Issue link: http://itf.uberflip.com/i/366594
8 ITFWORLD SUMMER 2014 INSIDE OUT There are other factors too. Novak Djokovic now plays in clothing made by the Japanese retailer Uniqlo and this has enhanced the profile of tennis in Japan. Uniqlo also sponsors Nishikori and Japan's world No. 1 wheelchair player Shingo Kunieda. In June, it also became title sponsor of the global wheelchair tennis tour. At the official launch, Djokovic said, "Uniqlo and I are doing a lot of things for kids and trying to spread the awareness of tennis worldwide and in Japan. Japan is a very big country, with a population of about 130 million, it's a huge market. Tennis has grown in the last couple of years, partly because of Kei and his success, and also because of Shingo and wheelchair tennis. I try to contribute as much as I can. I'm not born in Japan, but Uniqlo has a global vision and global ambition, not just in Japan.' The sport continues to grow. There are many public courts in Tokyo, and there is now a National Training Centre founded in 2008 as part of a complex that caters for several sports. And the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics are looming, in which tennis looks like offering the host nation the chance of some medals. Kawatei says, "The history of tennis in Japan is long, but now is our time. We have around 3.7 million people playing tennis, we have the world No. 1 in men's and women's wheelchair tennis, and tennis is very popular among seniors. Japanese players aren't like John McEnroe, but we are cooperative and patient, and these things are bringing good times to Japanese tennis." TENNIS IN JAPAN Approximately 3.73 million people play tennis Around 12,700 players are registered with the Japanese Tennis Association 2,271 people have so far participated in ITF Play and Stay events in Japan There are more than 28,000 courts 502 tournaments were organised in Japan in 2013, for men, women, juniors, seniors and wheelchair players There were 3,478 tennis officials working in Japan in 2012, and 5,491 coaches Six Japanese players finished 2013 in the WTA and ATP top 100 in singles and doubles Japanese fans packed Tokyo's Ariake Coliseum for Davis Cup this year Children try Tennis10s as part of Play and Stay Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko watched the Davis Cup quarterfi nals Former world No. 4 Kimiko Date-Krumm has enjoyed a successful second career into her forties Japan's 'Baby Steps'characters promote World Tennis Day