Murase Kokomo: Chasing history
Four years ago in Beijing, Murase shot to overnight stardom in her home country after winning bronze in the Big Air at the tender age of 17 years, three months.
She unseated figure skating legend Asada Mao to become Japan’s youngest female Winter Olympic medallist of all-time by more than two years.
In a nation where Olympians are treated like royalty and perused under a microscope, Murase carried herself tremendously well as a teenager, when many struggle with the limelight.
Even before her rendezvous with Zen, she was solid as a rock. Her precociousness such that Murase knew snowboard was her calling and turned pro when she was in the fourth grade. She was only passed up for the PyeongChang 2018 Games because of her age (13 years, four months at the time).
Fast forward to 2025 and Murase, no longer a minor, is spearheading a Japanese podium sweep at the world championships with Iwabuchi Reira and Fukada Mari, and even Suzuki Momo in fourth. All four have been named to the team for Milano Cortina in what is being billed as Japan’s best-ever female quartet at an Olympic Games.
In November, Murase set another benchmark by becoming the first woman to land a backside triple cork 1620 in training.
And on 24 January at the X Games Aspen, Murase pulled it off in competition for the first time in history. She plans to attempt it at Milano Cortina and if successful, should give propel her to gold.
None of this, however, seems to be going to Murase’s head.
“I try to be kind. I’m not sure if I actually am but I always try to be grateful,” she says. “I’m grateful to be where I am and grateful that I get to do something I love in snowboarding. I’m grateful for the little things.
“I just really appreciate the life I have.”
Murase has a legitimate chance to become Japan’s first female snowboard gold medallist. Should she manage to pull it off, the circus surrounding her won’t compare to what it was four years ago when she won bronze. The roof will blow.
But even if she does, it’s hard to imagine Murase losing herself. Bigger fame, the endorsement deals, the celebrity hangouts. She will probably dabble in them all, but not enough to change who she is.
“I like to think I’m very positive,” Murase said. “If I can’t land a trick I won’t hesitate to change it. I just don’t like being down. I annoy myself if I am. The way I see it, if I have the time being depressed or to sul, I’d rather spend that time practising or trying to lift myself up.
“First and foremost, I want to have fun at the Olympics, take it all in. I just want to be myself when I’m there. I almost want to forget that it’s the Olympics and go into it like any other competition.
“And hopefully, come away with a pairs of medals – both gold.”