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Kanoa Igarashi Brings Japan’s Surf Scene to Life in Upcoming Film No Contest Tokyo

January 15th, 2025

In January 2025, Japanese professional surfer Kanoa Igarashi will return to Japan to promote the upcoming documentary film “Red Bull Surfing ‘No Contest Tokyo.’” This film, part of Red Bull Surfing’s popular “No Contest” series, will spotlight Igarashi and delve into Japan’s vibrant surf scene. To celebrate the film’s release, a special advance screening is …

JPSA Honored for Revitalizing Communities Through Surfing in Niijima

December 18th, 2024

The Japan Professional Surfing Association (JPSA), led by Chairman Tetsuo Hosokawa, was recently recognized at the Reiwa 6 Niijima Awards Ceremony hosted by Niijima Village in Tokyo. This honor celebrates JPSA’s long-standing efforts to boost regional development through surfing and acknowledges their significant contributions to local culture and economy. Bringing Top-Tier Surfing Events to Niijima …

Categories: People, Places, Spots

Chiba’s Ichinomiya Town Sets Course to Become Japan’s First World Surfing Reserve

December 8th, 2024

Ichinomiya Town in Chiba Prefecture, one of Japan’s most iconic surf destinations, is now making waves globally as it works toward becoming a World Surfing Reserve (WSR). This designation, overseen by the international Save The Waves Coalition, celebrates and protects coastal areas with outstanding surf culture and environmental value. If successful, Ichinomiya will join the …

Categories: Culture, Places, Spots, Tourism

Japan Shines at the 2024 ISA World Para Surfing Championship

November 12th, 2024

The 2024 ISA World Para Surfing Championship in Huntington Beach, California, saw Japan achieve a strong performance, winning four individual medals and securing fourth place overall as a team. Among the 180 participants from 29 nations, Japan stood out, with Shota Nakamura winning gold in the Men’s Stand 1 category, showcasing advanced skills and determination. …

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