Burger King Japan Launches Limited-Edition Pickleball Burger In New Federation Deal
Pickleball’s explosive growth around the world has caught the attention of more than just sports fans—and now, even fast food giants are getting in on the action. Burger King has just taken a surprising but creative swing at the sport in Japan, introducing a limited-edition Pickleball Burger to mark its newly inked sponsorship deal with the Japan Pickleball Federation (PJF).
The announcement comes ahead of two major events in Japan’s pickleball calendar—the PJF Pickleball Japan Open, which will take place this June in Sasebo, Nagasaki, and the Burger King Cup, part of the PJF Pickleball Japan League, set for August in Tokyo’s Ariake district. While the official sponsorship activation will roll out at these tournaments, Burger King is already turning heads—and appetites—with a menu item that’s as bold as it is unexpected.
Source: Pickleball News Asia
A Burger Like No Other
The Pickleball Burger is no gimmick. In true Japanese culinary fashion, it’s thoughtfully crafted and proudly local. Burger King partnered with Hachidaime Gihey, a well-respected Kyoto-based rice purveyor, to design the burger’s signature rice buns. These aren’t your average carb cushions—they’re formed from a blend of premium white rice and Kin-no-Ibuki, a type of brown rice prized for its aroma and natural sweetness. The result? A soft yet sturdy platform that complements the rich, flame-grilled flavour of three 100% beef patties.
Of course, a nod to pickleball wouldn’t be complete without actual pickles—and Burger King doesn’t hold back. The Pickleball Burger stacks eleven pickles between its rice patties, giving a satisfying crunch and tang that cuts through the meaty richness. It’s a playful yet deliberate detail that fans of the sport—and of bold flavour—can appreciate.
Limited-Time Serve
Priced at 1,790 yen (approximately USD $12.28), the Pickleball Burger is now available at participating Burger King outlets across Japan for a limited time. While the burger’s lifespan on the menu may be short, its symbolism isn’t fleeting.
Burger King’s move signals a broader trend of major brands aligning with the cultural rise of pickleball, not just as a sport but as a community experience. The Japan Pickleball Federation has made huge strides in developing the game’s domestic presence, and a global brand like Burger King stepping in could add fresh momentum—both on and off the court.
As for the burger? It’s more than a novelty. It’s a celebration of the sport’s growing impact, and a tasty one at that.
