Surfer Mirai Ikeda, 18, of K’s Project, will kick off her season at the WSL QS2000 Hamamatsu Open, taking place from May 13 at Nakatajima Beach in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture.
A native of Omaezaki, Shizuoka, Ikeda graduated from high school in March and is entering her new chapter as a professional surfer. On starting the season in her home waters, she said: “I want to showcase the surfing I’ve built up in front of everyone who has always supported me. I’ll give my all to display my unique riding and show my growth throughout this competition.”
Ikeda has already secured a spot on the Japanese team for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya (September 19 – October 4), which marks the event’s return to Japan after 32 years. Winning the Asian Games would earn her a ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, making it a pivotal event. Viewing this season’s opener as a “stepping stone,” Ikeda added: “While I’m focused on the results of this event, I want to treat it as an important step for leveling up ahead of the Asian Games in September.”
Ranked second among Japanese women in the world rankings, Ikeda made her debut on the elite Championship Tour last season.
