‘The shapes of skateboarding tricks are so crazy that I want to draw them!’
Kenji Goto
Japan
May 2026
What is the skate scene where you live?
I’m currently living in Nagano Prefecture, where my wife is from. What’s the skating scene like there? It’s a general feeling. It’s a little different from the kind of skating I like. I own a concrete bowl called “tochka bowl.” It’s great to skate there with friends. Of course, you can skate alone too.
How long have you been drawing skateboard sketches?
I’ve been drawing since I started skateboarding, so it’s been about 37 years. One reason is love! Another is that the shapes of skateboarding tricks are so crazy that I want to draw them!
How did you got involved with skateboarding?
I think it started when I saw the movie “Back to the Future”, then I saw the Suicidal music video on late night TV and I was shocked! Skateboarding is so cool!.
Proudest moment?
I wonder? Maybe being interviewed by a foreign skate magazine! That’s awesome! And also being featured on the canvas page of Thrasher mag!
How did you end up on Thrasher’s canvas page? Was this for a skateshot or artwork?
Of course, it’s the art! I think it’s probably thanks to Sam Hitz. I sent him a picture on Instagram and he introduced it on his Instagram. I think a lot of people saw it there. I’m very grateful. I was very excited to see that the cover of Thrasher that featured my picture was by Gonz!
‘I was very excited to see that the cover of Thrasher that featured my picture was by Gonz!’
What are some of other skateboard inspired artists you follow?
Neil Blender and Chris Johansson, the influence I have had from these two is immeasurable. Also, I’m heavily influenced by 80’s skateboard boards and skating, of course Zolarc, hardcore punk, horror movies, old Japanese manga, and the Japanese “TOKUSATU” are all great!
I noticed a lot of fanart around John Gibson.
I’ve always admired John Gibson’s cool skating photos. I don’t skate vert, but I admired his inverts and frontside airs. That feeling only grew stronger as I grew up. I also believe that Texas skater Rainy Beres’ skating is influenced by him.
What else is on your wish list?
I want to draw lots of pictures on boards! I want stale fish air!
If you could interview any person in the world, who would it be?
Corey Feldman! I want to hear about The Goonies, Stand by Me, and The Lost Boys! But it might be boring.