In response to the surging popularity of skateboarding, Rakuten hosted “UPRISING TOKYO Supported by Rakuten,” Japan’s largest international skateboarding event, from May 26th to 28th, 2023. Held at Ariake Arena, the event brought together top skateboarders from around the globe and promising new talents, all showcasing their skills before an enthusiastic crowd.
The highlight of “UPRISING TOKYO Supported by Rakuten” was the “Street” competition, featuring a course designed to mimic urban environments with stairs, rails, curbs, benches, walls, and slopes. Participants performed various tricks to score points. The first day included preliminary rounds, followed by semifinals on the second day where seeded skaters competed. Each competitor had three 60-second runs in front of the judges. The top 10 male and female skaters with the highest scores advanced to the finals on the third day, where they again performed three 60-second runs to determine the podium finishers.
In the women’s finals, Aoi Uemura secured the top spot with a flawless run, culminating in a stylish “Backside Smith Grind” down a 12-step handrail.
In the men’s finals, Brazil’s Carlos Ribeiro set a high bar with his impressive score, leading to an intense showdown as other skaters tried to surpass him. Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Yuto Horigome was the only skater to succeed, delivering a perfect final run that included the previously unattainable “Switch 180K Grind.”
Expressing his excitement, Horigome said, “I’m thrilled to have performed my best in front of a home crowd. Events like this will definitely boost the skateboarding scene in Japan. It was an honor to skate alongside the world’s top pros on this stage. See you all again soon!”
Following the finals, a Best Trick Contest allowed skaters to showcase their favorite tricks without time constraints. Hina Maeda won the women’s category, while Taisei Hamamura took the men’s title.
The event featured numerous activities celebrating skateboarding culture. Performances by Japanese dancers, including world champion Miyu and her “Miyu Crew,” and the dance duo “BetRay” (THE D SoraKi and Yoshiki) entertained the audience between competitions.
A dedicated experience booth allowed attendees to explore skate fashion and culture firsthand. The “Skateboard Clinic by Rakuten Sports Skateboard Project” offered free lessons from Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Momiji Nishiya and coaches from the Japanese national skateboarding team for beginners and those looking to improve their skills. Additionally, a fingerboarding contest using a replica of the event’s course attracted participants throughout the day.
The “Skateboarding Hall of Fame” was set up next to the main course, tracing the history of skateboarding. The event venue was also adorned with a mural by Kenshin, the event’s creative director and renowned calligrapher.
https://www.sports.rakuten.net/uprising/
