Trying to characterize modern Japanese culture is a challenge, even for the most astute observers.  Clearly, there is tremendous respect of the ancient traditions and rituals that were often borrowed from Chinese legends and lore.  But, today in Japan, we find that same cultural and national pride generously co-mingling with Western influences.  Politics, economics, fashion, and technology are just a few aspects of Japanese life that have adopted western ways.  Such an approach is not uncommon throughout the recent history of the island nation, as Japanese identity has generously integrated useful aspects of other cultures, not in an effort to usurp its ancient one, but, paradoxically, as a way to preserve and share it.  Conceptually, this is difficult for the western world to understand, and, yet, it has served the island nation well, in its efforts to bring the world to its homeland and thwart its isolationist tendencies evident throughout its history.  

Recently, the Japanese have adopted a well-known American sporting icon as a vehicle for the Japanese to continue their appeal to westerners, yet, at the same time, putting on  The FRISBEE™ is now capturing the attention of a critical mass of players throughout Japan, as evidenced by the growth of ultimate, disc golf, and Dodgebee.  But, as the Japanese have been known to do, they have taken their passion for this imported sporting icon and found a way to share it with the rest of the world.  Indeed, this year’s 2008 Japan Open Disc Golf Tournament is a great case in point, as Hero Disc has set the bar very high in its efforts to improve upon the event’s previous twelve incarnations.  Players from 11 different nations have noted the attention to excellence and will be converging on the island nation to compete, as well as commiserate, with their brethren (and sisters) of the sport.  The objective, as described by this year’s tournament director, John Ahart, is nothing short of an “all encompassing” Japanese experience.  their own spin to make it uniquely Japanese.

Launched in 1987 by Mr. Kozo Shimbo, the Japan Open began in the Tokyo neighborhood of Tachikawa Showa Kinen Park.  Real estate was (and continues to) be gained at a premium in this country, which meant that, while disc golf would be allowed on the much-used grounds, it had to be confined to a smaller area than many players are used to in the United States or Europe.  Safety concerns were the major reason why disc golf was played with “150-class” discs; this is a legacy that continues even today and seems to satisfy park managers' concerns.  (Trivia…Did you know that 150-class discs can legally weigh as much as 152 grams?)

Given the high usage and location of this government subsidized park in Tokyo, Mr. Kozo Shimbo was under pressure to conduct his growing event within the very restrictive time frame of 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.  And while the course was inherently shorter at Tachikawa, this still created a backdrop of anxiety for players, organizers, and fans to get the event concluded in time.  Added to the dynamic of Mr. Shimbo’s relationship with the park, was the fact that the event grew throughout the years.  After only a few tournaments, the Japan Open was forced to accommodate more-and-more players on the same minimal space during the same eight hour stretch.  This became increasingly challenging for Mr. Kozo Shimbo.

Eventually, Hero Disc’s influence on disc sports grew throughout Japan.  The Japan Open itself provided a great promotional event to bring, not just the Japanese, but the rest of the international players, all together to celebrate our great sport—Japanese style.  The growth of the Japan Open eventually outstripped Showa Park’s ability to host the event.  In addition to the tournament, Mr. Kozo Shimbo was also interested in conducting an event that could feature some of the wonderful hospitality and culture for which that the land of the rising sun is renowned.  This lead Hero Disc on a comprehensive search throughout nearby prefectures to find a venue that would meet the high standards Shimbo san expected of himself and his events.  The course was expected to be world-class, but the amenities too had to be worthy of the commitment and sacrifice international players endured while traveling to the island nation.  Their search eventually lead to the Nasushiobara resort (Nasu Highlands).