Great post, @rt395 ! It was really cool to read about your childhood which seemed quintessentially Californian at that time! While my friends weren't as good as yours at skateboarding (the most advanced trick that any one of us could do was an ollie, lol), I spent a lot of my free time in high school skateboarding in grocery store parking lots with friends.
We would drive around with our windows blaring Rancid and other punk rock bands. I wasn't super into punk like my friends were, but I loved the energy it just seemed to add to our adventures. Hanging around, goofing off, ribbing on each other... man, your post brings back some good memories!
You mentioned that you had lost some pics of your adventures, most-likely during your move to Tokyo. I'd love to read more about why you moved to Japan and what it was like when you came here! I have buddies who came during the bubble period, and hearing them talking about their adventures definitely makes me green with envy!
RE: I'm Not A Cool Guy Anymore, As If I Ever Was Before - The Descendents And Skating