He’s an Australian-Japanese pro surfer who’s been making waves both in the water and on social media. With over 70,000 followers on Instagram, he shares a mix of thrilling surfing videos and heartwarming family moments that really showcase his life journey. Before all the fame, though, it was his parents who first introduced him to the surf culture. They took him on regular surfing trips as a kid, and he even tagged along to his mom’s competitions, soaking up the atmosphere from a young age.
Every year, he’d return to Japan for about two months, spending most of his time around Kunitachi in Tokyo—where his grandparents lived. Those visits weren’t just about family; they also gave him a chance to connect with his Japanese roots. Occasionally, he’d make the trip out to the Shonan region in Kanagawa Prefecture, where he’d catch some waves and get in more surf time.
Born and raised in Cronulla, a coastal suburb in southern Sydney, he grew up surrounded by surf culture. His mother, Akemi, wasn’t just any surfer—she was a champion professional surfer in Japan. She made history in 1985 by winning the Japan Pro Surfing Association’s Grand Champ title, and later in 1992 was named Surfin Life Female Surfer of the Year. His dad, Finbar, was also passionate about surfing. The two met back in the 1980s at a pro event in Australia, which really set the stage for their son’s future in the sport.
As for his personal life, he tied the knot in 2021, marking a new chapter outside the lineup. Being an Australian-Japanese pro surfer has clearly shaped his identity, blending two cultures through the universal language of surfing. And whether he’s riding waves or sharing moments online, he continues to inspire fans across the globe.
He decided to add the Japanese flag alongside the Australian one, which has already been part of his uniform, as a meaningful way to honor both countries this season on the World Surf League Championship Tour. It’s a small but powerful gesture, showing how much both nations mean to him. He wants to carry that representation with pride throughout the tour, and it’s clear that he feels deeply connected to both cultures. This year, he’s not just competing for himself—he’s representing something bigger, and he knows every time he paddles out, he’s doing it with the spirit of both nations behind him.