‘I’m embarrassed to see photographers who think they are more important than skaters’
Tomohiro Hasegawa
February 2025
What is the skate scene like in Kyoto?
Kyoto is also one of Japan’s leading tourist cities and skate security is very strict. But even in this situation, there are many people who enjoy skating, and a good skate scene has been built up. I now live in a city called Aichi Prefecture.
Assuming you started skateboarding, at what point did you move to photography? And why?
I started taking pictures with a compact digital camera about 10 years after I started skateboarding, and it was fun.
What inspired you to start skateboarding and when was this?
It all started when I was 16 years old, when my friends brought their skateboards, and we all took turns practising ollies. I was the worst of them, and I was so determined to practise that I was the only one who kept at it.
Favorite skaters you currently shoot with?
If you have to choose from among the people you are shooting, it will be Kazuki Yamada, HirokiNomura, Yoshimi Kondo, Teppei Ono.
Who is your favorite skate photographer?
There are a lot of them and I can’t decide on one person, but people who stick to film and take pictures are amazing and I like them. I’m digital, but I can’t imitate it. But I think I want to challenge someday.
What is your proudest moment as a photographer?
When I take a shot that makes both the photographer and the skater happy.
Do you have an example you can share where this happened?
My first goal when I started taking a camera was to get some of my local good friends in the magazine, but it wasn’t just about being in the magazine, it was about being chosen for the cover. I will never forget that feeling. RUA Magazine was published in Japan in 2010, and although RUA Magazine is no longer in print, I still have the magazine.
Most embarrassing?
Not a moment, but I’m embarrassed to see photographers who think they are more important than skaters, or who look like they are more important than skaters.
If you can choose any skaters to have a photo session with?
Josh Kallis, Jake Rupp, Aaron Herrington, Shogo Zama. There are many others though.
Do you do any post-production? If so, how far do you go?
Photoshop. We try to edit the images to bring them closer to the scenery and image when they were taken.
What is on your wish list?
I’m not thinking too far ahead, but I’d like to keep shooting and be involved in skateboarding, even if it’s slowly.
Last question. If you could interview one person, who would it be?
When I was asked this question, I thought of Josh Kalis. I noticed Josh Kalis in the first skate video I ever saw, and it made an impact on me, and I continue to be involved with skateboarding. I don’t know what to ask him, but it’s almost like I admire him.