TAKA HIGASHINO
as well as X Games in Austin,
TX. Invites have gone out and
so begins the countdown. Every
day from here on out will be filled
with serious and intense days of
practicing. Higashino has even
claimed that maybe he will be
bringing some new tricks to the
table. Unfortunately for us he
wouldn’t go into much detail,
other than looking up with a
suspicious grin as he clapped
his hands together and began
shuffling them back and forth
while chuckling.
Catching up with the FMX flying
ninja just after his wife surprised
him by throwing a birthday party
with all his friends, I had a chance
to dive into who he was before his
rise to the top, life now, and what
life will be like after the ride has
ended. This is what he had to say:
When did you start riding, how
old were you?
HIGASHINO: I started riding at
eight years old, in 1992
What about FMX? When did you
start heading down that road?
I was 18 years old. My home MX
track added an FMX ramp. Then I
tried hitting it on an RM 125.
What did you do for work before
you started doing FMX full
time?
I work roof tech for years. Every
morning 5:30am wake up, come
back 8pm Monday through Friday.
It was tough but I learn a lot.
Did you ever think you’d be
living in America, owning your
own house, and married to a
French girl?
No way, no way (laughs). Never
thinking about living in America.
You recently just moved into
your own house, how do you
like it?
So pumped, I feel like a little more
relaxed. I set up the garage good
but I want to do more, inside
is still pretty empty. It’s never
finished I think.
When did you first come over
here to the US?
In 2006 I came for 3 months to
visit, then 2007 I seriously wanted
to try and move.
How was it adjusting to
America?
It’s so hard: food, language,
everything. All the US guys I met
helped me to get a chance and
were all super nice to me. That’s
why I can make my dream come
true. I am a happy guy, thanks
guys.
How many contests and shows
did you ride in 2013?
I did Nuclear Cowboys Tour, all X
Games, X-Fighters and a handful
Nitro Circus shows. Long year!
Did you take some time off or
go on any vacations?
Uhh, kind of - vacation and
show at same time (laughs). Like
going to France, I have a show
beginning of week and then after
for two weeks, me and my wife
stay at her mum’s house. I don’t
ride for two weeks then, just chill
and go home feeling fresh. u
FreestyleXtreme | 69