Waitinglist Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Kim Hongsung), a DMM Group company; Sammy Corporation (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President, Executive Officer and COO: Ayumi Hoshino); and GENDA GiGO Entertainment Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Kazuhiro Ninomiya) have established the "Poker Promotion Council of Japan" (PPCJ) (Location: Koto-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Attorney Daiki Matsuda; hereinafter referred to as "the Council"), a general incorporated association, on August 27, 2025, with the aim of promoting the sustainable development and further advancement of the poker industry.
Background of the Establishment
In Japan, the amusement poker population is rapidly increasing, and related businesses are expanding. Internationally, tournaments are growing in scale, and Japanese players are gaining greater visibility on the world stage. In June 2025, the "Parliamentary League for the Promotion of Poker Culture" was inaugurated, and political interest in the healthy promotion of poker has reached an unprecedented level.
Under these circumstances, much like e-sports, crane games, dance halls, digital darts, simulation golf, mahjong, and pachinko, poker also requires the establishment of social rules and a framework for healthy development.
Mission of the Council
The Council serves as a platform for promoting cooperation among poker-related businesses, formulating rules, engaging in dialogue with a wide range of stakeholders, and developing initiatives to improve the image of poker.
By maximizing the intellectual, economic, recreational, and educational value that poker offers, we will work to establish poker as a cultural fixture in Japanese society and develop it into a mind sport that future generations can take pride in.
- Rule-making
- Dialogue and exchange both within and beyond the industry
- Promoting the popularization and understanding of poker
Future Activity Policy
- Building relationships and collaborating with relevant government ministries and agencies, Diet members, academic experts, and related organizations
- Establishing voluntary guidelines
- Cooperating with and supporting domestic poker events
- Conducting educational and outreach activities related to poker
Message from the Representative Director (Attorney Daiki Matsuda)
While the appeal of poker and the environments in which it can be played are expanding in Japan, cross-industry cooperative frameworks and the establishment of social trust remain insufficient. The Council was established to develop an environment in which poker can be played with peace of mind and to support the sustainable development of the industry.
Together with many stakeholders, we hope to nurture poker into a culture that future generations can take pride in. We warmly invite businesses that share our vision to consider joining the Council.
Company Overview
- Company name: Waitinglist Inc.
- Address: Sumitomo Fudosan Roppongi Grand Tower 24F, 3-2-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-6224
- Representative: Kim Hongsung, President and Representative Director
- Website: https://waitinglist.co.jp/
Contact
Inquiries regarding this announcement
Poker Promotion Council of Japan — Secretariat
Email: info@poker-prmc.or.jp
Website: https://poker-prmc.org/
