booths ("PanPon + Food + Experience" combined events)
Exhibition matches featuring celebrities and expert players (vision)
Hitachi: A City of PanPon Enthusiasts
We aim to make Hitachi a city where "most citizens have experienced PanPon at least once" - starting with children and eventually including adults.
PanPon allows people of all ages to play exciting matches together. A cityscape where PanPon is played in various places would be truly beautiful.
We hope PanPon becomes a common language, topic, and emotional anchor for Hitachi citizens - and something they can proudly call "the treasure of Hitachi."
History of PanPon
PanPon was born and nurtured in Hitachi City. As an industrial city, Hitachi needed recreational activities that could be enjoyed safely in limited time.
The practice of hitting with wooden boards, balls, and simple nets spread throughout the community. Eventually, rules were established, and it became a beloved sport.
The sound of "Pan!" when the board hits, and "Pon!" when the ball bounces
These distinctive sounds are said to have given the sport its name - "PanPon."
Since then, it has been passed down through company recreation and community activities, and is now preserved as part of Hitachi's culture through permanent courts and tournaments.
Equipment
Racket (Board)
Wooden paddle rackets are used. Playing while feeling the warmth, scent, weight, and texture of wood is one of PanPon's unique charms.
Ball
Rubber balls are used. Typically soft tennis balls, their moderate elasticity makes it easy for beginners to maintain rallies.
Net
A low net is set up in the center of the court. Its height prioritizes safety and visibility, and can be installed both indoors and outdoors.
About the Court
A rectangular court is used with a net in the center. It can be played indoors (gymnasium, etc.) or outdoors, and the number of courts can be adjusted based on participants and venue size. Since it works well in relatively compact spaces, it's easy to incorporate into daily life.
Player Population
Nationwide Player Population
Approx. 3,000
The PanPon player population nationwide is estimated at approximately 3,000 people.
Player Population in Hitachi City
While the exact number of registered players in Hitachi City is difficult to determine, it is estimated that over 500 people enjoy PanPon through workplace recreation, community activities, and permanent courts.
~200
Children
~150
Adults
~150
Seniors
Expansion Beyond the Region
PanPon is spreading beyond Hitachi City. Players enjoy the sport in neighboring cities and prefectures, and the range of related events is gradually expanding. We also receive attention from overseas through YouTube and social media.
Tournaments and Events
The "Hitachi City PanPon Tournament" has continued for over 30 years, and new events like the "Mizuno Cup" are being held. Trial sessions and workshops are also organized to welcome new participants.
- - Hitachi City PanPon Tournament (held since 1990)
- - Mizuno PanPon Tournament
- - Local trial sessions and workshops
Future Outlook
We aim to achieve "1,000 players in Hitachi City, 10,000 players nationwide." By introducing PanPon to school education, corporate recreation, and local events, we want to spread this sport loved by all ages as a lifelong activity.
Where to Play?
Permanent Courts
1. Sakura Arena
- Hours9:00 - Sunset
- CourtsAbout 3 courts
- How to UseSign in at the gymnasium reception and borrow a ball
- FeeFree
You can just drop by and start playing right away.
2. Unonosaki (National Lodging Area Courts)
- Hours9:00 - Sunset
- CourtsAbout 3 courts
- How to UseTell the front desk "I want to play PanPon" and they'll lend you a net, racket, and ball
- FeeFree
Even non-guests and those not using the restaurant are welcome to play for free.
* Contact in advance to reserve a spot.
* When other users arrive, please share the space and play together.
3. Doshimae Children's Park
A park with PanPon courts open to anyone. Nets and rackets are permanently installed, and there are no usage restrictions or locks, so anyone can play freely while following basic manners.
- Courts2 courts
- Nets3 nets
- Rackets8 rackets (park-provided)
- FeeFree
With all equipment provided, even beginners can start playing PanPon right away. The open park atmosphere makes it a great spot to casually drop by and enjoy the game.
4. Kuji Genki Fureai Plaza
Courts, equipment storage, information boards, and PanPon rules explanation
Kuji Genki Fureai Plaza in Hitachi City has 2 PanPon courts with permanently installed nets. No advance booking, reservation, or contact is required - just follow common sense and manners to use freely. A very casual PanPon spot.
This location was previously a gymnasium (until about 3 years ago) that was demolished and redeveloped as a park, making the entire facility new with clean, easy-to-use courts.
Court Usage
- NetsPermanent (always available)
- How to UseBring your own racket and ball, available any day
- ReservationNot required (please share and be considerate)
- FeeFree
Equipment Rental
There's a storage shed about 5m from the court with rackets and balls. However, access is limited to days when Kuji Community Center is open.
- Rental Hours9:00 - 17:00
- NoteNo rental on Sundays (Community Center closed)
* Nets are available on Sundays if you bring your own equipment
The park has free parking available, making it easy to access. Both court usage and parking are completely free.
5. Omika Community Center
IndoorFree Indoor PanPon! LET'S! PanPon!
Omika Community Center has 1 indoor PanPon court available. As an indoor facility, you can enjoy PanPon comfortably year-round regardless of weather.
Facility Information
- Court1 court (indoor)
- EquipmentNet, rackets, and balls available at reception (come empty-handed)
- FeeFree
* May be limited to Hitachi City residents or commuters/students. Please confirm with the center in advance.
How to Use / Reservations
Advance phone reservation is required.
After booking, borrow equipment at the center's reception on the day of your visit.
Closed Days
- December 29 - January 3
- From April 1, 2026: also closed every Friday
* Temporary closures may occur. Contact the center for the latest information.
Location / Contact
- 3-19-16 Omika-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki 319-1221
- TEL: +81 294-53-5211
6. Ose Community Center BBQ Area
OutdoorEnjoy PanPon with BBQ & stays! LET'S! PanPon!
The Ose Community Center area has BBQ facilities and accommodation. Many guests staying overnight or using the BBQ enjoy trying PanPon as well. If you want some exercise or want to try PanPon for the first time, just ask at the community center.
Facility Information
- Courts3 courts (outdoor)
- EquipmentNet, rackets, and balls available at reception
- FeeFree
How to Use / Reservations
Walk-in:
Tell the reception you'd like to play PanPon and borrow equipment.
Advance reservation:
Call the community center directly to book.
Eligibility / Closed Days
Eligibility:
May be limited to Hitachi City residents or commuters/students. Please confirm with the center in advance.
Closed Days:
- December 29 - January 3
- From April 1, 2026: also closed every Sunday
* Temporary closures may occur. Contact the center before visiting.
7. Hitachi Orikasa Sports Plaza
Outdoor4 Outdoor Courts!! LET'S! PanPon!
A sports plaza with 4 outdoor PanPon courts. Please check in at the reception when using the facility.
Facility Information
- Courts4 courts (outdoor)
- Net / RacketsFree rental
- BallsFree rental when in stock
- FeeFree
* Balls may be out of stock. We recommend bringing your own.
Hours / Reservations
Hours:
Available during reception hours
No lighting - use until sunset
Reservations:
Please contact the facility directly to confirm if a reservation is required
Important Notes
- Access may be restricted during major soccer, tennis, or other sporting events for safety reasons
- We recommend confirming availability with the facility before visiting
Location / Contact
- 987-1 Orikasa-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki 319-1412
- TEL: +81 294-43-2397
Watch PanPon Videos
Video 1
31st Hitachi City PanPon Tournament
Video 2
100 Years of PanPon History
Video 3
PanPon Rules Introduction
The links above lead to YouTube videos. You can watch actual matches, learn about PanPon's history, and understand the rules.
Rules
The rules listed here are "standard rules that are easy to implement in most settings." If official or existing organization rules exist, those take precedence. At events, the adopted rules will be clearly stated in advance.
FAQ
Request to Everyone
Thank you for visiting this website.
This site was created to compile information, history, and the appeal of PanPon, with the goal of introducing PanPon to as many people as possible.
We have a request for everyone viewing this page.
If you have any of the following information, please share it with us.
Creating a "PanPon Map"
In particular, we are aiming to create a "PanPon Map".
We want to compile a map of places in Hitachi City where you can play PanPon (indoors, outdoors, parks, etc.), places with regular activities, and spots where you can casually play.
- "You can play PanPon here too!"
- "We always have activities here!"
We want to gather and consolidate this kind of information.
Every piece of information you share becomes a great power to spread the appeal of PanPon.
Please feel free to share any information about PanPon.
We would be happy if you could help us promote PanPon together.
Thank you very much.
Contact
For trial session requests, event inquiries, or other questions, please contact us at the email address below.
zp.entame.factory@gmail.comOrganization Information
Organization Name
ZP ENTAME FACTORY
Representative
Hiroki Zenpo
Mission
- Revitalizing Hitachi City
- Creating new events centered on PanPon
- Building spaces that connect people with people, and people with the city