From February 23-25, the 6th Japanese Childrens Championships in Rhythmic Gymnastics were held in Tokyo.
This year 892 gymnasts from 374 clubs took part in these important national competitions which are a really exciting and important event for the future of rhythmic gymnastics in Japan!
Winner of 3,4 grade was Rie Ameshima (<< photo left) from the Takarazuka Sunny RG Club., and 1st place of 5,6 grade was Karen Yanagawa from AEON.
GYMmedia correspondent Takako KOBAYASHI reports from Tokyo...
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Nazumi Koide, who took 2nd place in 5,6 Grade
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This competition for young girls is without apparatus, a contest of ability. Rules kept changing from year to year, so all the coaches were really nervous, because they have to teach everything necessary and find the gymnasts' ability at the same time.
Gymnasts need to show the coach how good they are. For example, the rules require balance must be done as well on the right as on the left.
However, year by year, abilities are steadily improving.
5,6 grade champion Karen Yanagawa from AEON showed us a stylish and beautiful performance of "Carmen".
I'm sure she will be one of the hopeful new generation. It's good news for Japan RG.
Reported by GYMmedia correspondent Takako Kobatashi.
(Text & photos)
* 3,4 Grade;
1. Rie Ameshima (Takarazuka Sunny RG Club) 6.26
2. Nakamichi Ran (Sumire RG) 5.39
3. Nao Takahashi (Angel RG Kagawa Nicchu) 5.38
4. Miho Harada (Yamagata RG) 5.26
5. Shiho Fujita (Kumamoto RG) 5.03
5. Kiyomi Futamata (NPO Gifu RG Club) 5.03
7. Nozomi Miyamoto (AEON) 4.70
8. Ayana Torita (BridgeStone RG Club) 4.57
* 5,6,Grade
1. Karen Yanagawa (AEON) 11.50
2. Nazumi Koide (NPO Gifu RG Club) 10.15
3. Mako Sasaki (Yamagata RG) 9.95
4. Mayu Nanao (Akita RG Aikoukai ) 9.80
5. Eri Kajioka (Kumamoto RG) 9.70
6. Airi Hatayama (Tokyo Jr.RG Club) 9.55
7. Risa Nishioka (Takeda RG) 9.50
8. Anna Hasegawa (Takarazuka Sunny RG Club) 9.40
* Annotation:
This report was realized in partnership with
Co. Chacott Ltd., Japan