On March 11, 2025, it was officially announced by the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association (JLPG) the cancellation of the renowned "Fujisankei Ladies Classic" golf tournament, which was set to take place from April 23 to April 25, 2025, at the esteemed Kawana Hotel Golf Course located in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture. This sudden cancellation has sent ripples of disappointment throughout the Izu Peninsula, especially considering the event's long-standing history of over 40 years.
The Fujisankei Ladies Classic, known for its challenging course and significant draw, moved to the Kawana venue 20 years ago, becoming one of the key cultural events of the area. The timing of the tournament usually coincides with the cherry blossom season and precedes the popular Golden Week, representing valuable opportunities for local businesses and tourism.
According to reports from Yahoo! News, local hoteliers expressed their frustration following the news, highlighting the detrimental effects the cancellation has on tourism. A hotel representative noted, "The latter half of April, during the tournament period, is a valuable period between the cherry blossom season and Golden Week when tourists tend to stay," explaining how the cancellation led to successive booking cancellations.
Daniel, part of the Ito Onsen Ryokan Hotel Cooperative Association, indicated about 650 room reservations had typically been secured through the association annually for tournament staff, students, volunteers, and gallery members, making the event pivotal for local accommodations. He lamented, "Now I can't tell whether we can fill the rooms with just weeks left until the originally planned dates." The economic impact is exacerbated by the fact the previous year's tournament attracted around 6,565 attendees over three days, significantly contributing to local revenue through hotel stays and dining.
During the event, it was reported by TBS NEWS DIG, approximately 90% of hotel rooms were typically occupied by tournament officials and tournament-goers, reinforcing the event's role as a significant boost to the local economy. With locals still reeling from this cancellation, they voiced strong hopes for future tournaments. Tatsuya Kono, the mayor of Ito City, expressed his own disappointment during discussions with tournament management. "It’s unfortunate as the hosting city, but I ask the organizers to work on resolving various issues and fulfill their accountability for the next events," he stated. He, like many others, hopes next year will see the reinstatement of this beloved local fixture.
Yet, not everyone feels entirely optimistic. Several members of the accommodation sector noted they must "carefully determine whether to accept bookings for the tournament or not," as the uncertainty looms large over the local hospitality market. The impact of the cancellation could extend beyond immediate disappointments, affecting future interest and commitments to host the competition.
Reflecting on the history of the Fujisankei Ladies Classic, this event has grown from its inception to become integral to both the competitive golf scene and local custom, highlighting the bond between sport and tourism. The local economy has flourished from it, with thousands flocking to enjoy the beauty of the I'dzu Peninsula and the excitement of professional golf.
For many involved, including hotel staff, golf enthusiasts, local businesses, and officials, the hope remains for the tournament to return, bringing back not only the leisure of spectators but also the necessary financial influx it generates for the community. With officials now embarking on talks with the tournament’s organizers, local residents and stakeholders will be watching eagerly to see if future events can be secured and what measures could be undertaken to prevent such abrupt cancellations from occurring.
The cancellation of the Fujisankei Ladies Classic serves as more than just loss of sport but signifies the fragile nature of event-driven tourism. While the area has its charms, the dependency on such key events suggests more preventive measures are needed to safeguard local communities against future uncertainties.
While the voices of disappointment echo through the streets of Ito City, the potential rebirth of this cherished tournament serves as both a challenge and opportunity for all involved. Will future tournaments return as they did before, bringing fresh hope to the local tourism industry, or will the struggle to rebuild tourism continue to loom large over Izu Peninsula?