Katsu One on Kurume 2025: Leading Japan’s First World Breaking Championship

As the global Breaking community looks ahead to one of the most awaited events of the year, Japan prepares to host the WDSF World Breaking Championship for the very first time. Kurume 2025 is set to become far more than a world-class sporting event: it represents a cultural moment, a bridge between tradition and innovation, and an opportunity to showcase the depth and dynamism of Japan’s artistic identity on the world stage.

At the heart of this project is Katsuyuki Ishikawa, a.k.a. Katsu One, a key figure within the WDSF and one of Japan’s most dedicated advocates for the growth of Breaking. Under his leadership, the championship has been conceived not only as a competition, but as a celebration of the movement, creativity, and community spirit that define Breaking culture. Bringing together athletes from dozens of nations, Kurume 2025 aims to highlight both the technical excellence of the sport and the expressive freedom that has made Breaking a global cultural force.

With Fukuoka’s vibrant energy, strong youth culture, and proud artistic heritage as its backdrop, the event carries a deep significance for Japan. For Ishikawa, it is a chance to show how Breaking can inspire new generations, strengthen international connections, and reflect the values of resilience, unity, and creativity. Ahead of this landmark championship, WDSF sat down with him to discuss the vision behind the event, the challenges of organising a global gathering of this scale, and the powerful message Breaking can send to the world.

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Kurume 2025 marks the first time the WDSF World Breaking Championship Adult is held in Japan. What does this milestone represent for you as an organiser, and for Japan’s growing Breaking community?

Japan's Breaking scene is currently at the world's top level. In terms of event organization and the skill level across all age groups, from youth to adults, it's extremely high. Japan is seen by many as a model for event organisation and skill in Breaking. Hosting this championship in Kurume allows us to share our expertise with the global Breaking community and inspire others to aim high.

The concept “One Step Can Move the World” captures the essence of the event. How did this idea come about, and what message do you hope it sends to both athletes and audiences?

This concept embodies the value of Breaking. Your courageous first step changes the world. It's filled with the desire for both those watching and those dancing to feel the spirit of the breakers who bravely entered this World Championship, and to give courage and confidence to those around them.

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Organising a global championship of this scale requires immense coordination. What have been the biggest challenges, and proudest achievements, in bringing this vision to life in Kurume?

The biggest challenge was how to connect this World Championships with the local community and create a win-win situation for both. We aim to create a situation where local residents, the administration, sponsors, spectators, and all stakeholders can smile because of hosting this World Championships. Fortunately, everyone has been cooperating so far, and we will do our utmost to make it a great success.

Fukuoka Prefecture has a rich cultural identity and a strong connection to youth and creativity. How does the event embody the region’s energy and showcase its cultural identity to international visitors?

Fukuoka is a vibrant international hub within Asia. It boasts many of Japan's prized values in food, culture, and sports. Fukuoka residents take great pride in these assets and excel at conveying this pride to visitors. This World Championship will bring many international visitors to Fukuoka. We are ready to share these values with them.

Breaking is not only a sport but also a form of artistic and cultural expression. How have you worked to balance these two dimensions in the design, production, and overall atmosphere of the championship?

For this event, we will incorporate decorations that showcase Japanese culture within the production. We aim to introduce Japanese traditions through this sport. Furthermore, we will hold the cultural competition “The World Battle” on the same day. By organizing a cultural competition alongside the sporting event, we will further promote Breaking.

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Breaking has become a bridge between generations and cultures, especially in Japan. How do you hope Kurume 2025 will strengthen these connections and inspire young people around the world?

We know Breaking possesses immense power. We know its energy makes the impossible possible. We want to prove through Breaking that you can achieve what you set out to do. We want to give young people that kind of heart-stirring inspiration.

We want to give young people that kind of heart-stirring inspiration.

The Championship will welcome breakers from many different countries in the world. What does this level of international participation mean for the development of Breaking worldwide?

The gathering of people from diverse nations in one place embodies peace, unity, love, and mutual understanding. Through this competition, it becomes a symbol that all people are equal.

Finally, what message would you like to share with the global Breaking and DanceSport communities as they prepare to gather in Kurume to “witness the step that moves the world”?

I want to share the beauty and power that Breaking possesses with the world, empower those with negative attitudes, and help them become positive. We would like to create a dream stage that kids can look up to as part of their dreams.

We would like to create a dream stage that kids can look up to as part of their dreams.

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A Step to Resonate Globally

Kurume 2025 stands as a landmark moment for Breaking, not only in Japan but on the world stage. Under the careful stewardship of Katsuyuki Ishikawa, the event promises to blend athletic excellence with cultural richness, forging new pathways for youth engagement and global unity. As WDSF President Shawn Tay aptly remarked:

“Breaking has always been a conversation between movement and meaning. In Kurume that conversation becomes global. A place where every spin, freeze, and step becomes a story shared between nations. This championship is not simply watched; it is felt.”

Kurume will not only crown the world’s best breakers but also embody a vision of community, creativity, and inspiration for the future.

You can follow Katsuyuki Ishikawa a.k.a. Katsu One on Instagram