The Force of Unity and Balance: Hajime Miura
That Day's Performance Seemed Almost Magical
Hajime Miura walked barefoot onto the stage, instantly bringing the audience into a state of serene calm. After nearly four years away from public competitions, he appeared relaxed and focused, as if he were in another universe. The moment he threw his yo-yo, the crowd erupted...
At 19, having won the 3A World Championship for seven consecutive years, Hajime Miura has almost redefined the pinnacle of this sport. His name is often associated with words like "genius" and "god." His performances are not just about competition; they embody the beauty of yo-yo as an art form. At this year's World Championship, we had the chance to see Hajime, always at the center of conversation, and engaged in an impromptu dialogue with him.
Outside the yoyorecreation booth, he handed us a freshly brewed cup of coffee and shared some behind-the-scenes stories of the World Championship. Interestingly, he mentioned that his training frequency decreases as the competition approaches. Instead of rigorous, repetitive practice, he reduces his practice sessions closer to the event to maintain the best feel until the moment of the competition.
"Using art as a means of expression is his way of redefining the 3A division."
"This year, ambient music has been a great inspiration for me. It’s a blend of sound and environment, creating a resonance between the yo-yo and the space." The music elements he chooses help shape the style of his performances. Immersing himself in various music, movies, and art pieces is his way of drawing inspiration. Sometimes, even a piece of pottery in a gallery can inspire him.
Off-stage, Hajime is gentle, humble, and quite shy. When asked why he continues to play yo-yo, he earnestly replied, "People often call me a 'genius.' But in reality, I was once someone who couldn't even spin a yo-yo. The fact that I can perform extremely difficult tricks means anyone can do it too."
At 3:15 PM, the light began to soften. Hajime, dressed in a navy blue sweatshirt, stood there. Compared to the Hajime at the World Championship, the person before us felt real and warm.
"The process of trying and working hard is what I enjoy the most. These moments feel like a true connection between 'me' and the yo-yo."
His three-minute performance was not just about competition; it was a blend of his perceptions and expressions of life. Similarly, we can use clothing as a medium to express our attention to every person and their talents.
"The forest has a mysterious feeling, like a giant living entity beckoning you," Hajime is fascinated by nature and often wears loose clothing to the forest, parks, or the beach. In line with this, Still Genius clothing aims not just to satisfy style but to accompany the wearer, allowing them to relax and focus on the present. We look forward to more memories created with Hajime Miura as a sponsored player and dear friend of Still Genius.
As the interview concluded, Hajime had just arrived in Paris, ready for his connecting flight. He sent a message saying, "The organic cotton sweatpants without a belt have become my best flying companion, even though I just missed my flight."
Our conversation felt like a leisurely stroll, with surprises at every turn...
