Many of Hawai'i's best longboard surfers have participated in China Uemura's Longboard Surfing Classic over the past 20 years.

This year, some of Japan's best will join the mix.

An extra day of competition has been added to China Uemura's 21st Annual Longboard Surfing Classic to accommodate the Japan Pro Surfing Tour.

The event will feature four days of competition next week at Kuhio Beach, Waikiki: an open pro-am division on July 21; the Japan Pro division on July 22; and age-group amateur divisions on July 23 and 24.

The contest is run by Hono-lulu's China Uemura, a former national longboard surfing champion.

"It's the first time in history that the Japanese are coming to Hawai'i to run a pro contest," Uemura said. "So it's a big thing for them."

Uemura said one of his goals this year is to create friendships between the Hawai'i and Japan surfers.

"It's about two cultures coming together," he said. "And they can make friends and help each other out when they travel for contests in the future."

Uemura said he expects around 60 pros from Japan to participate in the contest. Another 20 or so officials from the Japanese tour will also make the trip.

The essence of the contest is still the amateur divisions. Around 300 surfers are expected to enter, ranging from the menehune division (ages 13 and younger) to the legends (60 and older).

"It just kept growing over the years and now 300 is the cut-off point," Uemura said.

All surfers must ride surfboards that are between 9 and 10 feet long.

Entry fee for the amateur divisions is $35. In keeping with Uemura tradition, all proceeds will go to charities.

For information, call 833-9406.