With the oldest average population in the world, squeaky clean city streets, and something of a national reputation for adhering to the rules, Japan might not immediately leap out as a skater’s paradise.

But as events this week in Paris have once again shown, Japan’s teenage girls are on fire when it comes to women’s skating.

For the second consecutive Olympics, Team Japan dominated the street event – and it could do the same in the park category starting August 6.

The rise of Japanese skateboarders is surprising in a country that typically frowns on public demonstrations of the sport.

Skating is prohibited by law in busy areas and mostly limited to skate parks, making it difficult for aspiring skaters to train in non-designated areas.

That, paired with the country’s aging population problem – Japanese birth rates hit a record low in 2023 – would set most sports up for a massive wipeout.

But the Olympics inclusion has ignited youth exposure and resources. The number of skateparks in the country since 2021 has nearly doubled to 475, according to the Japan Skatepark Association. After yet another impressive medal haul, there could be room for even more growth.

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