Exploding onto the scene, Yuto Totsuka made his World Cup debut at the 2017 Cardona, New Zealand halfpipe event and emerged the winner. Totsuka competed against some of the best, seasoned snowboarders in the world, including his compatriot Ayumu Hirano, and outscored them at his first major international event. He was only 15 years old. However it was the season prior when Totsuka began to shake things up in the halfpipe.

In 2016, Totsuka emerged onto the Japanese halfpipe circuit, and with each showing he progressed his finishes. From sixth at his first appearance, to fourth at the 2016 National Championships, Totsuka was clearly a worthy competitor. The following year Totsuka found his groove and took the win at the 2017 National Championships.

Totsuka brings a certain fearless approach to the halfpipe. Where most of his competitors will choose to open their runs with a safe and stylish straight air, Totsuka sends it equally as high while jumping straight into his technical bag of tricks. It is hard to say how Totsuka managed to fly under the radar for so long, but now that he has emerged he looks to be a thereat to every podium.