BMX WORLDS - JAPAN

JAPAN THE NEW BMX MECCA

BMX freestyle has become a very popular sport all over the world, and Japan is no exception.  In recent years, Japan has emerged as a true BMX freestyle mecca, with a large number of talented riders and a growing BMX scene that is gaining more and more recognition.


 One of the reasons why Japan has become a major center for BMX freestyle is that the Japanese are known for their dedication and discipline.  In the world of BMX freestyle, these qualities are essential to mastering the most difficult tricks.  Additionally, Japanese culture emphasizes the importance of perfection and excellence, which has led many Japanese riders to spend countless hours practicing and training.


 In addition, Japan also has a large number of high-quality and advanced BMX parks, these parks are carefully designed and built to meet the needs of the most demanding riders.  Many of these parks are located in central urban areas, which makes them easily accessible for local and international riders, but not only Japan has great skateparks but also a large number of urban spots that make Japan a bmx paradise.


 Another factor that has contributed to the growth of BMX freestyle in Japan is the high level of competition that exists in the country.  In recent years, several world-class Japanese riders have emerged who have won important BMX freestyle competitions abroad, in this case the greatest Japanese exponent is Rim Nakamura who has represented Japan in xgames, this has helped inspire and attract more Japanese youth to sport.


 In short, Japan has become a mecca for BMX freestyle thanks to a combination of a high level of dedication and discipline, a large number of quality and advanced BMX parks, and the presence of a world-class riding community.  As a result, Japanese freestyle BMX is booming, which suggests that we will see many more Japanese riders competing on the world stage in the years to come.


HIROHISA HAYATA " SOSUKE" YOUNG JAPANESE SUPERSTAR -PHOTOS BY HIKARU FUNYU AND "KAZUKIN"

@Tamon_Iwasaki Photo by @ricard_j15 

TATSUKI FUKURAWA - PHOTOS BY HIKARU FUNYU

HIKARU FUNYU - JAPAN LEGEND

Hikaru Funyu, a BMX photographer originally from Japan, has earned a place in the BMX world as one of the world's best photographers, and a BMX legend in Asia.  How has he done it?  Through his exceptional work of capturing the beauty and excitement of BMX, creating a visual haven of Japanese BMX culture for riders around the world.


 Hikaru Funyu is known for his ability to capture the beauty of BMX in all its forms, through his photos and videos of him.  Through his work, he has helped promote and expand the BMX culture in Japan and has gained the attention of riders from all over the world.


 One of the most impressive aspects of Hikaru's work is the way he uses his camera to capture unique and special moments on the BMX.  From spectacular aerial tricks to the finesse it takes to slide down a rail, Hikaru is able to capture every moment of the action and translate it into stunning images.


 Another notable achievement for Hikaru is his ability to create a true vision of BMX in Japan, perhaps the best BMX in the world.  From the stunning photos of him on the streets of Tokyo, to the diverse and natural scenery that Japan offers, Hikaru's photos bring to life the richness of BMX in Asia.


 In addition, Hikaru has worked with many of the best riders in the world, which has allowed him to shoot some of the most difficult and spectacular tricks in BMX.  His artistic perspective brings out the qualities of his subjects and makes each one of them look exceptional.


 In short, Hikaru Funyu has become an exceptional global photographic artist, a BMX legend in Asia and a benchmark in the BMX world around the world.  His work is a true inspiration for all those who love BMX and photography, and thanks to his achievements, he has turned Japan into a true paradise for riders from all over the world.


I was born in Tokyo.  When I was in high school, I was driving around town in motorsport.  I had a big accident and broke my thigh.  After recovering from my injury, I started riding a bicycle because motorsports were dangerous, but I still liked motorcycles.  The job I was doing at that time was a cameraman assistant, so I was taught how to use a camera, so naturally I started taking bmx photos.  Everyone was so happy just by taking pictures, so I started to seriously think about taking pictures.


 Who are your highest references in the world of photography, who inspired you to be the great artist you are now?

Rob Dolecki. Jeff Z. Merlin Czarnulla. Bengea. LC. Tonash. Eisa Bakos and fred murray. 


How was the process of becoming a local bmx photographer, an exponent of bmx photography worldwide?


I always try to visit as many riding spots as the camera can't take pictures unless I'm there.


  Finally, we would all like to know a little more about your life in bmx, so the next question is how did bmx come into your life and at what age?


I think ET was the first time I learned about BMX.  And I wanted a BMX, so I went to a bmx shop near my house, but it was too expensive to buy.  I think it was when I was in elementary school.  From there, when I was 19 years old, the music I listened to a lot was Chicano rap, so I made a Lowrider bicycle and rode it.  At that time, I saw a fixie bike running in the city and was shocked and started riding a fixie bike.  From there, I naturally started to do tricks and changed to BMX.


YUMI TSUKUDA - PHOTO BY HIKARU FUNYU

LUC FLOSBACH IN JAPAN - PHOTO BY HIKARU FUNYU

HAYATE KAMIUTEN AND YUTO HIRAMATSU - PHOTOS BY HIKARU FUNYU

YUMA OSHIMO - PHOTO BY HIKARU FUNYU

RYOTA MIYAJI - PHOTO BY HIKARU FUNYU

VAN HOMAN IN JAPAN - PHOTO BY HIKARU FUNYU

DAISUKE SHIRAISHI - PHOTO BY HIKARU FUNYU

PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTFOLIO OF HIKARU FUNYU