Yo! Have You Ever Seen a Yo-Yo Dance Like This? | Shu Takada | TED

(Cheers)

Helen Walters: I mean, I told you.

Shu Takada: Thank you.

HW: Shu, welcome to TEDNext.

Thank you so much for being here.

ST: Thank you very much for a nice opportunity.

HW: How did you get into yo-yoing?

ST: So I'm Shu Takada from Japan.

I’m a six-time world champion, as she introduced me.

For me, yo-yo isn’t only a toy

but also an art form

and a tool that I can express myself [with] on the stage.

Anyway, I started yo-yo when I was six years old

because of my father, who did it as a hobby.

When I saw his trick for the first time,

I was so impressed and found it so cool.

But to be honest, I felt a little bit jealous

while he was showing off his techniques.

And I swore to myself that one day I will surpass his level.

So that's how I started yo-yo.

HW: And what do you love about yo-yoing?

ST: So what I love about yo-yoing

is that you can express yourself with such a small tool,

and you can bring it everywhere.

You can play it everywhere.

And I think this is really cool to make new friends all over the world,

even though they can't speak the same language as you.

HW: I love that.

And what are you going to show us today?

ST: So today, since my topic is beyond the yo-yo,

I’d like to share a new style of yo-yoing, which you’ve never seen before.

I hope you enjoy the performance,

where your childhood pastime becomes art.

Thank you.

HW: Shu Takada, the stage is yours.

Have fun.

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