‘Even a stair or a pillar may have this historical background to it so when I go to shoot I have to think about it carefully.’
Haruki Yamada
May 2026
Which part of Japan do you represent and what is the local skate scene like?
My activities are mainly centered in Kyoto. Although it’s said to be a tough place to skate in, whenever I do shoots while skating street, I make sure to do it ninja style– with stealth. There’s some fun to be had in the difficulty of trying to get it in one cut.
Why is Kyoto a tough place to skate?
Kyoto especially has a lot of old buildings that have there been for a very long time thus giving some historical background. Even a stair or a pillar may have this historical background to it, so when I go to shoot I have to think about it carefully. That’s why when shooting within these tough circumstances and the skater is able to make the trick, the joy and elation that is felt is incomparable.
Assuming you started off skateboarding at what point did you move to photography?
I’ve always liked photography, more so after my mum gave me a camera and I used it to take pictures or capture shots of my skater friends. I realized that for me, it was a feeling close to skating, and I thought that I wanted to study it more so that I could take cooler pictures and capture different work.
Proudest moment as a photographer?
In April 2024, I was able to hold a photography exhibition in Hiroshima, which is where I’d been living for the last 3 years. My friends from not only within the prefecture, but also from cities outside of it all stopped by and made it a raging success. Of course, it’s not something that I did solely by myself, and it was thanks to the support of my friends around me that we were able to put the exhibition together.
What is the skate scene like in Hiroshima?
The skate scene in Hiroshima is pretty lit. Within the city there’s a lot of skate shops, each with their own differing styles which made shooting and skating really fun in general.
‘The one photographer who’s influenced me the most is Yoshimoto Masahiro’
What is Japan’s secret in producing so many talented skateboarders the past few years?
Well you know, it’s the fact that there’s this long history that’s been built up and passed on to us by our seniors, and I think the feeling of wanting to continue it and not let the flame die out has come pretty naturally. The times have changed since then, and the Olympics has also probably influenced the number of parks, and just the number of skaters in general.
Which skate photographer inspires you?
I can’t narrow it down to one person, but there’s a lot of cool photographers in Japan who I’ve had the privilege of being taught by. I’d say the one photographer who’s influenced me the most is Yoshimoto Masahiro, who lives in Osaka.
If you could shoot with any skater in the world, who would it be?
Again, it’s hard to narrow it down to only one person but I’d like to shoot with skaters who I’ve met on trips or skaters who have come to Japan. I want to continue to do sessions filled with love and mutual respect with a variety of skaters. I’d probably say Ben Gore then; he’s the same as me, a photographer as well as a skater, which I find cool.
What is on your wishlist?
The FUJIFILM 24mm lens and a photography job (laughing).
What do you do now for a living?
I’m already doing photography as a job, whether it’s shooting at concerts, festivals, or even elementary school excursion trips sometimes! If I’ve put together a photobook, I even hold a little exhibition or gathering of sorts. Ah, once a week I also work part-time as a garbage collector.
Last question. If you could interview one person, who would it be?
HIGHSOX SKATEBOARDS’ Wag, he’s one of my favorite photographers.