styofa doing anything
🪼
❣ Chile in a Photography ❣
Keni
trying on a metaphor
Show & Tell
2025 on Tumblr: Trends That Defined the Year
pixel skylines
Jules of Nature
JVL
blake kathryn
Janaina Medeiros
Origami Around
Peter Solarz
Lint Roller? I Barely Know Her
if i look back, i am lost
let's talk about Bridgerton tea, my ask is open
One Nice Bug Per Day
AnasAbdin
$LAYYYTER
seen from United States
seen from Finland
seen from Germany
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Germany
seen from United States
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Brazil
seen from Malaysia
seen from United States
seen from Netherlands
seen from Sweden
seen from Indonesia
seen from Argentina
seen from Germany
seen from United States
seen from Germany
seen from Malaysia
@elechicca
After Skate Canada 2019, a podcast with the most knowledgeable commentators, Max Ambesi and Angelo Dolfini. (I must save this translation.)
Translated by: Anja
Pg.1
pg.2
pg.3
pg.4
pg.5
One part translated by ElenaC:
Thanks so much to the translators!
YUZU DAYS Translations:
I decided to organise all my translations of Yuzuru’s interviews/articles in P&G website in one post. (please do not use nor repost without my permission)
Aug 2015, Path of Growth Part 1 [childhood to junior]
Sept 2015, Path of Growth Part 2 [senior debut]
Oct 2015, Path of Growth Part 3 [Canada to now]
Nov 2015, Doing the laundry
Dec 2015, That Moment– Japan Junior Championships
Jan 2016, “Washing the dishes is my feeling of gratitude”
Feb 2016, That Moment - Sochi Olympics
March 2016, That Moment - 2014 GP series
April 2016, What figure skating taught me ~“About Life”
May 2016, My shampoo
June 2016, What figure skating taught me ~“Bonds of Family"
July 2016, What figure skating taught me ~“the Stage called The World”
Oct/Nov 2016, Fans’ Requests/Questions for Yuzu: Part 1, Part 2
Oct 2016, Fans’ “Message to Yuzu”
Nov 2016, Washing dishes (video)
Dec’16/Jan 2017, Doing the laundry (video)
Feb 2017, Reason for evolution~ “the strength to aim for”
March 2017, Reason for evolution~ “heading for greater heights”
April 2017, Smells & scents
May 2017, Scent of laundry softener
June 2017, My electric toothbrush
July/Aug 2017, Life in Toronto Part 1 and Part 2 [thanks to Gladi]
Sept 2017, Doing the laundry and ironing (video)
Oct 2017, Pantene shampoo
Nov 2017, Gratitude to my mother and ‘Thank you, Mum’ CM and making-of
Nov 2017, Febreze + Lenor Happiness (pics+video)
Dec 2017, Thoughts towards skating
Dec 2017, Lenor Happiness- video and Yuzu-stickers
Dec 2017, Febreze collaboration- Yuzu’s bottle design
Feb 2018, Yuzuru talks about ‘Expression’ [thanks to Gladi]
March 2018, Behind YUZU DAYS (off-shot photos and making-of video)
April 2018, Gillette/shaving and the future “cool ojiisan”
May 2018, Olympics support project and Yuzuru’s message of thanks
June 2018, Special project: ‘Thank you, Yuzu’
Oct 2018, Talking about PyeongChang Winter Olympics
Oct 2018, From Hanyu to readers, Gratitude of 4 years
(new links are added when there are new posts/translations of Yuzu Days.) (original articles: P&G’s myrepi.com)
Talk show in Saitama –Yuzuru Hanyu and Shuzo Matsuoka– 12 June 2019.
Fans were watching it live at 40 AEON theaters in Japan. After that, many fans reported about it. This translation is done by Shuko Doyle in YHIFG based on their tweets, mainly from here and here.
First 2 pics are fan art of what Yuzu was wearing, based on memory, credit: cherry_mom07 and sarada_open;
last pic is what the lucky fans received, credit: meowmeow_y
(much thanks to Shuko and fans for sharing!)
What's in a Name? — The Realm of Yuzuru’s Chinese Nicknames
Having spent quite a number of months stalking peeking around on one of China’s most popular social media sites, Weibo, one of the most interesting things I’ve noticed is the range of nicknames that Chinese fans have for Yuzu. The flexibility of the Chinese language allows for the creation of many cute/clever nicknames that may be more difficult in other languages, especially English. And Yuzu has…many.
In this post, I’ll be talking about these nicknames of his and how they fit into the scope of certain nicknaming conventions and/or cultural references. Some have deeper meanings than others, but all are a testament to how much love Yuzu receives. I hope you find it somewhat interesting!
I chose a few to focus on; ones that I’ve noticed are used fairly frequently while being specific to Yuzu (as opposed to terms of affection that can be and are used for other people). By no means is this an exhaustive list!
General nicknames:
柚子 (yòu zi) = “pomelo; yuzu”
This is the equivalent of “Yuzu” for us English speakers, but the characters literally refer to the fruit as opposed to just being an abbreviation of “Yuzuru.” In my opinion, just the meaning makes this very endearing.
—
哈牛 (hā niú) 牛 (niú) = “cow; ox”
The first, 哈牛 (hā niú), isn’t technically supposed to have any meaning since it’s a transliteration of “Hanyu.” If you really wanted to, you could translate it as “[sound of laughing] cow” (and probably get a good number of memes out of it, which is always a plus). But it sounds adorable, and that’s what matters here, right? Lots of people also shorten it to the second term, 牛 (niú). Yes, as in the bovine; as in “moo.”
However, the character 牛 (niú) that appears in both cases is also a frequently used slang term that’s utilized when describing something as awesome, strong, capable, etc. In this case, 牛 (niú) itself is a shortening of the term 牛逼 (niú bī), which has rather vulgar origins…but I’ve seen people use it regularly anyway, lol. It can be considered the equivalent of saying in English that something is “f*cking awesome.” Many prefer to censor it by typing 牛B (niú B), which has similar pronunciation, or using only 牛 (niú), which can be used safely in most scenarios—and is also Yuzu’s nickname. (The character 逼 [bī] is commonly attached to many words to create intense descriptors that may be very offensive depending on the context. Dropping it avoids that, for the most part.)
That all being said, calling Yuzu “牛” (niú) is most likely a direct result of the transliteration and not of an attempt to say that he’s amazing. However, I also think that it’s next to impossible that this nickname’s popularity isn’t because of its double meaning. Who knows; perhaps the transliteration itself was decided upon with that specific character to make sure everyone knows he’s amazing.
Nicknames related to programs:
Romeo and Juliet I:
小罗密欧 (xiǎo luō mì ōu) = “little Romeo”
Self-explanatory in meaning. I included this because it’s adorable. I need no other reason!
Additionally, though, 小 (xiǎo) does not just mean “little.” It is also used as an affectionate term that goes in front of names or specific characters in names, like a friendly prefix.
—
Let’s Go Crazy:
疯儿 (fēng er) = “crazy child”
In terms of name construction, the character 儿 (er) literally means “son,” but is very frequently attached to the ends of other words as a colloquialism. In this context, it can be read as a form of endearment.
Occasionally, Chinese people give nicknames to one another based on the person’s physical characteristics, personality attributes, or other descriptors. They may use the relevant adjective in place of a name and sometimes may alter it to make it sound sweeter, etc.; like in this case, 儿 (er) has been added to the adjective for crazy, 疯 (fēng). These types of nicknames don’t tend to translate well, but I think it works well here: “crazy child” sounds like something I’d call him in this program.
—
Hope and Legacy:
九儿 (jiǔ er) = “ninth child” 九仙 (jiǔ xiān) = “ninth immortal”
This is an interesting one and also the reason I was inspired to make this post. I kept seeing people call him “九儿” (jiǔ er) whenever Hope and Legacy came up. It has a nice ring to it. But I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why this was used. Nine? Nine what? Nine why?
As mentioned for Let’s Go Crazy, the 儿 (er) in the first nickname is attached colloquially. In the second, 仙 (xiān) is the term for an immortal or other transcendent being. Though not limited to Yuzu at all, people like to use this to describe him when he simply appears too perfect to be human—like when he performs Hope and Legacy, for example. It’s similar to when we say things like “he’s a god,” but an important distinction is that 仙 (xiān) encompasses a certain level of grace and elegance.
So what’s with the “nine” in both variations? I did some research, and there’s no connection between the actual number and his Hope and Legacy costume. Apparently, these nicknames became prevalent after some Chinese fans noted a visual similarity between the hues of his costume and those of a popular national park in the Sichuan province called 九寨沟 (jiǔ zhài gōu):
It’s so beautiful, particularly the water. Seeing the connection, fans adopted the 九 (jiǔ) character from the park name and applied it to Yuzu when he’s in his Hope and Legacy costume.
—
Otoñal:
秋秋 (qiū qiū) = “autumn” x2
This one’s based on how the program title “Otoñal” means “autumnal.” In Chinese, the program is translated as “秋日” (qiū rì); “autumn day.”
It’s common to take one character (from someone’s name or an existing nickname) and repeat it twice in order to emphasize the endearment, which is what’s happening here with 秋 (qiū). Simple as it is, the way it sounds when spoken is very pleasant.
—
Haru Yo, Koi:
小樱花 (xiǎo yīng huā) = “little cherry blossom” 樱樱 (yīng yīng) = “cherry blossom” x2
Another two with easy connections to this springtime program. Both utilize some of the conventions I mentioned before and have that connotation of delicate, cute beauty.
Do you have any favorites from this post? Are there any interesting nicknames you use for Yuzu, or are you limited to transliterations as well? I’m super jealous of other languages’ abilities to create nicknames with meanings without being awkward.
Hopefully this was a fun read for you! If there’s anything I didn’t explain well enough or if you’re just curious about something related, I’d be happy to clarify as best I can. Thank you for reading!
Yuzuru Hanyu: “I want to further experience that thrill.” Q&A after 2019 World Championships
Q: You missed the GPF and Japanese National Championships this season due to your injury.
A: Looking back at the end of this competition, as expected I very much feel the weight of the 2 months when I was unable to practice. In truth, those 2 months were…in starting training after that, as it had a tremendous impact for a long time, it was quite tough. As much as possible, I do not want to get injured.
Q: How about next season?
A: For next season, although I want to compete for the full season, I feel that I must look at the condition of my ankle, and from this point on come up with various plans.
Q: You did not go for any special treatment for your ankle, but underwent normal rehabilitation?
A: Although there are various discussions, it is also not a problem which can be addressed through surgery. Because it was severely injured, a much simpler impact would cause injury. In addition, I very much feel that an equivalent impact would have a much greater effect (cause a much greater injury). Certainly the injury before the PyeongChang Olympics and the current injury were in completely different directions, but as the recovery from the current injury was clearly slower, and the condition also can be said to be worse, definitely it is something like the durability of the ankle, the life expectancy of the ankle from now on. That is definitely something that I must take into consideration and upon that train while bearing risk, this is what I am once again confronted with.
Q: You wrote in the official event pamphlet that when you were injured, the words of Evgeni Plushenko-san, Dick Button-san and Javier Fernandez-san supported you, what kind of words were they?
A: For Plushenko-san, it was his knowledge and understanding as an athlete, and from such things, though it is impertinent for me to say it, but we are the same kind. In areas such as the resolve of a heart fixated on winning, and passion towards skating. Thinking that in such areas we are the same lit a fire in me anew. As for Javier, after all we competed together, and together he gave me a supportive push on my back and is really a wonderful friend, I also think of him in this way. Button-san said things such as “Let him skate as he likes”. But probably, through this season including the World Championships, what it means to skate for myself is still, to compete together with amazing skaters and with skaters who respect one another. To deliver a perfect performance and on top of that to win with it is probably the happiest thing. I came to realize that that exactly is probably what skating for myself means best. In a sense I felt that, perhaps I have once again returned to my origins.
Q: After yesterday’s FS, you spoke about (new)quads. If you were to include them in your programmes next season, to what extent would you do so?
A: It would depend on the circumstances. And it is also difficult to give a clear answer regarding that. Honestly they are also not the kind of jumps that I can acquire if I just practice flat out like when I was young. Of course, regarding the 4Lz, it was a jump I have already done before. My muscle strength is coming back, and I am also getting stronger. Probably, if I practice it for a week or two, I can regain the success rate of landing it once in a certain number of attempts, or once in tens of attempts. Just that, there is risk that comes with doing so. Because in my circumstances, more than the risk of failure, the significantly higher risk of injury is something I must think about. That I have to train them while knowing that risk is something that is difficult for me to make a definite statement on. Just that I have the intention to do them, all of them.
Q: On the point that the recovery was slower than previously. Because you were able to perform to the extent you did at the Olympics, was there the emotion that this time it would also be ok?
A: There was a little of that at the SP. I could not train much ahead of the Olympics. My muscle strength had yet to fully return, and neither had my stamina. If anything, there was the sense that I must go into the competition in the condition of having more than enough stamina, and we planned the official practices with that in mind. This time I was able to push myself in training. In a sense, although the pain had stopped, as it was a performance in which in addition to the pain having stopped I had been able to push myself, there was the feeling that I had a little too much excess stamina, and perhaps that was connected to the mistake at the beginning (popping the 4S). In a sense, as there was one day between the SP and FS, I think I was able to restart training again, and precisely because I was able to have that training, my legs were in the condition of being sufficiently taut the next day, and although I certainly felt very strongly the power of everyone’s cheers of support, I also felt that perhaps as my body’s condition was slightly tired it achieved a good balance.
Q: Ichiro-senshu retired on the day of the SP.
A: My frank sentiments are that I will miss him. Certainly, he is really a global legend, and his wonderful batting sense, his base stealing and his base running sense, shoulder, if I really start talking I won’t be able to stop. Honestly, many of his words have supported me, many of his words have influenced me, leading me to change my practice methods, my training methods. In any case, at the same time that I think anew that he is an amazing person, as even from now on his words will remain in various media, I think it would be great if I can study them again and be able to utilize them anew.
Q: You were voted the favourite athlete by elementary school students in a survey. Please give a comment for the children.
A: Firstly, I was able to play an active part in the Olympics, and as probably there were many people who watched me not with the thought that “I want to watch skating” but watched it as it was the Olympics, I think that is perhaps what led to such an outcome (in the survey). However, as the impression of the Olympics is very strong, from now on I want to skate like a champion. At the same time I think it would be good if they could also see my desire to improve myself, to more greedily want to become stronger.
Q: After the PyeongChang Olympics you said you would “Continue to compete just a little”.
A: Honestly, to speak frankly, after PyeongChang, I was really unsteady. Before the season began it was the same. There was the feeling that perhaps it was because I had not firmly set my purpose. But I skated while thinking that “I must do it, I have to do something”. Right now, in the way I said earlier, through this season, finally I could see my origins. After all, sports are enjoyable. I want to further experience that feeling which is like a thrill that wells up when I see a strong opponent, and on top of that to be able to think that I want to win. It feels that the 4A is also here now for that purpose.
Q: Among Ichiro-san’s words, which left a strong impression on you?
A: Ehh, nothing springs to mind. Ah…there are too many things I want to say and nothing in particular springs to mind. I’m sorry. Thank you very much.
Source: asahi
Spin The Dream - Yuzuru Hanyu (part 1)
This is a two-part special feature done by Goto Taisuke, Asahi Digital about Yuzuru’s skating career. They are both beautifully done, so I highly recommend you to go through both slide shows: first feature (Dec 2017), second feature (Feb 2018).
The first feature focuses on Yuzuru’s skating career and people involved early in his skating career while the second one puts an emphasis on his senior years. I really like this first feature as it really highlights all the support that Yuzuru has been receiving ever since he was a child, with mentions of people we may never hear about anywhere else such as coach Mami Yamada, Yutaka Higuchi-san. Reading this, I can really understand how the support from so many people helped shape Yuzuru’s career and why he’s so grateful for them.
I’ve done the translation of the second feature here if anyone’s interested. Below is my translation of the first feature. Enjoy! :D
「SPIN THE DREAM - YUZURU HANYU」
(Slide 1)
Caption: Reaching that stage once again with the support from many people
(Slide 2) Title: Spin the Dream - Yuzuru Hanyu
(Slide 3)
Caption: He touched the ice after a practice session 10.19.2017
(Slide 4)
Yuzuru Hanyu always bows very deeply. Before stepping onto the ice or leaving the ice, he’d touch it. There were also times where he looked at the ceiling and muttered “I’m sorry” after having a bad performance.
“I’m not sure since when I’ve been doing it. I think I’ve gradually been doing it more and more. A lot of things came to me, and I was supported a lot too.”
Hanyu puts into his routine the thoughts he has for his coaches, his family and predecessors in the Japanese skating world.
Continua a leggere
The man behind Yuzuru’s skates - Toshinobu Yoshida-san
Alternative links: DM | Drive
I combined two shows back in 2013 that mentioned Yoshida-san, so I hope the last part doesn’t seem too choppy. You can really see how dedicated Yuzuru and Yoshida are and how well Yuzuru takes care of his skates. No wonder he wants to keep the same skates for 4 years straight :)))
Bonus info:
Yoshida-san was in a band before, and he married Nanami Abe-sensei. So when he and Nanami-sensei thought about the choreography of Yuzu’s Vertigo together, he was the one who came up with the waist-roll move xD (or whatever the term for that is 😅)
Here’s a cute text/email that Yuzuru wrote to Yoshida-san a while back (I wasn’t able to find the original video tho =.=)
In here Yuzuru wrote:
“Good evening! My training has ended now! (｡ﾉω<｡) Do you mind sharpening my blades tomorrow? There are two pairs, but I forgot one, I think my sister will bring [the other pair] to you.”
“Figure Skating Fan” Magazine 2018-2019「羽 から生まれる」Translation
This is the interview with costume designer Satomi Ito on the construction of Yuzuru Hanyu’s Origin (and a little on Otoñal) costume featured on pages 42-43 of the February issue of フィギュアスケートファン (Figure Skating Fan) magazine released Dec. 22, 2018.
I’m formatting this to resemble the original formatting in the magazine.
Words after a long dash —— are the interviewer talking/asking questions.
Words in「Japanese quotation marks」are Satomi’s responses.
Where text color changes for emphasis, I’ve used bold italics.
The interviewer tends to put technical terms, concepts, and key words in “quotations”. Which means:
When they bring up titles of literature, program names, and quoted phrases, those are in 『blocky quotes』instead.
Anything within (parenthesis) was originally in parenthesis within the article.
[words between brackets are my translator’s notes]
Following English conventions, I’m writing her name as Satomi Ito. For reference in Japanese: 伊藤聡美 いとうさとみ Itou Satomi The interviewer/writer is いとうやまね (Itouyamane) - a writer unit composed of Itou Miho and Yamane Seiji.
I’ve left the honorifics. They refer to Yuzuru as “Hanyu-senshu” (athlete Hanyu) throughout the entire article. -senshu is the respectful term for athletes. -san is the general honorific (Mr./Ms./Mrs.).
—————————————- I agonized over capturing the ways they said certain phrases, but even so, I’m just an amateur translator, which means there are some turns of phrase I probably could have translated better. I originally wrote this all by hand, so there’s no Japanese transcription typed up, but if you’d like a specific section to see what exactly they said, send me an ask or a message and I’ll be happy to type that up. For more learning, sewing/fabric/technical terms will have a glossary at the bottom, along with various notes.
Continua a leggere
Otoñal by Raúl di Blasio. Ice watercolor of Yuzuru Hanyu.
Yuzuru Hanyu’s 2018/2019 season SP analysis by Yulena translation. Source: pt1, pt2.
“The origins of my skating come from Russia. For that reason, I want very much to deliver a strong performance here. Both tomorrow’s and today’s programs have a connection to Russia. [Tatiana] Tarasova helped to choreograph the original “Otoñal” program. I am very grateful to the person who created the choreography and watched me standing, and also [Natalia] Bestemianova and [Igor] Bobrin, who had helped me with choreography for the “Romeo and Juliet” program. I am overwhelmed with emotions just because such people have awarded me with standing ovation. I saw Tarasova as I approached the jump, and Bobrin was in the guest seat of the arena clapping on his feet. Thank you very much” ©
– interview after the SP at Rostelecom Cup 2018
Musical arrangement of the 2018/2019 season’s short program for two-time Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu is one of the piano piece by Raúl Di Blasio. Both of his programs this season go back to his origins and the starting point of Yuzuru’s career, to his childhood dreams. They are also an immense tribute to the skaters he’s considered his idols since his early days - Johnny Weir and Evgeni Plushenko.
According to Yuzuru’s own words Johnny Weir’s “Otoñal” is one of the programs that left the greatest impressions on him in his skating life.
Continua a leggere
Exclusive photos and long interview in Kiss & Cry--Yuzuru Hanyu: Be Myself
The open practice in Toronto, Canada at which many journalists also gathered this year. Hanyu, speaking about his new programmes, had a cheerful and calm expression. Half a year after his great feat of defending his Olympic title, what are the things he thinks of?
Continua a leggere
“Perhaps I should say I’m weak, or more precisely fragile, but that is also Yuzuru Hanyu”
Q: You skated to the end of your FS while in pain.
A: As the difficulty of the layout was lowered, though I had the stamina, but the performance became wobbly at the end.
Q: Was there pain during the combination jump?
A: Rather than pain, it was the sense of numbness.
Q: Your thoughts the moment you finished skating?
A: I thought “I worked hard”. First of all it was good that I performed 3 quads. Q: Did you skate on painkillers?
A: Yes.
Q: How did it feel?
A: There is somewhat no feeling. Q: What made you decide to change your layout?
A: As at the moment I fell I knew immediately that “there it goes”, I did a little verification while thinking of what should I do here, and put together the layout at that time. Just that, as there are many things I have not done before, it was difficult. Q: How is the pain?
A: As the effect of the painkillers is still present, although perhaps it is still ok, but as I think it will probably also be tough tomorrow, I think perhaps I must consider a bit regarding the GPF. Although I feel really apologetic, what even I myself is extremely frustrated about is that after last year’s NHK Trophy, the already weak right ankle became even weaker. Even just a slight impact and it would immediately become sprained/twisted, this is really frustrating. Within myself, I for one think that because even this is Yuzuru Hanyu, there is the frustration that falling in such a way is because my technical skill is still insufficient, I must accumulate strong performances that also include this fragility and become able to deliver strong performances.
Q: What happened when you fell?
A: The jump was under rotated and I fell. It was slightly under rotated and when I fell to the side and the ankle snapped (it hurt) the ligament and the bone. As the torn ligament is hardly there, the bone was impacted immediately, and the ligament at this part which I have overexerted tore; these immediately happened. Well, perhaps I should say I’m weak, or more precisely fragile, but that is also Yuzuru Hanyu. Q: Did withdrawing cross your mind?
A:I thought about my options. As it was unmistakably a ligament injury, if I speak of the doctor’s instructions, it was 3 weeks of rest, really. If I follow those instructions it would also be tough to make it for the Japanese Nationals. Therefore, after considering what I want to do and what to pare down, I skated thinking that perhaps there’s only today. Q: Was it because this performance is in Russia?
A: Although that is also part of it, the things I trained until here were something very weighty. I did not want to give up here, and there was also the part that I wanted to somehow show the fruits of my training, even just a little.
Q: Is part of the reason that you were able to hold on because it was (in) Russia?
A: Perhaps precisely because it was Russia, I chose this competition.
Q: Regarding the GPF and the Japanese Nationals, will (your participation) depend on how your condition progresses?
A: I’m afraid it would be a little difficult. That is how I see it. I don’t think I can win with a layout like today’s, and as I also performed today in a way that would aggravate the injury, precisely because I have the awareness that I have done something that is not beneficial to the ankle, I must think about it.
Source: sponichi
Consecutive GP series victories. Yuzuru Hanyu’s reasons for skating the FS with an injury at the Cup of Russia
Yuzuru Hanyu had made the following comments in the past:
“Although it would be good if I could do it in an ordinary way, things do not quite proceed ordinarily.”
At the Men’s FS at the Cup of Russia on 17 Nov, what unfolded was “not ordinary”.
In the SP the previous day, Yuzuru Hanyu had brought such ability of his into full play. Unlike the opening 4S at the Helsinki GP that was a little strained, this was a sharp jump with snap. Receiving positive GOE of 4.30 points, Hanyu himself said:
“Beyond the scores, it felt very good. Although I could not do it in both the official practice here and in Finland, as I was able to connect the jump here with transitions in a way that I also can be satisfied with, such as doing a counter with the landing foot immediately, I am very satisfied.”
The 3A which followed was also landed beautifully, and although the landing of the 3T in the 4T-3T combination jump had slightly less flow, he skillfully generated flow and connected to the next movement, receiving positive GOE of 3.12 points. Following after was the part for which Hanyu had special sentiments. Skated with more emotion than in Finland, Hanyu explained as such:
“I saw Tatiana Tarasova-san standing and watching me at the rinkside. I am extremely thankful that Tarasova-san who choreographed one of the programmes I admire, Johnny Weir-san’s Otoñal , is watching me.
And also the choreographers Mr and Mrs Igor Bobrin (Igor Bobrin and Natalia Bestemianova), who took care of me when I came to Russia to work on the choreography of my 2011-2012 FS Romeo and Juliet, also gave me a standing ovation at the end of my performance from their seats on the judges side. I think also in the sense of the significance that these people of watching me, it was extremely filled with emotions.”
Continua a leggere
Post-COR Interviews 2018
Sigh. I’ve written and deleted this post a couple of times because like many of you I feel really sad too. But in the end, I wanted to share with you this boy’s words. I know it sucks and it’s unfair, but I think it’s important to understand that Yuzu was fully aware of his condition and his options, and he made a conscious decision to compete despite what it would cost him, and came to peace with that choice.
So I’ll tell you first, this isn’t a happy piece. He’s laid out his condition quite clearly, and he’s very realistic about we he can and cannot do. Of course he is sad, hurt, vulnerable. But, as he says, that too is Hanyu Yuzuru. To me, his ability to face his feelings honestly has always been his strength, and his willingness to share that with us I think, is his gift.
Shuuzo’s interview, Sponichi’s (sport’s daily) version of the press con, and a little bit of Houdou Stations’s footage of the press con under the cut.
Continua a leggere
Translation: Yuzuru’s adjustments to his SP music after Autumn Classic
…Right after the end of his first competition of this season, the Autumn Classic International, he immediately sent an email to someone. The recipient was his trusted sound designer Keiichi Yano. It was in order to change the layout of his SP Otoñal. A jump in the SP performed after the 1 minute 25 second mark received a 10% bonus. As the flow (of the programme) was important to him, in order to raise the points while keeping the current layout of the three jump elements one after another, he requested for the music to be arranged such that the 4T-3T would be shifted to a slightly later point in the programme.
He is absolutely particular about sound. Even for SEIMEI which he used for his FS at the Olympics, Hanyu had, after telling Yano that “I am fully aware that the things I am saying are unreasonable, but…”, issued very detailed instructions such as adding the sound of his breath at the beginning and the sound of percussion instruments at the point where he performs the ina bauer. It took 33 remakes to arrive at the completed work. Yano says that “This time too, (his instructions) were detailed, as always. It was a test of my skills.” At the beginning of October, he accepted the new version which was adjusted in units of seconds from the previous version, and prepared for competition with it.
Source: nikkansports
Team Brian translations: Yuzuru’s tribute to Brian’s late father
Note: Translated from English > Japanese > Chinese > back to English. Hence pardon the accuracy haha.
Brian Orser’s father passed away on 3rd March 2017, he didn’t tell anyone about it, and continued to work at TCC as if nothing happened.
“Yuzuru seemed to notice something different about me, which is quite remarkable. Usually during practice, Yuzuru is very focused on himself, paying attention to the training content, his own body, or the techniques, so during practice he wouldn’t normally talk with other skaters or rest. But at that time, Yuzuru would observe my expression and empathise with me. Yuzuru had been through the earthquake disaster in Japan, perhaps that’s why he is so sensitive to others’ loss. So at that time as I felt heavy-hearted, Yuzuru felt the same, and he’d watch me from far away as I secretly grieve/let out a sigh.
At the beginning, I thought Yuzuru’s sensitivity was my own imagination, after all I was so upset that my worldview changed. More importantly, for Yuzuru and Javier, the World Championships before the Olympic Games is approaching, and both of them would often talk about the competition. For Yuzuru, winning the title of the the Defending World Champion before the Olympics is very important, and Yuzuru really did it. I’m so proud of him. There’s nothing better than this leading to the Olympic Games.
Both of them participated in the gala. Usually I’d leave early without watching the gala, but this time I watched both their performance at the rink site.
Yuzuru’s exhibition is the swan-themed “Notte Stellata”. It’s choreographed by David Wilson, one of our choreographers in Team Brian, for the jumps there’s only a single axel and a triple axel. It’s done such that everyone will be able to enjoy Yuzuru’s gorgeous skating, it’s a stunning program. The program depicts a dying swan spreading its wings once again, till that day Yuzuru skated it with the image of the recovery of the disaster area in mind. That day, Yuzuru portrayed a white swan that is more beautiful and gentle than any other.
Later, something surprising happened. After the performance, Yuzuru returned to the rink site, and told me “I was thinking about Brian’s father while skating”.
Yuzuru performed a tribute to my late father. I was surprised that Yuzuru who usually doesn’t talk much, expressed condolence to my father with such clarity. From this program, he conveyed the message to me so that I can pull myself together again. For me, who still haven’t gotten over my father’s death, that moment brought a very big change from the bottom of my heart.
It’s been 6 years since I worked with Yuzuru as a coach and student. I thought that we understood each other and formed the strongest team, but this was the first time that made me feel that Yuzuru is supporting me by my side.
The 2nd Olympic Games that Yuzuru will face together with me is approaching in 10 months. For this upcoming Olympic Games, I’ve resolved from the bottom of my heart, that no matter how difficult things may come in our way, I will stride forward with Yuzuru.
Of course I never would’ve thought that I would experience such a spectacular Olympic season. Not just as a coach, as a friend, a human being, I will promise to support Yuzuru the best I can.”
Some Weibo comments that I thought was heartfelt:
“People often talk about empathy, it seemed like it’s a psychological term. A person who is sensitive, would gently, silently think about you, they won’t rush up to you to comfort you, but they would show their concern through their actions. Someone who doesn’t make you feel smothered at all, he might really be an angel, else how would every fibre of him show such kindness and gentleness.”
“Those who are sensitive are often fragile, as a protect mechanism they often isolate themselves when they are sad, but never once did he ignore the distress of those around him. A twenty-plus year old person, from where did he get so much love and kindness…”
Continues~with Wings~ Treasured Edition Book Final Page
The day we were hit by the earthquake and tsunami was pitch-black,
the light of the moon and the light of the stars were very beautiful,
that scenery which resembled Notte Stellata I am always skating to,
I wonder if the people affected by the Kumamoto Earthquake also felt something like that.*
But right now when I look at everyone like this,
everyone’s eyes are like the stars to me,
it is precisely because everyone is watching me, that I am able to be here like this,
able to be shining with everyone’s light gathered like this
this is how I truly think.
To everyone, truly, thank you for lighting my path.
Thank you.
From now on, still further, until my targets are achieved, until my emotions are satisfied,
for just a little longer, I will continue competing.
Thank you very much.
–Yuzuru Hanyu
*This is a shortened version of his comments on the second day of Continues~with Wings~, which coincided with the two year anniversary of the Kumamoto earthquake
Continues~with Wings~ Treasured Edition Book Opening Page
“Thank you for the tremendous support! I was really happy to hear “congratulations” and “thank you” from everyone.”
Yuzuru Hanyu Special Interview:
“In producing this show, I had wanted to fill it with the emotions of it being a show to commemorate winning the Olympics, and above that, I also had thoughts of wanting to express the things I have received. I had lost my home rink when I was a Novice skater, and after that there were really many things that happened until I came to this point. I wanted to show everyone the performances of the people who, amidst all these happenings, had encouraged me, given me courage, became strength for me to face skating directly. And also, through showing the performances of these great skaters, to create a story in which the path I had walked until this moment can be seen, and it is with these considerations that I put together this show in this way.
Based on such thoughts, the word ‘Continues’ in the title is filled with the strong meaning of the things I have inherited. Through attaching the subtitle “~with Wings” which originates from the first word「羽」 (feather/wing) in my surname「羽生」(Hanyu), I wanted to create a show from which one could feel, even if just a little, the things that I, Yuzuru Hanyu have inherited, as well as the performances and emotions in common between the great skaters that are gracing this ice show and myself.
Furthermore, live viewing of the final show in theatres was also arranged. As I think this was the first time something like this has been attempted for an ice show in Japan, it was also a challenge for us as producers.
This is something from the time of the Opening’s rehearsal. When I took my position for the first time and watched the skaters, first Shae skated to a part from SEIMEI, and then Jeff performed the steps from Ballade No. 1, and there was also the memorable part from the steps in Hope & Legacy… I was moved, with thoughts of “Ah, this part also?” and “Ah, that part as well?”. Standing there, I felt strongly that this was a show I had put together, that this was a show organised for me.
Right now, there are many songs I have shortlisted that I want to skate to. Therefore, I think that in the near future I will ask Jeff and others to create programmes from these songs for me, and ultimately, I want to reach a position where I can pass on my experiences and knowledge. In order for my words to be convincing at that time, the two Olympic gold medals are essential, and probably, I must be someone who achieves something that stays in people’s memories even more. The 4A has a lot of impact, and as it is something necessary for the things I want to pass on and the things I want to attempt going forward, I absolutely want to be able to land it.”
