MAKOTO/
CHEF
I' on my way from Ebisu all the way to Kichijoji! I've never had an accident but I have
been in trouble with the police one or two times. I don't do stunts, just freestyle.
KUU/
STUDENT
I'm skating to the Tama River now. I had an accident but I wasn't hurt. I crushed some
people though! No, I've never been in trouble with the police.
OPIE CUNNINGHAM/
FREELANCER
I'm going home now. I've never been stopped by the cops but they've yelled at me on the
megaphone on their patokas. I wiped out on the hill behind Uehara station and bailed into
an open garage whilst an obaasan sat there gardening beside me. She paid no attention,
though! Do I do stunts? Only when cute chicks are watching.
Blade Runners Photos by
Brad Bennett
In-line skating has taken over the city and by blade is the only way to be seen getting
around town this summer. It's fast, it's fun and cool as hell. This week we get our skates
on and get in line with a few of Tokyo's rollerbladers to check out where they're going
and just what stunts they think they're pulling. And in this city of careless cabbies and
killjoy cops, have you ever had any bloodshed on your blades or been in any bother with
the boys in blue?
MANORO/
OFFICE WORKER
Where am I going? Mie Prefecture. I get stopped by the cops about five times a month! I
wiped out when I slipped on a banana peel once. I do try stunts, but only about once a
month.
KUPPA/
PAINTER
I'm going from Ikebukuro to Spain. Have I been stopped by the police? About twice a month.
I was in an accident once. I slipped on some pukeÑuuurgh! For me, every day's a stunt!
TOKYO
TALK: