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BEWET x Kolohe Andino: 2 Percent Surf Japan Tour Kicks Off at Shizunami Surf Stadium

August 23rd, 2024

On August 18th, 2024, Shizunami Surf Stadium in Makinohara, Shizuoka, became the vibrant epicenter of surfing culture as the BEWET team and Kolohe Andino launched the “2 Percent Surf Japan Tour.” This tour, centered around the surf film “Hijinx,” is not only a showcase of top-tier surfing talent but also a celebration of the surf …

WHITEBUFFALO OMAEZAKI PRO 2024 Kicks Off on September 4th

August 23rd, 2024

Exciting Start to the Three-Event QS Series: “whitebuffalo OMAEZAKI PRO 2024” Kicks Off on September 4th On September 4th, 2024, the “whitebuffalo OMAEZAKI PRO 2024” will take place in Omaezaki, Shizuoka Prefecture. This marks the first of three events in Japan’s QS series, where surfers compete for the opportunity to qualify for the 2025 WSL/CS. …

Categories: Contests, Places, Spots

KITAIZUMI SURF FESTIVAL 2024

August 15th, 2024

The KITAIZUMI SURF FESTIVAL 2024 will be held again this year from 3-6 Oct at Kitaizumi Beach in Minami Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture. Google Map:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/pQ5q3sCHM2MDn5AD6 Top professional surfers from Japan and abroad will be invited to the event to showcase the traditions and attractions of surfing and Fukushima. Following last year, the event aims …

Categories: Contests, Culture, Places, Spots

Japan’s Surfing Team Ready for Paris 2024 with New Uniforms

July 12th, 2024

As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, the spotlight is on the surfing competitions to be held at the legendary Tahiti island’s Teahupo’o. This iconic surf spot is known for its crystal-clear waves, creating perfect barrels that promise thrilling tube rides for the competitors. Japan’s national surfing team, “Naminori Japan,” will don a special uniform designed …

Categories: Contests, Olympics

Japan’s Natsumi Taoka Triumphs at Bali’s TWINKLE TOES LOG FESTIVAL

July 4th, 2024

The vibrant shores of Canggu, Bali, recently hosted the prestigious ‘TWINKLE TOES LOG FESTIVAL’ on June 29th and 30th. This exclusive longboard event, organized by Times Beach Warung, combined the thrill of surfing with the joys of music, delectable food, and refreshing beer. With the presence of 2022 World Champion Harrison Roach, the festival attracted …

Donavon Frankenreiter Celebrates 20 Years as a Solo Artist with Japan Tour This Fall

June 28th, 2024

Donavon Frankenreiter, celebrated musician and former pro surfer, is marking 20 years since his solo debut with a tour in Japan this fall. He’ll perform in Nagoya, Tokyo, and Osaka, promoting his new album “Get Outta Your Mind.” Special guest Ziggy Alberts, an acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter, will join him. Frankenreiter’s music journey began in 2004 …

Categories: Music, People, Pro Surfers

Surfing Icon Kolohe Andino Brings Ocean Conservation to Life in Ichinomiya with New Film

June 28th, 2024

Renowned American surfer Kolohe Andino recently visited Ichinomiya Town Hall in Chiba Prefecture to promote his new film, “2% Surf World Premier Tour.” Scheduled for release in August, the film underscores the ocean’s beauty and the vital importance of preserving it. Andino’s project aims to captivate audiences by sharing the joys of surfing and oceanic …

Categories: Culture, People, Places

EYE OF THE STORM 6 featuring Kanoa Igarashi is now out

June 19th, 2024

The sixth episode of “EYE OF THE STORM,” which goes behind the scenes of Kanoa Igarashi’s World Championship Tour, is now out. In this series, you’ll follow Kanoa through a year filled with dreams, moments, and memories. Episode 6, titled “A Trip to the Goldie,” takes us to Australia’s Gold Coast, specifically Snapper Rocks. Amidst …

Categories: People, Places, Shops, Website

Japan’s Mirai Ikeda Shines at Krui Pro Junior Event

June 7th, 2024

Japanese surfer Mirai Ikeda emerged victorious at the Krui Pro Junior event in South Sumatra, Indonesia. Ikeda showcased her exceptional talent, navigating the challenging waves with precision and skill. This victory marks a significant milestone in her career, reflecting the growing prominence of Japanese surfers on the global stage. Ikeda’s triumph is a testament to …

Categories: Contests, People

Construction of Japan’s first ‘Wavegarden’ wave pool to be built in Shiga Prefecture, opening in spring 2026

May 27th, 2024

Plans to build a surfing pool manufactured by Wavegarden in Japan have finally been announced. It is scheduled to open in spring 2026, and will be located in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, on the Karasuma Peninsula, which juts out into Lake Biwa. The facility will officially be called “WAVE PARK BIWAKO”. Located about 50 minutes …

Categories: Places, Spots, Tourism

The world’s best aerial surfers coming to Japan this June for Stab High Japan at Shizunami Surf Stadium

May 21st, 2024

“Stab High”, the surf contest that celebrates the art of flight and aerials, will be held at Shizunami Surf Stadium on 22-23 June. Many surfers are scheduled to visit Japan, including the winner of the previous event, Robbie McCormick, as well as Chippa Wilson, Julian Wilson, Matt Meola, Mikey Wright, Noah Dean and Mason Ho. …

Categories: Contests, People, Places

Watch Jamie O’Brien surf and snowboard on the same day in Japan.

April 4th, 2024

Jamie O’Brien ditched the tropical vibes of Hawaii for a chilly adventure in Hokkaido, Japan. With excitement levels off the charts, he kicked off his day by conquering some epic “japow” slopes, followed by a laid-back session catching waves in the Sea of Japan. Talk about making the most of a day on Japan’s northernmost …

Categories: Culture, People, Places, Tourism

Aussie-born Connor O’Leary picked by Japan for Olympic surfing spot

April 4th, 2024

Connor O’Leary, a surfer originally from Australia, revealed that he’s been chosen to represent Japan at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This decision came after he formally changed his allegiance to his mother’s homeland last year. Hailing from Cronulla in south Sydney, O’Leary was granted a third men’s spot on the Japan team by the Nippon …

Categories: Contests, Olympics, People

Survey underway for Wavegarden’s construction of surf pools in Japan

August 29th, 2023

A full-scale surfing wave pool by Wavegarden, a company that started in the UK and Spain and is now also operating in Australia, Brazil and South Korea and now eyeing potential sites in Japan. Those interested in the Wavegarden facility are encouraged to take part in the survey (see link below) Overview of Wavegarden’s pool …

Categories: Places, Tourism

CT competitor Conor O’Leary applies to change from Australia to Japan.

July 31st, 2023

The Nippon Surfing Association (NSA) announced on 6 June that Conor O’Leary, a WSL Championship Tour (CT) competitor, has applied to move from Australia to Japan. The application was made by the NSA at his request and is currently under consideration by the ISA (International Surfing Federation). If the application is approved, his nationality will …

Categories: Contests, Olympics, People