Meet Riki Nakano: Skating Innovator

Born and raised in Tokyo, Riki Nakano has been on skates since the age of five, drawing inspiration from his family. Now 22 years old, Riki is redefining what it means to skate with style. As a Rollerblade® ambassador, he’s become known for his unique take on trick slalom, a niche discipline that originated in Japan and stands apart from freestyle slalom with its creative expression and emphasis on style over technical execution.

Let’s meet Riki’s, explore his inspirations, his creative process, and his ambitious plans to take trick slalom to new heights.

NAME: Riki

SURNAME: Nakano

DATE OF BIRTH: 2002/07/02

CURRENT LOCATION: Tokyo, Japan

SKATING SINCE: 5 years old

CURRENT SKATE SETUP: CROSSFIRE | Frame: 231mm rocker frame | Wheels: Hydrogen Spectre 76mm

How did you first get into skating, and what inspired you to focus on freestyle slalom?
My uncle started skating and inspired my whole family to start skating. Freestyle slalom and trick slalom are similar but not the same. My uncle and older brother are very good at trick slalom, and I looked up to them, so I wanted to try my best too.

Your style of skating through the cones is quite unique. How would you describe your style, and what makes it stand out?
Trick slalom was born in Japan and is not yet known to the world. It is a sport in which 15 soft cones are placed at 150mm intervals and skaters skate slalom. This is a style not found in freestyle slalom. Also, the cones are larger than those used in freestyle. Unlike freestyle, trick slalom doesn't have points for each technique. Even if it is a simple technique, it is more valuable if it can be made to look cool than be a difficult technique.

The goal is to bring in techniques from various sources, such as those used in freestyle and in aggressive style. By blending different skating styles and incorporating a variety of tricks, skaters can craft routines that showcase their unique personalities and creativity.

What does your training routine look like? Do you focus more on technique, creativity, or a mix of both when practicing?
I'm having fun skating with my friends and taking videos. When doing trick slalom while shooting videos, I focus more on creativity than technique. I try hard to find things that only I can do, routines that show off my style, and tricks that no one else has done yet.

You have a strong presence on social media. How has that influenced your skating journey and your connection with the skating community?
I feel like my influence is still limited. I hope that more people will see my skating, think "I want to be like that!" and take up inline skating!

What are your plans related to skating? Are there any upcoming performances or collaborations you're excited about?
In Japan, I hope to hold trick slalom competitions and seminars not only in Tokyo, but also in Saitama, Shizuoka, Okayama, and other places in the future. I would like to be able to perform in more places around the world. I would like to hold trick slalom seminars overseas and one day hold a world competition. I have a wonderful relationship with Rollerblade®, so I'm hoping we can do some fun things together.

Also, as part of my goal, I would like to build a skating rink in my hometown of Shizuoka Prefecture. I don't know when that will be, but I will do my best toward my goal.

Thank you Riki! Check more about him:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riki._.nakano/

Meet Riki Nakano: Skating Innovator

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