Kelly Ishihara. Tech-Kelz. KY Kelly.

What can be said about Kelly Ishihara that hasn’t already been said about every best friend anyone’s ever had? He’s the kindest, most brilliant person, who happens to absolutely fucking rip at skating. Shockingly good at skating. Painfully good. Good in a way where if you went to the skatepark and he was there, you’d be too shy to skate, but thankfully he’s a nice enough guy for you to not feel discouraged.

Following his part in Konton (a homie video out of Tokyo by Kyota Kamei) which made a lasting impression and prompted several iterations of,’ wait, what? rewind that,’, the Honolulu-to-Yokohama transplant and part time ramen fiend is an easy addition to this year’s Bright Young Things.

Who are you?

Kelly Ishihara. I was born and raised in Hawaii, but currently live in Kawasaki, Japan. 

What do you do?

I like to ride my skateboard.

How long have you been doing that?

Seventeen years. 

Where is home for you?

Kaimuki, Hawaii.

Photo Right: Yuma Takei

If you weren’t skating, what would you be doing?

Probably be stuck in Hawaii still. 

What do you think about the current state of skating?

We have more access to content than ever before, so it’s cool to be able to check out skate crews and scenes from all around the world.

What do you do outside of skating and how does that thing influence or affect your craft?

I got back into fingerboarding again, but I don’t think it really affects my skating.

The best/worst thing about the skate industry? 

Best thing is how friendly and welcoming the skaters are here. Worst thing is the mindset of a lot of Japanese people who think that skating is meant to be done only at skateparks to practice for competitions, making it even harder to street skate here. People walking by call the cops on you when you’re street skating. 

Something you’re most proud of? 

Being the son of amazing parents. 

Biggest lesson you’ve learnt in life so far?

Make every moment count. Live everyday like it’s your last. 

Something anyone can do today to make the world a better place? 

Be kind to others. You don’t know what other people may be going through. 

What is the biggest challenge you’ve overcome so far in your industry?

I’m still trying to improve my Japanese. Communicating can be challenging at times. 

What is something people might not know about you? 

Christian Hosoi is my second cousin.

Who do you think is doing it the best/coolest in your industry right now?

My friend Yuma Takei! @kawasakiboy 

What do you think the biggest issue young people are facing today?

Overuse of social media. Seems to do more harm than good. 

What is your favourite thing about Japan?

The amount of convenient stores. There’s over seven thousand just in Tokyo.

What’s the dream sponsor? Skating or non skating?

7/11!

If you could have any trick locked down, what would it be?

The Tiago (Switch Backtail).

What obstacle is someone most likely to find you skating?

A good manny pad. Been obsessed lately.