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Two students obsessed with the magnificent sport of juggling
Waseda University Juggling Circle Infinity

Third year, School of Education
Yosuke Akiba

Fourth year, School of Creative Science and Engineering
Yusuke Inaba

Most people think of juggling as a performance art. However, it is also garnering attention as a competitive sport with international tournaments held worldwide. Yosuke Akiba, Secretary General of the Waseda University Juggling Circle Infinity, specializes in a style known as “diabolo,” and Vice Secretary General Yusuke Inaba specializes in cigar box juggling. Both have won prizes in numerous juggling tournaments.

Speaking about the appeals of juggling, Inaba told us, “You have to think about music and movement, and deliver an approximately six minute performance. I really enjoy that creative aspect.” “It’s a relatively new sport, so you often create your own tricks. I enjoy having this freedom to create new things,” Akiba said.

“Juggling is still a growing sport in Japan so there are no manuals or coaches. You have to learn everything on your own, and that can be difficult at times,” the pair said. Both however treat juggling as more than just a mere hobby and intend on further improving their abilities. “I practice five hours a day before tournaments,” said Inaba. Akiba said “I keep open blocks in my school schedule and use them for practice time.”

After graduating, Inaba intends to pursue graduate studies and Akiba hopes to become a high school teacher. They both plan on continuing the juggling they love. Akiba says the trick to continue enjoying it is to relax sometimes so you don’t overdo it.