Rising Up: Miyu Oishi

From first strapping into a snowboard at 20 to taking home the YETI Rookie Award at The Uninvited, Miyu Oishi is proving it’s never too late to fall in love with snowboarding.

Miyu Oishi, one of Japan’s most stylish and exciting up-and-coming riders, took home the YETI Rookie Award at this year’s The Uninvited. With impeccable style, a playful approach to riding, and a humble mindset, she’s already shown why she’s one to keep an eye on.

But what makes her journey even more remarkable is that Miyu didn’t strap into a snowboard until she was 20 years old. Growing up skateboarding in Chiba, Japan, it’s easy to see how her passion for skateboarding has influenced her playful approach to riding.

We caught up with Miyu to learn more about her journey into snowboarding, what it meant to compete at The Uninvited, and why it’s never too late to strap in.

Hi Miyu, and first of all, congratulations on an incredible showing at The Uninvited and taking home Rookie of the Year. To start, would you like to tell us a little bit about yourself: where in Japan you’re from, how you got into snowboarding, and what first made you fall in love with it?
I’m from Chiba, Japan, where there aren’t any mountains with snow. I started skateboarding when I was 18, and when I was 20, I went snowboarding for the first time with some of my skateboard friends. At the time, I remember thinking, “This is easier than skateboarding and so much fun!” After that, I kept going snowboarding more and more, and before I knew it, I was completely hooked. 

Who were some of your biggest inspirations growing up?
When I was a kid, or more like when I first started snowboarding, I watched a street video of Jill Perkins, and I remember thinking, “Wait, snowboarding can do that?! She is so cool. I want to ride like her.” I clearly remember feeling that really strongly. 

Japan has such a strong snowboard culture. What was it like growing up there, and how has Japan shaped the way you approach snowboarding?
I started snowboarding when I was 20, so at first I didn’t really know much about snowboard culture. But I really enjoyed riding every day, and through that I met a lot of friends and people I can call my crew. I also learned about different ways of thinking and different styles from many people, and my world completely changed. Thanks to that, I truly feel I’ve had an amazing life. I genuinely love snowboarding, snowboarders, and everything about it from the bottom of my heart.

Do you feel like there’s a different mindset or style that Japanese riders bring into snowboarding?
I think Japanese people have a really strong sense of fashion and style, and I honestly think it’s really cool!

How did it feel to ride your first Uninvited finals and take Rookie?
Honestly, I didn’t think I would win, so I was really surprised. I’m so happy, and I’m truly grateful from the bottom of my heart.

What was the best part of the competition? What was the most challenging part?
I met so many people, and I received so much energy, inspiration, and happiness from everyone. Because of that, I fell even more in love with snowboarding and felt like I wanted to get even better. 

It was really hard to ride at full power for three days in a row. I used too much energy in the qualifiers, and I couldn’t give 100% in the finals.

What did this event mean to you, being part of this group of riders?
If my riding can give even a little bit of energy, inspiration, or happiness to someone, or help them feel how fun snowboarding is, that would make me happier than anything.

You rode against some of the best women in the world at The Uninvited. Was there anyone you were especially excited to ride with?
My favorite Jill Perkins. Meeting her was also one of my dreams.

As women’s snowboarding keeps growing around the world, what does it mean to you to be part of this new generation of riders?
If I’m already part of that, I want to keep being there by continuing to enjoy snowboarding and riding with a smile from now on.

And finally, what’s next for Miyu Oishi? Where do you want to take your snowboarding next?
I want to snowboard not only in Japan, but in many different countries, meet a lot of people, get inspired by them, and broaden my perspective. I also want to share the fun of snowboarding with as many people as possible.