Words: Zach Hooper

Our brother Kyota Miyake has passed away this past Friday in Hakuba, Japan. While snowboarding, Kyota fell of a large structure to his back and ruptured his heart. Kyota passed away doing what he loved.

Last year my brother Aaron and I went to Hakuba to film for Sol Food with Forrest Bürki and Steve Aoki. While we were there we met up with Hakuba locals Kyota Miyake, Yuta Kobayashi and Masaki Kitea. They graciously showed us their zones. They also showed us that they rip at snowboarding. Aaron made the decision to extend his trip and focus on filming these homies for the next month. Kyota invited Aaron and Forrest to stay in his home in Hakuba and Steve and I traveled back to the US. Over the next month these boys who were bonded by snowboarding and became very close friends.

My brother has made this tribute video for Kyota. His dream was to be a part of the snowboarding community. I hope that you will take the time to watch his love of snowboarding and life. I would very much appreciate if you would honor Kyota by posting this video on your front page, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Kyota’s family and friends deserve the snowboard communities love and support.

We lost a brother to this earth but not to eternity. Kyota we are so proud to have made some of your dreams come true! For you must know you made our dreams come true to which we are forever grateful! We will always miss you here on this planet, but we fear not, for we will meet again! And as you shred the powder in heaven we will be slashing here for you! I am so proud to have you as a friend as we all are. Your greatness will always shred on through all that have had the honor of your friendship! We will keep making you proud.

I dedicate this edit to you Kyota, of our fun adventures we were so blessed to share. Rest in Peace Kyota!

Kyota Miyake, Oct. 20, 1981 – Feb. 20, 2015.