When planning a trip to Hokkaido, we felt it essential to acknowledge and pay our respects to one of the great legends of the island, Taro Tamai.

Taro’s highly regarded as a master craftsman, yet that’s only a small part of his story. As the founder of Gentemstick (an industry leading craft snowboard company), his unique approach to life is an inspiration to many throughout the world. He’s a modern day poet - a rambling soul whose life transitions between sea level and 1000+m elevation with ease. Taro’s life philosophy, of being at one with, and taking inspiration from, nature has solidified his place as a significant elder in the realms of surf and snow.

His take on the creative process has long inspired us - and it was a rare honour that we were able to sit down and get to know him on our journey Far Out East. This project is the culmination of that experience - Far Out East: The teachings of Taro.

A film by Finlay Woods

Executive Producer: Ryan Hitzel

Written and Narrated: Harrison Roach

Film Edit Sound Colour: Finlay Woods

Featuring: Taro Tamai, Harrison Roach, Ivah Wilmot, Kota Iida

Music Coordinator: Nash Mader

Still Photography: Drew Smith, Dylan Gordon

Special Thanks to Taro Tamai, Domi Churiki, Yutaro Saito