It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of 44FESTA, probably the best regular event for ALL attendees, from World Champions to moms and dads. And I’m quite happy to wish the FESTA crew – Masanobu, Hassy, Jun, Bryan, and Kenji – a very happy 1st anniversary!

As you know, 44FESTA has a year-long score kept for all attendees, and the anniversary event is where plenty of cute trophies and ducks are awarded. Freestyle award, mini-contest award, kid award, mom & dad award, and many more were awarded a the anniversary edition on August 3rd.

There was even a photo book for sale! I love yo-yo photo books! Especially those with Pon in them!

Also new for this event was the lack of a freestyle contest. Instead, a random-draw trick battle took place, and old-schooler Ryusei Saito beat the young Yamato Fujiwara in the final battle to take the duck home.

The 44FESTA crew sends many thanks for the companies and individuals who have been supporting the event since its first edition one year ago, and invites us all to the next events, on September 14th and October 12th!