FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Event Overview

When and where will WYYC2026 be held?

The World Yo-Yo Contest 2026 (WYYC2026) will be held from August 13 (Thu) to August 16 (Sun), 2026, at Arcrea HIMEJI (Himeji Culture and Convention Center) in Himeji, Hyogo, Japan.

Can I enjoy the event even if I do not know much about yo-yos?

Yes, absolutely! WYYC2026 is a great event even for first-time spectators. You can enjoy world-class freestyle performances, sales booths from yo-yo brands and shops, and the friendly international yo-yo community atmosphere.

Can I come just to watch?

Yes. You are welcome to attend as a spectator. If you would like to watch the competition or events in the Grand Hall, please purchase an Admission Ticket.

Is this event beginner-friendly?

Yes. Whether you are new to yo-yos, a casual fan, or visiting with family or friends, there will be plenty to enjoy. The event is a great chance to see the highest level of competitive yo-yoing in person.

Where can I check the contest schedule?

Please check the official Contest Schedule page. The schedule is tentative and may change depending on contest progress or operational needs, so please also check the official website and on-site announcements for updates during the event.

Are there official or recommended hotels?

There are no official or recommended hotels from IYYF/JYYF. There are many hotels around the Himeji Station area, so please book your hotel through your preferred travel booking site.

Admission Tickets & Entry

Do I need an Admission Ticket to watch the contest?

Yes. You will need an Admission Ticket to watch the competition and events taking place in the Grand Hall. Contestants also need a separate Admission Ticket in addition to their Contestant Registration if they wish to enter the Grand Hall, use the main spectator seating area, or compete in rounds held on the main stage.

Do I need an Admission Ticket for DAY 1?

No Admission Ticket is needed for DAY 1. There will be no events on the main stage on DAY 1. The Registration/Public Area will be open, Non-Championship Prelims will be held on the sub stage in the Public Area, and 1A–5A WildCard will be held in closed rooms as usual.

Will on-site tickets be available?

On-site tickets are planned only if seats are still available. Depending on pre-sale ticket availability, on-site tickets may not be sold, or the number of available tickets may be very limited. If you want to make sure you can watch the contest, we recommend purchasing your ticket in advance.

Where can I buy Admission Tickets?

Please check the Admission Tickets page first, then submit the Spectator Registration Form. Each spectator must submit their own registration form.

I live in Japan. Which ticket page should I use?

If you live in Japan, please use the Japanese Admission Tickets page and register through the JYYF member system.

Can I buy tickets for my family or friends together?

Each person needs to submit a separate Spectator Registration Form. If you are attending with family or friends and purchasing assigned seats, please enter their names in the provided space in the form so we can try to place your group in the same area when possible.

Can I change, cancel, or transfer my ticket after purchase?

No refunds will be made after payment. Ticket transfers are also not allowed. Please check the date, seat type, and ticket details carefully before completing your registration.

Do children need Admission Tickets?

All visitors who use a seat need an Admission Ticket, including preschool children. Preschool children who do not use a seat do not need a ticket, but please note that the Grand Hall will have loud music and sound throughout the event. We recommend preparing hearing protection for young spectators.

Can I re-enter the venue after leaving?

Yes. Re-entry is allowed. You will receive an admission pass at reception, and you can re-enter by showing it to event staff.

What do I need to show at entry?

Admission Tickets are not issued as paper tickets. At reception, please be ready to show your registration confirmation and provide your name. Staff may also ask you to confirm your registration details on your phone.

Do I need to bring ID?

In most cases we will check your name and registration details. However, staff may ask for identification if needed, so we recommend bringing a photo ID just in case (passport, national ID card, driver’s license, etc.).

Do contestants and spectators register on-site in different ways?

Yes. Contestants should check in at Contestant Reception. Spectators should check in at Spectator/Admission Reception. (This is a reminder that Contestant Registration alone does not allow access to the Grand Hall or main lobby area).

Do I need an additional ticket to watch the Finals?

To watch the Finals on DAY 4 you will need a DAY 4 Admission Ticket or a 3-DAYS Admission Ticket. If you already have a ticket that includes DAY 4, no additional ticket is needed.

Are the seats assigned or unassigned?

SS and S seats are assigned seats. A and B seats are unassigned seats within their respective seating areas. Please sit within the seating area of the ticket you purchased.

Can I move to a different seating area?

If you have an SS or S seat ticket, you may move to an A or B seat if you would like to sit with friends or watch from a different angle. A-seat ticket holders may also move to the B-seat area. However, you may not move to a higher ticket category than the one you purchased.

Venue & Access

How do I get to the venue?

Arcrea HIMEJI is about a 10-minute walk from JR Himeji Station. Himeji Station is also a Shinkansen stop, making it convenient for visitors traveling from other cities in Japan.

What is the venue address?

Arcrea HIMEJI (Himeji Culture and Convention Center)
143-2 Kamiya-cho, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0836, Japan

Can I get to the venue by bus?

Yes. Local buses are available from both the North Exit and South Exit of JR Himeji Station. From the North Exit, take a bus to “Arcrea HIMEJI North (Tatsumibashi).” From the South Exit, take a bus to “Arcrea HIMEJI-mae.” Please check Shinki Bus Navi for current routes and times, or use a service like Google Maps on your phone to see your options.

Can I come by car?

Yes, but parking is limited and the roads around the venue may be crowded during the event. We strongly recommend using public transportation whenever possible.

Is parking available?

Yes. Arcrea HIMEJI has a visitor parking lot with 381 spaces. Entry is available from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and exit is available 24 hours a day. Parking spaces are limited, so please use public transportation if possible. For details, please check the venue access page (Japanese language only).

Are there lockers or baggage storage at the venue?

There may be coin lockers at the venue, but availability is limited. The contest organizer generally cannot store large luggage. Please keep your belongings and valuables in your hotel room or with you at all times.

Is there a place to rest inside the venue?

There will be lobby and public areas where visitors can take a short break. Please be considerate of others, especially when the venue is crowded. Please do not sit or stay for a long time in hallways, stairways, or near entrances and exits.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The venue is wheelchair accessible. If you need wheelchair seating or assistance, please contact us in advance so we can guide you more smoothly on-site.

Can I bring a stroller?

Yes, strollers are allowed. However, strollers may not be usable or stored inside the seating area of the Grand Hall. Please follow staff instructions and make sure strollers do not block walkways or emergency routes.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is allowed only in designated smoking areas, if available. Please do not smoke anywhere else inside or around the venue.

Is visitor Wi-Fi available?

The event does not provide dedicated visitor Wi-Fi. If you need a stable internet connection, please prepare your own mobile data or Wi-Fi device.

Food, Drinks & Sales Booths

Can I eat or drink inside the venue?

In the foyer/lobby area, water and tea are allowed for hydration. Other drinks and food are not allowed there. Eating and drinking are not allowed inside the Grand Hall seating area. Please eat outside of the venue or in designated areas only.

Is there a dining area?

Dedicated dining space for the contest will be limited. If you would like to eat, please use restaurants or other food options outside of the venue. Please follow venue and staff instructions at all times.

Are there restaurants or shops near the venue?

Yes. There are restaurants, convenience stores, supermarkets, and other food options around the venue and Himeji Station area. These may be crowded during the event, so please allow for extra time when you access them.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

You may bring water or tea for hydration, but eating and drinking are not allowed inside the Grand Hall. Please do not bring or eat meals or any strong-smelling food inside the venue areas where food is not allowed.

Will there be yo-yo goods and sales booths?

Yes. Sales booths from yo-yo brands and shops are planned during the event. Please check the official website and on-site information for booth locations and sales hours.

Will sales booths be open on DAY 1?

No. DAY 1 is for sales booth setup only. Sales are planned from DAY 2 onward.

Do I need an Admission Ticket to buy items at the sales booths?

It depends on the booth location. The main sales booth area is planned for the second floor lobby/foyer area, which requires an Admission Ticket. Please check the on-site map and staff instructions during the event.

Will there be WYYC2026 limited event goods?

Yes. WYYC2026 limited items and official event goods are planned. Other limited items may also be sold by individual brands or shops, so please check announcements from each exhibitor.

What payment methods can I use at the sales booths?

Payment methods may differ by booth. Some booths may accept cash, credit cards, or electronic payments, while others may be cash-only. We recommend bringing some Japanese yen in cash just in case.

Competition & Spectating

Can I enter or leave the Grand Hall during the contest?

Yes, but please try to enter or leave between performances. Moving during a performance may distract contestants and other spectators.

Are there rules for cheering?

Cheering is welcome! Please support the contestants in a respectful way. However, please avoid making excessive noise, blocking other people’s view, or doing anything that may interfere with the performance or judging. Things that may disrupt the competition such as banners, slogans, and noise-making objects, toys, and instruments are strictly prohibited.

Can I move seats while watching?

You may move within your seating area if it is unassigned, but please avoid moving during performances. Please do not enter assigned seating areas, staff areas, contestant areas, or restricted areas without permission.

Where can I check the results?

Results will be announced on the official website, at the venue, and/or through official social media channels. Announcement timing may change depending on contest progress.

Where can I check the contest rules?

The contest rules are available on the IYYF official WYYC2026 Contest Rules page. Contestants should read the rules for their divisions/events carefully before competing.

Which divisions and events will be held?

Championship Divisions are 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, and AP. Non-Championship Events are Women’s Freestyle, Over-40 Freestyle Master Class, Over-40 Freestyle Open Class, and Junior Freestyle.

When are the Finals?

1A–5A and AP Finals are scheduled for DAY 4 (August 16). Junior Freestyle Final and Over-40 Freestyle Open Class Final are scheduled for DAY 2 (August 14). Women’s Freestyle Final and Over-40 Freestyle Master Class Final are scheduled for DAY 3 (August 15).

Photography, Video & Social Media

Can I take photos or videos inside the venue?

Yes. Non-flash photography and video recording are allowed. However, monopods, tripods, and similar equipment may not be used in the seating area, except by approved media, press, or sponsors. Please be considerate and do not block other spectators’ view.

Can I upload videos to social media?

Please do not upload full performance videos or full freestyles to the internet. You may share a short part of a performance on social media/SNS, as long as it is not the full performance.

Can I post photos on social media?

Yes. Photo posting is allowed. However, please be considerate of other visitors’ privacy. Please avoid posting photos where other people are clearly visible in a way that may make them uncomfortable. If your photo is of a specific person or people, it is polite to ask permission before posting.

Can I live stream or use my videos commercially?

No unauthorized live streaming or commercial use is allowed. Only WYYC2026 sponsors who have applied in advance may use videos for commercial purposes or advertising.

For Contestants

When does contestant check-in start?

Contestant check-in is scheduled to start at 1:00 PM on DAY 1. Please check the official schedule and on-site information for the exact location and any updates.

Do I need to register in advance to compete?

Yes. There is no on-site registration for contestants. All contestants must complete registration and payment before the deadline.

Where can I register as a contestant?

Please check the Contestant Registration page and submit the required form. If you live in Japan, please use the Japanese registration page and register through the JYYF member system.

What is the contestant registration deadline?

The regular contestant registration deadline is July 17, 2026. Late entry registration is available until July 24, 2026. All deadlines are in Japan Standard Time (JST). (Exception: registration for the AP Division is already closed.)

Can I change my registration after submitting it?

If you need to change your registration details, please contact us as early as possible. Changes after the deadline or close to the contest may not be possible. Refunds will not be issued for withdrawals or changes in the number of divisions/events after payment.

Can anyone enter the contestant area?

No. Contestant prep areas, backstage areas, judging/staff areas, and other restricted areas are for authorized contestants, staff, and related personnel only. Spectators may not enter these areas. (Exception: contestants the age of 12 or under may be accompanied by a parent or guardian.)

Will there be a practice area?

A contestant prep/practice area is planned. Space will be limited, so please share the area respectfully and follow staff instructions.

Can I switch yo-yos during my performance?

Yes. You may switch to a backup yo-yo during your performance. However, the performance time will not stop or be extended. Please follow the rules for your division/event and switch yo-yos safely.

Can I bring backup yo-yos?

Yes. You may bring backup yo-yos. Please make sure all yo-yos and equipment used for competition follow the rules for your division/event.

Do I need to submit music?

Yes. Contestants in freestyle divisions/events must submit their additional contestant information and music information by the deadline of July 24, 2026, Japan Standard Time (JST). Please check the official registration information for details.

Is there information for international contestants?

Yes. Please check the English pages for Contestant Registration, Admission Tickets, Contest Schedule, and the IYYF Contest Rules.

Can I request an invitation letter for a visa application?

Yes. If you need an invitation letter for your visa application, please complete your contestant or spectator registration and payment first, then submit the Invitation Letter Request form.

Does Contestant Registration include an Admission Ticket?

No. Contestant Registration does not include an Admission Ticket. If you want to enter the Grand Hall, watch the competition from the seating area, access the main lobby/sales booth area, or compete in rounds held on the main stage, you must purchase a separate Admission Ticket.

Children & Families

Can families with children enjoy the event?

Yes. Families with children are very welcome. Please note that the venue may be crowded and the Grand Hall will have loud music and sound. Parents and guardians should keep an eye on their children at all times.

Can I leave the hall if my child starts crying?

Yes. You may leave the hall during the event. To be considerate of other spectators, please move to the lobby/foyer if needed. When re-entering, please follow staff instructions and try to enter between performances.

Do parents and children need separate tickets?

Anyone who uses a seat needs their own Admission Ticket. Preschool children who do not use a seat do not need a ticket, but please be mindful of the sound volume and crowd conditions in the Grand Hall.

Rules, Safety & Other Information

What should I do if I lose something at the venue?

If you lose something at the venue, please contact the nearest staff member or go to the contest reception. After the event, we will handle lost items according to the storage period and return method available at that time.

What is not allowed inside the venue?

Please do not disturb other visitors, contestants, or judges, block hallways or entrances, enter restricted areas, eat or drink in prohibited areas, smoke outside of designated areas, live stream without permission, or use videos for commercial purposes without approval. If you do not follow event rules or staff instructions, you may be refused entry or asked to leave the venue.

When will the venue be crowded?

The venue is expected to be crowded shortly after opening, before and after popular divisions/events, on Finals day, and when sales booths open. Please allow extra time for check-in, movement, and shopping.

Can I enter if I arrive late?

Yes. You may enter after the venue has opened. However, entry into the Grand Hall may be limited during performances. Please follow staff instructions when entering.

What should I do if I feel unwell?

If you feel unwell at the venue, please do not push yourself. Contact the nearest staff member for assistance. If you have a fever or strong symptoms before coming to the venue, please stay home/in your hotel room and rest.

Can I throw or practice yo-yos anywhere in the venue?

No. Please practice only in designated practice or contestant areas. Practicing in hallways, the lobby, seating areas, entrances, or other crowded areas is dangerous and is not allowed.

Can I wait for friends inside the venue?

Yes, but please do not wait for long periods near reception, hallways, stairways, entrances, or exits. When the venue is crowded, please choose a place that does not block traffic or create congestion.

Can I leave my bag or valuables on my seat?

Please keep your valuables with you at all times. The organizer is not responsible for lost or stolen items left unattended.

Where can I ask questions about the event?

For questions about the contest, please contact us through the IYYF Contact page. Please do not contact the venue directly about contest details, as the venue may not be able to answer event-specific questions.

(Last updated: July 8, 2026)