· Bronze medalist in Shanghai Olympic Qualifier Series and gold in Urban World Series MUS Breaking for Gold 2023.
· We talk with BGirl Riko, one of Japan’s top talents, and a strong contender to win gold in Paris 2024.
Cristian Dedeu Van den Berg
Urban World Series Comm team – Social Media & Content Manager
– How are you, Riko? First of all, congratulations for the bronze medal at the Olympic Qualifier Series in Shanghai!
Thank you! I had some things to reflect on a OQS Shanghai, so I’m currently working hard to make adjustements for the next OQS in Budapest, Hungary.
![BGirl Riko](https://urbanworldseries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Snapinsta.app_443711615_18428674999014212_8757418147190163556_n_1080-768x768.jpg)
- Japan is on top at the Olympic Qualifier Series ranking: top 3 in BGirls, and 1 in B Boy (with Bboy Hiro in 3rd position)! What do you think is the reason?
In my case, I think it’s because I put in the effort and accumulate the elements nece.ssary for dance on a daily basis, such as practice, conditioning, training, and mental strength
- Japan is on top at the Olympic Qualifier Series ranking: top 3 in BGirls, and 1 in B Boy (with Bboy Hiro in 3rd position)! What do you think is the reason?
In my case, I think it’s because I put in the effort and accumulate the elements nece.ssary for dance on a daily basis, such as practice, conditioning, training, and mental strength
- What would you say to the younger BGirl Riko who’s just starting in the Breaking World?Be confident. I’m like that since the Olympic Qualifier Series started.
I’ve been going overseas, so I’m sure many people are seeing me for the first time.
I want to continue to leave my mark on the Breaking scene.
![](https://urbanworldseries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BGIRL_FINAL_3-1024x683.jpg)
- Who’re your bigger inspirations? In Breaking, and also in sport and life.
Most of all, I get inspiration from my teammates. I practice and I always go to battles with them and they’re the ones I always ask and consult with.
It’s a great asset to me.
- You won the WDSF Breaking For Gold International Series last year in our Urban World Series Madrid Urban Sports event. How was the experience? It was your first time in Spain?
Last year at the World Series Madrid I was able to show off my style and win, so it felt really good. It was my first time in Spain and I really liked the cityscape and the food.
![BGirl Riko](https://urbanworldseries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Podium_BGIRL-768x512.jpg)
- Japan is on top at the Olympic Qualifier Series ranking: top 3 in BGirls, and 1 in B Boy (with Bboy Hiro in 3rd position)! What do you think is the reason?
In my case, I think it’s because I put in the effort and accumulate the elements nece.ssary for dance on a daily basis, such as practice, conditioning, training, and mental strength
- What would you say to the younger BGirl Riko who’s just starting in the Breaking World?
Be confident. I’m like that since the Olympic Qualifier Series started.
I’ve been going overseas, so I’m sure many people are seeing me for the first time.
I want to continue to leave my mark on the Breaking scene.
![](https://urbanworldseries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BGIRL_FINAL_3-1024x683.jpg)
- Who’re your bigger inspirations? In Breaking, and also in sport and life.
Most of all, I get inspiration from my teammates. I practice and I always go to battles with them and they’re the ones I always ask and consult with.
It’s a great asset to me.
- You won the WDSF Breaking For Gold International Series last year in our Urban World Series Madrid Urban Sports event. How was the experience? It was your first time in Spain?
Last year at the World Series Madrid I was able to show off my style and win, so it felt really good. It was my first time in Spain and I really liked the cityscape and the food.
![BGirl Riko](https://urbanworldseries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Podium_BGIRL-768x512.jpg)
- Do you study? How do you combine it with your career in Breaking?
Challenge, reflect, and repeat.
I am learning every day while gaining various experiences in order to grow.