Teachings of Taro

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
Music:
Ford Huntington & Patrick McNally Original Score
Kikagaku Moyo – Kodama
Kikagaku Moyo – Dune