Skateboard in Japan: The Ultimate Guide!

Like all sports, using a skateboard can be a mixed bag, depending on where you are in the world. In the US, skateboarding is widely accepted, with its existence and style being fully incorporated into everyday life, from cartoons and video games to music and fashion.

In Japan, however, skateboarding is still gaining recognition as a fun and positive pastime. Luckily for all skateboarding enthusiasts across the country, skateboarding culture has undergone tremendous positive change in Japan over the past few years, which holds great promise for its future.

Skateboarding Has Been Generally Frowned Upon In Japan

A devil-may-care attitude and freedom have always characterized skateboarding and the culture that surrounds it. Skateboarding involves riding a board through public spaces and turning the environment into an obstacle course. Over the years, this act has been subject to criticism. Handrails, parking lots, and accessibility ramps weren’t built for people to ride or grind on. As the culture evolved, it adopted loose-fitting clothing, casual slang, and a punk-inspired style. Eventually, skateboarding became closely tied to punk culture.

In Japan, such a counterculture attitude is not welcomed. This isn’t to say that Japan hasn’t had its own share of counterculture movements, such as the bosozoku movement from the 1970s and 1980s. However, the rebellious air of skateboarding still exists, too far outside the realm of public acceptance. Skating in public can be disruptive to other people. 

The act of skating can result in personal injury and public defacement. Moreover, some people might see skateboarding in a public space as disruptive. A skater’s loose, bold clothing also contrasts sharply with typical fashion. Some people don’t want to see someone speeding by on a board, shattering the quiet of the neighborhood. There’s also the risk of a stray board hitting something. In Japan, skateboarding quickly earns disapproving looks—and sometimes a call to the police.

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Recent Olympic Performances Have Started to Change The Public Perception of Skateboarding

It was in the 2021 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo that saw the first true sign of acceptance for skateboarding in Japan. Athletes Momiji Nishiya, Fuma Nakayama, and Yuto Horigome all earned medals in the sport, representing Japan well. However, it was more than just a few good performances that began to change the public perception of skating in Japan, though. 

It was the sight of several competitors holding Okamoto Misugi on their shoulders in an incredible display of sportsmanship that helped show people what the underlying culture was really about. It isn’t strictly about winning or being the best at the sport. It’s about celebrating another competitor’s exceptional skill or daring feats. It’s about showcasing the love for the sport as a whole and keeping it full of positivity. In Japan, where performance and success are paramount, it’s a significant culture shock to be congratulated for simply doing one’s best, even if one’s efforts fall short.

With the recent surge in interest and appreciation for skating in Japan, several changes have been made across the country, making it easier than ever to skate. Dedicated parks have been built to provide skaters with a safe space to practice without fear of police retribution.

Local stores have opened, offering gear and services and creating jobs for many people. There’s even a dedicated skate school in Tokyo, Vantan Design High School, that focuses on creativity over grueling workloads. But most importantly, it’s the acknowledgment of the camaraderie and teamwork in the sport that has done the most good for skating in Japan.

Why should you care about skateboarding culture in Japan?

Skateboarding still has a long way to go in Japan before it becomes as accepted as it is in the United States. In the U.S., skaters like Tony Hawk achieved celebrity status at their peak. During the late 90s and early 2000s, skate culture was everywhere. Many kids dreamed of becoming the next X Games star.

In Japan, however, it’s one small step at a time. It’s essential that the culture remains respectful of Japanese laws and does not devolve into delinquency. But as long as positive change is at the forefront of the movement, there’s no telling just how far it will go. Countless kids can be the sport’s next great stars, simply waiting for their big chance.

Dedication to the sport, adherence to local policies, and respect for others are essential for skating to be more widely accepted across Japan. Do you like skateboarding? What are your thoughts on skating across Japan? Do you think it’ll take off? Please let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter.

Cited Sources

• Tokyo Weekender. “Dos and Don’ts of Skateboarding in Japan“.
• Japan National Tourism Organization. “Skate, Grind, Thrash: The Growing Popularity of Skateboarding in Japan“.
• Olympics. “How Japan came to dominate skateboarding like no other“.
• Sabukaru. “Skating in Tokyo – Understanding a Complex World“.