Q1. What kinds of things make skateboarding and snowboarding different?

They seem related, but when you’re actually doing them, you realize they’re such different sports it’s almost like, “Do they have anything in common?” With snowboarding, your feet are in the bindings, so you have to use your body to the fullest. In skateboarding, your feet leave the board and you move from the middle of your lower body. That means a lot of freedom and all kinds of styles, so the same move is going to look different depending on who’s doing it.

Q2. What goes through your mind before or during a competition?

Once I’m there, I don’t think at all. Music helps. The event is where all the work I’ve done beforehand shows itself. I’d almost say that the goal of practicing regularly is to keep yourself from overthinking things.

Q3. How do you handle intense pressure?

That’s what regular practice and routines are all about. If you happen to score really high, I think it’s important not to start pushing yourself harder than ever, or to put too much pressure on yourself.

Q4. In the five years since the Sochi Olympics, has anything about your mentality changed?

Up until Sochi, I didn’t think at all. I was just out there riding, being young. But as soon as I walked away with the silver medal, as disappointing as that was, I started thinking seriously about what it was I wanted, my personal life included. My attitude has changed entirely.

Q5. What does the Olympics mean to you?

They’re higher profile than any other competitions, and a chance to share snowboarding and skateboarding with the general public. On top of my own standards, there’s the pressure of representing an entire country, but that has its own unique rewards. There’s a lot more to the Olympics than taking home a medal.

Q6. What’s the most important aspect of your practice regimen?

Since I can’t just skate for five or six hours in a row like I did as a kid, I need to practice smart and stay safe and focus on what I gotta do, which includes when I’m not practicing.

Q7. How do you like living in Los Angeles?

The weather is warm, and the people are friendly. It’s a good environment for me. If you go to the skate park, there are people in their forties skating like they mean it. It feels like people can be themselves.

Q8. What strikes you about your hometown of Murakami, when you come back to visit?

There’s kids here who go to the skate park every day to practice. It makes me happy to come back and see their hard work paying off. There’s scenery in Murakami like nowhere else. It brings me back to basics.

Q9. What’s your strongest memory of your family?

Probably my parents driving seven or eight hours to take me to the mountains when I was in elementary school, or how my family all believed in me, and in my dreams. That’s still the case today. Whenever I’m feeling weak, I remind myself of that.

Q10. Other than sports, what else are you good at, or not so good at?

I’ll have to think about that...Maybe sleeping? Haha, I can sleep for maybe 10 hours straight. I’m bad at memorizing things, though.

Q11. In your day-to-day life, when are you the most relaxed?

Every night, the hour before I sleep. I don't do anything special. Just stretch a bit or watch some skate videos, taking it easy.

Q12. What to you do when you’re bored?

Haha, well, if I'm bored, I usually end up going skating.

Q13. As far as fashion is concerned, what sort of styles are you into?

I’ve always worn everything loose and dress basically the same when I’m practicing and when I’m not. I also like looking around vintage stores for 1990s styles.

Q14. Have any books or movies left a strong impression on you?

The movie Rocky. I guess my dad recommended it to me. Sometimes I watch the DVD to give myself a boost.

Q15. How much time do you spend on the internet?

A little bit each morning. I try not to look at it too much, though. If you’re always looking at your smartphone, it can be hard to stop.

Q16. Do you dislike being recognized in public?

Yeah, sometimes. I don’t like people watching me when I’m trying to eat.

Q17. What’s your happiest recent moment?

After a long struggle, which involved several weeks of practicing, I finally learned this new move, adding to my arsenal. That feeling has been with me for the past few weeks now. The sense of progress is still pushing me forward.

Q18. Do you ever hold back, or find it difficult to express yourself?

I mean, I’m not the kind of person who speaks up right away. Obviously, there are times when something needs to be said, but overall, I think it’s important to take a step back and think things over, rather than always giving your opinion on the spot.

Q19. Do you have a favourite item from UNIQLO?

Lately there’s been all kinds of cool stuff coming out. Being able to wear clothes that have colours and a fit and style I like, even when I’m not out practicing, keeps me in high spirits.

Q20. What do you see yourself doing twenty years from now?

Yeah, I wonder...it’s hard to imagine, but I think I’d want to do something that plays off of my experience—like hosting an event, or creating a school or a brand, or a place where kids can focus on their goals. I’m hoping I can build on the foundation that I’ve made over the years.