This issue’s profile is TOSHIMASA TOKIYA, known as Tockie. He’s ranked within top 10 of J.S.D.A ranking and is one of Tokyo's rising darts wizards.

Q. When did you get serious about darts?

A. About 1 years ago. I saw Mr.Tsutsum play at Ikebukuro’s Bee, and was so shocked. Afterwards I started playing darts every single day. I’m sure that I spent about 3 million yen in 6 months!! The longest time I played was 16 hours in a single day. On Sundays I start playing from noon, then when I realize “Sazae-san” is on TV!!

Q. Do you often join the competitions?

A. No so much, since I’ve got this job. But September 19th I’ll join Osaka D1 DMC tournament.

Q. Would you like to join the competition outside of Japan?

A. Actually I’m going to join the Las Vegas event next year.

Q. You’re one of Trinity’s development players, yes?

A. Well, I just play with the plot type and say whatever I want to say, like I prefer the thinner shafts, I want the grip here…it’s been a month now. I can get free Trinity darts!!

Q. Do you play steel tip darts?

A. I’ve started playing a little since last year. But, I’d like to attain the ultimate in soft tip first. So, not yet.

Q. What’s your goal in playing darts?

A. Goal?? Nothing!! Well, maybe winning the big title. In first 3 months of playing darts, I jumped from NB to AA rank at once. And as you know AA rank has all kinds of monster players, I just can’t beat. So, I’ll be very happy if I can win once.

Q. Any advice for the beginners or those wishing to start playing?

A. You just can’t see the improvement of your play so easily. Other sports, you could see some improvement after few months of playing and get more interested, but darts, the tiny change of grip or shaft or throwing style could damage your score dramatically. Actually you’re getting better for sure but you just can’t feel it. Vast majority of people tend to quit this term. But, if you don’t give up and keep playing, you’ll have your own style and will getting to be so much fun. Darts is not about talent, but about effort. Don’t stop playing whatever happens, then you WILL become amazing. Believe me!!

Q. Do you think darts are a trend?

A. I often argue about that with friends actually. I think the popularity of darts will still go on, it’s deeply connected to alcohol. Some people say billiards too, but it’s not so casual like okay, let’s go drinking then maybe play billiards, but more like let’s go play billiards and drink later, you know. But darts are totally casual. Let’s go drinking, then there’s a dart machine, put 100yen coin and play freely. Anybody can do it right away. The percentage of darts player is still growing like crazy. 1000 capacity games would be filled up in 2 hours or so.

Q. What do you think about there being darts bars everywhere?

A. Well, if the shop has one dart machine lying near the entrance deadly, it’s still called a “darts bar”, you know. The shops that has no motivation to become a nice darts spot will disappear naturally. Only the real shop, that loves darts deeply will stay. So, I guess our shop will disappear sooner or later!!

Dart Shop Togi's Review

T's Diner Review

Devastator Darts

Voks Soft Steel Darts