Akiko is sponsored by ABS. She not only bowls on tour but she also bowls challenge matches, exhibitions, and teaches bowling.

During Akiko's visit I did get to learn a lot about the JPBA. She bowls around 20 JPBA tournaments per year. As part of her sponsorship Akiko gets 3-5 bowling balls per month, shoes, and free outfits to perform. She says the professional female tour in Japan is sponsored by DHC (a make up brand in Japan), and the Bowling Centers Association.

The Female JPBA usually pays $10,000 USD to the top player in each tournament, approximately $4,200 USD to the second place and $847 USD for 3rd place, the price fund pays to 24th place something like $300 USD. In the JPBA there are around 400 Female Professional members. Approximately 136 bowl each tournament

Akiko mentioned that when she is on tour she stays in very little rooms, approximately 8x12 feet, where only a single bed, a small desk and bath room fit.

Also in comparison with the PBA, Akiko says JPBA's are allowed to talk to their coaches, and the players talk between them. Akiko was very impressed with the versatility of the PBA bowlers, and how difficult the lane patterns of the PBA are. In Japan, most of the bowlers like to attack the lanes going straight, because going straight works better in their environment. Also many of the men and women of the JPBA use wrist supports.

Akiko was also very surprised how excited some of the American fans are, and the support the players receive from the fans. More over she liked the way bowling centers are decorated for the PBA events in comparison with the JPBA.