Ikeda Miku, an 18-year-old surfer from the K’s Project team, is set to kick off her season at the WSL QS2000 “Hamamatsu Open” held from May 13 at Nakatajima Beach in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture.
Born in Omaezaki, Shizuoka, and a recent high school graduate this March, Ikeda enters a new chapter as a professional surfer. Commenting on starting the season in her home waters, she said, “I want to show the surfing I’ve built up in front of everyone who has supported me. I’ll give it my all to display my unique riding and present a growth through this competition.”
Ikeda has already been selected as a representative for the Asian Games, which will be held in Aichi and Nagoya from September 19 to October 4—the first time Japan hosts the event in 32 years. Winning the Asian Games would secure a spot for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, making it a crucial milestone. Viewing this season’s opener as a stepping stone, she stated, “While focusing on the result of the Hamamatsu Open, I want to make it an important step to further improve myself ahead of the Asian Games in September.”
Last season, Ikeda ranked second among Japanese women in the world standings and made her debut on the elite Championship Tour. She now aims to build on that experience and use the Hamamatsu Open as a platform to refine her skills.
The Hamamatsu Open runs from May 13 to 17 at Nakatajima Beach. Alongside Ikeda, notable participants include Shino Matsuda and Hiroto Ohara. The Asian Games surfing events will take place at Pacific Long Beach in Tahara, Aichi Prefecture.
