Yuto Horigome, the Tokyo-born skateboarding prodigy and Olympic gold medalist, is living his dream in Los Angeles. As one of the sport’s brightest stars, Horigome’s life is a seamless blend of skateboarding, style, and personal growth. In this exclusive feature for GQ JAPAN, we take a behind-the-scenes look at a day in Yuto’s life in LA, exploring his routine, inspirations, and how he stays grounded while living on the global stage.

Morning: A Skater’s Rituals

The day begins early for Yuto Horigome. Skateboarding may be his passion, but his discipline is rooted in routine—a carryover from his early training days in Tokyo.

7:00 AM: Sunrise and Stretching

Yuto’s mornings in LA start with mindfulness. He begins the day with light stretching and yoga on the patio of his modern apartment, overlooking the city. “Skateboarding is tough on the body,” Yuto explains. “Stretching keeps me flexible and prevents injuries. It’s also a moment of calm before a busy day.”

8:00 AM: Japanese Breakfast with a Twist

Breakfast is a mix of tradition and convenience. Yuto enjoys a bowl of rice, miso soup, and grilled fish, a nod to his Japanese roots, paired with an LA favorite: avocado toast. Nutrition is a priority, as it fuels his intensive skate sessions. “Food is energy,” he says. “I keep it simple but healthy.”

Late Morning: Hitting the Streets

After breakfast, Yuto gears up for the first skate session of the day. His signature blend of Japanese precision and LA street style is evident even in his outfit: a relaxed-fit hoodie, cargo pants, and his favorite Nike SB Dunks.

10:00 AM: Skatepark Warm-Up

Yuto’s first stop is the Stoner Skate Plaza, one of LA’s iconic skate spots. Known for its smooth surfaces and diverse features, the plaza is a haven for skaters. Yuto starts with a series of technical tricks, focusing on clean landings and fluid lines.

“Skating is about flow,” Yuto explains between runs. “It’s not just about landing tricks but how you move through a space.”

Fellow skaters often stop to watch Yuto in action, awed by his effortless style and innovative approach. Despite his fame, Yuto remains approachable, frequently chatting with locals and offering tips to younger skaters.

Noon: Lunch and Creative Breaks

12:30 PM: A Taste of LA

For lunch, Yuto heads to Sugarfish, a sushi spot that reminds him of home while embracing LA’s culinary scene. He orders a simple omakase, savoring the fresh fish and perfectly seasoned rice.

“Sushi in LA is different,” Yuto says. “It’s not Tokyo, but it’s good in its own way. I appreciate how food reflects the culture here.”

1:30 PM: Sketchbooks and Side Projects

Post-lunch, Yuto takes a break from skating to focus on his creative side. His backpack always includes a sketchbook, where he jots down trick ideas, designs for potential skateboards, and even concepts for clothing collaborations.

Yuto’s artistic interests extend beyond skateboarding. He’s collaborated with brands like Nike SB and Louis Vuitton, blending his love for streetwear with high fashion. “Skating inspires my art, and art inspires my skating,” he explains.

Afternoon: The Heart of the Grind

3:00 PM: Filming Downtown

Yuto meets up with his film crew in Downtown LA to capture clips for an upcoming skate video. These sessions are where Yuto’s creativity truly shines. He scouts spots, evaluating rails, ledges, and stair sets for their potential.

“It’s not just about the trick,” Yuto says. “It’s about the environment. The way the city looks in the shot, how the trick fits the vibe of the spot—that’s what makes a great clip.”

As the sun begins to set, Yuto lands a clean switch frontside flip over a set of stairs. The crew erupts in cheers. Moments like these remind Yuto why he fell in love with skating.

Evening: Community and Culture

6:00 PM: Connecting with Friends

After a long day, Yuto unwinds with friends at The Berrics, one of skateboarding’s most legendary indoor parks. Here, pros and amateurs mingle, sharing tricks and stories. For Yuto, these sessions are about community.

“Skating is individual, but it’s also about connection,” he says. “We push each other to be better.”

8:00 PM: Dinner and Reflection

Dinner is a casual affair at a ramen joint in Little Tokyo. Over a bowl of tonkotsu ramen, Yuto reflects on his journey. “I feel lucky to do what I love,” he says. “But I also know it’s a lot of work. Staying grounded is important.”

Night: Winding Down

10:00 PM: Recovery Routine

Back at home, Yuto winds down with a recovery session. Foam rolling, light stretches, and a quick ice bath are essential to keeping his body in top form.

He also takes time to journal, jotting down highlights from the day and setting goals for tomorrow. “It’s a way to stay focused,” he explains. “Every day is an opportunity to grow.”

11:00 PM: Music and Rest

Before bed, Yuto listens to music—often a mix of lo-fi beats and Japanese pop. “Music helps me relax,” he says. “It’s like skating—it has its own rhythm.”

By midnight, Yuto is asleep, ready to tackle another day in LA’s vibrant skateboarding scene.

Balancing Fame, Art, and Authenticity

Yuto Horigome’s life in LA reflects his dedication to skateboarding and his passion for creative expression. Despite his Olympic success and global fame, Yuto remains humble, grounded, and deeply connected to the culture that shaped him.

“Skating is my foundation,” he says. “It’s where everything begins. But it’s also about growth—finding new ways to express myself and connect with others.”

For Yuto, a day in LA is more than just a routine—it’s a celebration of skating, creativity, and community.

 

 

 

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