May 16, 2016 8 Question Interview w/ Gen Asano
What are you currently working on?
Right now I’m just working on some new models for our company called Vesso Surf. Currently partnered with Kerry Tokoro, one of the nicest and best shapers in the world. I am also working with Wade Tokoro (Kerry’s older brother), also one of the kindest and best shaper in the world. I’m helping him out by cutting his surfboards with the Aku Bird Machine.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Hmm, I usually go to work and cut some boards for Tokoro Surfboards. I listen to some of the customer’s stories and have a good laugh. I also work with a surfboard company called Vesso surf, doing design work and shaping the boards for them. After work, I will sometimes go for a quick surf session. Being at the Tokoro Factory is a really enjoyable working environment for me.
Where do you find inspiration?
Many of the inspirations come from other people and music. People who have big dreams and are willing to pursue their career in doing something they enjoy really inspire me. Wade and Kerry Tokoro, both inspire me a lot. They worked so hard to get to where they are now. Shaping thousands of boards and failing at the same time made them hungrier to make the best boards in the world. They really sacrificed many things in life. Many of the best shapers in the world have been through this. Music has also been a big inspiration and I’m pretty much listening to music everyday. When you think about it, it’s crazy how music can change other people and how much of an impact it has on others. When I’m shaping, I usually listen to something that’s easy to listen to, like blues, instrumentals, and more mellow genres but something that keeps me alive when I’m shaping a board.
What is the most challenging part when shaping a board?
Everything in making a surfboard is very difficult. The whole board has to fit together, like the outline, rocker, concave, and etc. Everything has to flow together as a board. There is no easy part when shaping a board and it’s actually a form of art. Art is abandoned these days and there’s always improvement in shaping or any kind of art. It’s a never-ending product, and there will be no answer.
If you could give some advise to your teenage self, what would it be?
Hmmmm, you know, right after you graduate high school, that’s when the question comes up, “What do you want to do in the future?” Ever since I shaped my first surfboard when I was 17, I was hooked. From there, I told my self I want to make surfboards for a living and be the best surfboard shaper in the world and make my customers happy on my equipment. Many people do things that they hate doing or something they are forced to do. To me, that’s not living. Life’s short, you have to live it up. Never think about money, the more you think about money, the more you stress. Money is the last thing you should think of because at the end that’s all not going to matter, the money isn’t going to be there anymore. The things you did for other people and how you impacted them are the things that are going to matter at the end. Getting remembered in something you do is very important in life.
Working hard is something you should always do. If you work hard, you will accomplish those things in life. Nothing in life comes easy. You will fail, and keep failing. That’s the only way to accomplish your prize. Never let your eyes off the prize. Do something you enjoy in life and work hard to pursue those dreams and have passion in the things you do. Doing something you love is a form of living and you will never work a day in your life if you do something you enjoy.
Besides surfing and shaping do you have any other hobbies?
I have a lot of other hobbies like taking pictures, playing the guitar or other instruments, diving, and fishing. If I’m not surfing or shaping, those are the things I will be doing.
What are you reading or listening to at the moment?
I am listening to “Mango Tree” by Angus And Julia Stone at the moment.
Best part of living in Hawai’i?
Everything. I don’t have any complaints living in Hawaii. It’s warm all year round with the best waves in the world.
Photos by: Calvin Nakamaru, Heff / Manulele, and Gen Asano
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