Nanaka Fujisawa and Momohei Yabushita are both key figures in the world of Skateboarding, making their mark on the global stage.On April 27th and 28th, I served as an ambassador at the skateboarding event "UPRISING SPARK Supported by Rakuten", which was held at Minato no Mori Park in Kobe City, Chuo Ward.While capturing the thoughts and future vision of the two people about Skateboarding from their interviews, we continue to pass the baton to the next generation.

“Just keep riding no matter what. If you do that, you’ll definitely have fun.”

Nanaka Fujisawa and Momohei Yabushita, who have been involved with skateboarding since their childhood, have now become so proficient that they are active in various contests.First, let’s touch on these powerhouses who have achieved top rankings and medal wins in the event called “Skateboarding Street”.Fujisawa has been contributing to the skateboarding world, not only in terms of competition but also culturally, as a leading figure among female skaters in Japan.Despite his young age of 15, Yabushita has shown promise, including placing third in last year’s world-renowned amateur competition “Tampa AM”. His future prospects are considered promising.

Both agree that skateboarding is an irreplaceable presence.That’s because, “just by riding a skateboard, I was able to become friends with many people.”The reason for participating in “UPRISING SPARK Supported by Rakuten” was to let more people know about its charm.The two people who interacted with the children at the event had this to say.

Fujisawa: “I don’t often have the opportunity to teach someone how to skateboard, so I was happy to hear direct feedback like ‘it was fun’ or ‘I want to buy a deck’. Once again, I felt the importance of creating opportunities to actually get in touch with skateboarding.I believe it’s natural to associate skateboarding with fears of falling or painful experiences.But more than that, there is the joy of being able to do it and the fun of sliding with friends, which is really exciting. It would be nice if I could convey that effectively.”

Yabushita: “I think it’s a great thing that more kids are starting to skateboard.When I first saw a skateboard, the person riding it looked like they were having a lot of fun.For that simple reason alone, I started. As I continued, it gradually became more and more fun, and before I knew it, I was hooked.It may be difficult to ride well from the start, but if you keep trying and skate every day, just pushing if that’s all you can do, there will definitely come a time when you start to find it enjoyable. So, rather than just watching, I want you to try and start for now.”

“I want to be a person who is not afraid of change and always keeps growing”

The popularity of skateboarding in Japan is becoming certain with the spread of recognition.What can we do to further improve the environment?

Fujisawa : “When I first started skateboarding, even if I told my friends, they would ask ‘What is a skateboard?’It was something like that.Now, it has become an entity that many people know.From here on, I feel it’s necessary for you to deeply understand what skateboarding is and what makes it enjoyable. By doing so, wouldn’t we create a pleasant environment for each other?”

Yabushita:  “Hmm, I wonder what it is…… It’s pointless to complain about the noise of skateboards sliding, but I wish not only skaters but everyone would stop leaving garbage behind or tossing cigarette butts.”

Next, I asked what kind of growth they want to achieve through skateboarding.Reveal what’s in each person’s heart with real words.

Yabushita: “Honestly, I don’t really feel like an athlete, I just want to keep doing what I love as long as my body allows.Going to the chiropractor is also a hassle, so I just keep skating until it hurts.Therefore, I want to be strong in every sense, not just physically but mentally as well.Also, I’m not very good at speaking in interviews like this, so I want to improve.”

Fujisawa: “I guess I’m the type who thinks about body care.I’ve suffered quite a serious injury, and if it can be prevented, I want to prevent it.If you’re going to compete in a contest, there is a desire to improve your ranking.I want to keep being someone who can feel personal growth not only in skateboarding skills but also in humanity and ways of thinking compared to my former self.”

“The mark of a professional skater is their own board.I want to do my best to get my own board.”

In the past and now, among skaters, it is an unshakeable proof of a professional and a symbol, the “Signature Model”.Currently, Fujisawa is sponsored as an international rider by “Meow Skateboards” and uses their deck, while Yabushita is using a deck from “Pizza”.The desire to release one’s own pro board is strong, and above all, there are professional skaters who show respect in the future.

Fujisawa: “I was shocked when I saw Yoshiaki Toeda jumping over the stairs in Odaiba while watching a skate video called “ChattyChatty4” at a skate shop. Mr. Toeda is a bona fide professional whose signature model has been released from the San Francisco skate company “Western Edition”. I want to become a global skater like Mr. Toeda.”

Yabushita: “Wow, the person who I recently thought is too amazing is Patrick Plaman, whom I saw in a part last year. Since I’m sponsored by ‘REAL Skateboards’ and ‘New Balance Numeric’, I’ve started wearing New Balance skate shoes for now.”

Someday, to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the skaters I admire.Aiming for even greater heights, the powerful sound of bouncing off the ground echoes again today.

INTERVIEW&TEXT: Keisuke Honda
PHOTO: Hiromi Okubo
EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)