POD Corporation Enters Strategic Partnership with Top Skateboarder Nanaka Fujisawa

In May 2023, POD Corporation proudly signed a partnership agreement with Nanaka Fujisawa, a powerful force in the women’s skateboarding scene known for her leadership, talent, and trailblazing vision.

On April 16, Fujisawa claimed a stunning victory in the women’s street final at the “Mynavi Japan Open Skateboarding Championship” held at Murasaki Park Kasama in Ibaraki Prefecture—outperforming Olympic medalists. After injuries prevented her from qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics, Fujisawa has set her sights firmly on the Paris 2024 Games. POD Corporation will provide comprehensive support to help her achieve this goal—not only in competition, but also through content production, sponsorship acquisition, and social initiatives.

Skateboarding gained widespread attention following the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where the women’s street event saw teenage athletes competing for medals, including some of the youngest medalists in Olympic history. With its accessibility, low cost, and close ties to underground youth cultures like hip-hop dance, BMX, double Dutch, and beatboxing, skateboarding continues to build a strong presence among younger generations. Its compatibility with digital media—especially through platforms like TikTok and Instagram—has also attracted growing interest from the business world.

However, challenges remain.

Roughly 90% of skateboarders in Japan are male, and the sport’s subcultural roots and occasional public misconduct have led to lingering negative stereotypes. In March 2023, Fujisawa and POD Corporation co-hosted “POD Games,” a private competition featuring 50 female skaters, aiming to break barriers and shift perceptions. For POD Corporation—which also assists companies with ESG-driven strategies and sustainability communications—this partnership presents a compelling opportunity. For skaters, it opens new doors to sponsorship and meaningful expression, creating a win-win dynamic that fosters mutual growth.

Skateboarding began as a free-form street culture, more about expression than scores. For Fujisawa, whose mission has always been to share the sport’s beauty and break down its stigma, collaborating with POD Corporation—a company that specializes in cross-industry social impact—was a natural fit. This powerful partnership begins with the goal of qualifying for the Paris Olympics and will continue to promote skateboarding as a cultural movement.

POD Corporation Partnership Overview

・Endorsement support, content production, and event production

・Media appearances, event bookings, interviews, and speaking engagements

Comment from Nanaka Fujisawa

“I’ve already had the opportunity to work with POD Corporation on events and video productions, and now, with this official partnership, I’m excited for the new challenges ahead. I believe this will enrich my journey as an athlete. With a strong desire to share the joy of skateboarding, I’ll keep pushing forward—with Paris in my sights.”

Nanaka Fujisawa – Profile

Born in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture.

A professional skateboarder known for her signature glasses, Fujisawa started skating at age 6 and is considered one of Japan’s pioneering female skaters.