Shaper: Yoshiro Takeda made in Japan
Who is Yoshiro Takeda?
I am a surfboard Shaper/ surfboard Glasser/ Surfboard Sander/ Surfboard fin installer/ Surfboard ding Repair man.
How did you get into shaping?
I was born to do this.
When did you shape your first board?
Maybe around 7 years ago.
Where do you get inspiration? Both design and shaping?
I guess I feel inspired by the ocean, and my art design comes from…I don`t know, maybe whenever I see something cool I feel inspired by that.
Favourite board you’ve shaped?
My last one.
Who influences you and your craft?
Whoever impressed me:) and thats usually OZ legends.
Favourite food
Okonomiyaki
Fav Colour
Black and white
How’s surf in Japan?
Surfing in the snow in winter. 3mm full steamer in the Summer time. Basically cold all the time.
How does it feel to establish a business away from your Country? what do you miss most about Japan?
I don`t know about my business to be honest, seems to be going okay. I`m still enjoying that is the main thing for me to keep going.
What do you think about progression? Some people think surfboard design is slow to progress. What are you doing to progress design?
Well, I always want to be on a next level and I`m learning something new every single day so that makes me feel very satisfied and it’s the most addictive thing for me.
How many boards have you shaped?
Mmmm sorry I don`t know… I think not too many, I`m still full hand shape though…can`t build too many boards.
What advice would you give for people looking for the right surfboard?
Go find your favorite shaper.
What’s the best way to identify the gap between a customer’s wants and true needs?
Good communication and good relationship.
What does the future hold for Takeda surfboards?
I don’t know, but it’s very exciting!
Thank you Yoshi.
Pictures were taken by Victoria Aguirre. Art direction and graphic design: Sinai Mejias (me)
love♥
holaparasiempre
Ninja Yoshi. What can I say, other than you are such an inspiration to those around you who have know you for long time. I have been privillaged to see you blossom as a human being in the way you excite those around you including me. The one thing that stands out for me about you is the nature of your dogged determination cupeled with humility you have both those quality ingredients in abundance. Now that you are married to a wonderful and beautiful lady I see all that you do move up to another level if your not there already. All of this in preparation for the incoming tide to sweep up more ninja turtles of the beach [kids]. I have seen you work harder, learn harder, play harder, and get drunk harder than anyone I know, only a ninja can do that. So Yoshi……..keep inspiring the world around you by just being you……Kia Kaha [Forever Strong]
lovely words Miha!
a great little article and epic pics, Yoshi is an awesome craftsman/artist and genuinely cool guy.