Highlights
- ⚠️ The 2027 (15th) guidelines are not yet published (as of 2026-09-13). The tourist association's **event list** gives Sat 20 – Sun 21 Feb 2027, while its **detail page still shows the finished 14th edition** (21–22 Feb 2026). Check the official site before making plans
- Eight players per team — five on court (one 'general', one libero, three attackers) plus three support. Up to ten may be registered; six is the minimum to play (14th edition rulebook)
- Three 2-minute sets, best of three. **A set ends the instant a team's 'general' is hit** — it is a last-general-standing format
- Yukata is compulsory (no pyjamas; it must cover the knees when standing). Players compete barefoot
- The event began from local high-school students' wish to bring young visitors to Ito
Background & story
The pillow fights of Japanese school trips, formalised into a sport with its own rulebook. It started from local high-school students who wanted to draw young people to Ito, and is now held once a year at the Ito Municipal Gymnasium (Ito Tourist Association).
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- Ito Municipal Gymnasium, reachable from JR / Izukyu Ito Station. Watching was free at past editions; competing requires advance entry — there is no walk-up sign-up. Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Check tickets and details on the official page (button above).
- Paying
- The entry fee is handled during the application process. Bring cash for food near the venue if you are spectating.
- Language
- Refereeing and announcements are in Japanese. A regional qualifier has previously been held in Osaka.
- Good for
- groups of friends, families, culture seekers
Good to know
For the 14th edition, entries had to arrive between 1 and 30 November, with a lottery if applications exceeded the cap. The open division is for junior-high age and above; primary-school children may take part only as support crew, and the team representative must be 18 or over. Dates for the 15th intake are unannounced, so check the official site around November.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the All-Japan Pillow Fight Championship 2027?
- The Ito Tourist Association's event list gives Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 February 2027 at the Ito Municipal Gymnasium. However, the 15th edition's official guidelines are not yet published (as of 2026-09-13), and the association's detail page still displays the completed 14th edition (21–22 February 2026). Wait for the official announcement before booking.
- What are the rules of the pillow fight championship?
- Under the 14th edition rulebook, each team fields eight people (one general, one libero, three attackers, three support) and plays three 2-minute sets, best of three. A set ends the moment a pillow hits the opposing general on the full — a last-general-standing format. Each team's court is 4.5 m x 7.2 m (20 tatami), and a player whose body leaves it is out.
- How much does it cost to enter?
- The 14th edition guidelines set the open division at 5,000 yen per team, including accident insurance. The previous champions are exempt. The fee for the 15th edition has not been announced.
- Who can take part?
- The open division is for junior-high school age and above, and the team representative must be at least 18. Primary-school children can join only as support crew. Entry is by advance application, with a lottery if applications exceed the cap (46–48 teams at the 14th edition). There is no entry on the day.
- What does the libero do?
- The libero is the only player allowed to block, holding a duvet in both hands. They defend from the libero zone until 30 seconds remain, after which the referee calls 'libero finished', the duvet is set down, and the libero attacks like any other player.
Getting there
伊東市民体育センター — 静岡県伊東市
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