Amazing Hoop Race Japan: The Results
November 8, 2011 in Features
The Amazing Hoop Race teams spun their way through Tokyo, Japan, yesterday, our latest stop in a virtual hula hoop race around the world. We are pleased to report that the post set a new popularity record for Hooping.org as well with 870 likes in 24 hours. We’d like to thank everyone for supporting the race, especially our hosts and judges – Ayumi Mitake of Hoop Tokyo and Tink of Spin Matsuri.
Our Tokyo challenge was inspired by two matsuri, the Cherry Blossom Festival and Shichi-Go-San, a traditional rite of passage for children. Our teams dressed in white and red, symbolizing good luck and long life, and they were to visit a local shrine to ensure a safe and healthy future and avoid any bad luck. They would then perform a hoop dance in Tokyo with an emphasis on beauty, grace and flow – elements so well symbolized by the cherry blossom itself.
The video scoring (worth a possible 40 points with 10 points for each section) was based on 1) Hooping and Partner Integration, 2) Beauty, Grace and Flow, 3) Japan Believability, and 4) Overall Video Presentation. These scores, submitted by our hosts in Tokyo, were then combined with your Audience Award points (worth a possible 30 points) and our previously reported Pit Stop scores (worth a maximum of 10 points), giving each team their final score for this leg of the race.
The team coming in first this week has won a grab bag of Tokyo hooper essentials, courtesy of our good friends at Hoop Tokyo and Spin Matsuri, and they will be moving on to compete in The Amazing Hoop Race Grand Finale. For the five other teams, all of whom are completely amazing hoop racers in our book, only two will be joining them on the final leg and will have a shot at winning The Amazing Hoop Race Grand Prize Package! Hooping.org sincerely applauds the efforts of all six of our remaining pairs for a truly outstanding job that has already brought us all so very far.
On every leg of the Amazing Hoop Race, the results have turned out to be incredibly close, and Japan was no exception. All of our figures were triple checked to ensure accuracy and we have included the scoring in each area so each of our teams and their supporters will know exactly how this very important leg of the race turned out. Prior to leaving for Japan it was also announced that in the event of a tie, the team that checked in to the Pit Stop first would be moving forward. And now, without any further ado, here are The Amazing Hoop Race Japan results:
Team Seattle in Tokyo
PIT STOP POINTS: 6 (Reached the Pit Stop on November 6, 2011 at 3:05pm)
AUDIENCE POINTS: 24
VISTA POINTS: 36
TOTAL: 66
Ayumi: It excels very much aesthetically. Your camera work and hooping are both great. The autumn leaves also add to the beautiful Japanese feel. Did you get your buugeng in Japan?
Tink: You nailed the Japanese aesthetic and your flow showed grace and ease. The camera work and use of colors created a beautiful atmosphere. Definitely my favorite video this week.
Hooping.org congratulates Team Seattle! Very nicely done.
And in second place, we have a truly amazing and unprecedented three-way tie. The subsequent placing results, and ultimately the elimination of a team, is based on the time stamp each reached the pit stop. Moving forward will be:
2nd Place: TEAM WISCONSIN: Danielle and Savannah
PIT STOP POINTS: 9 (Reached the Pit Stop on November 5, 2011 at 7:59am)
AUDIENCE POINTS: 29
VISTA POINTS: 26
TOTAL: 64
Ayumi: Nice hair and make-up, and graceful movements like real geisha. I am very surprised by the idea of the guillotine hoop.
Tink: Your ongoing story is entertaining. Your geisha makeup was wonderful and I enjoyed the slow grace of your hooping.
And the third and final team that will be continuing on:
3rd Place: TEAM LONDON: Jazz and Jen
PIT STOP POINTS: 7 (Reached the Pit Stop on November 6, 2011 at 12:27pm)
AUDIENCE POINTS: 26
VISTA POINTS: 31
TOTAL: 64
Ayumi: My favorite video. Your concept is clear and easy to understand. The make-up and costumes and story featuring shichi-go-san create a good balance of visual and sound. Unfortunately you lack a bit of a partner Integration.
Tink: The anime effect was a clever way to add Japan flavor. Your hooping was solid and smooth, but I craved more partner interaction. A rival contest theme doesn’t allow for much of that.
Also tied for second place, but coming in a little over six hours behind Team London:
4th Place: TEAM TEXAS: Geri and Mona
PIT STOP POINTS: 5 (Reached the Pit Stop on November 6, 2011 at 6:37pm)
AUDIENCE POINTS: 30
VISTA POINTS: 29
TOTAL: 64
Ayumi: The synchronized movements are very beautiful. You remind me that the Japanese spirit of unity is important. And you dressed like an ancient Japanese people.
Tink: This is your best video yet: a pretty setting and respectful, gentle approach to your hoops. I was impressed with your precise timing in matching and mirrored moves.
5th Place: TEAM AUSTRALIA: Clare and Stacey
PIT STOP POINTS: 8 (Reached the Pit Stop on November 5, 2011 at 2:37pm)
AUDIENCE POINTS: 20
VISTA POINTS: 29
TOTAL: 57
Ayumi: Your manga characters and ritualistic behavior were interesting and impressive. The partner hooping movements are very good!
Tink: Congratulations for paying attention to the details; the bright pink wigs are dear to my heart. Your partner hooping always inspires me.
TEAM BRISTOL: Cecile and Hannah
PIT STOP POINTS: 10 (Reached the Pit Stop on November 5, 2011 at 7:17am)
AUDIENCE POINTS: 24
VISTA POINTS: 20
TOTAL: 54
Ayumi: I thought you really came to Japan to practice your moves.
Tink: I smiled at the opening sequence at Haneda because I was just there two days ago, and the song by your friend was beautiful.
Team Texas, Team Australia and Team Bristol, you were the last teams to arrive this week. I’m sorry to inform you that you have been eliminated from the race. Your presence will be deeply missed, you are truly loved and we are honored to have had each of you be a part of this brand new adventure. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Who will win The Amazing Hoop Race? While Team Seattle won the Japan leg of the race, Team Wisconsin took first in South Africa and Team London emerged victorious in France. It really is anybody’s game, and with all of the scores reset to zero, any of them could hoop away with it. Stay tuned to Hooping.org when we reveal what’s in store for the final three, and for all of us, on a race to the finish line in The Amazing Hoop Race Grand Finale.
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loopdlu said on November 8, 2011
Congrats Team Wisconsin! So happy you made it to the final three! Team London and Seattle…you all rocked this challenge too!
mediatinker said on November 8, 2011
I had to stay up late to see who won (and to whom I will be sending the prize package); the anticipation was too much to allow me to sleep until tomorrow morning. Congratulations to all the teams who competed this week; your videos were all awesome. Can’t wait to see the final showdown.
Angelo Garcia said on November 8, 2011
Hurray for Team Seattle!!!
Keep it up everyone! 
This race is getting better and better with every new location! 
Clare Aston said on November 8, 2011
Well done all teams. It’s been fun taking part. I’m looking forward to the finale
Danielle Lee said on November 8, 2011
Aww thanks everyone!! Savannah and I were freaking out a little bit today. Thanks for letting us finish the story… we promise it’s going to be good