The end of the calendar year is traditionally a busy time for live poker. The EPT, WSOP and WPT all host major festivals and choosing between them can be difficult.
For players in Japan planning to stay home, however, one option is now off the table following confirmation that the upcoming WPT event scheduled for December in Tokyo, Japan has been cancelled.
The status of tournament poker in Japan is already complex, with prizes generally awarded for domestic competitions in the form of ‘player contracts’ rather than cash. And it would appear that the situation is likely to get worse before it gets better.
A statement put out by the Japan Esports Poker Association (JEPA), translated here from Japanese, sets out the reasons for the decision.
“Taking into account the recent changes in the situation surrounding domestic poker tournaments and the regulatory trends that are expected to develop in the future, we have confirmed with the relevant administrative agencies and have also held repeated consultations with experts, including lawyers, and other relevant parties.
“As a result, we have determined that, at this time, it is difficult to ensure an environment in which players can participate in the tournament without any risk.”
More information was outlined in a post on X from WPT Japan (click through for translation).
Japanese poker riding high despite problems at home
The cancellation of the series will be a blow to Japanese poker lovers, especially as it comes at a time when the nation’s players have been enjoying unprecedented success.
Recent years have seen Shiina Okamoto make history as a back-to-back winner of the WSOP Ladies Championship, plus victory in Europe; Masato Yokosawa has become one of the most popular and successful poker vloggers in the world; and Naoya Kihara claimed multiple bracelets at the 2026 WSOP (and in the process, force his way into the running for WSOP Player of the Year).
For many, Masato Yokosawa is the face of Japanese poker.Koji Jujimoto and Daisuke Ogita also both won major events at the summer’s WSOP; and the recent APT Incheon series saw many strong performances including Chang Hwan Lee winning the High Roller, Toru Sakiyama taking down the Mini Main, and five Japanese players making the final table of the Main Event.
What to do instead?
In the face of ongoing uncertainty around the legal situation, tournament players in Japan will likely need to travel in order to play meaningful events.
According to the JEPA, those who have already purchased entry to the canceled tournament will be able to use their tickets at WPT Seoul, held at the INSPIRE Entertainment Resort in the Korean capital from October 30 to November 9. Also running in October is APPT Manila, from October 8-19.
While Triton Super High Roller tour stops may be beyond the budgets of most players, the Asian Poker Tour (APT) generally runs around five major series per year with a wide range of events and buy-ins, including the season-ending APT Championship in Taipei this November.
Nishant Sharma won $1.1M in the 2025 APT Championship Main Event.This series includes a $10K freezeout Main Event with $5M GTD, and runs November 13-29, providing an attractive alternative for those hoping to have played the WPT event at the close of the year.
Ahead of the APT Championship the tour will also be running a series in Jeju, Korea from September 25 to October 7.
Find out more at our dedicated APT news page.
Additional images courtesy of the WPT/APT.
