Freedom needs no translation with Toshiki Yamane
INTERVIEW Alba & Stella
Photos Craig Robinson
Not so much for small talk, or maybe we were just lost in translation… Either way, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to highlight Toshiki’s talent and effortless style straight from the effervescent Japanese powder. And the truth is, it doesn’t take much to get a glimpse of his lively, fun and passionate personality.
Hi Toshiki! Where do you exactly come from?
I’m from Fukuoka in Japan’s south island.
How and when did you get into snowboarding?
When I was 12, I did karate. My friends snowboarded and they were already good at it, so when I saw them, I was like “Wow! So cool!”. After a few months, my friends took me to a ski resort in Hiroshima in January. I still remember it, it was when I felt “free” for the first time in my life. That was the first time I went snowboarding.
Who is your favorite rider and why?
My favourite rider is Ethan [Morgan]. He has a great style, of course, but when I ride with him he always brings up something new. It’s so exciting!
What does snowboarding mean to you?
Deep and dope.
You ride with your little crew called Fight for Liberty. What’s the story behind the name?
It’s not so much of a crew but a group of people sharing the same sentiment. The words we found from despair. But I trust that the world can be a good place for everyone.
What’s best about the Japanese snowboard scene?
I can’t choose just one thing, but I wanna say powder!
What is your favorite trick?
Front3 and Front1080
Would you ever want to do a season somewhere outside Japan? If so, where and why?
Europe because it has so many big mountains.
What does a perfect day for Toshiki feel like?
When I take my first breath in the mountain, I know if it’s going to be a perfect day or a bad day.
What do you usually eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
Bread and yogurt for breakfast, for lunch, I’ll just grab whatever, but not much. And for dinner I almost always choose heavy food.
And finally, what are your top 5 songs to listen to when snowboarding?
- Gezan: Ageha
- Zion I: Ride
- Linkin Park: Given Up
- Tha Blue Herb: Bossizm
- Amelie Lens: Addicted To Bass
