Hello, this is Daigo from PM Juggling.
Thank you so much for picking up our tools this year!
It was a year that flew by, but I’d like to take a moment to reflect on what activities we were able to accomplish.
February: Launch of the Podcast "Nagenai Futari"
A juggling dialogue project called "Nagenai Futari" (Two Who Don’t Throw) with PONTE's Naoya Aoki.
This project started as part of PONTE's newsletter series.
It has already been published as a booklet.
It has been relaunched as audio content.
We’ve been updating it weekly.
(I just do the talking; Naoya always handles the uploads. Thanks!)
May: Exhibition at "IJU KEIKAKU"
Participated in the juggling project "IJU KEIKAKU" held in Nakano, Tokyo.
This was a packed project with not only performances but also workshops, creative showcases, and networking opportunities.
Instead of just displaying our props as they were, I wanted to create something new that matched the theme of this project.
That’s how "SIZUKU" was born.
It’s a droplet-shaped beanbag created to match the event's theme, "Water-Based Multipurpose."
Both attendees and performers tried playing with it in various ways, and I truly enjoyed the process of creating tools tailored to an event.
June: Exhibition and Workshop at "WJD in Kyoto"
For the third consecutive year, I participated in "World Juggling Day in Kyoto".
For the first time, I was also in charge of a "ball-making" workshop.
Participants filled transparent shells with their choice of contents, challenging themselves to make Russian balls!
Watching everyone create their colorful and unique original balls was so much fun.
Adding a touch of beauty to the event through tool-making brought a new sense of joy and freshness.
September: "JJF2024 in Himeji"
Japan’s largest juggling event, the "Japan Juggling Festival (JJF)," was held in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture this year.
I was fortunate to exhibit again this year.
This year, I created a new tool called "Yuridama" for JJF.
It’s a beanbag-style ball made with soft fabric containing a small amount of plastic beads.
When shaken, the plastic beads flow smoothly inside the fabric, creating a pleasant sensation in the hand.
The concept is a ball that can be enjoyed without throwing, and honestly, I made it because I wanted one for myself.
Many jugglers at the venue enjoyed shaking and squeezing it.
(It’s not yet available online but is planned for release in 2025.)
A major highlight of JJF for PM Juggling was having Arttu as an international guest.
Arttu is a juggler from Finland who has long used custom PM Rings.
While we’ve exchanged many emails over the years, we finally met in person.
I was deeply moved to see the rings I made eight years ago, carefully used and well-loved.
After JJF, I traveled to Tokushima with Naoya, Kizoharu, Arttu, Stina, and Bow.
In Tokushima, we stayed at Shion’s house and were warmly hosted by the members of the juggling circle "Shiao" (with lots of interaction with Daikichi and Shota).
Tokushima was absolutely wonderful.
After JJF, I had the unforgettable experience of juggling PM Rings with Arttu at the Tokushima juggling circle Shiao. pic.twitter.com/H0s2RZYiLl
— Daigo Itatsu / PM Juggling (@daigoitatsu) September 21, 2024
Before returning home, Arttu and Stina visited the PM Juggling workshop.
They even tried making PM Rings before leaving.
This entire journey from JJF to Tokushima was a heartfelt reminder of how fulfilling it is to create juggling props.
September: "JUGGZINE 2024"
Coinciding with JJF, the juggling magazine "JUGGZINE 2024" was released.
(It’s also available for purchase at PM here)
JUGGZINE, which was launched in 2023, is now in its second issue.
Like last year, I contributed an article called "Diary of a Juggler," a compilation of my daily juggling diary entries from NOTE.
JUGGZINE provides a platform for writers to hold retreats and discussions, deepening each participant's engagement with juggling.
PM Juggling’s theme this year was "Creating Juggling Culture," which emerged from last year’s activities with JUGGZINE.
This year, I explored various forms of juggling expression, from writing and audio content to tool-making, workshops, and even photography at the year’s end.
These activities were all grounded in the ideas I developed through JUGGZINE last year.
I’m truly grateful to be part of such efforts.
Looking Ahead to Next Year
Although I was able to participate in various activities this year, my output in terms of juggling props was limited due to personal events like moving.
I’ve decided to boldly aim for the goal of releasing "a new p every month" next year.
Once I establish a routine, it should be achievable, just like keeping a daily diary.
Please keep me accountable. Haha.
Next year will also see the release of a juggling project I’ve been involved in, "jugmap".
As PM Juggling, I think it’s important to create tangible outputs that resonate with people and spark excitement.
I hope to continue enjoying juggling together with everyone.
Please continue supporting me in 2025.
Daigo
PM Juggling