Japanese Racket Sports Brands: Yonex, Butterfly, Nittaku & More

Japanese racket sports brands include Yonex badminton rackets, shuttlecocks and tennis racquets, Mizuno badminton rackets and shoes, Gosen strings, and the Japanese table tennis brands Butterfly (Tamasu), Nittaku, Yasaka, VICTAS and JUIC. It covers Yonex series and its 4U / G5 code chart, Aerosensa grades and temperature “speed” numbers, EZONE, VCORE and Percept, Tenergy vs Dignics, Timo Boll and Harimoto blades, rubber and blade basics, the “Yonex Japan version” question, and shipping to the US. Prices are maker-listed Japanese prices as of November 2026; this guide is built from maker specs, not hands-on reviews.

Japanese Racket Sports Brands at a Glance

Is Yonex a Japanese company? Yes: Yonex Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Tokyo and was founded in Niigata in 1946, and in the USA it sells through its North American subsidiary (distributor) YONEX CORPORATION.^[1][43] Is Victas a Japanese brand? Yes, VICTAS is the 2017 renamed Yamato Takkyu of Tokyo and Osaka.^[10] The Japanese racket and table tennis companies this guide covers:

The Japan Table Tennis Association’s approved-makers list includes Tamasu (Butterfly), Nippon Takkyu (Nittaku), Yasaka, VICTAS, JUIC and Mizuno.^[9]

Yonex Badminton Rackets: Astrox, Nanoflare, Arcsaber, Duora

Yonex began making badminton rackets in 1957, became No. 1 in Japan for them in 1963, and in 1968 developed the world’s first T-joint and Japan’s first aluminum badminton racket.^[43] Yonex Japan sorts its badminton racquet lineup into these series: Arcsaber, Astrox, Carbonex, Duora, Nanoflare, Nanoray, Voltric, training and junior frames, and pre-strung (張上) rackets.^[44] Current models include Astrox 100 ZZ (Kurenai red) and Astrox 100 Tour and Game, Astrox 99 Pro / Tour / Game, Astrox 88D and 88S (Pro, Tour, Game), Astrox 77 Pro and Tour, Astrox 70, 55 A, 33, 22 RX and 11, Nanoflare 1000 Game, 800 Pro and Game, Arcsaber 11 Pro, Arcsaber 7 Pro and 7 Tour, Nanoflare 1000 Z, Nanoflare 700 Tour and Game (released March 27, 2026), Nanoflare 400, 300 and 111, Nanoflare Nextage, Duora Z-Strike, Muscle Power 9LT, 8LT, 5LT and 2, B4000, the Isometric TR1 / TR0 training rackets, and Nanoflare Junior and Muscle Power 2 Junior.^{[44][45][46][47][48]} The 50 rackets on Yonex Japan’s current list do not include names you may see in other markets, such as ZR 100 (ZR 100 Light, ZR 111 Light), GR 303 / GR 303i, Voltric Lite 35i or 47i, Voltric Z Force, Nanoray Light 18i or Nanoray 7000i, Astrox Lite 27i, Muscle Power 29 Lite, Carbonex 25 or Zepto, so a “Japan version” of those models does not exist on Yonex Japan’s site today.^{[44][45][46][47][48]}

• Astrox: Yonex calls the Astrox 100 ZZ the top Astrox model, with a weight distribution and hyper-slim shaft designed for continuous power smashes.^[13]
• Nanoflare: the Nanoflare 1000 Z is pitched at “a new speed of smash” through repulsion.^[14]
• Arcsaber: the Arcsaber 11 Pro uses a “Pocketing Booster” frame to hold the shuttle and aim shots.^[15]
• Duora: the Duora Z-Strike is an attacking racket that aims to raise power, speed and control together, and is offered in 3U and 2U.^[16]
• Isometric: Yonex’s squarer head shape, used in badminton since 1992, enlarges the sweet spot.^[15]

Yonex Japan prices for flagship frames (frame only, unstrung, tax included) as of November 2026:

How much does a Yonex racket cost in Japan? The latest (2026) flagships list at ¥37,400–¥38,500 unstrung, with a dedicated case; the most expensive we read is the Astrox 100 ZZ VA (Viktor Axelsen collection) at ¥41,250.^[13][15][49] Flagship frames are “10 mm longer”, and each page names recommended strings (BG66 Ultimax for control players on the Arcsaber 11 Pro), its technology (Namd, Pocketing Booster, Rotational Generator System, built-in T-joint) and a racket selector (racket finder) for comparing the range.^[13][15][44] For a recommendation, Yonex Japan asks for your current racket, tension and play style, and can name shops with demo rackets.^[50] Level marks: flagships are advanced (professional-level); the Astrox 77 Tour suits intermediate men and advanced or intermediate women; Muscle Power, B4000 and junior frames cover beginners and kids.^[13][17][47]

Search on OneMall: ヨネックス バドミントン ラケット (Yonex badminton racket), アストロクス 100ZZ (Astrox 100 ZZ), ナノフレア 1000Z (Nanoflare 1000Z).

Yonex weight and grip size codes: what 4U, 3U, G5 and G6 mean

What is U in a badminton racket, and what is G? On Yonex rackets the U number is the frame weight class and the G number is the grip size. A racket marked “4UG5” or “4U5” is a 4U (average 83 g) frame with a G5 grip. Yonex Japan publishes the classes for its Japan Badminton Association-certified rackets:^[50]

Grip sizes, thinnest to thickest: G7 < G6 < G5 < G4.^[50] So what is 3U and what is 4U? 4U is about 83 g and 3U about 88 g; a higher U number means a lighter frame, and the lightest Yonex badminton racket class is 2F (about 68 g). A higher G number means a thinner handle. Size variants differ by model: the Astrox 100 ZZ is 4U in G5 or G6 and 3U in G4, G5 or G6.^[13] Recommended string tension in lbs also changes with weight (for example 4U 20–28 lbs, 3U 21–29 lbs on the Astrox 100 ZZ).^[13] Mizuno uses a similar style, for example “4U6” (4U, grip 6) or “3.5U6” on the Altius N-Feel.^[3]

Yonex Japan version (JP) vs export rackets: the differences Yonex states

Here is what Yonex’s own pages state about “JP version”, “made in Japan” or “made in Taiwan” rackets, and nothing more:

• Where Yonex rackets are made: Yonex lists factories in Niigata (Nagaoka) and Saitama (Soka) in Japan, plus YONEX TAIWAN in Taichung and YONEX INDIA in Bengaluru.^[2] Yonex Taiwan, opened in 1987 as its first overseas base, makes badminton rackets from carbon cutting to final polishing with about 300 staff, and Yonex says its manufacturing processes and quality checks are the same as at the Niigata factory.^[51] Yonex India, set up in 2016, mainly makes entry-level badminton rackets (including aluminum frames) for the Indian market.^[52]
• Country of origin by model: the Yonex Japan shop shows 原産地 (origin) on each page. Astrox 100 ZZ, Nanoflare 1000 Z, Duora Z-Strike and Arcsaber 11 Pro are listed as made in Japan, while Astrox 77 Tour and Nanoflare 700 Tour are made in Taiwan.^{[13][14][16][15][17][18]} Is Yonex made in Japan or China? It depends on the product: Aerosensa shuttlecocks are listed as made in China and Power Cushion 65Z shoes in Vietnam.^[19][53]
• The “JAPAN” end cap: since January 2026 Yonex has removed the “JAPAN” mark from racket end caps. Yonex says it builds to the same high standards regardless of production location and wants players to choose by performance, not origin.^[50]
• JP codes and serial numbers: Yonex declines to explain its serial numbers and says it cannot judge whether a racket is real from photos or serial numbers alone.^[50] We found no Yonex page that says Japan-market rackets differ in specs from export rackets, so we make no such claim; compare the size, tension and origin lines on the product page instead.
• Japan-only items: some items are sold only in Yonex-run stores (直営店限定) or in limited quantities, such as the Power Cushion 65 Anniversary shoe for late November 2026, which Yonex notes is not JBA-approved for sanctioned matches.^[54]

Counterfeit Yonex rackets and the “original check”

Real or fake (the “legit check” question)? Yonex warns that elaborate counterfeit (fake) badminton rackets circulate on online shopping sites, including auctions and flea markets, and that after-sales service does not cover private-sale items or items without a retailer-stamped warranty card.^[55][50] On the Yonex global page, the hologram sticker on a real racket is hard to peel off because of a special glue, while counterfeit stickers peel off with a fingernail.^[55] OneMall does not inspect or certify whether any listing is a counterfeit; we buy directly from Japanese marketplaces and stores, and you can add unboxing photos (¥500 / ¥700) or a wrong / missing item check (¥200) before international shipping. Can a badminton racket be repaired? Yonex handles repairs through the store of purchase, cannot repair broken frames or shafts, and stops selling grommets five years after a model ends production.^[50] Yonex no longer mails printed catalogs; its web catalogs are PDF files.^[50] Japan-exclusive and limited edition items are marked 直営店限定 or 数量限定.^[54]

Yonex Shuttlecocks: Aerosensa, Mavis and the Speed (Temperature) Numbers

Yonex has made shuttlecocks since 1965.^[43] The Japanese lineup lists Crosswind 70, Tournament F-90 (F90) and F-80, Aerosensa 700, 600, 300 and 200 feather shuttles by the dozen, and Mavis 2000 (M-2000P), Mavis 600, Mavis 40 and the yellow Mavis 40 (M-40CBP) nylon shuttles; most Mavis packs are white.^[56] Feather shuttlecocks (birdies) are sold by the dozen (12 pieces) and nylon ones in 6-piece or 3-piece packs, not as single pieces.^[56]

Yonex shuttlecock speed chart (Japan): in Japan, feather shuttles are graded by a temperature number (温度表示番号) rather than a “speed 77 / 78” label. Pick the number that matches the hall temperature:^[19]

The Aerosensa 700 is a JBA second-class certified shuttle and comes in numbers 1–7; the Aerosensa 200 uses a PU composite cork and comes in 2–5.^[19][20] The Mavis 600 nylon shuttle is made in Japan, and Yonex says it lasts more than twice as long as its feather shuttles.^[21] Aerosensa differences come down to cork and price; Mavis nylon (synthetic) shuttles are the cheapest and built for durability; cold winter halls need a higher number (No. 6 or 7). Yonex Japan lists 13 shuttlecocks, the last being the yellow Mavis Field II (3 pcs); AS-2 (AS2), AS-05, AS-30 (AS30), AS-40, AS-50 (AS50), Mavis 350, 300, 200i and 10 are not on it, so we do not map them to Japanese grades.^[56][57] For a tournament, choose by grade and temperature number.

Search エアロセンサ 700 (Aerosensa 700) or ヨネックス シャトル (Yonex shuttlecock).

Yonex Strings and Badminton Shoes

Badminton strings: Yonex Japan lists Exbolt 68, 65 and 63 and Aerosonic in 10 m sets and 100 m or 200 m reels.^[58] BG66 Ultimax is ¥1,760: a 0.65 mm, 10 m braided high-polymer nylon string made in Japan and JBA-approved.^[59] BG66 Force, Exbolt 65 and Aerobite are named as recommended strings on Astrox and Nanoflare pages.^[13][14]

Badminton shoes (footwear): the Power Cushion line includes the 65Z (Men, Women, Wide and Slim), 65Z VA, Cascade Drive and Cascade Accel.^[54] Power Cushion 65Z Men (65Z4; SHB 65 Z4, code SHB65Z4M1) is ¥19,800, a low-cut 3E shoe made in Vietnam, with sizes 29.5 to 32.0 cm sold only at Yonex-run stores.^[53] Yonex explains its widths as 2E slim, WOMEN (narrower women’s last), 3E standard and 4E roomy, so a Yonex wide shoe is the 4E fit; replacement insoles are sold separately.^[50] Other current shoes include Power Cushion Aerus Z (Men, Women, Wide; code SHBAZ2), Eclipsion Z (Men, Women, Mid; code SHBELZ3, including a white/gold colorway), Subaxia GT, Graphite Throttle, Power Cushion 88 Dial, Cascade Accel (Wide, Mid, Slim), Strider Beat and Strider Flow, including a kids version; the Power Cushion 65 Anniversary is white/gold.^[60][61][54] Shoe sizes are in centimeters; see our Japanese shoe size to US chart.

Yonex wear sizes (S, M, L) follow the JASPO body-measurement standard, so a slim or relaxed design fits differently at the same size.^[50] Yonex also runs a custom-order system for team wear.^[50] Useful Japanese search terms for Yonex badminton and tennis clothes, bags and accessories (we did not check every product page): ゲームシャツ (game shirts or jersey), Tシャツ (t-shirts or tee), 長袖 (long sleeve), ポロシャツ (polo), ベスト (vest), ハーフパンツ / パンツ (half pants or shorts / pants), スコート (skirt), レギンス (leggings), ワンピース (dress), ジャケット / パーカー / ジャージ (jacket / hoodie / tracksuit), ソックス (socks), キャップ / ハット / サンバイザー / ヘアバンド / リストバンド / タオル (cap, hat, visor, headband, wristband or wrist band, towel), メンズ / ウィメンズ / ジュニア (men’s, women’s, kids for boys and girls; search the size you need, such as XL or XXL), ラケットバッグ (racket bag, for example a 6-, 9- or 12-pack), ラケットケース (single racket case), バックパック / ボストンバッグ / トートバッグ (backpack, duffel or duffle bag, tote), グリップテープ / 元グリップ (overgrip / replacement grips, undergrip or leather grip), サポーター (knee support), ナップサック (drawstring bag) and 振動止め (vibration dampener or stopper). Full badminton or tennis kits are a racket, shuttles, shoes and a bag; buy the pieces separately and consolidate them into one outfit-and-gear shipment. Search ヨネックス ラケットバッグ (Yonex racket bag) or パワークッション 65Z (Power Cushion 65Z).

Yonex Tennis Racquets: EZONE, VCORE, Percept and Muse

Yonex entered tennis in 1969 with the aluminum T-7000.^[43] The current Japanese lineup includes EZONE 98, 98L, 100, 100L, 100SL, 100 Tour, 105, 110, 115 and EZONE Alpha, all in new Espresso Brown and Blast Blue versions from late August 2026^[62]; Muse 98, 100, 100L, 100SL and 107; VCORE 95, 98, 98L, 100, 100L, 100D and 102^[63]; VCORE α, Percept 97, 97D, 100, 100D, 100L and 104, and Astrel 100^[64]; Astrel 105 and 120, Regna 98 and 100, and EZONE Junior and Yonex Junior racquets for kids.^[65]

Yonex tennis grip size chart: Yonex grip sizes run 0 < 1 < 2 < 3 (thin to thick). Yonex now sets frame weight per model; older models used UXL (280–299 g), UL (300–319 g) and SL (320–339 g).^[66] “G2-3 (average 305 g)” on the EZONE 98 page therefore means grip 2 or 3 at about 305 g.^[22] Which Yonex tennis racquet is best for me? Yonex describes EZONE 98 as comfortable feel with power, and Percept 97 as a control model for “big hitters”; Isometric heads give a 7% larger sweet area than a round head by Yonex’s own test, and the shop pages link a tennis racquet matrix for comparison.^[24][22] Adult and junior racquets differ: for a junior or youth tennis racket, pick by length (EZONE Junior 26, 25 and 24; Yonex Junior 23, 21 and 19).^[65]

Tennis strings: Poly Tour Pro comes in 115, 120, 125 and 130 gauges plus 200 m reels; Rexis Activate is a nylon multifilament.^[67] Poly Tour Pro 125 is ¥3,080 for 12 m of 1.25 mm polyester monofilament made in Japan, described as soft-feeling and easy on elbows and shoulders.^[68] Search ヨネックス テニスラケット (Yonex tennis racket) or Eゾーン 98 (EZONE 98).

Mizuno Badminton Rackets, Shoes and Tennis

Mizuno’s badminton racket lineup is split into four series by playing style, and its made-in-Japan models are produced at the Mizuno Technics Yoro factory in Gifu, where Mizuno also makes baseball bats and golf clubs (some models are excepted).^[3] Mizuno lists a torque level (T5 to T12) for each model; prices are list prices excluding tax as of November 2026:^[3]

Mizuno lists its rackets at 675 mm full length. The Fortius 11 Quick is the top Fortius model (Japan-made, 4U6, high-modulus graphite with tungsten, 22–29 lbs, open price), the Altius 01 Feel is the Nozomi Okuhara model (3U5, Japan) and the Fortius 70 is a China-made 4U6 frame for 18–22 lbs.^[69] Names such as Zephyr, Perceval, Fioria Lite or Altius 5.1 Kinryu are not in the current Japanese lineup we read.^[3][69]

So is the Mizuno badminton racket good? Mizuno lists target levels (advanced, intermediate, beginner) for each model, and the Japan-made Acroforce 100H, Acrospeed 0, Altius N-Feel and Fortius 10 are open-price flagships.^[3]

Mizuno badminton shoes: the Wave Claw series (Wave Claw Pro 3, Wave Claw 4, 4 Fit and 4 Wide, Wave Claw Neo 3, Wave Claw EL 2 and EL 2 Wide) is Mizuno’s speed shoe, with the Mizuno Wave plate between outsole and midsole; the Wave Fang series (Wave Fang Pro, Wave Fang 3 Fit, Wave Fang ST) is the other main line.^[70][69] Wide versions suit wide feet; the Wave Claw Pro is a 2E-equivalent fit and the Claw Neo 2 a 3E fit with a non-marking sole, both made in Vietnam. Mizuno sells some items only at its own stores or BDSS shops, such as the Enerzy Slide sandal; it also fits removable Mizuno Energy insoles in its shoes and sells Urban Sync nxt bags, Back Pack 2 (30 × 14 × 53 cm) and a Shuttle Holder.^[69] Mizuno indoor court shoes sold for volleyball, such as Wave Lightning Z8, Thunder Blade Z, Wave Dimension, Wave Stealth Neo or Wave Voltage, are not on Mizuno’s Japanese badminton shoe pages.^[70][69] For running shoes and sizing, see our Mizuno Japan guide.

Mizuno tennis and table tennis: the tennis and soft-tennis page lists Acrospeed, Acrostrike and Booster racquets and Wave Exceed Tour 7 and Wave Enforce Tour 2 shoes.^[71] For table tennis, Mizuno sells Wave Drive 9, Wave Drive Neo 4, Wave Medal 8 and Wave Drive EL2 shoes, a Hina Hayata signature model and a new carbon Fortius table tennis racket series.^[4] Search ミズノ バドミントン ラケット (Mizuno badminton racket) or ウエーブクロー (Wave Claw).

Gosen Strings

Gosen (ゴーセン) is a Japanese string brand for tennis, soft tennis and badminton, but its maker website could not be loaded when we checked on November 4, 2026, so we list no Gosen specs, gauges, prices or string chart here rather than repeat unverified numbers. Search ゴーセン ガット (Gosen strings) to see what Japanese sellers list, and check each listing for the gauge and length.

Japanese Table Tennis Brands: Butterfly, Nittaku, Yasaka, VICTAS, JUIC

Table tennis is 卓球 (takkyu) in Japanese, also called ピンポン (ping pong). Is table tennis popular in Japan? It reached Japan around 1899–1902, Japan was called a table tennis kingdom (卓球王国) after a decade of world titles from 1954, and at the 1952 World Championships in Bombay Japan’s sponge-rubber play helped spread sponge rubber worldwide.^[72] The table tennis equipment brands below are all Japanese makers.^[9]

Butterfly (Tamasu): Tenergy vs Dignics, Zyre 03, Viscaria

Butterfly table tennis is from Japan: its manufacturer, Tamasu Co., Ltd., was founded in Tokyo on December 19, 1950, is based in Suginami, makes products in Tokorozawa, Saitama, and has subsidiaries in Germany, China, Korea and Thailand.^[5] Founder Hikosuke Tamasu, an All-Japan mixed doubles champion, opened a sports shop in Yanai, Yamaguchi in 1946; the Butterfly Table Tennis Dojo opened in 1983. Key launches: Sriver (1967), Tackiness (1976), Viscaria (1993), Bryce, which Butterfly calls the world’s first high-tension rubber (1997), Tenergy 05 with Spring Sponge (2008), Dignics with Spring Sponge X (2019), Viscaria Super ALC (2022) and Zyre 03 (2025).^[6]

Butterfly rubbers: the Tenergy series (05, 05 Hard, 05 FX, 80, 80 FX, 64, 64 FX, 25, 25 FX, 19), the Dignics series (05, 80, 64, 09C) and Zyre 03 are all open price in Japan, meaning Butterfly publishes no list price. Listed prices include Glayzer and Glayzer 09C ¥6,050, Rozena ¥5,500, Roundell ¥4,620, Sriver ¥3,520, Tackiness Chop ¥3,080, Impartial XS and XB ¥5,500 and Super Anti ¥2,420.^[73] Butterfly’s own index stats (speed / spin / arc, revised February 2023):^[25]

Tenergy vs Dignics (the difference): by Butterfly’s numbers, Dignics 05 rates higher than Tenergy 05 on speed, spin and arc and has a harder sponge (40 vs 36); Dignics uses Spring Sponge X, Tenergy the original Spring Sponge.^[25][26] Dignics 09C is the tacky (粘着) version with spin and arc of 96, and Zyre 03 uses a new low, dense pip “Ricco sheet” with the highest spin index (100) and 2.7 or 2.5 mm sponge.^[27][28] Butterfly says to glue Tenergy 05 (made in Japan, red or black) with Free Chack 2 and Clip Sponge 2.^[25] Lower-priced alternatives in Butterfly’s own list include Rozena (¥5,500) and Sriver (¥3,520).^[73]

Butterfly blades (tax-included list prices, November 2026):^[32]

Viscaria was the prototype for many Arylate Carbon (ALC) blades; Butterfly says Super Arylate Carbon combines high rebound with low vibration, and its Innerforce (inner fiber) blades place the special material inside the plies for a feel of holding the ball.^[6][33] Butterfly also sells Japanese penhold, Chinese penhold (CS) and reverse penhold blades, plus balls, shoes, apparel, robot machines and tables.^[73] Search テナジー05 (Tenergy 05), ディグニクス09C (Dignics 09C) or ビスカリア (Viscaria).

Nittaku: Fastarc G-1, Hammond Z2, Acoustic, 3-Star balls

Nittaku (Nippon Takkyu Co., Ltd.) traces its founding to September 1920 and is based in Kanda, Chiyoda, Tokyo.^[7] Its Fastarc G-1 (G1) launched in 2010; the “G” stands for grip, and the series includes G-1, C-1 (C1), S-1 and P-1.^[74]

Nittaku’s details for Fastarc G-1: speed 15.00 and spin 12.50 on its own scale, thickness 中 (medium), 厚 (thick), 特厚 (extra thick) and MAX; players who use it include Mima Ito.^[34] Hammond Z2 has a high natural-rubber “Natural Rich Sheet” and comes with a tacky-rubber protect sheet.^[35] Nittaku calls the Premium 3-Star the only Japan-made ITTF-approved competition ball; it was supplied to the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, and a Nittaku 3-Star ball was first used at the 1971 Nagoya World Championships.^[37]

Other Nittaku rackets include Acoustic Carbon and Acoustic Carbon Inner (G-Revision), Violin and Violin Carbon, Latika, Septear, Goriki, Goriki Super Cut, Super Drive and Danshi, Tenaly, Ebony Wood, Neves Wood, Legnos, Miyabi, Kasumi Basic, Mima Ito Carbon, Hina Hayata H2, Flyatt Carbon, Advance Carbon, Ease Carbon, Magic Carbon, Tribus Carbon, Winglight, Endless, Escuder 2, Rutis Revo, H301 NXD and the Japan Original penhold. Rubbers include Hammond and Hammond FA, Genextion and Genextion V2C, Factive, Inception, Flyatt Spin, Moristo SP, SP AX, DF and LP, the Kyohyo (キョウヒョウ) Neo 3, Pro 3 Turbo Blue and Orange and 8-80 Power, Do Knuckle (ドナックル) short and long pips, Wallest and Wallest One, Specialist Start, Blastac, Ultec and Best Anti.^[75][76] Nittaku’s Japanese pages list the Kyohyo rubbers but no product called Hurricane. Names such as Ludeack, Barwell, Basaltec, Bloodwood, Nordlinger, Noveliar, Resoud, Tenor, Zalt, Zodiac, Eto or the NSD and SHA balls do not appear in Nittaku’s current Japanese product index.^[75][76][77] Balls include the Plastic 2-Star, J-Top and C-Top training balls, a DHS-DJ 3-Star and Large Ball 44; glue and care items include Fine Zip, E-Zip, Zip Sponge, Nori Sheet Plus, Clean Sponge 2, Clean Mist 2 and Fine Cleaner.^[77][78] Search ファスターク G-1 (Fastarc G-1) or ニッタク ラケット (Nittaku racket).

Yasaka: Rakza 7, Mark V, Ma Lin

Yasaka is headquartered in Tokyo and makes its blades in Tranås, Sweden.^[8] Rakza 7 is an inverted tensor rubber with a medium-hard sponge of about 45 degrees, a medium arc, and Yasaka ratings of speed 87, spin 88 and control 63, in 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm and max.^[79] Other Yasaka lines include Rakza 7 Soft, Rakza 9, Rakza X, Rakza XX, Rakza Z and Rakza PO, Mark V (M2, XS, HPS, GPS), the Ma Lin Extra Offensive, Ma Lin Carbon and Ma Lin Soft Carbon blades, Sweden Extra, Extra Offensive 7 Power, Atletico Power, Myth Carbon and Rigan; Xtend (HS, SD), Valmo, Galaxya, Zebarate, Hunter Power, Vision, Zap, Earlest, Dynamix and Gatien Extra are not on Yasaka’s site map today.^[80] Yasaka and Butterfly ratings use different scales, so do not compare them across brands. Search ヤサカ ラクザ7 (Yasaka Rakza 7).

VICTAS: V>15, Triple Double Extra, Koki Niwa, Koji Matsushita

VICTAS began in 1931 making celluloid table tennis balls as Yamato Takkyu, became a full-line maker in 1952, renamed itself VICTAS on September 1, 2017, and folded its TSP brand into VICTAS from spring 2021.^[10] It is based in Tokyo (Koto) and Osaka (Izumiotsu), its president is Koji Matsushita, and it also sells the XIOM brand.^[11] Its VP40+ 3-Star (40+ plastic) ball is ¥990 for three.^[81]

VICTAS sorts blades into shakehand, Japanese penhold, Chinese penhold (CHN) and reverse penhold, each in offensive and defensive types; the Legend Series (Jiang Jialiang, Ni Xia Lian, Norio Takashima) is marked as production ended.^[40][42] Search VICTAS ラバー (VICTAS rubber) or 丹羽孝希 ラケット (Koki Niwa blade).

JUIC

JUIC (ジュウイック), based in Niiza, Saitama, sells uniforms, inverted, short-pips, long-pips and anti rubbers, shakehand blades and Japanese penhold and Chinese penhold blades in attack, all-round and defensive types, plus approved balls.^[12][9] Search JUIC 卓球 (JUIC table tennis).

Table Tennis Rubber and Blade Basics Explained

The main characteristics of table tennis (TT) equipment, in short:

• Types of table tennis rubber: 裏ソフト (inverted, pips in), 表ソフト (short pips out), 粒高 (long pips) and anti. Sandwich rubber may be at most 4 mm thick in total and pimpled rubber without sponge at most 2 mm.^[72]
• Tension (tensor) and tacky rubber: high-tension (ハイテンション) rubbers such as Tenergy, Dignics, Fastarc or Rakza 7 have built-in tension for speed; tacky (粘着) rubbers such as Dignics 09C add stickiness for spin.^[73][27][79]
• Sponge hardness: makers rate it in degrees (Tenergy 05 is 36, Dignics 05 40, Rakza 7 about 45). German-scale numbers run higher: Nittaku lists Fastarc G-1 as 37.5 on its scale and 47.5 on the German scale.^{[25][26][79][34]}
• Colors: one side must be black and the other a clearly different color. Since October 2021 red, pink, violet, green and blue are allowed.^[72]
• Blades: the rules allow any size, shape, thickness or weight as long as the blade is wood. Acoustic G-Revision is a 5-ply wooden blade, while Viscaria and Timo Boll ALC add two Arylate Carbon layers to five wood plies.^{[72][36][29][30]}
• Japanese penhold vs shakehand: the Japanese way of holding a ping-pong paddle is the penholder (pen holder) grip (ペンホルダー), with a Japanese-style penhold blade (日本式ペン); makers also sell Chinese penhold (中国式ペン) and reverse penhold blades, and the other main grip is shakehand (シェークハンド).^[72][32]
• ITTF and JTTA approval: rubbers for international events must carry the ITTF mark, and Japanese sanctioned events need the JTTA mark on rubbers, rackets and clothing.^[72] Nittaku prints ITTF numbers on its pages (for example Fastarc G-1, 54-015).^[34] The JTTA publishes lists of approved rubbers, rackets, plastic balls and adhesives.^[82]
• Glue: speed glue was banned in September 2008.^[83] What glue to use for table tennis rubber? Use a glue or glue sheet made for it, such as Butterfly’s Free Chack 2 (¥440) or Chuck Sheet 2 (¥330), and check the JTTA list of adhesives that meet the current standard.^[84][82]
• How often should you change table tennis rubber? Butterfly’s guide says about every 3–4 months at 1–2 hours of practice a day, 2–3 months at 2–3 hours, and 1–2 months at 3–4 hours, or when the surface loses grip and turns whitish.^[85]

To take care of rubbers, Butterfly sells care products including Daily Cleaner (¥550), Cure Water (¥660), rubber protection film such as BTY Adhesive Protect Film III (3) at ¥550, and edge tape.^[84] Long-pips options include Feint Long 3 and Feint Long 3 OX at ¥2,750.^[73] Defensive players (choppers and defenders) use defensive blades such as VICTAS Super Defensive or Koji Matsushita Defensive.^[42][41] In table tennis, “racket”, “bat” and “paddle” (ping pong paddles) all mean the blade plus rubbers; a “pre-assembled” racket in Japan is ラバー貼りラケット.

Racket Sports Words in Japanese

Shipping Rackets from Japan: Size, Sprays and Batteries

• Rackets are long parcels. International shipping is charged on the greater of actual and volumetric weight (length × width × height ÷ 5,000, in cm) of the box the warehouse uses, not the racket alone. For example, if a badminton racket ships in a box of 75 × 25 × 8 cm, the volumetric weight is 15,000 ÷ 5,000 = 3 kg even if the racket weighs under 100 g. Consolidating two or three rackets into one box spreads that cost. Read our volumetric weight guide; the Japanese golf clubs guide covers carrier length limits for long items.
• No sprays. OneMall cannot ship any aerosol or spray product, so a rubber cleaner or mist sold in a spray bottle, or a spray glue, cannot ship; check the label of items such as Clean Mist 2.^[86][78]
• No flammable liquids. Flammable liquids such as paint, oil or lighter fluid are prohibited; solvent-based glue falls in the same risk area, so choose glue sheets or water-based glue and check the product label first.^[86]
• Batteries: OneMall’s list names wet batteries and magnetic materials, and carriers set their own battery rules. Ball robot machines or electronic items with built-in lithium batteries may be refused; we cannot promise they ship.^[86]
• Bulky items: nets and table tennis tables need a shipping quote first; items OneMall cannot handle are blocked from purchase.^[86]

How to Buy Japanese Rackets, Rubbers and Shuttlecocks from the US

1. Search in Japanese with the model name and 品番 (product code), for example AX100ZZ, NF-1000Z, 08EZ98, テナジー05 or ファスターク G-1. Try バタフライ ラバー (Butterfly rubber) or 卓球 ラケット 日本式ペン (Japanese penhold blade).
2. Check the listing: size code (4U5, G2), frame only or pre-strung, rubber thickness and color, 原産地 (origin), new or used, and the seller’s photos. Used, old models and vintage rackets turn up on Mercari or Yahoo Auctions; check for cracks.
3. Know the limits: the Yonex shop limits top rackets to two per size per person, and OneMall cannot buy items that need a lottery, purchase limit or Japanese identity verification, so buy limited models from marketplace sellers instead.^[13]
4. Add checks before international shipping: unboxing photos (¥500 / ¥700) or a wrong / missing item check (¥200) at the Tokyo warehouse, and reinforcement for long, thin parcels.
5. Consolidate rackets, strings, rubbers and shuttle tubes into one box and compare ECMS, DHL and Japan Post EMS quotes at checkout.

OneMall buys from Japanese marketplaces such as Mercari, Yahoo Auctions, Rakuten and Amazon Japan, and from other Japanese online stores (including maker web shops) through LinkBuy. Items that need a lottery entry, purchase limit, Japanese identity verification or a merchant account cannot be purchased. International shipping is charged on the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight (length × width × height ÷ 5,000) of the box the warehouse uses.

Service fees are ¥300 per item on most marketplaces; from ¥200 per item on Yahoo Auctions and LinkBuy. The first six orders consolidate free; each additional order costs ¥100. Storage is free for 90 days after arrival (30 days after consolidation). Payment is by Visa, Mastercard or PayPal, settled in USD.

US buyers: since August 29, 2025, US-bound parcels of any value go through customs and pay applicable duties, taxes and fees — the $800 de minimis exemption no longer applies. OneMall currently ships to the United States by ECMS, DHL and Japan Post EMS (DDP — declared value up to USD 2,500, duties prepaid with the shipping fee); the live quote at checkout shows which lines accept your parcel.

If something breaks: damage caused inside the warehouse by OneMall is refunded at the item’s purchase price; damage in international transit is compensated up to the international shipping fee paid, and must be reported within 24 hours with the order number, photos and a full unboxing video. Loss in transit is handled by the carrier, and OneMall helps confirm with the carrier and file the claim within 72 hours. Duties and customs fees are paid by the buyer.

Compare the best Japan proxy services and proxy costs by total landed cost. Delivery times are estimated averages: items reach the Tokyo warehouse 3–5 business days after the seller ships, and parcels leave 1–3 business days after the international shipping fee is paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 4U and 3U in a badminton racket?

The U number is Yonex’s frame weight class: 4U averages 83 g and 3U 88 g. The G number is grip size, and G7 is the thinnest, G4 the thickest.

Is a Yonex Japan version racket different from an export one?

Yonex lists the origin per model (Japan, Taiwan) and says it applies the same quality checks everywhere. We found no Yonex statement that Japan-market rackets have different specs.

Is Butterfly Tenergy 05 good, and Tenergy vs Dignics?

Tenergy 05 rates 83 / 76 / 79 (speed / spin / arc) with a 36-degree sponge; Dignics 05 rates 86 / 85 / 88 with a 40-degree sponge, by Butterfly’s own index.

What is the Japanese ping pong paddle grip?

The Japanese penhold grip, used with a Japanese-style penhold blade (日本式ペン). Butterfly, VICTAS and JUIC all sell them.

Can I ship table tennis glue or rubber cleaner to the US?

Not if it is a spray or a flammable liquid. Glue sheets and water-based products are the safer choice; check the label, and we cannot promise any chemical ships.

References

1. Yonex: company information. https://www.yonex.co.jp/company/info/
2. Yonex: MADE BY YONEX factories. https://www.yonex.co.jp/made-by-yonex/
3. Mizuno: badminton racquets (series, lineup, origin, prices). https://jpn.mizuno.com/badminton/racket
4. Mizuno: table tennis top page. https://jpn.mizuno.com/tabletennis
5. Butterfly (Tamasu): company profile. https://www.butterfly.co.jp/about/company/
6. Butterfly (Tamasu): history. https://www.butterfly.co.jp/about/history/
7. Nittaku (Nippon Takkyu): company profile. https://www.nittaku.com/company/
8. Yasaka (Yasaka Co. Ltd & Wood House i Tranås): home. https://yasakatabletennis.com/
9. Japan Table Tennis Association: approved makers list. https://www.jtta.or.jp/official-makers
10. VICTAS: top message and company history. https://victas.com/about/content360.html
11. VICTAS: company profile. https://victas.com/about/content361.html
12. JUIC: table tennis goods online shop (categories). https://www.juic.co.jp/
13. YONEX online shop: Astrox 100 ZZ (AX100ZZ). https://yonexshop.jp/item/detail/1_1_AX100ZZ_1/
14. YONEX online shop: Nanoflare 1000 Z (NF-1000Z). https://yonexshop.jp/item/detail/1_1_NF-1000Z_1/
15. YONEX online shop: Arcsaber 11 Pro (ARC11-P). https://yonexshop.jp/item/detail/1_1_ARC11-P_1/764
16. YONEX online shop: Duora Z-Strike (DUO-ZS). https://yonexshop.jp/item/detail/1_1_DUO-ZS_1/
17. YONEX online shop: Astrox 77 Tour (AX77-T). https://yonexshop.jp/item/detail/1_1_AX77-T_1
18. YONEX online shop: Nanoflare 700 Tour (2NF-700T). https://yonexshop.jp/item/detail/1_1_2NF-700T_1/
19. Yonex Japan: Aerosensa 700 (AS-700). https://www.yonex.co.jp/lp/as-700/
20. Yonex Japan: Aerosensa 200 (AS-200). https://www.yonex.co.jp/lp/as-200/
21. YONEX online shop: Mavis 600 (M-600P). https://yonexshop.jp/item/detail/1_1_M-600P_1/000
22. YONEX online shop: EZONE 98 (08EZ98). https://yonexshop.jp/item/detail/1_1_08EZ98_1/
23. YONEX online shop: VCORE 98 (08VC98). https://yonexshop.jp/item/detail/1_1_08VC98_1/
24. YONEX online shop: Percept 97 (01PE97). https://yonexshop.jp/item/detail/1_1_01PE97_1/
25. Butterfly: Tenergy 05. https://www.butterfly.co.jp/products/detail/05800.html
26. Butterfly: Dignics 05. https://www.butterfly.co.jp/products/detail/06040.html
27. Butterfly: Dignics 09C. https://www.butterfly.co.jp/products/detail/06070.html
28. Butterfly: Zyre 03. https://www.butterfly.co.jp/products/detail/06140.html
29. Butterfly: Viscaria. https://www.butterfly.co.jp/products/detail/30041.html
30. Butterfly: Timo Boll ALC. https://www.butterfly.co.jp/products/detail/35861.html
31. Butterfly: Harimoto Tomokazu Innerforce ALC. https://www.butterfly.co.jp/products/detail/36991.html
32. Butterfly: blades list and prices. https://www.butterfly.co.jp/products/blade/
33. Butterfly: Harimoto Innerforce Super ALC special page. https://www.butterfly.co.jp/product/harimoto_super_alc/
34. Nittaku: Fastarc G-1. https://www.nittaku.com/products/rubbers/post-3
35. Nittaku: Hammond Z2. https://www.nittaku.com/products/rubbers/post-62-2
36. Nittaku: Acoustic G-Revision blade. https://www.nittaku.com/products/rackets/post-170
37. Nittaku: Premium 3-Star 40 mm ball. https://www.nittaku.com/products/balls/post-20
38. VICTAS: rubbers list and prices. https://www.victas.com/products/?cat=3
39. VICTAS: rubbers list page 2 (Spectol, Spinpips). https://www.victas.com/products/?cat=3&page=2
40. VICTAS: rackets list and prices. https://www.victas.com/products/?cat=4
41. VICTAS: rackets list page 2 (Koji Matsushita, ZX-Gear, Swat, Fire Fall, Quartet). https://www.victas.com/products/?cat=4&page=2
42. VICTAS: rackets list page 3 (Hino Carbon, Dyna, Dynam, Legend series). https://www.victas.com/products/?cat=4&page=3
43. Yonex: history. https://www.yonex.co.jp/company/history/
44. Yonex Japan: badminton racquets, product list (series filter). https://www.yonex.co.jp/badminton/products/?category_m=RACQUETS
45. Yonex Japan: badminton racquets list page 2 (Astrox 100 / 88D / 88S / 77 Pro). https://www.yonex.co.jp/badminton/products/?category_m=RACQUETS&offset=12&limit=48
46. Yonex Japan: badminton racquets list page 3 (Astrox 70 to 11, Nanoflare 1000 / 800 / 700 Pro / 70). https://www.yonex.co.jp/badminton/products/?category_m=RACQUETS&offset=24&limit=12
47. Yonex Japan: badminton racquets, product list page 4 (Nanoflare, Duora, Muscle Power, Isometric). https://www.yonex.co.jp/badminton/products/?category_m=RACQUETS&offset=36&limit=12
48. Yonex Japan: badminton racquets list page 5 (Nanoflare Junior, Muscle Power 2 Junior). https://www.yonex.co.jp/badminton/products/?category_m=RACQUETS&offset=48&limit=12
49. YONEX online shop: Astrox 100 ZZ VA, Viktor Axelsen collection (AX100ZVA). https://yonexshop.jp/item/detail/1_1_AX100ZVA_1
50. Yonex Japan: badminton FAQ (weight and grip codes, JAPAN end cap, serial numbers, shoe widths). https://www.yonex.co.jp/support/faq/badminton/
51. Yonex: YONEX TAIWAN factory. https://www.yonex.co.jp/made-by-yonex/taiwan/
52. Yonex: YONEX INDIA factory. https://www.yonex.co.jp/made-by-yonex/India/
53. YONEX online shop: Power Cushion 65Z Men (SHB65Z4M1). https://yonexshop.jp/item/detail/1_1_SHB65Z4M1_1/
54. Yonex Japan: badminton shoes list. https://www.yonex.co.jp/badminton/products/?category_m=SHOES&offset=0&limit=60
55. Yonex global: Warning, counterfeits. https://www.yonex.com/spotting-counterfeits/
56. Yonex Japan: shuttlecocks product list. https://www.yonex.co.jp/badminton/products/?category_m=SHUTTLECOCKS
57. Yonex Japan: shuttlecocks list page 2 (Mavis Field II). https://www.yonex.co.jp/badminton/products/?category_m=SHUTTLECOCKS&offset=12&limit=12
58. Yonex Japan: badminton strings list. https://www.yonex.co.jp/badminton/products/?category_m=STRINGS&offset=0&limit=48
59. YONEX online shop: BG66 Ultimax (BG66UM). https://yonexshop.jp/item/detail/1_1_BG66UM_1/
60. Yonex Japan: badminton shoes list page 2 (Subaxia GT, Graphite Throttle, 88 Dial). https://www.yonex.co.jp/badminton/products/?category_m=SHOES&offset=12&limit=12
61. Yonex Japan: badminton shoes list page 3 (Aerus Z, Eclipsion Z, Cascade Accel, Strider). https://www.yonex.co.jp/badminton/products/?category_m=SHOES&offset=24&limit=12
62. Yonex Japan: tennis racquets list (EZONE). https://www.yonex.co.jp/tennis/products/?category_m=RACQUETS&offset=0&limit=60
63. Yonex Japan: tennis racquets list (Muse, VCORE). https://www.yonex.co.jp/tennis/products/?category_m=RACQUETS&offset=12&limit=12
64. Yonex Japan: tennis racquets list (VCORE α, Percept, Astrel). https://www.yonex.co.jp/tennis/products/?category_m=RACQUETS&offset=24&limit=12
65. Yonex Japan: tennis racquets list (Regna, EZONE 25/26, juniors). https://www.yonex.co.jp/tennis/products/?category_m=RACQUETS&offset=36&limit=12
66. Yonex Japan: tennis FAQ (grip sizes 0–3, UXL/UL/SL). https://www.yonex.co.jp/support/faq/tennis/
67. Yonex Japan: tennis strings list. https://www.yonex.co.jp/tennis/products/?category_m=STRINGS&offset=0&limit=60
68. YONEX online shop: Poly Tour Pro 125 (PTGP125). https://yonexshop.jp/item/detail/1_1_PTGP125_1/
69. Mizuno: badminton product picks (Wave Fang, Acroforce, Altius). https://jpn.mizuno.com/badminton/shop/products
70. Mizuno: Wave Claw badminton shoes. https://jpn.mizuno.com/badminton/shoes/claw
71. Mizuno: tennis / soft tennis top page. https://jpn.mizuno.com/tennis
72. Kotobank: 卓球 (table tennis; Nipponica entry incl. equipment rules). https://kotobank.jp/word/%E5%8D%93%E7%90%83
73. Butterfly: rubbers list and prices. https://www.butterfly.co.jp/products/rubber/
74. Nittaku: what the “G” in Fastarc G-1 means. https://www.nittaku.com/enjoy-learning/lessons/post-559
75. Nittaku: rackets category (product names read from the same site’s product index, saved as nittaku_api_products.txt). https://www.nittaku.com/products/rackets/
76. Nittaku: rubbers category (same product index). https://www.nittaku.com/products/rubbers/
77. Nittaku: balls category (product names from the same product index). https://www.nittaku.com/products/balls/
78. Nittaku: maintenance category (product names from the same product index). https://www.nittaku.com/products/maintenance/
79. Yasaka: Rakza 7. https://yasakatabletennis.com/product/rakza-7
80. Yasaka: site map (product lines). https://yasakatabletennis.com/sitemap.xml
81. VICTAS: balls list and prices. https://www.victas.com/products/?cat=2
82. Japan Table Tennis Association: approved products lists. https://www.jtta.or.jp/official-products
83. Butterfly: the value of Arylate Carbon (rule changes incl. speed-glue ban). https://www.butterfly.co.jp/story/alc/
84. Butterfly: maintenance products (glue sheets, cleaners, protective film). https://www.butterfly.co.jp/products/maintenance/
85. Butterfly: beginners guide, when to replace rubber. https://www.butterfly.co.jp/learning/beginners/replacement/
86. OneMall: Prohibited Items List for Japan. https://support.onemall.jp/prohibited-items-list-for-japan/