Japanese breakdancer wins Asia-Pacific competition

“This is a boxing ring and I came here to win,”

It's not a boxing ring.

Japanese dancers rule. http://www.redbull.com/jp/ja/stories/1331615412093/bc1-apf-report

Do people still do that? Never understood the appeal of hiphop... just angry people shouting into a mike and gesticulating.

If there is one thing that has really stood out for me over the 11 years I was in Japan, it was how generally talented Japanese are at art, music and dance. I dont know the reasons why, and I get that we also have amazing talent in the west, but I see a LOT of Japanese with a high level of skill in the arts.

Every Japanese I ever met could read music and play at least one instrument. The art at school on display was a far higher level to the equivalent in the west, and anyone who has ever been to a simple dance or exercise class will know what I am talking about when they stand at the back in amazement while the Japanese all around them just seem to "know" what they are doing! Japan produces amazing dancers and artists.

I dont know if it is down to natural talent, the way they are taught, or a combo of things, but its been really noticeable to me over the years so not surprised by this report.

@Devilsassistant -- WRONG NAME first of all, but you are entitled to your opinion but do you realize its competition for the best dancer? Its not some recital for little children and its something positive in a creative form or fashion. In the spirit of competition, these boys and girls are doing some they love and that is dancing, no matter form. To them, it a fight to be the BEST......

@Thunderbird2 -- Thank you for your ignorance which seems to never cease. 1st MIC is not spelled like a person's name, but I would like to enlighten you, THE STATE OF HIPHOP now is not what it used to be. There are countless educators in all music. This is another form of art the expresses one's views. You may only see the sad part of Hip Hop Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, 2Chainz, Kanye West's rants and so forth, but thats represent the 15% of Hip Hop the world knows TODAY. As a 42 year old man, I love HIPHOP but not what you hear today on TV or radio. Angry yes at time it could, just like speed metal or any other heavy metal influenced music that uses a MIC.

The Japanese embrance many facets of American culture and Hip Hop is American culture. Check the Grammy's out, look at the new country with a a bit of Hip Hop influence....you may not know it or accept it but its happening. Thank you both for you humble opinions, now back to my old school Hip Hop hits.....

I am not what could be called a hip hop fan but some if the earlier stuff had appeal and some of those artistes are still around. This was before all the stuff about calling women bitches and gangland stuff.

Nothing wrong with break dancing, i would prefer one of my children doing that than sitting in front of the tv eating junk food or looking zombified at a screen while looking at the internet.

WRONG NAME first of all, but you are entitled to your opinion but do you realize its competition for the best dancer? Its not some recital for little children and its something positive in a creative form or fashion. In the spirit of competition, these boys and girls are doing some they love and that is dancing, no matter form. To them, it a fight to be the BEST......

@Truman, Wrong Name? Posting Police are we?

And yes, I do realize this is a compitition for dancing. Your point is? I give it to them for doing what they love, but don't try and compare it to boxing. They have nothing on a pro boxer. If its the compitition that drives them, then state it as such, but don't compare it to another sport.

The "boxing ring' is a lot nicer than the cardboard boxes I used as a kid!

@Truman Why sound so defensive? Thunderbird's just expressing his own opinions, yet you misconstrue it as some kind of personal attack. Sounds like you have some issues.

That sure was a great performance - and, yes, he has swagger and the gangsta look perfected - but the big question is can the boy beat the african-americans on the world stage? Will be watching with interest.