2026
Oct.6, 2026
MINEBEA MITSUMI Inc.
MinebeaMitsumi Yo-Yo Claims GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Title for "Longest Yo-Yo Sleeper"!
- Ultra-Precision Ball Bearing Technology Breaks World Record for Rotation Duration -
MinebeaMitsumi Inc. (hereinafter "MinebeaMitsumi") broke the Guinness World Records™ title in the "Longest yo-yo sleeper" category—a competition for the duration of a yo-yo's spin—using an original yo-yo developed by combining its proprietary ultra-precision machining technology and small-diameter ball bearing technology.
Supported by ultra-precision machining technology that has been refined in-house for over 70 years, ball bearings represent MinebeaMitsumi's original business and starting point. This challenge was launched as part of the "INTEGRATION Project" at our Karuizawa Plant, bringing together the Ball Bearing Business Unit, Engineering Headquarters, and Parts, Tool & Die Division across departmental boundaries.
The project was driven by an engineer who became fascinated by yo-yos during his student days and joined MinebeaMitsumi inspired by its ball bearing technology. By taking on a world record using a yo-yo—a object familiar to everyone—the project aimed to make ball bearings visible (which are rarely seen in daily life) and to convey the excitement of Monozukuri (manufacturing) and the fulfillment of dreaming big to the children of the next generation.
The core technology behind this record-breaking achievement lies in the fusion of MinebeaMitsumi's proud ultra-precision machining technology and small-diameter ball bearings that pursue world-class rotational performance. In contrast to the standard "Size C" ball bearings commonly used in competition yo-yos, a newly designed custom bearing engineered to minimize frictional resistance to the absolute limit was developed and equipped. Furthermore, applying precision machining know-how and long-rotation structures cultivated through past developments such as the "Real Spin Ms'" fidget spinner, MinebeaMitsumi achieved a high-precision overall design that thoroughly suppresses body wobble and rotational energy loss, enabling the achievement of this overwhelming "Longest yo-yo sleeper" record.
Overview of Record Achievement
| Record Name | Longest yo-yo sleeper |
|---|---|
| Record Achieved | 59 minutes 46.44 seconds (Certified Date: October 3, 2026) |
| Equipment Used | Original Yo-Yo equipped with MinebeaMitsumi Ultra-Precision Ball Bearing (Size C) |
| Venue | Technology Center (OGINO HALL), Karuizawa Head Office, MinebeaMitsumi Inc. |
Comments from Key Personnel
Yoshihisa Kainuma, Representative Director, Chairman CEO, MinebeaMitsumi Inc.
"Our goal is to become an indispensable company by driving the world forward. Through providing smoothly rotating ball bearings, we contribute to society in various ways, such as reducing power consumption and noise. Today, we were able to demonstrate that contribution in numerical terms. I am delighted that our young employees took the initiative to plan this challenge and achieve the record."
Yosuke Takahashi, Development Team Leader, Maintenance Department, Production Engineering Division, Manufacturing Headquarters, MinebeaMitsumi Inc.
"For me, having discovered MinebeaMitsumi through yo-yos and subsequently joining the company, capturing a world record with a yo-yo powered by our ultra-precision bearings has been a long-cherished dream. I am immensely proud that, through the power of cross-departmental 'INTEGRATION'*, we crafted the ultimate yo-yo and proved our technological capabilities in the form of a world record."
On the right of the certificate: Mr. Justin J. Patterson, Official Adjudicator from Guinness World Records
Third from left: Yoshihisa Kainuma, Representative Director, Chairman CEO of MinebeaMitsumi Inc., along with members of the project team.
Yo-Yo Made by MinebeaMitsumi
About MinebeaMitsumi
MinebeaMitsumi is an INTEGRATED precision components manufacturer. The company specializes in ultra-precision technologies, ranging from core products such as miniature and small-diameter ball bearings—which ensure smooth machine rotation—to protection ICs for single-cell lithium-ion batteries. The company's diverse portfolio includes motors, sensors, and semiconductors. While often unseen, MinebeaMitsumi's ultra-precision technologies support daily life across a wide array of fields, including home appliances (air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, and hair dryers), gaming consoles, IT devices like smartphones and PCs, as well as automotive, aerospace, and medical equipment.
* "INTEGRATION" means 'combining' rather than 'simply adding together', creating new value through synergy by bringing together all the resources of the group.
| Media Inquiries | Corporate Communications and Investor Relations Office, MinebeaMitsumi Inc. Phone: +81-(0)3-6758-6703 Fax: +81-(0)3-6758-6718 E-mail: koffice@minebeamitsumi.com |
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