The JPBA sanctions tournaments and other functions related to professional bowling for both men and women.

The Japan Ladies Bowling Club is a sub-organization within the JPBA system, and sponsors women-only tournaments.

Professional bowling in Japan is a licensed profession, very much like passing the bar exam for attorneys or getting a CPA to become an accountant.

To become a licensed bowling professional, the candidate must pass a series of skill exams, referred to as the "pro test".

The 2nd exam takes place in both west and east Japan, which requires bowlers to travel.

Once all the exams are completed successfully, the candidate receives his bowling professional license.

The emblem has been used as props in Japanese television dramas such as Beautiful Challenger (1971) and Golden Bowl (2002).

All new members receive the General Class license patch (通常ワッペン) (see image above.)