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."
38 years ago, my story began. My encounter with skiing was nothing short of miraculous. *Age 4, Niyama Mountain Ski Resort
The whole family got hooked on skiing. (Age 7, Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort)
He participated in tournaments, winning some and losing others. *8 years old, Yamaha Cup final
Skiing gave me the joy of winning, and the frustration of losing made me look forward to the next time many times over. (8 years old, at my family home in Hokuto City)
When I signed a contract with Salomon in the third grade of elementary school, my vague goal began to be set on the world stage. My coach allowed me to freely enjoy skiing as a hobby. And above all, I received support from my parents and siblings. *At age 13, when I competed in the Hokkaido Junior High School Championships
I have grown so much that I have reached the point where I can stand on the podium at the World Cup, the pinnacle stage of the world, which was my goal when I was a child.
Photo/Yoshio Takusagawa Location/Wengen, SUI
It is unusual for Asians to be successful in the world of alpine skiing.
Photo/Yoshio Takusagawa Location/Wengen, SUI
He suddenly gained fame on the world's top scene by doing something like this.
Photo/Yoshio Takusagawa Location/Bormio, ITA
Playing in front of tens of thousands of spectators became my profession.
Photo/Yoshio Takusagawa Location/Wengen, SUI
The establishment of a fan club in Austria, the home of skiing and a national sport, makes me feel like I've achieved a certain kind of success as a racer and skier.
Photo/Yoshio Takusagawa Location/Kitzbuhel, AUS
However, while competing at the highest level globally, I began to feel that my perspective on skiing, which I had encountered as a miraculous experience, was narrowing. Photo/Yoshio Takusagawa Location/CHAMONIX, FRA
And after the Sochi Olympics, at the World Cup held in Slovenia, he left in front of tens of thousands of spectators during his final super run, in pursuit of the true essence of skiing. Location/Kranjska Gora, SLO
To explore the immense potential of skiing that has always been deep in my heart.
Photo/Yoshiro Higai Location/Lofoten Islands, NOR
From the world of competition to the great outdoors where one confronts oneself, the field shifts.
Photo/Yoshiro Higai Location/Lofoten Islands, NOR
I found a path that allows me to confront nature, my way of life, my thoughts, and my style head-on.
Photo/Yoshiro Higai Location/Lofoten Islands, NOR
I don't know if what I'm doing will succeed or fail, whether people will accept it or not, but
Photo/Yusuke Hirota Location/Altai, MNG
I know what I want to do and what I want to become.
Photo/Yusuke Hirota Location/Altai, MNG
It will always be a miraculous encounter. I want to enrich my life with skiing.
Photo/Yusuke Hirota Location/Altai, MNG
To achieve that, in the end, just like in my alpine days, I need to push my limits, not set limits for myself, and just keep going.
Photo/Tomokazu Kuwano Location/Gunma, JPN
I have no choice but to challenge my own limits.
My story shines brightest when I face 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
