Japan’s boating industry vies for younger participants

Like its counterparts in the US and Europe, Japan’s recreational boating industry is trying to attract young people and women into the sport by focusing on services and events that focus on experiences rather than goods, like boat sharing.

In March, the Japan Marine Industry Association (JPIA) organised for the first time a seminar featuring boat fishing lectures for women and a study session on ways to enjoy rides on small inflatable boats, during its annual international boat show. JPIA hopes to double the number of individuals participating in leisure marine activities over the next 10 years.

Yamaha Motor Company has been offering its Sea-Style Jet rental service for PWCs since 2013. Around half of its 22,000 members are in their 30s or younger, with a rising number of women. Under the program, members can cruise, fish and engage in other recreational marine activities at 20 marinas across Japan.

“I want to create opportunities for more people to go out to sea,” Yasuhiro Murasawa of Yamaha’s marine business division told the Japan Times. The company is targeting increased activities catering to beginners.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism also launched its ‘C to Sea Project’ in 2017 to back industry efforts to familiarise children and young people with boating. The ministry hopes disseminating information through the internet will help stimulate interest in boating and related activities.