Always Pushing" vol. 4, a new story that Vans is building. skater Sakura Shijyuju aims for the future .

Always Pushing. Always pushing, always more. Recognizing this, Vans riders repeatedly challenge themselves to push the limits of what they can do. This article is part of a Series that explores the mindset and motivations of Vans riders who are always seeking to improve their skills. In this fourth installment, we pick up skater Sakura Shijusumi. What is she thinking about and doing about last year's injury and her next goal?

Text_Shogo Komatsu
Edit_Amane Yasuda

. We will exert our strength to the limit of what we can produce at that time.

-Thank you for the Paris Convention. Last year, you suffered a serious injury, tearing a ligament in your right knee.

40 residence:I couldn't skate for about six months, and I wondered if I would ever regain my technique accuracy or be able to compete in competitions. I had to qualify for Paris, so I was desperate to do what I could for now.

-Have you made any new discoveries or changes by reexamining yourself for not being able to ski as hard as you can?

40 residence:I had been just skating until then, but I started to include training in my menu, and I changed the way I skated and the way I thought about it. Also, I thought it was time to take a break from practicing without a break. I have more time to spend with my family.

-I'm sure you must have been happy when you went through that and were selected to compete in Paris.

40 residence:Yes, it was. I was really happy because I never thought I would be on that stage twice in my life. There were many times when I couldn't really skate, but I was glad that I was challenging my limits at the time.

-He said that although he was not at his best, he was giving it his all.

40 residence:If I gave 100% before the injury, I could only give 70% after the injury. . But that was all I could do at the time, so I focused on giving it all I could at the current state of my ability. I feel like I am challenging myself to reach my limits on a given day, which may or may not be good.

-What did you do on days when you were feeling so bad that there was nothing you could do about it?

40 residence:At those times, I would play with my pets, or since my house was close to the private park, I would go home and freshen up before returning and skiing.

-The next world championship is the X Games, which will be held in Chiba, Japan on September 21 and 22.

40 residence:Since the event will be held in Chiba, I am sure many people will come to watch, and I want to show them how I enjoy skiing.

-What kind of people are those supporters?

40 residence:I am truly grateful. I could not have come this far without my family, and my supportive sponsors have helped me finance my expeditions. And my friends are also very important. When I try out a new technique, I sometimes feel intimidated when I do it alone, but when I ski with my friends and get their advice, I can tackle it with a positive attitude. Without all the people who support me, I would not be where I am today.

-What are your goals for the future?

40 residence:I want to shoot parts and promote my style of skateboarding. . And I want to aim for the next level after Paris. I was first in Tokyo, but the results were not good in Paris, so I want to be at the top again. . I want to show everyone that even if I get injured, I can climb to the top again if I work hard.

A dream that I hope to realize someday.

-What is your favorite Vans model?

40 residence:I have been wearing "Old School" for a long time. I like them because it is easy to feel the deck. . Before receiving support from Vans, I tried many brands of shoes, but "Old Skool" was the best. I was wearing regular "Old Skool" shoes until 3 years ago, but I thought it would be better to get used to the sturdier "Skate Old Skool" shoes, so I started wearing them when I was injured, and now I love "Skate Old Skool" shoes. I wore them all the time when I was injured, and now I love "Skate Old Skools".

-Are you "old school" when you are not skateboarding?

40 residence:I am wearing the "Kyle Pro 2" today , but I still prefer the "Old School". I wear them on a regular basis and try to break in the next pair.

-Do you have a favorite coloring?

40 residence:I wear black or red. Red is my winning color. I've always decided that my finals will be red, but every time I want to wear different clothes, I wonder if I should wear another color, but I end up choosing red.

-Oh, by the way, I heard you met with Steve Caballero in the US.

40 residence:I was skiing with Skye (Brown) and her friends at the Vans park in Huntington Beach when I got a DM from Caballero and we decided to go out for ramen together (laughs). He said the ramen here is good (laughs). . Then he would send me a message every once in a while through comments on my Instagram or DMs. Legend is the one who is kind.

-I'm glad to hear that. I think Sakura-chan is the object of admiration for Japanese children. I guess you are often approached by children?

40 residence:Yes, I do. . I love children so much that I originally wanted to become a kindergarten teacher. I am happy to be able to connect with children through skateboarding, and I also want to support children who have dreams like mine. Skating with kids who are aiming for the world will motivate me to do my best.

-That's one goal, isn't it?

40 residence:Yes . I would like to teach and support skateboarding to children someday. . But that is a long time away, because I still want to participate in competitions. . Anyway, for now, I want to achieve results and make my supporters happy, and I want people to see my style of skating. . And I have a goal of reaching the top again, so I will work hard toward that goal.