Our journey to Japan Last year was a trip that I’ll never forget. We traveled all over the island and saw everything from the lush green farm fields that blanketed the southern tip of Japan, to the dense inner city of Shibuya Tokyo. Although we were only there for a couple short weeks we were able to do a 9 State Tour w/ a bunch of the dudes from Fukuoka and spend some time in Tokyo w/ Marco. The weather was so bloody humid the entire time, that we all became accustomed to carrying around a towel everywhere. We’re going to have to plan another tour in Japan next year.
Photo Credit : Zane Meyer (Above)
Photo Credit : Seitaro Iki (Below)
I’ve been playing catch up, and posting up some photos that we shot a while back. Here’s one that Seitaro Iki took of me doing a tuck no hander while we were on tour in Fukuoka, Japan. Devon Lawson & I took a look at this heavily guarded pyramid spot a couple of times while we were there, but weren’t able to catch clips on it until our last day in Fukuoka. I don’t know what the deal is w/ spots in Japan, but they would never build anything like this here in the States.
Devon Lawson completely dominated the bunny hop contest at the 9 States Jam by clearing 100cm (1meter). Which was completely mind blowing to me, I took one look at it and knew there was no way I was clearing it. He won the bunny hop contest, and I won the Jam, it was a dual WT finish, and a happy one at that. You can tell by the look on his face in the bottom shot. Head over Bob_Woods’ flickr to check out some of the other photos he took at the jam. Photos : Bob_Woods (top) / Froots (bottom)
Our journey to Japan for the 9 States Jam was by far the most exciting trip I’ve ever been on. I was real stoked to hang out and ride with everybody at the jam. I’m pretty sure we slapped a Wheel Talk sticker on every bike in the place. Not to mention laced everybody up with Breezy Excursion & Us Versus Them gear. It’s good to see that the Fixed Freestyle scene in Japan is alive and well. See more of the photos Bob_Woods took HERE. Photo Credit : Bob_Woods
Jaoa Danaikrit‘s unique style made him an instant stand out at the 9 States Jam in Japan. Throwing tricks like tailwhips, whiplashes, nose manual barspins, as well as some of the cleanest ice picks anyone has ever seen. Check out more of Bob_Woods’ photos from the jam HERE. Photo Credit : Bob_Woods
Earlier today I had a moment to sit down and talk with “the people’s champ” Devon Lawson about our upcoming trip to Japan. During our short conversation, he talked about how grateful he was to have this incredible opportunity, and how he mastered the art of elephant riding in the 2nd grade. He mentioned something about a basketball showdown he has lined up with Nao while we’re out there. It’s going to be a real clash of the titans as these two casanovas go head to head in a battle where the victor goes the spoils. We’re flying out in the morning, so we’ll see everyone out there soon.
It’s official, with the help of Chrome Industries & Rinng, the homie Ed Wonka was able to do some last minute planning and is now going to come with us to Japan later this month. During our stay we’ll be at Nine States Jam as well as doing a mini tour across the country. If you want to meet up with us while we’re there, shoot me a message HERE and I’ll keep you updated w/ our whereabouts. To everyone out in Japan, we’ll see you in the next few days.
On August 21st Devon Lawson and I (Matt Reyes) are flying out to Japan with Seitaro Iki to take part in a couple of events and do a 9 State tour across the country. We’ll be in Nagasaki at Koe Skatepark to ride in the Nine States Jam on August 25th 2013, and will be in Tokyo for the last few days of our trip. We’re both real stoked to be a part of this and check out the Fixed Freestyle scene outside of our own backyard. If you live out in Japan and want to ride with us, shoot me a message HERE and we’ll try to meet up sometime during our 2 week stay.