Contortion - Tomoka at the First Budapest Circus Festival [1996]

The Budapest circus festival was (and as of the posting of this video in 2020, remains) a prominent international showcase of circus talent from around the world. The first festival in 1996 was divided into two shows, named "A" and "B" respectively. It was in the latter that the artist performing under the mononym "Tomoka" graced the world's screens as something of an anomaly. A Japanese contortionist.
Japan itself was no stranger to contortion, particularly after the island nations' period of isolation ended in the mid 1800s and Western-style circus was swiftly introduced (and accepted into Japanese culture with surprising rapidity). That said, the norm in the 90s was much the same as the norm was through the 2000s and 2010s. That if one were to see a contortionist from Asia on the world stage, they would either be Chinese or Mongolian with few exceptions. This trope was so common that the francophones out there can even hear the narrator exclaiming (translated):
"No no, she's not from Mongolia.... She's not Chinese either... of course she's Asian... but she's Japanese!"
Tomoka herself presents an incredible display of character and beauty, and let's not forget; SKILL. The performer seems to blend period Russo-Chinese forms together with the energy and sound of a contemporary circus act in a way that's uniquely hers. The marinelli bend as the act's climax is a fine touch!
Little else is known about this performer, so if anyone out there has information or media relating to Tomoka, please see below for our contact info. We're always watching the inbox.
(As usual, The Blink Age owns NONE of the material presented, and presents it only for historical and educational purposes.)
Special thanks to George Lotus for the source video
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[@scotia7326]

I love how she acts here. It’s like she’s transforming with every move. Those short, sharp movements are really beautiful to me. It’s like she’s being taken over.

[@theblinkage6559]

You gotta appreciate a performer who uses 100% of their body in an act. Even the eyes are involved in constructing the pose and energy!

[@scotia7326]

@@theblinkage6559 absolutely. It’s like she’s some sort of reptile here. The way her feet act like they are alive on their own is something a lot of contortionists do, and I love it so much.