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ShigekixI'm 7 years old, so I was in the second grade. Before I started dancing, I was doing trampoline. There happened to be a breakdancer at the place where I was practicing, and he asked me if I wanted to try breakdancing with him. Actually, my older sister was breakdancing before me, and seeing her, I simply thought it was cool and wanted to try it too.

ShigekixI was in domestic competitions only one year after I started breakdancing. It wasn't until three years after I started that I competed in international competitions. One of the biggest turning points for me was the "ChelesBattle Pro" held in France, which I entered when I was in the 6th grade of elementary school. I represented Japan in the tournament. There was a famous dancer on the U.S. team at that time, and I won the final match against him, which lit the way for me to become a professional dancer. That victory led to offers from abroad, and I have now competed in about 20 countries in Asia, Europe, America, Australia, etc., and in about 60 world competitions.

ShigekixThere are many good dancers in the world, and even in Japan. However, to reach the top level, a person needs to have his/her own unique personality. You could even call it a "signature. For example, I think that my specialty is not only my performance, but also my ability to listen to sounds. In competitions, I perform to impromptu music played by the DJ, which is surprisingly difficult. When your mind is occupied with your own performance, you don't have time to listen to the music. Breakdancing moves are intense, especially when you are spinning at high speeds, and the sound tends to get lost in the mix. That is why I always try to listen carefully to the sound during practice and always perform in tune with the sound.

ShigekixThe domestic competition I recently participated in was a freestyle battle in which dancers from genres other than breakdance also entered. Last year we won the competition and this year we were runner-up. Unfortunately, we were not able to win again, but I am proud that we were able to show that we, so-called B-BOYs, who are break dancers, can hear sound and perform well. There is an image among dancers that B-BOYs can't hear sound. I always want to be the one to overturn that image.

ShigekixIt is true that there are physical barriers that cannot be overcome depending on race and nationality. Japanese people, in particular, tend to lag behind Westerners in terms of physical ability. However, I believe that Japanese people are good at delicate and precise movements. I think this is a strong point of the Japanese, not only in dance, but also in manufacturing and group behavior. There are definitely areas where we lose, but on the other hand, there are also areas where we win. It is one advantage and one disadvantage. So I do not think that race or nationality is necessarily a handicap.

ShigekixIt is a great honor to be approached by a world-class brand. I myself have always worn G-SHOCK when competing in breakdance competitions, so I felt a strong affinity with the brand. On a larger scale, I want many people to know about my existence and the excellence of breakdancing through G-SHOCK, and I thought that joining this team would be a catalyst for that. Breakdance still has a low level of recognition and tends to be viewed negatively, including the image of B-BOYs. However, I decided to join the team because I thought it would be a good chance to let people know that there are many people, both professionals and amateurs, who are working hard to improve their skills as a global competition.

ShigekixThe tough G-SHOCK is perfect for breakdancers, who sometimes mix acrobatic moves with hard-hitting performances. They come in a variety of colors and designs, so you can match them with your clothes and decorate your wrist. I have more than 10 G-Shocks in my collection, and I get excited when I wear them. I was born and raised in Japan, and my dancing is also honed in Japan, and G-Shock is made by Japanese technology. So when I wear a G-SHOCK, I feel as if I am challenging a dance battle with the pride of Japan on my shoulders. It is like a reassuring talisman.

ShigekixMy activities as TEAM G-SHOCK are far from over, and I hope to be active not only in Japan but also around the world in the future. My personal goal is to participate in and win "Red Bull BC One," which is called the world's greatest breakdance battle. Until last year, I could not enter due to age restrictions. This year I will turn 15 years old, so I will finally be able to compete. But even if I win there, I will not be satisfied. You will have a new goal, and I am sure that you will want to further master the art of dance to achieve it. My big dream is to always have a hungry spirit and continue to be a top dancer.