Skaters gather in Harajuku! UT Skatepark Event Report

Under the direction of skateboarder and UT collection collaborator Shipei Ueno, UT held a limited-time skatepark event in Harajuku, Tokyo, for three days from January 27 to 29. The event was held to celebrate the launch of three collections that have been on sale since the end of January in Japan: Skater Collection, The Message, and HYPEBEAST COMMUNITY CENTER. Additionally, as part of its community support efforts, the UT brand has been focusing on skate culture, which has been on the rise in recent years, leading to the realization of this event.

Skater Collection, The Message, HYPEBEAST COMMUNITY CENTER

DAY 1_Demonstration ＆ Contest

An indoor skatepark was made on one floor of a building located near iconic Harajuku areas such as Meiji-dori and Laforet Harajuku. In addition to the main section, the skatepark included a mini ramp for kids and beginners, resulting in a truly made-for-all design. On the first day, Shinpei Ueno and trusted friends put on demonstrations. The sight of the skaters performing various tricks with ease and truly enjoying themselves made people passing by the glass-enclosed entrance stop involuntarily and enter the park, as if drawn in by some unknown force. From 19:00, a contest for the general public was held. Regardless of their confidence, kids and adults seemed to be having an enjoyable time skateboarding. Shinpei, who was also serving as a judge, also enjoyed watching the enthusiastic participants.

UT Creative Director Kosuke Kawamura also took part in the event. Together with Shinpei, he posed flashing the “prohibited mark” also used in a T-shirt design.

A sales corner featuring the latest collection was also set up in the venue. Many visitors enjoyed looking at, touching, and buying skateboards on the spot.

UT magazine Issue 7, which focused on street culture and included an interview with Shinpei Ueno, was handed out to visitors during the event.

DAY 2_Free Skate Day

With the enthusiasm generated on the first day still present, the second day was a free skate day. A wide range of skateboarders participated, including kids, beginners, and young female skaters who are expected to leave their mark in the future. Additionally, the Pretty Solid Skate School provided some skate lessons for kids. The serious looks on the faces of the young skaters who carry the future of the skateboard industry on their shoulders were memorable.

DAY 3_Free Skate Day, Kids School, Demonstration & Contest

In addition to the skate school held on day 3, lots of riders came to participate in the free skate day open to the general public. In the afternoon, Shinpei and his friends also put on demonstrations. The contest held on this, the final day, was watched by a large crowd of spectators. Skaters boldly attempted to complete tricks, and the audience cheered them on loudly regardless of success or failure, bringing the high voltage of the venue to a climax.

In this fashion, the three-day UT Skate Park was brought to a close. Through this event, UT was happy to have been able to provide time and space for skateboarders who truly love riding to share in the joy of skating freely.

During the contests held on Day 1 and Day 3, pizza from PIZZANISTA! TOKYO, where Shinpei serves as creative director, was provided to visitors free of charge. The pepperoni used on the pizzas was cut in the shape of the “prohibited mark” also used in the UT design.

A pixel game, UT SKATE PARK, in which anyone can enjoy skating digitally, will be released on February 23. Anyone who could not attend the event, can’t skateboard or is thinking of giving it a go should definitely try the game to experience the joy of skating.
https://www.uniqlo.com/jp/ja/contents/feature/MessageSkaterUTgame