[Interview] 2014 WYYC 2A Champion Takuma Yamamoto

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[2014 World Yo-Yo Contest Champion Interview]

2014 WYYC 2A Champion Takuma Yamamoto

2A World Yo-Yo Champion Takuma Yamamoto

 

 

 

Q1. When did you start playing yo-yo?

Around August of 1997.

 

Q2. Why did you start playing yo-yo?

I became interested when I saw my friend [playing yo-yo].

 

Q3. Who are some of the yo-yo players you respect/admire/look up to?

Koji Yokoyama. If it weren’t for him I wouldn’t be who I am today.

 

Q4. What made you choose 2A as your main style?

My extended time practicing for the *THP-Japan Level…maybe.

 

Q5. How do you usually practice (where, who with, etc.)?

I practice the tricks I think I want to do at the next contest.

 

Q6. How does that change when you are preparing for different types of contests?

On weekdays I do nothing but practice each trick in my routine’s order at home. On days off I rent a room and do nothing but repeated, full run-throughs of my freestyle with music.

 

Q7. Do you have any good stories from before you became a world champion that you want to share with us?

Nothing…in particular…

 

Q8. How did you feel when you became a world champion?

I felt relieved.

 

Q9. Is there anything that changed for you after becoming a world champion?

I guess I have been practicing more than ever.

 

Q10. How do you feel going into this year’s World Yo-Yo Contest?

I’ll try to do [my freestyle] relaxed.

 

Q11. What is yo-yo to you?

Life.

 

*Translator’s note: The Japan Level was the Hyper Yo-Yo (1997) authorized “THP-Japan Pro Spinner Level.” In that level there were many 2A tricks.

 

Many thanks to Takuma Yamamoto! We wish him the best of luck at WYYC2015.