Ritsuko Nakayama, Japanese bowling pioneer and first woman to bowl a professional perfect game, dies at 84
Reported by OutKick ·
A leading figure in Japanese bowling
Her rise came during a period when bowling was gaining popularity in Japan. She became one of the sport’s most influential figures there.
From volleyball to bowling
Before entering bowling, Nakayama played volleyball for a corporate team. She changed sports after that team disbanded. In 1969, she passed Japan’s first professional qualification test for women bowlers. She placed second behind the late Kayoko Suda.
Part of the first generation
Nakayama was among 13 women who formed the first generation of professional bowlers in Japan in 1969. Her achievements helped establish a path for women in the sport.
She later became known as the first woman to bowl a professional perfect game. Her career was closely tied to bowling’s boom in Japan during the 1970s.
Key points
- Ritsuko Nakayama died Saturday at age 84, the Japan Professional Bowling Association announced.
- The association said she had been treated for an unspecified health condition.
- Nakayama moved from corporate volleyball to bowling after her team folded.
- She qualified as a professional bowler in 1969, finishing second to Kayoko Suda.