Here's a bittersweet delivery of gold courtesy of Jeff Grosso's final Loveletter to Japanese skateboarding. When the great man tragically passed on March 31st 2020, SixStair (the company behind Loveletters) let it be known that Jeff Grosso had filmed a number of as-yet unreleased episodes prior to his death. In true Mothra fashion, both of these turned out to be highly poignant and focused, as always, on the lesser-known creative cultures beneath the previously-monolithic rockface of 'mainstream skateboarding'. The first of these, (also pitched as 'Jeff Grosso's final Loveletter') paid homage to currently unstoppable force that is skateboarding's LGBTQ+ community. If, for whatever reason, you missed that one - click here for a masterclass in non-patronising inclusion and community love. Fast forward a year and with skateboarding's inaugural Olympic inclusion only a month away and Vans have seen fit to deliver what I hope isn't but probably is, Jeff Grosso's final Loveletter to Japanese skateboarding. Shrouded in mystery (partly self-imposed and partly down to the US-centric world view of much of the legacy media) until fairly recently, this here is a 30 minute tour of Japan's skate history. With the land of the rising sun set to host the first Olympics to include skating, the timing couldn't be more perfect. For those of you who know nothing about the Japanese scene, get ready for a shock because Grosso doesn't hold back. From Japan's first ever pro skater to a strong focus on Japan's female scene; it's all here. I can guarantee you that Japan will blow minds next month but it's very likely that the biggest shock will come from their female contingent so get ready - there is a hell of a lot more to Japanese skating than Yuto Horigome, believe me. With the above in mind, if you fancy a bit more insight into the creative forces that are touched upon in Jeff Grosso's final Loveletter to Japanese skateboarding, then worry not. Scroll down and peep a glimpse of the end section of Yuri Murai's all female Japanese skate video 'Joy & Sorrow 2' as discussed in the Loveletters episode. Also, bear in mind that this footage is 5 years old now so get your expectations in line with what's clearly going to happen in Tokyo next month. Rest in peace Grosso. We love you.