Right, so Japan Technology went from being an offstring-only yoyo company with one token 1A yoyo that was basically only produced for the benefit of their team members, to dropping a whole line up of contest-killer 1A yoyos right before 2016 Japan Nationals.

Well done, Atsushi!

The Shaqshine is the latest announced release from Japan Technology, following the POM Wolty, Adel, and Ribira. But while the other models are complete and will be released at Japan Nationals, it looks like the Shaqshine isn’t quite ready just yet. Apparently the design they want to use has picked up some unavoidable vibe based on the design. They’ve figured out a different profile that eliminates the vibe (which is pretty minimal to begin with), but they don’t think the revised shape is a true representation of Japan Technology’s design aesthetic. You can read the full commentary from Japan Technology below, and even vote for what you think they should do.

So check out the specs, and then scroll down for a statement from Japan Technology and a poll where you can vote on how they should release the Shaqshine!

Japan Technology Shaqshine Specs:

Diameter: 56.8mm
Width: 42.0mm
Weight: 64.8g
Material: A300 + Stainless Steel
Response: sOMEThING Pad Type 1（19mm slim）

From the Japan Technology Facebook page:

What JAPAN TECHNOLOGY pursued in SHAQSHINE was “JAPAN TECHNOLOGY-style”. When you touch SHAQSHINE while spinning, you can feel its vibration. You cannot see the vibration and there are no problems when using it, but it may be typically considered as Grade B.

It can actually be fixed just by slightly changing the shape. We have already established the shape. However, if we fix the shape, there will be no meaning in releasing the new bimetal Yo-Yo from JAPAN TECHNOLOGY because it will be just like other bimetal Yo-Yos. The current shape and weight is the important part of this Yo-Yo. The factory suggested us to mass-produce models without vibration. We understand that.

However, JAPAN TECHNOLOGY asked to produce the model as it is because we are truly confident in SHAQSHINE. We made SHAQSHINE with a stainless rim. Only 0.4mm of the base body will touch the stainless rim. We made it possible to keep the spinning force strong by making the stainless part thick. Please notice the rim’s width, form, and positioning as well. When all of those get together, it brings “JAPAN TECHNOLOGY-style” usability and operability.

This is a message from JAPAN TECHNOLOGY to all of you. Which do you want JAPAN TECHNOLOGY to do? JAPAN TECHNOLOGY should produce real “JAPAN TECHNOLOGY-style” bimetal Yo-Yos. Or any bimetal Yo-Yos with a stainless rim from JAPAN TECHNOLOGY are ok.

If you choose the second one, we will stop developing bimetal models. If you demand ” JAPAN TECHNOLOGY-style”, we will keep trying to do what only JAPAN TECHNOLOGY can do. We made a decision to sell “the best bimetal model” that JAPAN TECHNOLOGY can currently make, but it’s limited in quantity. We will have samples ready at the JAPAN TECHNOLOGY booth at the Japan National Yo-Yo Contest. Please try them and tell us what you think. Based on the suggestions, we will recreate “JAPAN TECHNOLOGY-style” bimetal Yo-Yos with both high performance ability and accuracy. We will officially release “SHAQSHINE” when it is completed. Thank you for your understanding and support.
※SHAQSHINE is the black one in the picture. It is the silver model without the vibration.