MASASHI NISHINA’S INTENTIONAL LINES
Masashi Nishina is intentional. At almost 50 years old, he’s never owned a cellphone, television or computer—a deliberate disconnect that boosts connection to his surroundings. He’s one of Hakuba Valley’s most mystical characters, who found natural progression across unlikely disciplines over the years. From dedicated karate sensei to professional snowboarder and renowned artist, his foundations laid the groundwork for a style-first trajectory. But opposed to three isolated chapters, each artform he’s pursued is woven, reinforcing the others with fluidity, intention and alignment with his environment.
Born in Ōmachi City, Nagano Prefecture—15 miles south of Hakuba—Masashi's first years were spent looking up toward the Northern Alps. His father worked as a contractor helping build the region's influx of new ski resorts ahead of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. But long before Masashi strapped into a snowboard, he discovered art at a dojo. At 6 years old he began studying Okinawa Goju-ryu, the oldest and original style of karate. Discipline became second nature. He earned his black belt by the fifth grade and began teaching at 18.
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