Tokyo Skates

Tokyo Skates is an experimental type that combines skateboarding with Japanese calligraphy called Yose-moji. Yose-moji (Performance-letters) is a popular calligraphy style, mainly used for performances and theaters since the Edo period (1600-1868 CE). The bold and exaggerated curved style is still used for Kabuki posters, signs and banners. This project celebrates skateboarding’s debut at the Tokyo Olympics and shows the dynamic spirit of Japan. Horizontal lines start from a bold beak and curved lines have a strong contrast with a distinct spur at the end. Decorative terminals add a hand-drawn calligraphy feel and represent the movement of skateboarder.