PJ:
In Japan when I was surfing there sometimes I
would see a lot of dead fish and dolphins in the
water, and for me it was hard to breath. Is it
polluted there? I was in Chiba a lot.
MS: Yeah. Chiba is close
to Tokyo so there's dirty water there. But my
place is not dirty.
PJ:
So the water is a different color? What color?
MS: My place is clear. Chiba
looks dirty and dark, the beach has black sand
so it looks very dark.
PJ:
Do you think people in Japan take care of the
environment or do they need to be more careful?
MS: Yeah. More careful.
Maybe after the war people didn't care too much.
But now they care. They are getting better.
PJ:
I heard in Japan people get their car rigged specially
for surfing. They have navigation systems that
plug into surf reports. Do you have that and do
you simply type in requests and find the waves?
MS: I just have a cell phone
with information that I'm always checking. I think
most Japanese surfers have a specialized surfing
car. Bucket, water jug, hot shower...and everything
is clean and perfect.
PJ: I remember in Japan
I liked how they had vending machines that you
could get hot coffee or beer in a can. Do they
still have them?
MS: Automatic drinking?
Yeah yeah. Still selling beer and cigarettes.
PJ: Is smoking still really
big in Japan?
MS: Yes, my mom smokes too.
PJ: I remember everyone
smoking after they went surfing.
MS: Before surfing they
smoke, and then go surfing and come back and smoke.
CHARGE!! Very crazy. (She makes smoking motions.)
PJ: Your dad owns a surf
shop in Japan. We hear it has an interesting name.
Could you tell us about that?
MS: (Laughter) My Dad's
surf shop called Doors,
like the band. My daddy likes The Doors.
PJ: So he called the surf
shop after the band?
MS: Yes.
PJ: That is funny.You've
mentioned that your mom doesn't like the beach
too much. What did she think about you becoming
a surfer?
MS: Hmm. Um, I don't know
really. But she likes that I surf and that I am
in the contests.
PJ. Does she come and watch?
MS: No, just, she doesn't
like the beach. She likes too see me in the magazines.
PJ: Do you have a big family?
MS: Yep. My parents, my
twin sister, her name is Erii, and my young brother.
He is living in Australia for 4 years; he's learning
surfing and English.
PJ: We've heard that you're
getting married soon. Who's the lucky guy?
MS: (Laughter) He is!! (Points
to steve) He is the lucky guy!! I think so!! Just
kidding. I am lucky!! (Lots of laughter)
PJ: You've spent a good
amount of time in America. What are a few of the
differences between Japanese and American culture?
MS: There are many differences.
The first time I came here I was very surprised
about the foods. There are very big portions here...like
twice as much! When we go to the hamburger shop,
such a BIG hamburger and so many fried potatoes.
I can't finish it all! Never! Everything is big
here I think. The people are different, very friendly
here. Ah yeah, I like it.
Marii Sugiura
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