A look at his skiing journey through photographs and his own words
Akira Sasaki was a top alpine racer before moving into the world of freeriding. His first self-produced video work, "Akira's Project," is nearing completion and is expected to be released this fall. Here, we take a look at Akira Sasaki's life as a skier. In his own words, we trace the path that led to "Akira's Project."
My story began 38 years ago. My encounter with skiing was nothing short of miraculous. I was four years old at Mount Niyama Ski Resort.
The whole family became obsessed with skiing. *Age 7, Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort
I participated in tournaments, winning and losing. At age 8, I made it to the Yamaha Cup finals.
Skiing gives me the joy of winning, and the frustration of losing makes the next time I enjoy it many times more. *Age 8, at my parents' home in Hokuto City
When I signed with Salomon in the third grade of elementary school, my goal, though vague, began to turn towards the world. Thanks to my coach who allowed me to freely enjoy skiing, and above all, my parents and siblings .
I set a goal for myself as a child and have grown so much that I can now stand on the podium at the World Cup, the highest stage in the world. Photo/Yoshio Takusagawa Location/Wengen, SUI
It is unusual for Asians to be active in the world of alpine skiing. Photo/Yoshio Takusagawa Location/Wengen, SUI
He quickly rose to fame in the world's top scene by doing things like this. Photo/Yoshio Takusagawa Location/Bormio, ITA
Playing in front of tens of thousands of spectators became my livelihood. Photo/Yoshio Takusagawa Location/Wengen, SUI
The fact that a fan club has been established in Austria, where skiing is the national sport, makes me feel like I have achieved a certain level of success as a racer and skier. Photo/Yoshio Takusagawa Location/Kitzbuhel, AUS
However, while competing at the world's top level, he began to feel that his perspective on skiing, a sport that he had miraculously discovered, was narrowing. Photo/Yoshio Takusagawa Location/CHAMONIX, FRA
After the Sochi Olympics, the World Cup was held in Slovenia. In the final Super Run, in front of tens of thousands of spectators, he left to seek the essence of skiing. Location: Kranjska Gora, SLO
Exploring the great potential of skiing, which has always been in my heart Photo/Yoshiro Higai Location/Lofoten Islands, NOR
Moving from the world of competition to the great outdoors, where he confronts himself, Photo/Yoshiro Higai Location/Lofoten Islands, NOR
I found a path that allowed me to confront nature and my own way of life, thoughts, and style. Photo/Yoshiro Higai Location/Lofoten Islands, NOR
I don't know if what I'm doing will be successful or not, or if people will accept it or not. Photo/Yusuke Hirota Location/Altai, MNG
I know what I want to do and who I want to become. Photo/Yusuke Hirota Location/Altai, MNG
I want to continue to enrich my life with skis, a miraculous encounter. Photo/Yusuke Hirota Location/Altai, MNG
To achieve this, I had to push my limits just like I did in my alpine skiing days, not set any limits for myself, and just focus on what I want to
achieve .
All I can do is challenge my limits. My story shines through the challenges Akira's Project Photo/Tomokazu Kuwano Location/Gunma, JPN
Akira Sasaki
Born in Hokuto City, Hokkaido in 1981. He has stood on the podium three times in the Alpine World Cup and competed in four consecutive Olympic Games, from Salt Lake City to Sochi
After retiring from competition, he traveled around the world skating, developing a plan to produce videos and starting "Akira's Project."
He produced the project himself and has skied in Norway, Mongolia, and Mt. Tanigawa. He is currently waiting for the project to be completed Photo/Yusuke Abe
