Starting from a small town in Japan, Mami Tezuka has arrived to compete in the most important skate parks in the world, competing with some of the most talented skateboarders. 

Her passion for the sport was passed on to her by her parents, who in turn were skateboarders, who spurred her on and supported her. Watching her move on the board you could say that Mami’s style follows a very personal rhythm. The art of mastering time, learned through piano lessons, over the years and experience has become that one more thing that has distinguished her from others. 

Mami Tezuka became, with Lizzie Armanto, Brighton Zeuner and Yndiara Asp, the face of the Vans’ Vanguards campaign and for the occasion, she told us some things about her, about skateboarding and her passions.

How did you discover the world of skateboarding and where did you first experience it?

My father used to skate and I started skateboarding with my mother when I was 6yrs old. 

What was your first important contest and what has changed since that time?

Exposure in 2017. It was the first contest I competed outside of Japan and that’s where I met my agent and many great friends. 

In addition to skateboarding, what are your other passions and how do you reconcile your commitments related to this sport with all the other aspects of your life?

Piano, snowboarding, making bracelets, music, reading. 

When did you discover Vans as a brand and what does it mean for you to be part of the Vanguards campaign?

I got a pair of Vans shoes as a souvenir when I was in Kindergarten and that’s the first time I discovered Vans.

How does the choice of shoe affect performance and is there a Vans model with which you feel more comfortable and safe?

Shoes play a very important role for skateboading! I like to break in the shoes a little so I never wear a brand new pair for a contest. I like to wear the Vans Old Skool Pro. 

What was your reaction when skateboard was declared an Olympic discipline?

The history of Skateboarding has changed. I think it’s interesting that there are many different opinions, but that’s skateboarding. I don’t just like the competitive side but also the fun and freedom of skateboarding to be acknowledged and hope that it contributes to skateboarding in a positive way.