Red Bull’s BC One tournament is the peak of the one-on-one breakdancing battle. Right now, B-BOY Issei is shining from the summit as Japan’s first champion. We sat down with the B-BOY (real name Hori Issei (堀壱成), 19) after the tournament to talk about his battles with VICTOR and HONG 10, and his goals and outlook for the future.
Tell us how you feel now that you’ve become the champion.
Issei: It feels unbelievable. I’m thinking that it must be a dream. I’m so happy. I can’t put it into words, you know? This has been a goal for a long time so it feels great.
How did you feel going into this tournament?
Issei: It’s been a goal for me since I was a kid. Since becoming aware of BC One, I had a target to be the champion by the time I was 20 years old. This is my third time to enter and my last as a teenager. To achieve this goal now makes me feel so happy.
Talk to us about your semi-final with previous tournament champion, VICTOR.
Issei: I didn’t really think about it. This time everyone was really strong, no? I’d lost to VICTOR continuously at the BC One so in regards to VICTOR, and TAISUKE-san, I have kind of particular feelings but when it comes to my battles with VICTOR, it was during this one that a felt most tense. The feeling of wanting to win had been building up, and so to actually do that was great.
How about the final with HONG 10?
Issei: HONG 10 has been BC One Champion twice, right? From when I started to get involved with dance, HONG 10 has been a top B-BOY. He’s managed to stay motivated despite his fame and is one of the B-BOYs I really respect. During the final I knew he was going to bring a lot of energy, so I was really pleased that I was able to use my own power to deal with that.
What do you think is the main reason behind your victory here?
Issei: First of all, I think maybe it’s because I’m young! [laughs] Also, the tournament was held in here in Japan so I had my teammates cheering me on, and, rather than adding to any pressure, the support of everyone else made me feel warm, like they had my back. It felt good.
Tell us about your next goal and your outlook on the future.
Issei: I had targeted the BC One so nothing really springs to mind right now, but I don’t want to just maintain the status quo. I think things around me will change, so I’d like to raise my own level.
Also FOUND NATION, Kyushu Danji Shinsen Gumi (a Fukuoka dance unit), and myself, all these things from this year, it would be good to improve on going into next year.
We think this will become a goal for many young dancers from now but, do you have any advice for those who want to become someone like yourself?
Issei: To put it simply, listen closely to your teachers. Also, and this might be a pain, mastering the basics, going to see different places, and going out to challenge yourself are all important, I think. Concentrate on doing those things that you really want to do. Do more and more of those things that you enjoy doing.
Do you have a message for your supporters?
Issei: I did it! I feel so happy. To the people that were here today to cheer me on, and friends who couldn’t make it, the support you all gave me really spurred me on. Thank you. I did it!
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