HRTZ

HRTZ is a gathering of rollerbladers born around the 1983 era. They call themselves the "The 2nd Tokyo Generation". HRTZ is a group blog where we post things we like or fell in love with, from graffiti to music to sometimes rollerblading. Therefore the name HRTZ which stands for "Horetaze" meaning "to be deeply in love with". 

The unique group of HRTZ individuals are gathered by our common love for... Rollerblades.

Born in California, the pop-culture Rollerblading expanded to Japan in the '90s and was inevitable for the youth growing up. I'm sure some of you might have experienced it one time or another.

Going back to its origin, Rollerblades were first developed as off season hockey skates in the '80s. From there it was used as fitness/recreational activities forming it's modern shape of the plastic boot. 

Then in 1991 inspired by skateboarding, the first handrail grind was done by Chris Edwards.

Rollerblading goes on to becoming a global trend with TV series and movies in the early '90s.

I was around 10yrs old around the time. As you see in the picture here skating on rental skates with my family in the park. Rollerblading was becoming a weekend activity.

Then in 1995, the ESPN X-Games were aired on cable television across the nation. Aggressive Rollerblading was introduced and a whole new culture exploded onto the scene. Baggy pants, T-shirts and the grunge rock look captured the hearts of teenagers. 

A dedicated magazines were found at bookstores at the time. Clearly influenced from skateboarding culture, magazines and videos were the medium spreading the newly born culture.

Here, Ryan Jacklone from New York City on the left and Arlo Eisenberg from Texas on the right, charismatic "Pro" skaters were born and idolized. 

The movement was imported in Japan as well. Here, around 2000 when we were in our hiphop teenage years (see the Pete Rock T-shirt in the pic) we'd skate everyday with our friends and create our own videos.

The world would catch on the the Japanese skating scene and would be featured in magazine covers around 2001. This was the highlight of Rollerblading in Japan.

Years would pass and we'd grow up to start working. Rollerblading popularity and population would decline, and decline to the point where there are no scene to follow but only our own. Still we gather and hang out like we used to.

The frustration of being categorized as rollerskates and "Hikaru Genji" it seems as the confusion and the misunderstanding never goes away. Or so maybe they don't bother.After all "Hikaru Genji" has about the same number of members as HRTZ and they were the craze back then. 

Skateboarders still hate us and the culture. Even though we are close to 30 now we still have to deal with our older 40 year old "senpai" yelling at us at the skatepark. Discriminated for who we are and what we do... we keep safe in our own places and keep on with our business.

Even with all the stigma, our first love for Rollerblading never seems to fade away. HRTZ is all about love for our passion and interests. Do your own thing. Be proud. Pay Respect. Get Mo Respect.