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From: Jimbo February 19, 2010 |
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Kazu's dreads are the talk of Tokyo.Kazu Kokubo is one of Japan's best snowboarders. Big amplitude, technical tricks and lots of style - on his board anyway. Kazu's style off the snow has led to a ongoing controversy in Japan, where he is being criticized for his loose hip-hop style of dress and deadlocked hair. The ruffled feathers extend all the way to Japan's Parliment where a minister was quoted saying, "It's extremely regrettable that he dressed in a totally unacceptable manner as a representative of Japan's national team."
This is obviously a silly distraction from the fact that Kazu kills it when he rides a snowboard and that alone should be the focus of people's attention. That fact that he's being berated rather than praised for representing his country is the only thing truly regrettable.
You know I always did find it odd that he had dreads, first asian I've ever seen with dreads. But is it really that big a deal? no. But since japan is really heritage/culture oriented I'm not surprised they care.