Chris: About one month ago, I started surfing when my coworkers at the town hall taught me. The first time I caught a wave, I felt something that I never experienced before and I felt liberated. It was like getting wings. I also connected with the surfing residents and shop owners with surfing as a common point. I am glad I started surfing so I can meet these people. I first came to Ichinomiya with a 1-year contract, but I am really glad that I was able to come here. I want to try my best at my job and express the charms of Ichinomiya along with surfing.

Ben: I just opened a store in Tokyo so lately I have been going to Tokyo more often. Although there is the high-paced stimulating city life in Tokyo, I prefer the relaxing and refreshing pace of life in Ichinomiya. I am trying to run an order-made surfboard shop where the commuting surfers can see their shaper’s face, but I also want to start teaching interview English to the younger surfers. I feel like raising the English level of young Team Japan by the amount of Japanese surfers entering the world stage would be an ideal goal. Anyways, I am satisfied with my private and professional life so I feel like living in Ichinomiya was a good thing.