The Ancient Roots of Surfing
The history of surfing has its origins in the waves of the South Pacific, where Polynesians perfected the art of riding waves over a thousand years ago. The practice, initially reserved for the nobles of the Hawaiian Islands, spread throughout the Polynesian archipelago before moving westward. Although body-surfing in Japan – using simple wooden boards called itago – was known in pre-modern times along some eastern coasts, “board” surfing as we know it today came much later.
A representation of the first Japanese surfboards made of wood, called "Itago"
The Arrival of Surfing in Japan: The 1950s–1960s
After World War II, with the massive presence of American garrisons at the Yokosuka and Atsugi bases, modern surfing began to make inroads among young Japanese. During the Vietnam War, American soldiers used their free time to surf along the coasts of Shonan and Chiba, bringing fiberglass boards and techniques previously unknown to Japanese beaches. At the same time, in the early 1960s a small group of locals discovered the allure of these waves, forming the first surfing clubs and adapting Hawaiian styles to their own cultural context.
One of the first illustrations depicting surfing activity in Japan, on the island of Okinawa
The boom of the 70s and 80s
In the 1970s, surfing exploded in the Land of the Rising Sun: international contests and world tours brought stars like Shaun Tomson and Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew to Japan’s shores, inspiring a new generation of enthusiasts. Surf clubs and schools mushroomed along the Pacific, from Okinawa to the Sea of Okhotsk, while local markets and magazines like Blue Surf began to tell stories of spectacular waves and epic trips. The decade also marked the birth of Japan’s first surf shops, the hub of a rapidly growing community.
The main street of Naha, Okinawa, with strong American influences
Okinawa: Crossroads of Marine Cultures
On the island of Okinawa, a true tropical paradise in Japan, surfing was introduced by visiting Hawaiian surfers in the 1960s. The crystal-clear water and long beaches attracted pioneers, who imported new paddle techniques and riding styles. Over the years, Okinawa has not only been an exotic destination, but a testing ground for hybrid boards and shortboards, helping to consolidate the link between Polynesian tradition and Japanese innovation.
The famous and iconic Ikema Bridge, Okinawa
Recent evolution and contemporary culture
Today, surfing in Japan is a subculture in its own right, fusing wabi-sabi aesthetics with the adrenaline rush of catching the perfect wave. Events like the WSL (World Surf League) stops and the ISA World Surfing Games have cemented the country as a must-visit for international pro tours. Surf academies in southern Kyushu and Chubu attract students from around the world, while local brands – often born out of independent surf shops – offer clothing and accessories that blend minimalist design with technical performance.
A Japanese surfer on a sunset session, with Mount Fuji behind him
Future prospects
With the global focus on sustainability, Japanese surfers are experimenting with boards made from eco-friendly materials and biodegradable sunscreens. The growing surf tourism, along with a renewed interest in local traditions (such as Shinto prayers before the first dip), confirms that surfing is not just a sport, but a cultural bridge between the past and the future.
A young girl from Okinawa, wearing the WIJI MILANO t-shirt
From the arrival of the first American pioneers to the crystalline waves of Okinawa, the history of surfing in Japan is a journey full of contaminations and innovations. Today, every board that slides on the Japanese Pacific brings with it a centuries-old legacy and the promise of an ever-new horizon to conquer.
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