A long Golden Week holiday period had just ended the previous day.
Not surprisingly, Tsurigasaki Beach wasn't crowded with spectators on Tuesday, the final day of the inaugural Japan Open of Surfing, which was organized by the Nippon Surfing Association. But when the sport makes its Olympic debut here at next year's Summer Games, the view is expected to be much different: full of spectators and with a more entertaining setup.
And many of the elite Japanese surfers are thrilled to potentially have a chance to showcase their skills in it.