Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is gearing up for an electrifying five days of world-class surfing as it prepares to host the first-ever WSL-certified tournaments in the region.

The “SumatranSurfariis Hamamatsu Open QS 2000” and the “SumatranSurfariis Hamamatsu Open LQS 1000” are scheduled to take place from May 21st to 25th at the scenic Nakatajima Beach. This landmark surfing event serves as the centrepiece of “Nami Matsuri 2025,” a large-scale festival celebrating the intersection of diverse cultures including sports, music, art, and disaster prevention. Organized under the auspices of the HAMAMATSU OPEN ORGANIZATION, the competition, officially titled the “SumatranSurfariis Hamamatsu Open Nami Matsuri powered by YAMAMOTO co.,ltd. LQS 1000 / QS2000,” is managed by the Surfing Japan International General Incorporated Association, with Omi Toshiya as its representative director.

Longboarders Return to Japanese Shores for LQS 1000
A significant highlight is the LQS 1000, marking the return of a WSL-certified longboard contest to Japan after an approximate eight-year hiatus. The women’s division will see Japan’s elite longboarders, including Natsumi Taoka, currently ranked 5th globally in the 2024 WSL Longboard Tour, and Hiroka Yoshikawa, who is currently top of the Asia region rankings in 2025. Kaede Inoue, ranked 11th in the world, will also be a strong contender.

The men’s LQS 1000 promises an international spectacle with athletes from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, China, and Australia. Key figures include World #13 Taka Inoue (Japan), and World #14 Kai Hamase (Japan). The LQS Asia men’s rankings also showcase a strong Philippine contingent.

High-Stakes Action in the QS 2000
The men’s QS 2000 division is set for intense competition. Reo Inaba, who secured 5th place at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will be a major draw. He’ll be joined by Shohei Kato (4th in Asia QS 2024/25), Joe Amuro (5th in Asia QS 2024/25), and Kei Kobayashi, who recently transferred to the Asia region. Eyes will also be on rising stars such as Tenshi Iwami, Raiha Ono, Kaiyo Adachi, and Ichiko Watanabe.The women’s QS 2000 will feature a formidable lineup of Japan’s top surfers. Shino Matsuda, who placed 9th at the Paris Olympics, leads the charge. She’ll be competing against Miku Ikeda (3rd in QS Asia), Kana Nakashio (4th), Ri Sato (5th), and Sara Wakita (6th). Minami Nonaka, who, despite an 8th place finish in the 2024/2025 season, triumphed at the “QS3000 Barrel International Pro” in the Philippines last February, is also confirmed to participate.

More Than Just Surfing: Music and Culture at Nami Matsuri
Beyond the waves, the event promises a vibrant cultural experience. On Saturday, May 24th, a live music event will take place on a special stage. Six artists are slated to perform, including singer-songwriter Tomohiro Higashida, known for his nature-inspired music, and KEISON, a staple in surf culture with his unique musical style. To keep the energy high on the final day, Sunday, May 25th, a DJ will provide the soundtrack for the competition’s climax.The SumatranSurfariis Hamamatsu Open, as part of Nami Matsuri 2025, invites everyone to experience the allure of the seaside with all five senses, offering a unique fusion of world-class surfing and captivating music on the shores of Hamamatsu.

Watch LIVE May 21st – 25th on WorldSurfLeague.com