The tournament was established in 1982 and was officially called the "First Yonex Cup Japan Open". It was the first international badminton tournament in Japan to offer prize money, with a total prize money of 10 million yen. The participants were the world's top badminton players from 19 countries. The first tournament was held from January 14 to 17, 1982 at the Shukugawa Gakuin Gymnasium, and Kobe Central Gymnasium in Kobe City, Hyōgo Prefecture.[1][2][3]
By 1991, the event had grown to a size that attracted the largest number of competitors ever, with 262 competitors from 25 countries. To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the event's official name was changed to Yonex Japan Open. In 1996, the event's scale reached a new level, with 340 competitors from 26 countries competing before the Atlanta Olympics. In 1998, the event's official name was changed to Yonex Open Japan.
Since 2007, the tournament has become part of the BWF Super Series, with the total prize money increased to US$200,000. In 2013, the tournament produced its first local champion in 32 years. At the age of 16, Akane Yamaguchi reached the women's singles final and defeated Shizuka Uchida to become the youngest BWF Super Series champion.[7]
Since 2017, the event has been sponsored by automobile manufacturer Daihatsu and officially named the Daihatsu Yonex Japan Open, with the total prize money increased to US $325,000.[8]
^Sukumar, Dev (10 January 2018). "Action-Packed Season Ahead!". Badminton World Federation. Archived from the original on 13 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
