Looking Back

I met Marii while we were both working at a sushi bar owned by Japanese sushi chef Miki Izumisawa. We were both surfers, but I had no idea how accomplished Marii was until Miki suggested I interview her. The piece was later published in DYLA Magazine, the online publication I launched after college. Looking back on it now, what stands out is how naturally Marii balanced competitive surfing, motherhood, and travel, even while stepping back into contests after having her daughter.

I’ve run into Marii a few times since then, including in San Miguel, Mexico, where she was still all smiles as usual. She now runs a surf guide business for Japanese travelers visiting California and Mexico, which fits her perfectly. What feels especially surreal is reading this interview now and seeing references to her daughter as a baby. Today, her daughter is a teenager who competes, wins trophies, and follows in her mother’s footsteps. The interview captures a moment before that next generation arrived in the lineup.

Marii, you just had a recent win in Japan, congratulations! Tell us about your win.

まりい、最近の日本での優勝おめでとう！その優勝について教えて。

It’s been three years since I last surfed the JPSA (Japan Professional Surfing Association) tour.It was the 2nd event of the season at Kamogawa, Chiba Japan. It was a cold and rainy day. My old roomate “Kiyoko” was there to help me watch my 2 years old daughter. The waves were small and inconsistent. But I always got the best waves in every heat I surfed. It was funny Because, I won this contest six years ago in the same situation except my daughter was there to see.

３年ぶりにJPSAツアーに復帰しました。千葉の鴨川で行われた２戦目で優勝したんだけど、その時は寒くて雨が降ってました。昔のルームメイトである「きよこ」が応援に来てくれて２歳になる娘の面倒を見てくれました。波は小さくて波数が少なかったけど毎ヒート、ベストな波に乗れた。おもしろいことに娘が大会会場にいたこと以外、６年前も同じシチュエーションでこの大会で優勝したことがある。

Let’s get some background info on you:

Where in Japan are you from?

出身は日本のどこ？

I’m from Aichi. Central east coast of main island.

愛知県。本州の東側の真ん中。

When did you start surfing?

いつサーフィンをはじめたの？

I started surfing when I was 16 years old. My Dad started his surf shop call “Doors” at that time.１６歳のとき。父が「ドアーズ」というサーフショップをはじめたのがきっかけ。

“How did you know that you wanted to compete?

大会に出るようになったのはなぜ？

When I just started, I saw my Dad compete at a local contest. I thought he is so cool!

はじめたばかりのころ、父が地元の大会にでてて、「かっこいいじゃん」って思ったから。

What places have you traveled to?

行ったことある場所は？

Indonesia（Bali, West Java ,South Smatra ,Mentawaii islands）, Australia, Brazil, England, Mexico, and Hawaiian Islands

インドネシア（バリ、ウエストジャワ、サウススマトラ、メンタワイ）オーストラリア、ブラジル、イギリス、メキシコ、ハワイ

What are your favorite places?

お気に入りの場所は？

I really love Bali, I used to go there often.

バリが大好き、よく通ってた。

What kind of waves do you prefer?

好きな波は？

Head to couple feet over head, rippable waves, rights and lefts.

頭から頭半のリップしやすい波。レギュラー、グーフィーどっちも。

What size boards do you ride?

ボードのサイズは？

5’5-5’7