Daring the Impossible: A 50-Year-Old Takes on Zero-Gravity Dance at 10,000 Meters

The Unthinkable Challenge: Zero-Gravity Street Dance

In an extraordinary endeavor set to take place on October 24, 2025, Taizo Yokoyama, the CEO of Nameless Production based in Tachikawa, Tokyo, will attempt the world’s first zero-gravity street dance aboard a private jet departing from Nagoya Airport. As he embarks on this remarkable journey, Yokoyama, at 50 years old, seeks not only to test his limits but also to explore how the absence of gravity influences artistic expression.

This endeavor combines the cultural heritage of dance, which has evolved under Earth's gravity, with the uncharted territory of weightlessness, raising the question, “How does changed gravity alter human expression?” Yokoyama aims to investigate this concept through his physical practice in a way that has never been attempted before.

The Challenge: 20 Seconds of Weightlessness

During the flight, the private jet, a Mitsubishi MU-300 operated by ASTRAX, will accelerate rapidly to reach altitudes between 7,000 and 10,000 meters, creating 20 seconds of weightlessness through rapid descent. This unique environment will allow Yokoyama to perform iconic dance moves such as the “Running Man” and the “Zero Gravity” slide, reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s famous moves in “Smooth Criminal.” This will be documented in a before-and-after video that compares his performances both on Earth and in the stratosphere, engaging audiences with this fascinating exploration of dance.

Financial Commitment: Investing in Possibilities

Yokoyama is undertaking this monumental challenge entirely at his own expense, investing approximately 2 million yen for 60 seconds of flight time. While this may seem like a significant financial investment, it illustrates a growing trend where previously unattainable experiences such as dancing in zero gravity are becoming more accessible at an individual level. Yokoyama believes that such investments are not just expenditures, but a means of creating new values and opportunities in the realm of dance and entertainment.

Breaking Barriers: A Middle-Aged Man's Quest

In today’s society, where the average lifespan extends towards 100 years, themes of second careers and adult challenges are becoming increasingly relevant, especially in the dance industry, which has traditionally seemed youth-oriented. Yokoyama's pursuit serves as an inspiring beacon for his peers and a role model for the younger generation. He hopes that his undertaking will encourage others to challenge stereotypes regarding age and professional paths, reaffirming that lifelong learning and passion can exist at any age.

Event Details

- Date: October 24, 2025
- Time: Preparation starts in the morning, with the flight scheduled around noon.
- Location: Departing from Nagoya Airport to an altitude of 10,000 meters.
- Aircraft: Mitsubishi MU-300 (operated by ASTRAX)
- Format: Experiencing a 20-second weightless state through a steep descent, showcasing acclaimed dance moves and contrasting them with those performed on Earth.

Why Yokoyama Chose Zero-Gravity Dance

Nameless Production celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and as someone who was once a professional dancer, Yokoyama embraces his 50s with the belief that he should realize his dreams while he still maintains his health, wealth, and time—what Americans refer to as a “magical moment.” Recognizing that health is fleeting, Yokoyama aims to achieve the most challenging feats possible now, serving as a trailblazer in the street dance industry. He hopes his actions will instill dreams in many young dancers and provide encouragement to those within his generation.

Taizo Yokoyama is more than just a dancer; he is a pioneer, continually pushing boundaries and inspiring others to embrace their passions, no matter their age. His story highlights the beauty of creativity interwoven with the spirit of exploration, making for a captivating narrative in the evolving landscape of dance.

Media Inquiries

For the filming of this unique event, before-and-after videos showcasing the dance performances will be available for media use. Changes in movement perception between gravity and weightlessness will create engaging visuals for audiences.