Interview with Amuro Tsuzuki

Let's learn more about Arimuji, who is making a leap forward as a WSL rookie in 2020!

Abanca Gracia Classic Surf Pro held in Spain on September 1, 2019. There, very few people knew the name Tsuzuki Amuro.

She was just one of the young Japanese athletes participating in this QS (Qualifying Series), and her ranking was low at 56th place.

However, at the final day on September 4th, Yumeji Tsuzuki came out victorious. She achieved the highest results as a Japanese woman, and achieved a feat that changed the history of Japanese surfing.

With this victory, she quickly rose to 8th place in the QS rankings, and was on the verge of qualifying for the CT (Championship Tournament), ultimately earning her a spot on the 2020 CT.

Last week, with less than a month left until the first CT race, I was able to interview her at Rip Curl's headquarters in Torquay, Australia.

Reporter: Mr. Arimuji, congratulations on qualifying for CT. First of all, please tell us about your background. Where is your home in Japan?

thank you. I get excited when I think about CT. My home is called Shonan and is located in Sagami Bay, Kanagawa Prefecture. (Born in: Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture)

Reporter: Did you practice surfing there?

Actually, there are not many good waves in Sagami Bay. So when I wanted to surf, I had to drive to another location. I first started practicing surfing when I was 10 years old in a place called Chiba. I usually practice there. It takes about 2 hours by car from Shonan.

Reporter: When did you start competing?

It's been a year since I started surfing. I played in my first match when I was 11 years old. I immediately fell in love with surfing, and I also became interested in the sport. That's why I actively participated in matches and taking on the QS challenge was a natural progression. Since then, I've wanted to go on a world tour.

Reporter: I would like to ask you about last year's competition, but with only one victory you were able to reach the World Tour. (actually 2 wins)

That's right. I didn't have very good results in the match. I tried hard, but I couldn't get any results. However, last year, we won in Europe and it suddenly blossomed. I thought it would be impossible to qualify, but I realized that I had no choice but to change my mind and keep trying hard. Anyway, a lot of things happened last year that seemed to explode.

Reporter: How are you preparing for CT?

Of course I'm ready. I don't feel any anxiety. I'm just excited. On tour, I want to experience waves, travel, and gain new experiences and learning. I would like to try surfing at Jeffreys Bay soon. There are many parts of the CT game that I haven't experienced yet, so I want to ride the wave and gain as much experience as possible before the match.

Reporter: You are the only Japanese woman to qualify for the WSL Championship Tour. Did you make any news locally? Did you feel the attention you received in the ocean and the reaction from the media?

A lot of things happened locally. It was on the news and I heard some surprising things. Maybe it's because he's participating in the Olympics. But I don't care, I'm just so happy right now.

Reporter: Who is the player on CT that inspires you? Which fighter do you think will get you excited?

I respect Taylor Wright. She has a unique style and a stable stance. People often say that my bone structure resembles hers. It would be an honor to compete with her on the 2020 tour.

Reporter: Please tell us your future goals.

Is it a goal? I achieved my dream of participating in the World Tour, so my next big goal is to become the World Champion. I will do whatever it takes to become the first Japanese female world champion.

Congratulations to Yumeji Tsuzuki for qualifying. Let's all support Ariyumeji who will be active in the 2020 CT!

(Yuyumeji Tsuzuki is the second Japanese woman to enter CT.Somiyuki Ono has already entered CT in ASP, the predecessor of WSL.)