News On Japan
Sports

Olympic Surfer Prepares the Next Generation

Mar 18, 2024 | News On Japan

KANAGAWA, Mar 18, 2024 (News On Japan) - Shino Matsuda, confirmed as a representative for the Paris Olympics in surfing, attended a ceremony at her alma mater, Chigasaki Municipal Tokaigana Elementary School, to sign a sports promotion agreement with her hometown, Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Matsuda, presented with an oversized business card, expressed her joy: "I am thrilled to be appointed as the sports ambassador for Chigasaki City, where I was born and raised. I hope the next generation of surfers from Chigasaki will soar on the global stage and bring excitement. At the Olympics, I aim to win a medal and return to Chigasaki. Please support me."

During the event, Matsuda interacted with local children and a send-off party was held for her upcoming Olympic journey.

Returning to her school for the first time since graduation, Matsuda reminisced about her days immersed in surfing, waking up at 5 a.m. to hit the waves before school and returning to the sea after classes.

Having experienced the disappointment of not qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics, Matsuda is now focused on training in Tahiti, the venue for surfing in the Paris Olympics, with her sights set on the gold medal.

She shared her gratitude for the support: "Ever since surfing became an Olympic sport, I've wanted to participate. Being at the Olympics, surrounded by athletes from around the world, is truly special. It's where I've always aimed to be, and I want to spend the remaining time without any regrets. Knowing I have so many supporters motivates me. Their encouragement has helped me overcome disappointments and strive towards new goals. Thank you for always being my strength. I'll do my best at the Olympics, turning everyone's support into my power."

Matsuda's first book, "Shino Surfying Style," showcases her journey as a professional surfer and her aspirations for the Paris Olympics, featuring a long interview and captivating photos, including sunset shots taken in Chigasaki.

"Please check it out. It includes photos of Chigasaki's sunset and an interview about my upbringing, so it's very special to me."

Source: ANN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Tokyo Elementary School Fire Injures 11 Pupils And Teachers

Eleven pupils and teachers were injured after a fire broke out at Takinogawa Daisan Elementary School in Tokyo's Kita Ward at around 11 a.m. on June 19, forcing more than 300 children to evacuate and briefly trapping several pupils on a narrow ledge outside a fourth-floor classroom.

Weekend Downpours Expected as Typhoon No. 7 Looms

Heavy rain is expected across a wide area of Japan this weekend, with western Japan facing cloudy and rainy conditions on June 19 and Kyushu likely to see torrential rain and thunderstorms before rain clouds move eastward toward eastern Japan and Tohoku through June 21.

Volcanic Alert Raised Ahead of Hokkaido Hiking Sesson

The eruption alert level for Mount Tokachidake in Hokkaido was raised to Level 2 on June 18 for the first time in 12 years, prompting authorities to restrict entry within 1.5 kilometers of the crater and close parts of hiking trails just days before the mountain’s official opening for the summer climbing season.

Bears Growing More Aggressive in June and July

Bear attacks and sightings are increasing across Japan, with multiple people injured on June 17 and experts warning that bears are becoming more accustomed to human environments, potentially leading to more dangerous and unpredictable encounters in the years ahead.

Supreme Class Debuts on Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen

JR Central and JR West on June 17 announced pricing and service details for the new private-room seating that will be introduced on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen from October, creating a new top-tier class above the existing Green Car service.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         
MORE Sports NEWS

Japan Arrives In Monterrey For Tunisia Match On June 21

Japan's national soccer team arrived in Monterrey, Mexico, after holding a mostly closed training session near Nashville, Tennessee, on June 18 as it prepares for a key Group F match against Tunisia on June 20 local time, or June 21 in Japan, at Monterrey Stadium.

Japan Prepare for Tunisia Clash as Kubo Undergoes Rehabilitation

Japan's national team continued preparations on June 17 for its World Cup Group F match against Tunisia, holding a largely closed training session near Nashville, Tennessee, ahead of the June 20 fixture, which will be played on June 21 Japan time.

Japan Eyes Knockout Berth Boost Against Tunisia in Dallas

When Japan faces Tunisia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, at 1 p.m. local time on June 20 (3 a.m. Japan time on June 21), the Samurai Blue will have an opportunity to take a major step toward the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Tunisia vs Japan: both sides need a win

On June 21, the teams from Africa and Asia will face off on Matchday 2 of the group stage at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico.

How to Spot Value Bets in Football: The Skill That Separates Winners From Losers

Value betting is the conceptual foundation of every profitable long-term sports wagering strategy.

U.S. Open Golf Props: Hideki Matsuyama and Other Players to Watch

The U.S. Open returns to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club from June 18 to June 21, 2026, bringing one of golf's most demanding tests back to a venue known for rewarding discipline and precision.

Royals Watch Japan-Netherlands World Cup Together

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako watched Japan's opening FIFA World Cup match against the Netherlands together with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, highlighting the close ties between the Japanese Imperial Family and the Dutch Royal Family.

Japan and Netherlands Share Points in Thrilling 2-2 World Cup Opener

Japan and the Netherlands played to a 2-2 draw in their opening Group F match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on June 14, with the Samurai Blue twice coming from behind to earn a valuable point against one of the tournament's traditional powers.