The World Pool Association is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its Lifetime Member, Kazuo Fujima, at the age of 96.
Mr Fujima was a pioneering figure in international pool and billiard sports and played an instrumental role in the formative years of the WPA. His early support and vision were critical to the establishment of a unified world governing body for pool, helping to shape the foundations upon which the WPA continues to operate today.
Throughout his life, Mr Fujima served the sport with exceptional dedication, integrity, and humility. He was widely respected not only for his leadership and administrative contributions but also for his lifelong commitment to education, development, and the promotion of billiard sports across borders.
Even in recent years, his passion for the game remained unwavering. As of January 2026, Mr Fujima had planned to undertake a referee education initiative in Asia on behalf of the WPA — a final testament to his enduring desire to give back to the sport he loved.
The WPA extends its sincere condolences to Mr Fujima’s family, friends, and colleagues, as well as to the Japanese and Asian billiard communities. His legacy will continue to live on through the global structures he helped build and the generations of players, officials, and administrators he inspired.
The World Pool Association honours Mr Kazuo Fujima with the utmost respect and gratitude.
World Pool Association (WPA)
4 February 2026
