JW: Where were you born, how does that affect your surfing, and work?
NK: I grew up by the sea in Kamakura, Shonan. For as long as I can remember, the ocean has been my playground. I would run and play on the tetrapods, catching crabs and fish while my parents walked on their longboards. I naturally became interested in surfing, and after my mother pushed me out to ride my first wave, I instantly fell in love with surfing and knew that I wanted to become a professional surfer by the time I entered elementary school. As a teenager, I was passionate about winning contests, but I decided to pursue my life as a free surfer to pursue my style. However, the surfing scene in Japan today is a challenging one. Despite the number of contest titles you win, the beauty of your approach, or the size of the waves you charge, only a select few can turn surfing into a career. This reality has led me to a state of constant exploration. I’m hopeful that the path I am forging will pave the way for the younger generation, and I am eager to share my experiences with them as much as possible. My journey wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of my parents. Their decision to raise me in an environment where the ocean and surfing were not just hobbies, but a way of life, has shaped me into the person I am today. I am forever grateful to them.

JW: What is the surf culture like in Kamakura?
NK: One of the attractions of Kamakura's surf culture is the large number of surfers who surf on boards of all shapes and sizes. Because there are many reef breaks in Kamakura, which have a wide variety of waves. We enjoy surfing all types of boards, from longboards to thrusters, mid-length, fish, finless, and many more, in various waves and conditions.

JW: What do you want to express through your surfing?
NK: It is difficult to say what it is, but it is still me. I want to stick to what I think is cool and convince everyone around me and myself. I aspire to push my style to its limits, not just in surfing but also in my lifestyle. I desire to leave a lasting impact, much like Dylan Rieder and Andy Irons, who have remained in everyone's hearts even after their passing. Their influence on me is profound, and I strive to emulate their ability to inspire and captivate, both in and out of the water.

JW: What are your unique flow's roots, as you say, "make it smooth"?
NK: I want to do everything smoothly, surfing and otherwise: and am influenced by four main factors: my parents riding longboards, the surf culture in Kamakura, my sponsor Zburh Surfboards, and a lot of cool surfers/skaters. I've been riding different boards(including skateboards), trying different approaches, and playing around. I plan to release a clip titled "Make It Smooth" in the future. Please look forward to it.

JW: What excites you about joining the July Wetsuits project?
NK: I was surprised and delighted that they would welcome a Japanese person to this RAD brand. I am at a stage in my life where I am trying new things, and it is a great honor to start my journey with a brand as challenging and cool as this. I have loved the logo and branding since I first sighted JULY. Even when I use the products, I feel the high quality made in Japan, and I like it even more. Finally, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dane Peterson for discovering me. Out of all the surfers in the world, he saw something in me that he believed was worth nurturing, and I am forever grateful for his belief in me.