Masanobu Iwata writes us to tell us about the recently finished 44FESTA vol.2!
44FESTA is a unique event held in Yamato, Kanagawa, right outside Tokyo. Not just a meeting, and not just a contest, 44FESTA brings together World Champions and newcomers in a friendly environment where all participants are encouraged to take part in the day’s activities.
Starting with the greatest random draw box of all time:
Draw a duck (or a Psyduck?!), and get a prize depending on the color of the duck! Stickers, pins, and yo-yos are all up for grabs!
44FESTA is not about prizes, however. The event has a long-term ranking, with points given out not just to the freestyle contest winners, but also to all attendees and everyone who participates in any of the competitions. Even parents are encouraged to participate.
Two main events are held every edition: one mini-contest, and one freestyle contest. The mini-contest is a surprise event every time. The first 44FESTA had an off-string yo-yo bowling, and in the second edition, players were challenged to score points in off-string basketball.
The freestyle contest is a two-minute freestyle competition, and attendees have the chance to compete against some of the World’s best, such as Shu Takada in 44FESTA vol.1 and Tsubasa Onishi, Takeshi Matsuura, and even 1999 World Champion Takumi Nagase in vol. 2!
A special award (and extra FESTA point!) is given to an outstanding player in the freestyle event. Shu Takada’s dad, Mr. Makoto, was given the award in the first edition, and young 2A player Yamato Fujiwara got it in vol. 2.
All freestyles can be found on 44FESTA’s YouTube channel.
With over 70 attendees in its second event, 44FESTA seems to have found a very successful formula for a fun and engaging day of yoyoing!
Hiroyuki Suzuki is confirmed for the next instance of the event, to be held on October 20th! If you are in the Kanagawa area, be sure not to miss it!
