What a contest! Olympians, up-and-comers, video part vets, and plenty more were in town for Jess Kimura’s annual Uninvited Invitational that has quickly become a highlight of every season. 16-year-old Japanese rider Himari Takamori took the overall spot at the event this past weekend at Woodward Park City! We caught up with the up-and-coming star about what it meant to her!

How does it feel to win The Uninvited Invitational after coming in second last year?
Last year, I was really happy and honored just to be on the podium, but I also felt disappointed. I spent the past year riding with the goal of winning, so I’m really happy I was able to take first this time.

How was the event?
Everyone was pushing so hard and landing amazing tricks, and it really pushed me too. I got so much inspiration from the event, and most of all, I had so much fun. The three days at The Uninvited felt like a dream to me. I’m really grateful to Jess for hosting this event every year.

Why is The Uninvited important for snowboarding?
The Uninvited is such a special event where so many amazing women riders from around the world come together. Jess created a space where women snowboarders can really be seen, and I think it has had a huge impact on women’s snowboarding. In Japan too, a lot of riders are inspired by this event and dream of competing in it.

Where does this podium go in your career compared to the others?
The Uninvited is the most important event of the year for me. Winning this contest has been my goal ever since I first competed in The Uninvited in 2023, so this win means so much to me.

There were plenty of standout awards announced at the end of the event. Top five riders on the day below:
1. Himari Takamori
2. Jess Perlmutter
3. Livia Tanno
4. Hinano Sakamoto
5. Bella Warren