While we are waiting for our new batch of Index Ink goodies to roll on into Tokyo I had some time to catch up with one of the newest additions to the Index Ink flow team, Yuichi "UP" Hirai. Now, the "UP" isn't 'up' in the traditional sense we are used to, but rather it's said just like the folks from the "UP" or "Upper Peninsula" in Michigan.
Anywho, now that we got that out of the way, let's find out about Mr. UP. I recently sent him the questionnaire given to all the Index Ink riders and go getters and chatted with him on the phone. So, without further ado here's what he had to say...
Around twenty or so questions with Yuichi "UP" Hirai
Age: 26
Residence: Toyokawa City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Occupation: Skater
How long have you been doin’ your thang?
For about 8yrs now.
What motivates you to get up in the morning?
Nice weather and good food... yeah that'll do it!
Best burrito spot? Or favorite food joint?
Any burrito in the SF area.
What’s your setup?
Index Ink 7.62 Pop with Thunderlight trucks and Index 54s!Favorite type of music? Artist/group?
It's all gravy - I like it all.Coke or Pepsi?
Coke, fuh sho!
If you were in a high speed chase…
I'd find a way to ditch 'em!
When I grow up…
I don't want to grow up.
Favorite trick?
Push shove-it or Powerslides prolly.
Local session spot?
Kamome Skatepark or Takayama Skatepark.
Favorite ride?
Any supercar.
What’s your biggest accomplishment so far?
Winning the 2008 "eS Game of Skate Contest"
Give us an interesting little known fact about yourself…
I'm an electrician.
Other interest or hobbies?
Chillin with friends and boozin it up.
Are you competitive by nature?
No.
Money’s no object and you were leaving tonight, where go to?
An island with no people and an everlasting Summer.
Morning or night ?
Night.
How do you continue to push yourself?
Watch skateboarding videos and have a few cocktails.
Where do you wanna be 5 years from now?
Just havin a great time!If I were king…
Prolly want to redo everything...
Any shout outs to other sponsors, friends, family?
Yeah, to Index Ink for hookin up kid and to Water Color, my hometown shop, for all the support! And to Pwc Films and VB Beer and of course my friends!! Thank you all!!
And, I was snooping around UP's shop, Water Color, and their site and found a pretty cool photo. Now some of you may think this was done just for this blog, but that's not the case. You can check out the blog and see for yourself that this pic was taken way before this post! Here's UP given the lowdown to some new buck about to take on his first of many Index Ink decks!
The cats at Water Color are always on it. You don't need to speak Japanese to understand these guys are really pushing skating the way it needs to be - they're just having fun! So, for now, do me a favor and peep their shop blog!!
