Terry Ito Column Vol.41 Meeting the legendary Shonan surfer

When I'm at home in Kamakura, I try to get up early and take a walk. It's become a routine for me to walk from my house via Shichirigahama Station along National Route 134. Once I'm on the coast, I can see the waves for the day. "Good waves" is a term surfers often use. That day, the vintage Honda Super Cub of legendary Shonan surfer ISHII (77 years old) was parked at Inamuragasaki Park. He traveled all the way from Yokosuka, passing through Sashima, Hayama, Zushi, Zaimokuza, and Yuigahama to reach Inamuragasaki. He had a box decorated with wire and a shortboard mounted on his customized Cub. Due to a chronic hernia, he even modified his boat's fins for special use. Even on rainy days, if the waves are good, he'll come out anytime. He always travels alone, never in groups, and after encountering five or six good waves, he returns to Yokosuka. It's no wonder that a man like him is the subject of much rumor. I've seen Kabu in the park before, but it's been quite difficult to meet him in person, since he's always out on the waves. Despite the distance, I finally got to meet him after a long time.

The conversation began like this: "Terry, it's been a while. It was good to see you. Actually, I'm having hernia surgery tomorrow, so I thought I'd go and catch some waves before then." I was surprised. Normally, the day before surgery, one would rest at home. When I asked, "How are you feeling without being at home?", he replied calmly, "Going into the ocean is my rehabilitation," and looked out at the waves offshore. Truly a legendary man. His spirit is different from my soft, city-dwelling self. He gives the impression of being more of a wandering lone wolf than a surfer, but he also has an international side, visiting his daughter who lives in Seattle. There's an anecdote that reveals ISHII's personality. At a memorial service for a fellow surfer who had passed away, he went to the ocean in Inamura and played the classic "Amazing Grace" on the saxophone.

It is said that Shonan's surfers are getting older, but getting into the ocean is still fun and inexpensive. If you have a wetsuit, you can go even in winter. Once you get out of the water, there are public baths and day spas. You can also enjoy delicious shirasu donburi (whitebait rice bowls). There are also plenty of surfboard rental shops. Even if you're not a good surfer, just getting on your board and looking at Mt. Fuji will make you feel good. The waves at Kamakura Yuigahama are calm, making it perfect for beginners. In the summer, surfing lessons for elementary school students are also held.

Let's get back to ISHII. We somehow hit it off during a quick chat, and we've promised to meet again at the end of this month in Yokosuka. He's apparently going to show me some hidden spots that tourists don't know about. Knowing him, it's bound to be some really strange spots, but he's a wanderer, so there's no way he'll show me expensive places. I wonder what kind of people I'll meet? It's going to be endless fun!

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry