Will Japan’s stance on skateboarding change after Olympic wins?

Will Japan’s stance on skateboarding change after Olympic wins?

Skateboarding in Japan has always been a bit tough. Skaters want to be able to skate in public without feeling embarrassed. But will Japan’s stance on skateboarding change after Olympic wins?

Skateboarding is widely frowned upon in Japan, which should come as no surprise. As a sport that appears to use public spaces inappropriately, is generally fairly boisterous, and can cause property damage, it is pretty much everything that community-minded Japanese people dislike.

Historic Olympic victories

That may change now that Japanese skaters have won historic victories in Olympic Street Skateboarding. At the very least, Japanese pro skater Ryo Seijiri believes that the gold medal victories in the women’s and men’s finals by 13-year-old Momiji Nishiya and 22-year-old Yuto Horigome will inspire people to take a fresh look at the sport.

“I’m sure skateboarding has a terrible reputation since we do it in public and people perceive it as an inconvenience,” he said, “but I believe that will change now.” This could be the turning point in their thinking.”

Nishiya and Horigome weren’t the first Japanese skateboarders to compete in Street Skateboarding and win a medal. Funa Nakayama, 16, and Aori Nishimura, 19, both competed in the women’s tournament, with Nakayama taking home the bronze medal. Their victories, according to Seijiri, were “very heartwarming.”

Honing their skateboarding skills

I was deeply moved. We have a chance to win. We were able to demonstrate how skilled Japanese skaters are, as well as how mentally strong we are. These teens have been injured, and instead of hanging out and resting like other youngsters, they have spent countless hours after school perfecting their skateboarding. That’s the life they’ve lived, and I’m sure their lives will change now that they’ve won gold. It was an amazing moment.

However, while Seijiri is optimistic that people would come to accept the sport, average Japanese citizens are unconvinced that the recent victories will have any impact on public perception.

Skate parks in Japan

There are several skate parks in Japan, although they are more uncommon outside of the major cities, and they usually require an entrance fee, so they may not be accessible to everyone who wishes to participate in the activity. It’s natural that skateboarders annoy some people, but wouldn’t it be great if they could practice without fear of being judged?

With Japanese skateboarders vying for medals in the Park skateboarding event as well, the sport’s unfavorable reputation should be further reduced.

Tokyo after the Olympics

The legacy of the Olympics will not only (hopefully) leave more places to practice skateboarding in Tokyo and other cities in Japan. Some neighborhoods in Tokyo have gotten a complete face lift and the venues will be used by the public for a long time to come. Sports have been emphasized by Tokyo city for a long time, and that will only become stronger.

If you’re looking for a nice sporty tour in Tokyo, why not do a 20km bicycle tour with a local guide? By bicycle you can see even more of the city in one day then you can on foot, and in the warm summer months, it is a comfortable way to get around. And if you are really looking for something challenging, you may want to do a multi-day bicycle tour in the countryside near Tokyo.