The remarkable performances of Japanese athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics are still fresh in memory, especially in Skateboard Park, while Skateboard Vert has also been drawing major attention as one of the flagship disciplines of X Games, where many Japanese riders are landing some of the world’s most difficult tricks. Among the athletes leading this new era is a 15-year-old Japanese rider who continues to achieve extraordinary results on the world stage in both disciplines, with high expectations already building toward the 2028 Summer Olympics.
That rider is Soya Inomata, silver medalist in the Vert discipline at the X Games and a finalist in the Skateboard Park event at WST World Cup Rome 2025, the opening qualifying event for the Los Angeles Olympics held in Rome, Italy, where he finished in 5th place in his first-ever World Cup final.
While continuing to make waves both domestically and internationally, Inomata achieved another historic milestone this year with the world’s first successful landing of a new Vert trick: “Backside Varial 540 to Hand Varial Stalefish Grab.” He named the trick “RAIZIN” and plans to use it as his signature move throughout the season.
This time, we spoke with the highly anticipated young star Soya Inomata about the story behind mastering his world-first trick, how he first got into skateboarding, the secret behind his ability to compete among the world’s best, and the dreams and goals he holds as one of Japan’s rising skateboarding prodigies.
Soya Inomata (Inomata Soya), hereafter: S
The Story Behind “RAIZIN” — The World-First Trick That Shocked the Skateboarding World
➖ Could you tell us what led you to start working on your new trick, the “Backside Varial 540 to Hand Varial Stalefish Grab”?
S: In order to take my riding to an even higher level, I wanted to learn a trick that was more difficult than the “Varial Flip 540,” which I was already able to land. At the same time, I also wanted to challenge myself with something nobody had ever done before, so I chose this trick because it evolved naturally from movements I’m already good at.
➖ Where did the inspiration for this new trick come from?
S: I actually came up with this trick myself and decided to challenge it. Since it was based on the way I normally ride, I felt like it might be possible to land while working on my existing tricks. I kept practicing over and over, and eventually I was able to make it happen.
➖ What was the most difficult part about mastering this trick?
S: Honestly, I still haven’t mastered it to the point where I can land it anytime I want, so I need to keep practicing to improve both my consistency and the overall quality of the trick. The scariest part is switching into the stalefish grab after the Varial Flip 540. I had to stay completely focused every time I attempted it in order to overcome that fear mentally. So until I landed it, one of the hardest parts was maintaining my concentration the entire time, and I learned how important that focus is when trying new tricks.
➖ How long did it take you to finally land the trick?
S: In total, it took about three days of actual practice before I landed it. I first came up with the idea because whenever I did a Varial Flip 540, the board would rotate too fast and almost over-spin on its own. At that moment, I suddenly thought, “Maybe this new trick could work.”
I realized that feeling while practicing vert at Chichibu Skate Park. But there was a competition during the same week, so I mainly focused on contest practice and only spent a little time trying the new trick during the two days I was there. After the competition ended and some time had passed, I started thinking, “I really want to land that new trick.” So I dedicated one full day entirely to practicing it, and that’s when I finally landed it for the first time.
➖ Since there was some time between those first two practice days and the day you finally landed it, did you spend time analyzing your riding in between?
S: Definitely. During those first two days, I hadn’t practiced it very much yet, but my body was rotating too much and I couldn’t really control the balance. So I analyzed videos of my practice sessions and tried making adjustments, like not over-rotating my shoulders during the spin. I reviewed everything carefully, figured out what needed to change, and then applied those corrections during that final practice day. After trying it again and again, I was finally able to land it.
➖ We also heard that since this is a world-first trick, you decided to name it “RAIZIN.” Is there a story behind the name?
S: Yes. I always travel with a protective charm from Chichibu Shrine, and one of the gods enshrined there is Raijin, the god of thunder. One reason I was able to land the trick was because I practiced it at Chichibu Skate Park, which is close to the shrine. Also, I wanted this trick to hit people like a lightning strike and leave that kind of impact, so I decided to name it “RAIZIN.”
Inspired by Legendary Skateboarder Tony Hawk Since Childhood — Now in Contact With Him. How Did Soya InomataFirst Start Skateboarding?
➖ Could you tell us how you first started skateboarding?
S: I started skateboarding after joining a free skateboarding trial session held during an event called “SHONAN OPEN” at Kugenuma Skate Park when I was in elementary school. I used to visit Kugenuma Skate Park a lot back then, and I was fascinated by the kids riding the huge ramps there. I wanted to be able to skate like them, so I practiced a lot, gradually improved, and naturally started entering competitions as well.
➖ What do you think is the biggest appeal of skateboarding that drew you in so deeply?
S: I think the appeal of skateboarding is that people of all ages and genders can skate together, and when someone lands a new trick, everyone can share that excitement and enjoy the moment together. That applies to Park, Vert, and Street alike. I think what makes skateboarding special is that everyone can share the same joy through a single skateboard.
➖ Was there a skateboarder who especially influenced you?
S: The rider who influenced me the most is definitely Tony Hawk. When I was around third grade in elementary school, he came to a Lakai event at the old Murasaki Park Tokyo, and I was amazed watching him skate. I was completely captivated. Even now, he still represents the style of skating that I love, and he’s one of the riders I respect the most.
➖ We also heard that you actually consulted Tony Hawk when deciding on the name “RAIZIN” for your new trick.
S: Yes. Since there are riders who give original names to world-first tricks they create, I asked Tony, “Since this is a trick I landed first in the world, would it be okay for me to give it an original name?” Then he told me, “If it’s a trick you landed first in the world, I think it’s okay to name it.” That made me really happy, and it helped me decide to officially name the trick “RAIZIN.”
Never Letting Pressure Win — The Secret Behind Soya Inomata’s Strength and His Obsession With Perfecting Every Trick
➖ What do you usually focus on during practice?
S: I always practice while imagining the pressure of an actual competition. Sometimes I skate using the same format and time limits as a real contest, and for the tricks I want to use in competition, the make rate can change depending on the section. So I often focus on practicing specific tricks in order to improve both consistency and overall execution.
➖ Since you’re always training with competitions in mind, do you have any routines or things you do to make sure you’re in the best condition before contests?
S: Before competitions, I often listen to hip-hop music to get myself hyped up. I also always wear the same necklace, which feels like a lucky charm to me, so I make sure not to forget it during competitions.
➖ Some riders prefer not to be talked to before competitions because they want to stay fully focused. What type are you?
S: I’m actually the type who gets even more nervous if I try to focus too much and only listen to music. So instead, I like talking a lot with the other riders, joking around, and having fun conversations together to relax and ease the tension (laughs).
➖ Could you tell us about the riding style and tricks that are your strengths?
S: In both Vert and Park, I think the twisted style of my stalefish grabs and the height of my airs are some of my biggest strengths and part of my personal style. In terms of tricks, I’m also especially good at spins and board rotations.
➖ You compete internationally in both Vert and Park disciplines. What differences do you feel between the two?
S: One major difference is that Vert ramps are generally built with very similar shapes and transitions everywhere, so there are a lot of tricks you can consistently do. But in Park, every course has different transitions and sections, so your trick selection really changes depending on the park itself.
➖ Recently you’ve been showing strong results on the world stage, but what are some things you’ve learned from losing competitions in the past?
S: I think the biggest thing is using the frustration of losing as motivation to practice harder. When you give everything you have to win and still lose, the frustration is honestly impossible to put into words. So I use those feelings as fuel, analyze why I lost, and work even harder in practice.
➖ Continuing in competition also requires support from the people around you. What do your supporters mean to you?
S: They mean everything to me. I’m truly grateful because I’m only able to continue skateboarding thanks to the support of my family, friends, and sponsors. Especially my father — he’s always been there watching my riding. Before competitions, I often talk with him about changing my trick selection or how I can improve areas where I’m not performing well. He gives me a lot of different opinions, and together we test things out and fine-tune what works best for me at that moment. He’s a really important presence in my life.
Competing on the World’s Biggest Stages Like X Games and World Skate Tour — The Next Step Soya Inomata Feels on the Global Stage
➖ As you compete against the world’s top riders in both Vert and Park, is there anything you particularly feel or notice?
S: Overseas riders really have huge airs, and of course their overall skill level is extremely high. But what stands out the most is how much all of them genuinely enjoy skating. Of course Japanese riders enjoy it too, but the overseas riders are so skilled and relaxed that their atmosphere naturally lifts my mood as well. I always feel really happy to be skating alongside these top riders.
➖ What differences have you personally noticed between Japan and the rest of the world while competing overseas?
S: Overseas, there are just so many skateparks, and many of them are huge and even free to use, which is amazing for riders. During overseas trips, it’s really fun being able to casually visit different parks near the competition venue as well.
➖ Is there anything that particularly surprised you during your overseas experiences?
S: When I first went to America, I was skating at Venice Beach in Los Angeles, but the smell of weed was so strong that I couldn’t really focus on skating. Also, when I was staying at a hotel in Argentina, I heard gunshots outside at night. Those were really shocking experiences because you would never encounter something like that in Japan… (laughs/sweat).
➖ Looking ahead, what do you think you still need in order to continue competing at the highest level internationally?
S: I think what I need most is power. Compared to overseas riders, I feel Japanese skaters are still lacking in the ability to generate speed through pumping and really boost high into the air. I strongly feel that’s something I personally need to improve as well.
➖ Since power is so important, do you also do physical training regularly?
S: I think you naturally build power just from skating and pumping a lot, and of course strong leg strength is essential. But recently I’ve noticed that many overseas riders with stronger upper bodies seem to have even more power, so I’ve started doing a bit of upper-body training myself as well.
First Goal: Winning a Medal at the 2028 Summer Olympics — Soya Inomata’s Future Goals and the Kind of Skater He Wants to Become
➖ The new season has already begun, and you had a strong start by finishing in the Top 5 in Park at the recent World Skate Tour World Cup. What are your goals moving forward?
S: My goal this season is to finish within the Top 8 in Park at the World Championships. I’ll also be competing in both X Games Osaka 2025 and X Games Salt Lake City 2025, so I want to win medals in Vert at both events. There’s also the Vert competition called Vert Alert hosted by Tony Hawk, and I want to win a medal there too.
➖ And this weekend is already X Games Osaka 2025. Besides aiming for a medal, is there anything specific you want fans to pay attention to? Maybe we’ll even see a new trick?
S: Yeah, I think I’ll probably do my new trick this time too, but more than anything I want people to watch how high I can fly!
➖ Do you already have another new trick in mind that you want to land next?
S: Actually, there are countless tricks I want to do, but right now I don’t really have one specific next trick in mind yet. Once I decide, I’ll make sure to land it and show everyone. So please look forward to it until then.
➖ Could you also share your thoughts heading toward the 2028 Summer Olympics three years from now?
S: The Olympics have been my dream ever since I first started skateboarding, so I absolutely want to stand on that stage and win a medal. Right now, the Olympics are pretty much all I think about, and I’m training with everything I have. First, I want to achieve strong results in the qualifying events and earn my spot at the Games.
➖ Is there a kind of skater you aspire to become in the future?
S: I want to always remain a cool skater. Like Tony Hawk, I want to keep skating hard no matter how old I get. I also really admire Japanese skaters who leave behind amazing video parts and put on incredible performances at events. I want to become a stylish skater with a unique character like that.
➖ Finally, what does skateboarding mean to you?
S: Skateboarding is like an important partner that always has to be by my side.
Soya Inomata | Profile
Born on October 16, 2009, Soya Inomata is a skateboarder from Chigasaki, Kanagawa, Japan. He started skateboarding at the age of seven and quickly became captivated by the sport, practicing every day and eventually competing in domestic contests. In 2021, he won the NIKE SB NEWTYPE JAM VERTICAL, while also finishing runner-up at the All Japan Skateboarding Championships that same year. In 2022, he claimed victory at the JSF Vertical Contest Tokyo, establishing himself as a top competitor in both Vert and Park disciplines across Japan’s major events.
In 2024, he was invited to compete in Vert at X Games Ventura 2024, where he won a silver medal in Best Trick during his rookie year. He followed that performance with another breakout showing at X Games Chiba 2024, earning silver in Vert and bronze in Best Trick, shocking the Vert scene with his results. Meanwhile in Park, he won the Mynavi Japan Skateboarding Championships the same year, and in June 2025, he advanced to his first-ever World Cup final at WST Rome, finishing in 5th place.
This year, he landed the world’s first trick, “RAIZIN: Backside Varial 540 to Hand Varial Stalefish Grab,” in Vert. Combining both elite-level skill and unmistakable style, Soya Inomata is now regarded as one of the most exciting riders in the world today. Looking ahead to the 2028 Summer Olympics, he aims to become the first Japanese male athlete to win a medal in Olympic Park skateboarding. His sponsors include Feelings, Powell Peralta, 187 Killer Pads, Bones Bearings, and Pro-Tec.
text & interview by Daiki Hatakeyama