Toshiki

Other Interests: People Watching

Motto/Credo: Take the risk, reap the reward!

Titles

• 2001 2nd place
  Battle of the Year (Germany)
• 2007 2nd place
  Best Show Battle of the Year (Germany)
• 2009 Best Show
  Battle of the Year (Germany)
• 2009 1st place
  Best Show R16 (Korea)
• 2009 1st place
  Radikal Forze (Singapore)
• 2009 1st place
  Ultimate 2 (France)
• 2010 1st place
  Radikal Forze (Singapore)

Profile

TOSHIKI Tateishi is one of the top B-Boys from Japan. He is the cousin of B-Boy Taisuke and, like him, a member of All Area Crew and the Mighty Zulu Kingz TOSHIKI is known as a “power move animal.” His moves are very strong and impressive, many of them unique and innovative.

TOSHIKI and Taisuke have a strong bond. Not only were they born on the same day, but they have been dancing together for most of their lives. When TOSHIKI was eight years old, Taisuke, who had been dancing for a year then, took him to a Hip Hop dance class. He saw the instructor do windmills, was blown away and knew he needed to get involved in this art form.

TOSHIKI explains his relationship to Taisuke, who of course is a key rival. “We are connected by fate. We share the same family and the same birthday. He got me into dancing and has taught me a lot. I respect him and I love him, but I have my own path to follow. In a battle, Taisuke is my worst opponent, aside from that, he is my best friend.”

Along the way, TOSHIKI was motivated by many people, but in the beginning, Kazuhiro from All Area Crew was his main inspiration. At the moment, B-Boy Born from Korea is TOSHIKI’s favourite B-Boy “He’s got amazing style! The way he moves and the overall vibe he has! Respect!” Apart from breaking, TOSHIKI also practices a bit of popping and locking, but just for fun.

TOSHIKI loves to battle. He has no issues with nerves, is usually totally calm and relaxed. He just wants to go out there, give his best and prove his skills. “When I battle, I really focus on the music, lose myself in it and just let my moves emerge naturally.”

TOSHIKI teaches a few dance lessons each week, but also works on a construction site, carrying heavy steel beams all day long. “Yes it’s a hectic schedule and it can be really tiring, because after work I go to practice, but you do what you have to.”

His cousin Taisuke moved to Tokyo in 2006 and kept telling him how great and inspiring life in the capital was. Finally in 2008, TOSHIKI agreed to give it a shot. “I saw how Taisuke had come out of his shell, how he made all these new friends and really improved his moves and his style. That motivated me to try my luck in the big city. It’s really stimulating because the scene is so big here. It’s an extremely active community!” Is he living in Tokyo or in Yokohama? I am a bit confused.

TOSHIKI was born and raised in a beautiful and peaceful place, in Saikai City, in Nagasaki. “We lived near the beach and close to the mountains—there are beautiful places to go and chill! When I think about my life in the city now—it’s totally different.”

Japanese families are really supportive. TOSHIKI’s Dad always tells him to give 100%, whatever he is doing. They are happy that TOSHIKI lives a fulfilling life and does what he loves best.

TOSHIKI feels at home in the Hip Hop culture. He’s sure that Hip Hop and B-Boying will keep growing and will never die. “What keeps the scene evolving is the fact that people come up with new ideas all the time. This is balanced out by people who stick to the foundations and make sure they don’t get lost.”

TOSHIKI battled in the Japanese qualifier for the RED BULL BC ONE in 2007 and has dreamed of participating in the competition ever since. “When I got the phone call this year, I was so happy, I was speechless and immediately thought ‘I have to practice harder!’ I’ll definitely make the best of it!”

Asked what makes a good B-Boy, TOSHIKI states, “First of all, go with the flow! Nature has a certain flow, listen to it, follow it, be natural, be yourself! I want to be the kind of B-Boy that inspires others. B-Boying is worldwide, without borders, so the potential has not limits. When I wake up in the morning my first thought is about B-Boying. When I eat, I think about B-Boying. When I go to sleep, my last thoughts are about B-Boying. That’s what makes you a B-Boy.”

The event being held in Japan this year naturally puts some extra pressure on TOSHIKI, but he is sure he can handle it. For TOSHIKI it’s a pride thing. He feels that of course now that it’s in Japan, the organizers there will want to make it the ultimate event. “We’re going to show the other countries how it’s done! The venue will be packed with a really hungry audience and people will be blown away this year. The RED BULL BC ONE is the pinnacle of B-Boying. Red Bull is also involved in the Formula 1 and to me; the RED BULL BC ONE is the Formula 1 of B-Boying!”