Mao Murakami – 11-year-old dancing sensation (Video)

Remember the cool commercial for Kanji Kakitori-kun, in which a girl did some pop dancing while she practiced kanji on her DS? Here’s a news report about her: her name is Mao Murakami and she lives with her family in a buddhist temple.

Her father, who is the priest of the temple, occasionally dances with Mao. As a team they are called “Strong Machine,” with dad as “Strong Machine 1″ and Mao as “Strong Machine 2.” Their stage name comes from the robotic and machine-like dancing they perform. Sometimes dad takes a break from dancing and acts as a musician for Mao’s dancing practice!

The report also shows Mao practicing the weird facial expressions she performs while dancing. The expressions add to the overall awesomeness of her dancing, but they’re also cool to watch on their own. Despite all her fame, as an only-child, Mao is prepared to take up the responsibility of eventually caring for the family temple.

Here are a few entertaining videos of the Strong Machines:

Strong Machine 2 in the trailer for the Raindance Film Festival

Strong Machine 1 & 2′s Phantom of the Opera

Strong Machine 2 in a Polysics music video

Strong Machine 2 in axxess

Strong Machine 2 performs at DANCE EVENT STAND

Mao-chan teaches some celebrities how to do “animation” dancing