What got you into skateboarding?
Back when I was in sixth grade I watched 411video with my big brother who skated at the time and checked the World Report section on Japan. Then I saw Shin Okada`s skating part. Seeing a Japanese skater ripping really inspired me and that`s when I started borrowing my brother`s skateboard. I got hooked on skating ever since.

What board did you ride back then?
I loved wide boards. I remember riding mainly 23, Plan B, and Real boards.

Your first board?
Plan B Sal Barbier.

Who were the skaters that influenced you back then?
Without a doubt, Shin Okada. I even bought the same Airwalk shoes Shin used to wear.Outside of Japan, I liked Willy Santos.

Now you are a really good friends with Shin. How did you meet him?
Let`s see. After graduating highschool, I really wanted to move to Tokyo rather than go abroad to pursue skating.At the time, I looked up to New Type who represented the Tokyo skate scene.My dream was to hook up with Shin and Junnosuke so I decided to go to Tokyo.

By yourself?
Yep. I stayed at my friend`s house and worked part time in Tokyo. then I met Shin for the first time in Tamachi.I really skated hard that day and we got a long. After that, we started to hang out more and more.Then he started to help me out.

When was that?
When I was 18 years old. About 10 years ago.

Good and bad things about Tokyo and Fukushima.
Well, in Tokyo there are many skaters so if you go to any parks, you can always meet someone. In Fukushima, there are no parks. Also you see the same people all the time.Don`t get me wrong, skating with your homies is great but skate scene is not as big as in Tokyo so it`s tough.Also skating throght buildings in Tokyo is the best. It`s something that I`ve always dreamed about.I`m going to stay in Tokyo for a while.

Where does your motivation to skate come from?
I`m a skateboarder. I think about skating all the time. From the time I wake up, I want to go skate.The motivation is always there.

What`s your goal in your skating career?
My first dream was to become pro and also get into New Type. I`ve been featured in skate mags so slowly things are coming along..........

So what`s next?
After making my name in the industry, I could.......start up a company.....do something......well..... don`t know exactly what I want to do but for sure use my skills in the future. (laughs)

For sure it will lead to something in the future.
Yeah, to get a pro model is one goal. For sure within two years I have to get it in order to go to next step. Yeah for sure.....

Have you ever made it to the media abroad?
No, not yet. But for sure I`d like to think about making myself out there in the US.

Let me ask you about the Es S.K.A.T.E. contest in the US. You represented Japan. How far did you make it?
OK, there was a pro tournament. Before that there was a world preliminary tournament for amateurs.There were many skaters from other countries such as the US, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands......... and I won against an Australian skater, then beat an American skater. But in the semi final I lost to another American skater.
I almost won the tournament.

Wow. what trick did lose to?
It was......a back side big-spin flip.

What did you think about your skateing level in the world?
My skill is not up to the top level but I learned that if you have a solid stock trick, you can compete in that level. For example my kickflips and front flips really got the attention. Even Josh Kalis asked me to do them again.

That`s great. Good luck on your next contest.
I`ll do my best.

Do you play any other sports?
Nope. Only skateboarding.

Well, atheletes take care of their body a lot. Do you work out and eat healthy?
Can`t be picky with food cuz I`m poor. (laughs) But I work out my right ankle.It`s weak so when I am in the bath I move it and work out using a towel and rubber.

Do you also work?
I work part time at a skate shop.

Do you have enough time to skate?
Not much. But I`ll make more time for it. Now I skate twice a week.

What was the worst injury?
I sprained my right ankle badly. I was hurt for a year. Now when I get hurt, I always go see a doctor.

That`s why you work out your right ankle. Ok, what do you think about contests?
I like contests. I like the tense feeling before the run but more than that I enjoy the practice time.That`s when everyone is having super fun. All the contests in Japan are based on few-minute routine runs. But in other countries they also have contests on ledges and mannual boxes with good prize money. That can let skaters who are good in speacial areas shine instead of all around skaters winning all the time.I think by having contests based on certain terrain can lift the skate scene in Japan.

I think so, too. Do you think contest is important for young upcoming skaters?
Ofcource. To pick up sponsors.

Skateboarding has been accepted by society but how do you think the public sees skateboarding?
Some people see it as sport, some think it`s art. Others think of it as a past time activity. I think it`s art with some aspects of sports but with no rules.I hope the public sees skateboarding more from magazines and videos rather than contests.

Do you wish the public knew more about skateboard tricks such as main or switch tricks?
Well.....no. If they knew up to that level, it wouldn`t be right. It would be weird.If they see a picture of someone flying down a gap and thought it was cool without knowing whether it was done switch or not, I am fine with it.

When did you join Uniful?
The exact time is very unclear.I was previously sponsored by Aesthetics for a short period of time and next thing I knew I was already riding a Uniful board.

To survive in the industry you need to have skills but whatelse do you think is necessary?
I think the rider has to be marketable to support the sponsors. I think many riders in Japan just receive products from their sponsors but not really promoting them. For example, if I receive a deck from Uniful, the company has to sell 4 boards to make money. With 3,the company recovers the cost of my free board. It`s important to have that mentality in order to support the skateboard industry in Japan. Otherwise it will affect us. So I always keep track of the sales of my sponsor goods.

How do you learn new tricks?
In my case, I like to put together combo tricks from tricks that I already know. I also watch many videos.

Any last words?
I am super happy to ride for Uniful. I hope everyone can fulfill their dream from skating.