Unlimited: Meet the Next Generation of Japanese Skateboarding Prodigies
The future of skateboarding is here, and it’s rolling out of Japan on the boards of some of the youngest and most talented skaters around. Unlimited, a video project filmed and edited by sixth-grader Ibuki, captures the raw energy, creativity, and limitless potential of elementary school skaters bringing their sick style and tricks to the scene.
So Who Are the Skaters Behind Unlimited?
Each skater in Unlimited brings their own style, tricks, and story to the table. Here’s a closer look at the crew who are taking skating to the next level:
Zen Ninomiya (12)
With four years of experience under his belt, Zen’s favorite trick is the nollie heel. His smooth execution and precision make him a standout in the crew, and it’s clear that he’s just getting started.
Shuta Yamamoto (12)
Shuta has been skating for an impressive eight years, and his favorite trick is the tre flip. His dedication and experience shine through in every line, making him one to watch as he continues to develop his style.
Iori Takamiya (9)
At just nine years old, Iori's already got four years of riding under his belt. His go-to trick, the nollie big spin, is straight up dope, showing off his creativity and technical steez. He might be the youngest in the crew, but his talent is all there.
Toshiro Uchiyama (12)
With three years of skating under his belt, Toshiro’s favorite trick is the tre flip—a classic move that he executes with steez. His ability to land this technical trick consistently is a clear sign of his dedication to the craft.
Why Unlimited Matters
What makes Unlimited so special is its authenticity. It’s not just a showcase of young talent—it’s a celebration of the skateboarding culture these kids admire and a look at how they’re making it their own. From the tricks they choose to the way they express themselves on their boards, the skaters in Unlimited are setting the tone for the next generation.
A Vision from Ibuki
Behind the camera and the editing software, Ibuki’s vision ties the project together. At just 12 years old, he’s already blending skateboarding and filmmaking with a passion that’s impossible to ignore. His ability to capture the energy and personality of his crew makes Unlimited more than a skate video—it’s a work of art.
Unlimited: Q&A with the Crew
At DOSE, we had the chance to dive into the minds of these new skaters and learn more about their experiences and inspirations.
What’s the most daring spot you’ve skated that you weren’t supposed to?
- Zen: A big stair set in Kyoto.
- Shuta: A double-stair spot in a residential area where you’d better land within five tries, or angry residents will show up.
- Iori: A very steep downhill in Kyoto.
- Toshiro: Nothing comes to mind yet.
- Ibuki: A steep downhill in Fukuoka when I was 10. It was risky but thrilling with power slides.
If you could pull off any banned but epic skate trick, what would it be?
- Zen: Nollie inward on a stair set.
- Shuta: Nose manual to nollie tre flip out.
- Iori: Quick bigspin.
- Toshiro: Bigspin flip.
- Ibuki: I don’t see tricks as "banned." I’m more about skating in unexplored places and inventing moves that represent me.
What’s the craziest challenge you’ve set for yourself on your board?
- Zen: Flip 5-0 on a down rail.
- Shuta: Flip board.
- Iori: Slamming on a big ledge in Fukuoka while filming Unlimited.
- Toshiro: Hardflip—it scared me, but I kept going despite wanting to give up.
- Ibuki: Skating a steep Sydney spot I saw in an EVISEN video—it was higher and steeper than it looked.
How has skateboarding made you stronger or braver?
- Zen: It’s improved my communication skills.
- Shuta: I’ve stopped feeling nervous when presenting in front of people.
- Iori: I’ve made many friends and learned the joy of trying new tricks.
- Toshiro: It’s taught me the importance of friends.
- Ibuki: I’ve gained resilience and met incredible people in the skate world.
What’s the wildest weather you’ve ever skated in?
- Zen: Skating in the rain, which soaked my board.
- Shuta: Heavy rain during the finals of a local skate game—it actually helped with grip!
- Iori: Adjusting speed and rotation in unpredictable conditions.
- Toshiro: Strong coastal winds forced me to adapt to horizontal tricks.
- Ibuki: Filming in Nagasaki’s scorching summer heat.
What do you think of skateboarding in big competitions like the X Games or Olympics?
- Zen: I think it’s amazing.
- Shuta: Amazing, but I prefer street skating over park competitions.
- Iori: It’s cool.
- Toshiro: It’s exciting!
- Ibuki: I respect it, but I’d rather stick to my style and enjoy the freedom of skating.
If you could skate anywhere in the world, where would it be?
- Zen: The library at Makuba.
- Shuta: Osaka—it’s got so many spots for my style.
- Iori: A big bank near Kitakyushu Skateboard Park.
- Toshiro: Triangle Park in Osaka.
- Ibuki: Copenhagen during the CPH Open to meet skaters from all over the world.
What advice would you give to kids afraid to try skateboarding?
- Zen: If you have courage, you can do anything.
- Shuta: Fear isn’t bad—just have fun and enjoy skating!
- Iori: Find your own style and stick to it.
- Toshiro: You’ll make lots of friends.
- Ibuki: Skate for fun, not to compare yourself to others.
If you could steal a pro skater’s signature move, whose would it be?
- Zen: Tiago’s ollie—it’s high and clean.
- Shuta: Kyonosuke Yamashita’s hardflip.
- Iori: Seimi Miyahara’s kickflip from a lip slide—it’s so stylish.
- Toshiro: Yoshiaki Toeda’s nollie flip nose slide to bigspin out.
- Ibuki: Shin Sanbongi’s backside nose blunt.
What’s the most out-of-the-box trick or setup you’ve seen?
- Zen: None so far.
- Shuta: Yoshiaki Toeda’s wallie to late flip.
- Iori: Nollie Bigspin from B/S Crooked Grind.
- Toshiro: Takao’s bigspin—it blew my mind.
- Ibuki: Takahiro Morita weaving through Shibuya’s crowded streets on his handmade decks.
Check out Unlimited and See the Future of Skateboarding
If you haven’t seen Unlimited yet, now’s the time. It’s a reminder that skateboarding is about more than tricks—it’s about passion, creativity, and the drive to push boundaries. With skaters like Zen, Shuta, Iori, and Toshiro leading the charge, the future of skateboarding looks brighter than ever.
