I think Haijime Miura’s WYYC performance might be one of the most iconic yo-yo freestyles of all time.
First off, that music choice was bold. In contrast to the upbeat and bass heavy tracks performers usually use, Haijime choose a minimal ambient soundtrack with light percussive elements. Allowing the gasps and cheers from the crowd to fill in the empty spaces.
Second, that flow is insane. Elements of 3A can sometimes feel a bit techinical. I know this has changed over the years, but it often felt like 3A often had long set up times, but in this routine it feels like everything has a smooth flow. No wasted movements, just flow.
Third, I love the variety of tricks on display here. Plenty of eye catching “big tricks”, with segments of intricate tech, but those regens at 1:22 are what really blew my mind. Blurring the lines between 2A and 3A.
i think the context of this routine is also worth mentioning. last year was his first year ever competing in worlds that he didn’t win in 3a, ending a 7 year long winning streak (the longest in any division). he was visibly distraught after the routine and i even heard that he was seen crying after he walked off stage. i think most people in this scenario might have given up or tried to tone down the risk in their routine after such a hard loss, but hajime came back with a routine that was nearly as ambitious as the one that gave him his first loss. this routine was his redemption and a testament as to why he is so great.
His post world’s freestyle last year was legendary. Piggy backing on what you said seeing the smile and joy when he was announced as the 3a champ was the perfect ending to the redemption arc.
It was incredible. By far the best freestyle this year imo. I want to also acknowledge the other 3a competitors too, there were a lot of interesting freestyles and use of music in the division this year.
I sent it to my non yoyo friends and family to watch. They were all blown away. Seems like Haijime is just making performance art now. Winning contests is secondary. Love it.
I’ve honestly never paid a great deal of attention to 3A, but this freestyle has taken my brain by storm. I’m now on a journey of deep exploration into the style and am very much enjoying interested in trying it out myself. I could probably talk for quite some time about what I’ve seen and replayed countless times in this video but the only thing I can do better is simply sit here completely speechless.
You can watch this at .75 speed and because of the music choice, it still looks/sounds natural. Also, the performance still is so clean looking, and you can see a lot of his subtle movements that blend in and really make this so fun to watch.
Im going to be a trick nerd for a moment and correct this because that sequence isn’t really regens, like he doesn’t Bind and regen them out, he throws them out of the keychains without the yoyo winding up. Only really adding this because I also really like that sequence and I like that idea and execution conceptually.
The whole jimmy prelim to finals run this year was awesome and he is a goat. Thanks for making the topic.
Thanks for sharing this @DocPop. You are absolutely correct about this performance… that’s what that was. I apologize if you feel compelled to spend an inordinate amount of time to compose a reply to this, but… it’s breathtaking performances like these that I feel like show the true potential of yo-yo as an artistic expression of one’s inner being. Then there are always enigmas like Haijime who think to take things in directions that blow the minds of even the most talented of players. Its a real shame that scoring points wins out over what is obviously sheer mastery over mind, body, and yo-yo to be able to move through so much space and so many planes and still keep such grace and elegance.
Speeding up… slowing down… seeming to move in slow motion. Just unbelievable and so inspiring. It would be great if he could hear more comments like these. The choice of music was epic, no beat to make you feel rushed… quite the opposite.
This performance was real art, performed by a real artist… you could learn something from this guy Doc…
