West Australian photographer, Adam Serra, is hooked on shooting the waves and culture of this vibrant, Japanese city.
Miyazaki is a small city on Japan’s southeastern coast that feels a little like the love of Margaret River and Byron Bay – chilled, scenic, and surf-focused. When I first arrived over 20 years ago, I was straight off the plane from a stint in Bali and hit six-to-eight-foot, uncrowded perfection. I was hooked on the place from the get-go.
Some of you might remember Miyazaki as the site of one of pro surfing’s most fabled sessions, back in 1992. As the ASP contest went down at Kisakihama, Tom Curren, Tom Carroll and Kelly Slater grappled with thick, grinding 15-foot typhoon surf at nearby Uchiumi. The session, which featured prominently in Tracks, helped a young Kelly earn big-wave cred’ amongst his peers, while the wave was re-named Curren’s Point in honour of Tom’s mythical surfing in that swell.
Driving down the coast in Miyazaki, you can’t help but notice how many set-ups there are. On their day, they absolutely pump. Over the years, I have picked up bits of the language – enough to navigate local conversations – but you really learn from immersion when it comes to surfing here.
The editor asked me to elaborate on a few themes topics. Hopefully, the photos and words below help give you an insight into an eclectic surf town with deep roots in the fishing industry.
Two like minded local fisherman take a break during lunch.Yakuza myths and truths
The ‘full Yakuza’ image — tattoos, sunglasses, hanging under beach umbrellas — is largely an urban stereotype. Out in country Japan, it’s more about tightly-knit groups and local codes, a sense of hierarchy and respect that governs behaviour rather than intimidation.
Locals only, respect, and surf etiquette
Back in the day, before online shopping, surfers shopped at just one surf store, and ...
