Shintaro Misawa was recently in Australia for the DownUnderGround contest in Melbourne. Bmxflatlandaustralia caught up with him to scope out a bit of info.

Melbourne 27/11/2012 from Shintaro Misawa on Vimeo.

You have spent this time in Australia in Melbourne, how does it compare to previous trips?
Melbourne is 1st time, previous time was Brisbane. These are totally different situations for me. Previous time I was so interested to communicate with the Colony crew and Newcircle crew. Focused to communicate, promote the products, and my own promotions hahaha! I didn’t see as much about the scene and culture in Australia that time. Then I have an interest to visit Australia this time. It feels an amazing place for riding! Nobody disturbs me while I’m riding. People who talk to us are friendly. The air is also clean, there is beautiful sunshine… nice nature and modern city. I’m jealous of the Australia riders! The living cost is bit expensive maybe, but it’s a safe and beautiful place.

Recently on Facebook you talking about making a bike bag with your sponsor. Can you tell us a little more about that?
Alright, my sponsor is levelbikeco and they are an Indonesia company. They have BMX street products include bike bag already. They have a plan making flatland products also. But they don’t have a flatland rider till I join. So now we can produce products soon. I must check them first.

What are you plans with riding and your future?
I will ride hard more, it’s important for my life. Then join to competition when I feel good conditions.

You live away from Japan these days. Where do you live now and how is the riding scene there?
I live in Mersing Johor Malaysia now. Not many flatland rider there, because we are in the country side. But Malaysia has many good riders and the riding scene is also very deep. They are almost veteran riders, we are trying to get more new generations. I mean our generation is completed already. Malaysia has BMX competition, show, school etc. really working hard to make better scene. I will join soon. Hopefully follow to those move from next year. Anyway should I get own office first!

Any plans to go back to Japan one day?
No. Except for personal matters, family and friends etc.

Do you think you will visit many contests in 2013?
Not many. I got baby in my wife now… so can’t be thinking about contests overseas right now! But I know I am a BMX junkie, maybe join to contests somewhere soon? I have been riding 17 years already, can’t stop easily.. haha!

Thank you for your time Shintaro – is there anyone you would like to thank?
Yes, thanks to sponsors for bike life. Thanks to family and friends for my life.