For those of you wondering how to pitch us an article idea, let us give you one tip. Make it sound like a GTA 5 mission. For example: checking out a waterfront skatepark in a Japanese mountain town that is bankrolled by legal boat race gambling.

It’s a fever dream love letter to Cali, and we had to know the story behind it, so we got in contact with designer and founder of MBM Skatepark Construction, Masato Kimura. Get the full story about what possessed him to rebuild two American landmarks in Japan, how he pulled it off, and whether or not he’s throwing yen at the boats while the concrete sets.

Is gambling a problem in Japan like it is here in the US?
It’s not that big of a problem. I have seen a few Japanese people getting arrested for online gambling recently but no one’s out here robbing others to gamble. I think legal gambling is surprisingly widespread.

Can you please explain how a skatepark came to be funded by boat race gambling [laughs]?
As part of the Boat Racing Promotion Association’s regional revitalization initiative, they reached out to MBM and that was how our relationship started.

The gambling industry is facing an aging demographic, so there’s a desire to attract younger audiences. Simply put, the idea is: fathers engage in gambling while their kids skateboard. Their aim is to soften the image of gambling. It’s not just boat racing, but also horse racing and keirin (fixed gear bicycle racing). We’ve already constructed three parks near keirin venues.

So it’s basically free day care while parents gamble?
The way some malls have an area for children to play, they wanted to create an area where parents could come to enjoy gambling and kids can also come to enjoy different activities, such as skateboarding, BMX, basketball, soccer, bouldering, etc. Their hope is to change the perception of not only gambling, but also of the area where boat racing is held.

How did you first get into skatepark design and construction?
So I opened a skate shop, AXIS Boardshop, when I was 30. I’m 55 now, and I traveled to America when I was younger to buy boards. Back then it was cheaper to buy them in America, and when I went I saw Encinitas and skated at a concrete skatepark for the first time. It was a life-changing experience. My world and values towards skating were completely shifted.

When I returned home a year later, we were already running a construction company, MBM, so we decided to make one ourselves. The year 2000 was the start of everything. This is just a side note, but the year we made the park teams including the Black Label team came to skate. I was so hyped when John Cardiel came!

How many parks have you built through the years?
About 70. I want to build at least 100. Although I’ll probably get there in a few years haha! To be honest, rather than big parks, I want to make smaller parks like America where it’s easier for people to go to.

Is MBM the biggest skatepark construction company in Japan?
Yes, you’re right. Exactly de gozaimasu [laughs]!

I saw on your website that MBM is hiring and training skaters in concrete work with housing included. What’s the vision behind that?
Many young people, especially skateboarders, face limited job opportunities. So, I encourage them to join MBM because I aim to create an environment where skaters can skate while working. And even if the skate park business were to end, having a trade skill would allow them to transition to other jobs. That’s why I provide training and apprenticeships to equip them with valuable skills. I haven’t directly told them this, but I truly believe it’s essential for their future, so that’s what I do.

Do any of your employees partake in the gambling action?
My employees have tried too, yes.

What about you?
I’ve dabbled with it! [laughs]

What is the worst part of the job?
The worst part is building skateparks when rivaling construction companies who prioritize their own profits over the needs of skateboarders also exist. We strive to explain to the administration the depth that skateboarding has and the ideal nature of parks from a skater’s perspective. However, these rival companies try to undermine us by speaking poorly of us and try to overturn or seize our projects.

What inspired you to recreate elements of Stoner Plaza and 3rd and Army in Japan?
It was entirely due to my admiration and respect for the American skate scene. The life changing experience I had when skating for the first time at the skate parks in America is still a vivid memory that remains strong. That’s why I wanted to bring parks that create that experience for Japanese people.

Why these specific California spots?
I genuinely wanted the young people of Japan to get to know the famous spots in America. Given Japan’s current economy and the price difference compared to America, it’s no longer easy for Japanese people to travel to or visit America. That’s why I brought these parks in hopes of people being able to experience even just a fraction of how great America’s parks, especially these spots, are.

Did you visit the spots in person to take measurements?
Three of my mates and I actually visited the spots. We spent a day at each spot skating and using our knees and body to measure. We’d be like, “Oh, this one comes up to my chest.” As for the overall size, we just used Google Maps. We didn’t take precise measurements.

We recorded how many lengths of our board it was and just took pictures. We thought it’d be disrespectful to the spot itself if it was too accurate and wouldn’t be as fun if it was exactly the same. Japanese people’s heights are also different; and strength. So we made it considering that too.

What is the official name of this park?
The mascot of Kiryu City [neighbors Midori] is called Midomosu-kun. That mascot was the inspiration of this park, so the city officially named it Midomosu Street Park. I wasn’t involved in the naming.

Your parks have a distinct look—how would you describe your design philosophy?
Those actually aren’t the parks that I want to design. If I made the park I wanted to, it’d be dominated by my personal preferences. For example, if you gave meat to someone that wants to eat sushi, they’d just be eating it for the sake of companionship right? So, I’ll give detailed advice, but for the most part I make parks that the local skaters want to skate. Here and there I make suggestions, but that’s something I’m very mindful of.

Near the Midomusu park, there’s a traditional park called Kugenuma that’s more “maximalist” in a sense, but maybe you saw Midomusu as “functional minimalism” because my parks are catered to the young skaters that can’t skate those yet or skate in a different style. I personally love the Kugenuma skatepark though. I like surfing and snowboarding, and love [Steve] Caballero, so that park is my taste.

How does recreating California spots affect the style of Japanese skaters?
At the end of the day, America has the best skateboarders so chasing after that is fun and I feel that it benefits the skaters out here in Japan. Since skateboarding originated in America, it’s only natural to want to get closer to that. For those who’ve never been to America, being able to feel like you’ve experienced it through the replicas must be a great feeling.

Were some obstacles intentionally made smaller to be more beginner-friendly?
The local skate community includes elementary school students, high school beginners, and surf skaters. As you mentioned, for the park to be a beginner-friendly environment and to accommodate surf skaters, we added elements like a mini ramp, flat spaces, and two flat bars.

I really value the opinions of local skaters. While we, as builders, move on to new projects after completion, it’s the local skaters who will continue to skate and cherish the park. I believe that their affection for the park will help maintain its rules and order.

Do you think the city had concerns that this park might lead to more street skating?
Not so much. Street skating in Japan is heavily restricted, with strict police enforcement. Many skaters turn to parks that emulate street environments for practice. There’s this thing called “yari-nige” [hit-and-run skating], where skaters quickly attempt a trick and leave before getting in trouble, creating the illusion of fewer skaters in public. But if you fail too many times, “yari-nige” is difficult, so skaters practice their skills in parks before taking them to the streets. If the city officials find out about this, I’m gonna be in trouble [laughs].

Do you always have the liberty to build your vision or is it difficult with government restrictions?
I think there are more restrictions than freedom. Japan is known for being overly strict, you know? For instance, vehicle inspections and insurance requirements are quite stringent. Similarly, when building skateparks, there are various constraints, especially concerning children’s safety. It’s essential to provide thorough explanations to address these concerns; otherwise, it becomes challenging. I’m sure the U.S. has similar issues, but the hurdles in Japan definitely feel higher due to their strict nature.

Will Japan ever develop world-renowned street spots that skaters travel to, the same way people do for places like MACBA or EMB?
I don’t think that’s possible. Japan is very strict about street skating and culturally I think those factors would make it impossible.

How would you compare your company to popular skatepark builders in the states like CA Skateparks, Grindline, Spohn Ranch, etc.?
Power, speed, skill — American companies have got it all, we can’t even come close. But even if we’re no match for them, all our builders are skaters, so I believe we share the same love for skateboarding.

I heard you guys were involved in building KASSO obstacles. What do you think about the KASSO skate game show?
KASSO makes me realize how much skateboarding has become a mainstream sport. It’s so crazy to think Japanese TV has made this skateboarding show a series. As for this build, as a skateboard park for an event, I think it’s the largest in Japan. That said, parks for different companies’ events are on a much smaller scale, but are packed with the same amount of creative ideas and thoughtful design.

You’ve built many of Japan’s best skateparks. Do you have any plans to expand outside Japan?
I don’t. There are certain cultural aspects that only Japanese people understand, and I’m sure other countries have their own so I don’t have plans to cross borders. However, I would love to help out and visit!

What’s next for you and MBM?
I really want to continue growing the skateboard scene in Japan. I want to help cultivate more Japanese skaters that will excel not only in America but also globally. That is my outlook from now on.

Interview and intro by: Kai Rosenthal
Editorial Assists: Ken Bomins
Header by: Mingus Gamble
Photo’s courtesy of: Japan Parks and Rec
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