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ABSTRACT
This article presents a genealogy of domestic surf tourism development in contemporary Japan. Drawing on two months’ ethnographic fieldwork conducted between July and August 2016, and participant observation during three years working, living and surfing in the area, I trace the historical production of one of Japan’s most prominent surf tourism destinations, Miyazaki Prefecture. Detailing the convergence of surfing culture and tourism development from 1930 to 2016, I examine how surf tourism came to be mobilised in Miyazaki as a tool for revitalising the local economy. The article then addresses three important transformations of the Japanese seascape surf tourism development invites: the feminisation of surf capital, global cultural gentrification and the reinforcement of urban–rural disparities. The article concludes with a reflection on how surf tourism development may (dis)connect local surfing communities and identify areas for future research concerning surf destination development leading up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Clifton Evers (Newcastle University, UK) and Debra Occhi (Miyazaki International College, Japan) for their insights and comments on earlier drafts of this article.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.
Notes
1 “Surf legend” is a term used in Japan to describe the first-generation local surfers and surf shop owners in their 50s and 60s that formally and informally manage surf breaks throughout Japan.
2 Kaisers Surf Shop, Wakayama City, interviewed by Adam Doering, 27 May 2016. Machu (anonymised), Wakayama Prefecture Surfing Association, interviewed by Adam Doering, 23 March 2016.
3 Katsuhito Ouchi, Yoron Island Surf Association, interviewed by Adam Doering, 4 September 2016.
4 Ryu (anonymised), Miyazaki surf shop owner and surf legend, interviewed by Adam Doering and Clifton Evers, 16 August 2016.
5 Keison (anonymised), personal communication with author, 2 July 2016.
6 Aki Matsumura. Creative Director, Beach Town Co., interviewed by Adam Doering, 1 September 2016.
7 Takashi Kurono, CEO, Beach Town Co., interviewed by Adam Doering, 2 July 2016.
8 Ibid.
9 Ibid.
10 Aki Matsumura, Creative Director, Beach Town Co., interviewed by Adam Doering, 1 September 2016.
11 Shiro (anonymised), interviewed by Adam Doering, 1 September 2016.
12 Mado (anonymised), in post-surf conversation with the author, 27 August 2016, and Ryu (anonymised), 16 August 2016.
13 Sora (anonymised), surf accommodation provider, personal communication with author, 30 June 2016.
14 Lei (anonymised), Hula dancer, personal communication with author, 2 July 2016.
15 Mado (anonymised), 27 August 2016.
16 Itsuki (anonymised), Representative from the Miyazaki Convention and Visitors Bureau, interviewed by Adam Doering, 1 September 2016.