In the Know: Chiaki Ito - 06/09/20

Konnichiwa, skate nerds all over the world, this is Hickey Mouse.

What comes to your head when you think about Japan? Sushi? Tenpura? Pokemon? nahh, you guys are way off! You guy are skaters right!? "Chiaki Ito" is the name that needs to pop up. How many of you remember him? He was the one and only Japanese skater riding on the Salomon International team and a legend appearing in many competitions and videos. You guys catching on?? huh?

Chiaki first appeared in the earlier issues of the Video Groove series. ( those early VG were the best, I would buy every issue when they came out!) Seeing our own Chiaki Ito in those videos was something to be proud of! Even till this day he's our hero!

Chiaki definately played an important role in the rollerblading scene as an international rider. Starting with Fiction, Mindgame, and then Salomon and Kizer, he went on to recieve major sponsors and with his beautiful style of skating, his big smiles and the little English he spoke, the name Chiaki Ito became world famous.

But with this down fall of rollerblading and Salomon dropping out of the game, thing aren't the same as back in the day. Here in Japan, rollerblading is not doing very well and there aren't many skaters and shops over here. With such a small scene, we have been forgotten from rest of the world for the past years.

But things are changing and Chiaki is making moves over here. Since you last saw him, he has never stopped progressing. He has been filming, doing demos, teaching skating classes, appearing in movies and doing pretty much everything to promote rollerblading. While everyone was worrying about the size of their pants, Chiaki was working hard for the bright future of rollerblading.

And the time has come for the world to see Chiaki and Japan once again. He teamed up with the Japanese Remz rider Baba Schusei to start HOPSCOTCH and they are releasing a DVD. Just when everyone thought Chiaki and Japan was done with skating... he comes back with a big surprise.

The reason Chiaki has been on top of the game for so long till this day, is for the heart and commitment to rollerblading that he has. And of course his unique character and his huge smiles.
He is still progressing and taking rollerblading to a new level everyday he skates. He is truly an amazing guy.

Lets not forget that every little bit of everyone's contribution and dedication is what pushes this culture of ours forward. Chiaki is doing his part in Japan. :)

From Tokyo to everywhere
Hickey Mouse 2006



-Left picture: Lui Kang
-Right picture: Mute

smiley
was it hard communicating when you first came to skate in the us . also what happened to takeshi soto, i remember seeing a section w/ both of you killing shit.

Chiaki:
I couldn't speak English but it wasn't a problem. Maybe because I was young or we all had the same interest as skaters? I was just having fun! No worries there.
Sato Takashi is still skating back home. He doesn't travel much but he is doing well!



-Alex Broskow and Chiaki Ito running...

wade-h
Hey,
First off, mad props chiaki, you have one of the most smooth styles i have ever seen.
My question is, Are there any Chiaki Ito sections in the works at the moment?

Chiaki:
Thanks! Love the support! Right now, I have a profile up for Dave Poe's video "TRICKS" and of course the DVD "Bloodstained Concrete"! The next video profile is scheduled for early next year, it will be a DVD out of Japan.


MrolG
how did you feel when you first found out salomon wanted you to be on there team and what do think about salomon droping all of there american riders

Chiaki:
I was overwhelmed with the joy of being able to skate with the world's best skaters and being able to travel to countries all over the world. It's too bad what's happening with Salomon but, let's keep our heads up. I think we are heading in the right direction again.



ScottOrr
The question i have for you is how does it feel to the starting influence of skaters as old as me that have been doing it so long. The first competetion i saw was of you, arlo, jacklone and everybody in downtown nyc at a competetion that was televised. The ramps were blue and you guys had the semi truck with the wall ride on it. I taped that comp at my grandparents house and watched in over and over and got my first pair of bauers soon after and then went to rollerblade lightings... So my question is are you still feeling rollerblading as much as before and do you still have the love for it as you did when you first began.. Thanks a lot Scott

Chiaki:
Yes, I remember that competition too! That competition was special to me because it was my first ASA and I got to meet everyone. I remember Steve Thomas splitting the rail really bad!
Rollerblading brought me so many good memories and fun times, and I still love it! I'm gonna keep working hard to keep skating alive.



RockandRolla
(1)Is there someone you looked up to that helped you develope your style?
(2)Was it a huge change making the switch from Salomon to Xsjado?
(3)Are Japanese rollers different than American or European rollers? Ex. It seems some Japanese rollers take rolling seriously and train like the Yasutoko bros. How do you view American rollers or the USA rolling scene compared to Japan?

Chiaki:
1. There are so many people I have looked up to style wise... Arlo and everyone. Now I try to get inspirations from skiers, skateboarders, BMX and musicians. Everyone says that I have my own style but I never thought about it. I just skate the way I want.

2. No problem switching from Salomons, Xsjados are great skates.

3. I don't do any special training for skating but taking care of your body is$B!!(Balways good in order to keep skating. I think everyone has their own attitude towards skating and Yasutoko's are just one of them. Powerful!!



-Wallstall

iLIKEsalomon
Hey Chiaki. This is Jon from Arizona. Me and Dave Poe were out in Japan this past may..you should remmeber us . We had a too much fun skating with you and the rest of the dudes. I was just wondering when the last time you were in the states, what for, and when are you planning on comming back??
also, besides "Bloodstained Concrete" & "Tricks" are you wokin/filming for anything new?

Chiaki:
Hey Jon, how are you? Had a great time, come again! The last time I went to the states was 2 years ago for the ASR tradeshow and filming street skating. I'm already working on a profile out for next year. The title of the DVD is still a secret. I definately need to go to Arizona!


CollinW
How would you compare the rolling scene in Japan to the US?

Chiaki:
I don't think there is much of a difference yet, but I know that Americans are more active, traveling all over the place and starting new things. The Japanese skaters are starting to make more moves and I think that's a really good thing.


-AO Topporn

jake1990
Tech switch ups? Or long smooth grinds?

Chiaki:
I would choose both, because I wouldn't want to limit my skating style.
More is better and fun!


usdrolla3
You rule first off, I remember you in the old salomon vid. Do you plan on doing anything involving rollerblading once your skating days are over?

Chiaki:
Thanks! Salomon has taken good care of me! Of course I will keep on skating.



-Rocket Air

humphrey
has salomon ever contacted u about maybe producing a pro skate while u were on the team

Chiaki:
Yes and no, It's all about timing. Would you have bought my PRO model skate??? : )


mbrols
How has it been for you rolling in japan since the diminishing of scenes around the globe. What keeps you motivated and when are you coming back to the good ol' US to shoot some ill clips.

Chiaki:
The skating here is great! I always try to set my goals and that is a good way to keep motivated. Falling in love with girls also keeps me motivated!
(laugh) I'm planning to go next year! Really excited!



-Truespin Topsoyale
-Fishbrain

Jochen Smuda(UCON)
Hey homeboy.
How was that fucking game called we played on tour all the time with Hiro?
Remember? The ball with the hole was fixed on a band. And you had to put this ball on a spiky wood thing.

say hallo to hiro dude.
jochen

Chiaki:
What's up homeboy!!! The name is Ken-dama!!! Wow, I'm really excited and happy to hear from you! I saw your profile in Clip3!! Jochen is the man!!
UCON rocks and I will be looking forward to the movement! And of course Hiro is doing well, really well!!



CTAKBEJIJI
what video projects are you currently filmin' for?
What is your favourite rollerblading video-director?

Chiaki:
Yes, please be on the look out for it! My favorite video editor would be the one and only Dave Paine, Issei Sato of "MORE" and Lonnie Gallegos because of "FEET"!!




-Truespin Topsoyale

Pictures taken by: Jeromy Stephenson

Tags: chiaki chiaki ito featuring the world in the know itk ito japan jero salomon xsjado