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.
I wasn't going to look at the rest of the interviews for awhile but I seriously don't trust the Olympic Channel's translators very much so...
For the most part, it's ok. But the last sentence, the bit from "with regards to GPF vs nats”, it goes a bit haywire. You can watch it here.
What he said for that bit is:
Y: Well this time, in this grand prix...ah, amongst these 3 competitions [t/n: meaning COR, GPF and Nats]...the one I chose, was this competition after all. And well, the doctor too told me “If you skate on this, it'll get worse”...[t/n: He winces a little here].....Well, I chose to skate at this competition. And so...mm....yes well...
Figure skating is a sport where if you recover, it's not the end so, well, based on that sort of thing [t/n: ie, your recovery], um, whether or not you can train, um, whether or not you can skate, whether you can skate the way you want to...while considering all of those things carefully, I have to think about (what I will do) from here on.
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.
Shuuzo's Interview
Part 1, Part 2
Shuuzo: This is really.. I mean, winning under these circumstances, there's nothing else to say besides congratulations, but how do you feel?
Yuzu: No the FS... it was really a pathetic performance so I really feel very sorry [t/n: apologetic] about it.
S: But, when you finished I heard (others say) "He did his best for that (performance)!" and things like that.
Y: Yes well (you could probably call that) doing my best I think but... but my ankle was...loose so there wasn't much I could do but... if from here on, (the audience) could think that "this too is Hanyu Yuzuru" and continue to support me then I would be happy.
S: No, I understand that Hanyu will never make any excuses. But, with the pain like that and...there isn't anyone who changes their layout that much!! I think it is amazing that you fought through all of that.
Y: Ah well, to put it bluntly there were points were I was just got through it [t/n: this term has a bit of the going-through-the-motions implication, like he's not proud of it], but, well, really I competed without even practicing (the whole thing) once so... But, well, I think the things I had to do, I did and well, there were things that I didn't do after all so.. those things too are good problems for me to solve.
S: You just mentioned, the things that you didn't do... I think that you might be most frustrated about it especially because this is in Russia, and because your thoughts and feelings towards Plushenko are strong.
Y: Umm... from the beginning before I came here, I was practicing the Biellmann, and with my spin coach too we talked and they told me if I do everything nicely then it's fine to do the Bielmann too but... I couldn't do it so I'm most regretful about that [t/n: This ans starts around 1:21 in the Part 1 clip if you want to see his expression ;_;]
S: But, in the end, being able to overcome these difficulties and turning them to your benefit is who Hanyu is. What is it that you took away from this competition this time?
Y: Um, whatever it is, I made mistakes on the jumps that I'm good at, (so I will) practice those one by one, [t/n: didn't finish his sentence here as usual haha] but this time, at least for a little bit in the first half I felt that what I practiced didn't go to waste, so I will continue to practice properly.
S: Lastly, for the 6 min warmup, compared to usual, I mean didn't you arrive here late (to the venue)? I thought there was a chance you might forfeit, because I didn't want you to push yourself too far. Stepping pass that and going into the fight, what were your feelings?
Y: Yes well, I thought that I wasn't going to be able to complete my warm up anyway so, well, this time, as a strategic plan I think it was good and, well, being able to, in this condition, jump, to some extent, was also good I think.
[t/n: From 0:43 in Part 2, afterwards he hugs the composer too]
S: You've made it to the finals! And on top of that, this is your first time right? With 2 straight wins! Congratulations!! This, please be happy! [t/n: Shuuzo is so excited here he's actually crushed his words together] Just now, you're feeling down in your heart but we are all very happy that you persevered so well! All the best for the finals!
Y: Yes well, my frustration is burning so, from here on I will do my best again.
S: Thank you very much
Y: Thank you very much
Sports Daily (Sponichi)
Please note that this is Sponichi's version of the press con, and is basically a very quick transcription of what occurred so questions are often incomplete and accuracy varies. Each news outlet will have transcribed it slightly differently, nothing beats video in the end. Having said that, Sponichi is usually quite reliable. Source.
Qn: You finished it through the pain
Y: I decreased the difficulty of the layout so, in terms of stamina I had enough, but towards the end I flopped it [t/n: literally this term means fluffy, he basically means that he didn't complete any of it well]
Qn: The pain came when you jumped the combination?
Y: Rather than pain, the lack of sensation became obvious [t/n: After referencing the rest of the interview, I think he means he realised it was just numb after the painkillers]
Qn: When you finished skating (how did you feel)?
Y: I thought "I did my best"; That in any case it was good that I managed to include 3 quads.
Qn: What about painkillers?
Y: Yes [t/n: This phrase is sou desu ne, which is more of him just acknowledging the question], I did.
Qn: What did it feel like?
Y: I can't really feel it much [t/n: Again, referring to the lack of sensation rather than lack of pain]
Qn: You decided to change your layout...
Y: The moment I fell I knew pretty quickly that "I've gone and done it" so, I did a little bit of confirmatory work [t/n: This could refer either to the skating around he did after the fall, or going to see the doctor) whilst thinking of what I wanted to accomplish here, and at that time I put together (the layout). However, there were a lot of things that I had not done before, so I thought that it was difficult.
Qn: And the pain?
Y: The painkillers (tablets) are still in effect so maybe (that's why) now it's still okay, but I think tomorrow it will probably be pretty tough, and I think I will have to think a little about the finals. I'm really sorry about it, and what even I myself think is frustrating is that, since last year's NHK trophy, my right ankle which was weaker [t/n: I'm not sure if he means weaker then compared to now or weaker than his left] has now become even more loose. With just a little bit of impact it gets sprained and that's what I really feel frustrated about. Within me I think, "that too is Hanyu Yuzuru" so, if I'm falling in that kind of position then it's because my skills are still inadequate, so with the frustration (that comes from that), as well as (my) fragility, I want to collect more and more strong performances, and (practice such that) I can give strong performances.
Qn: When you fell...?
Y: It was underrotated so I fell. If it's even a little bit underrotated and (my ankle) falls to the side, whether it's the ligaments or the bones... It's to the point where there aren't any ligaments left to tear so, the bones are affected easily and the ligaments at the points that have been pushed too hard [t/n: this probably refers to the ligaments that have already been torn at NHK trophy] tear easily and all those sort of things happen quickly. Well, rather than say it's weak or it's fragile, that too is Hanyu Yuzuru.
Qn: You couldn't (let yourself) forfeit?
Y: I thought of what I should choose. There was no mistaking the injury to the ligaments - if I tell you what the doctor instructed, it's 3 weeks of rest you know, in truth. If that were the case, even nationals would be difficult. So, I thought of what I wanted to do and what should I give up [t/n: the word here literally means to scrape off or cut out] and I decided that "Probably today is the only chance (I have to do this)" and so I competed.
Qn: Was it because it was a performance in Russia?
Y: There was that too but, the training I did up till now was really very heavy. There were the feelings of not wanting to give up at this point too and also, that somehow or other I wanted to show, even just a little, the results of my training.
Qn: Was there a part of you that could persevere because it was Russia?
Y: Maybe it's precisely because it was Russia, that I chose this competition. [t/n: I'm not sure if he means he chose this out of the other GPS or if he chose today vs nationals]
Qn: Will you (decide on) GPF and Nats based on your condition?
Y: That's a little...[t/n: This is a classic phrase that usually means no] That's what I think. [t/n: Likely he means no here, but I would have to hear him say these 2 sentences to be sure]. I don't think that I can win with a layout like today's and, today I skated a performance that will worsen (my condition) so, it's precisely because I am aware that I did something bad to my ankle, that I have to think carefully.
Houdou Station
This one depressed me the most. He doesn’t look up at all when answering the questions, and the way he says it... sigh. Someone give him a big hug please. Link
Starts at 0:29
Umm, about getting injured, well, as expected, inside I too feel really frustrated about it or rather... somehow...somehow maybe I did something wrong...I thought about a lot of things but, but well, well within (my mind) what I have accepted is..mm...well my right ankle itself is...really fragile so...well with just a little it gets injured. Well it's really like, well, maybe something like an accident, that's how I am thinking of it.
[cut]
Well, I wanted to...show the complete performance...here in Russia but, in this condition, well, to some extent maybe, I was able to do my best, that's what I think.
I’m sorry, I wish I had a happier quote to end off with, but honestly I think this is okay too. 4hrs before skating what, in his mind, was going to be the most complete performance of this tribute to the skater who quite literally influenced his life, on Russian ground, in front of Tatiana and the composer of the piece too, he injures himself again in what must feel like a parody of last year’s disaster. A situation that forces him to choose between skating in front of his home crowd of people who have supported him and this one and only chance he has to skate for this special group of people of have guided him. It's no wonder that his face screwed up and his lip quivered as he said thank you and sorry to Plushenko in the K&C. It's no wonder that he was down and vulnerable during the press con.
Sometimes, rather than try to deny the sadness with some kind of forced optimism, I think it’s alright to cry. Yuzu followed his heart and made this choice with full knowledge of what would happen - I think he is allowed some time to rest, recover, and grieve. <3
This interview was done in English with Rika responding in Japanese, as it seems like there were no translators on scene, except for a fellow skater who helped a little to translate for her (likely who she looked at off camera for the last question).
Reporter: So here is Rika Kihira who just won the Ondrej Nepela Trophy landing two 3A, congratulations. Rika how do you feel about your program today?
Um, today I was really nervous but I was really able to show.. my best? Well, maybe not really my best but nearly my best performance so I was really happy.
And how do you feel about your results winning the first Senior internationals?
Umm, it’s my first year as a Senior. Because I was able to perform well in the first competition, mmm, from here on? Umm…looking towards this season…mm, there are still many competitions so, I have this goal of improving my personal best in each of them so, I want to achieve that so, this was a really good experience for me.
And finally, what did you take from this event for the future?
Umm, in this competition, amidst the nervousness…the 3A? is a really difficult jump but, amidst the nervousness, being able to land the 3A was really exp-[t/n: she fumbled a little here] a good learn- a good pract- a good competition, I managed to (perform well), that’s what I thought and mm, this season? I will be aiming even higher and a good performance - I hope that I will be able to perform even better.
Thank you very much, arigatou gozaimashita
Thank you very much
T/N: Rika is really cute here. You can tell she doesn’t have much experience talking to reporters, and is rather nervous. If you listen to the way she speaks, it tends to go up quite often in the middle of her sentences (indicated with a ? here) - this is probably because she’s not quite sure how to express herself, but also note that Japanese people tend to do this when they’re not sure if the other party understands what they are saying. Since I’m sure the reporter speaks little to no Japanese, I’d say both factors are contributing to Rika’s overall (^^?) (^^?) response hahaha :)
So, I’m back (I’m not ready). Was planning to post about Hakamas and Haoris but Yuzu decided to drop Media Day on us early so...
Out of all the articles that have come out so far, I chose to translate this one because it has the most quotes about the 4A so far and I think many people are getting very excited thinking that he’s definitely going to put it in etc. So here’s a little more information about it so things don’t get blown out of proportion too early ^^;
Keep a lookout for @wherespacepooh‘s posts too! Her summary posts are <333
Source Article: Daily Sports Online
[t/n: first paragraph about his programs has been skipped in light of the fact that it has been repeated ad nauseum]
He also revealed his intention to challenge the 4A, which he has referred to as his "number 1 motivation", in the FS this season. Having achieved back-to-back Olympic gold medals, Hanyu said that "On the results front, I feel that the things I can do, I have done." You could say that the 4A, which no one has successfully landed yet, is his last ambition. [t/n: Note this is the writer's words, not Yuzu's]
He has not yet succeeded (in landing the 4A) in practice yet but (Hanyu) said "The axel is, after all, my number 1 motivation. What comes to mind as I practice is that, in the end, I do love the Axel after all. It's fun you know? Jumping it. I am not yet jumping it a lot but be it things like the process of landing it and so on, I am enjoying each and every one of those things, and really thinking hard about it as I practice." While keeping pace with his own body, (he is) enjoying the process of trial and error (in practice).
The thoughts and feelings he has about the Axel are also his own "starting point". Looking back, he said "In my earlier years in elementary school [t/n: The word choice usually refers to Years 1-3], really, out of a 1 hr practice period, (I spent) 45mins doing nothing but Axels. Within my roots are my thoughts and feelings about that jump. Whilst experiencing the difficulty of the Axel, the sense of accomplishment when you land it - things like that are a big reason why I came to like skating." Smiling, he said "Truthfully, I had wanted to land (the 4A) before this announcement day but", (instead) "I want to jump (the Axel) within this season" he said of his desires.
All the articles thus far have been on similar things about his programs but each article quotes him a little differently, so, as usual, I really want a full video interview...
TDIL the olympic channel was too half-assed to translate what he actually said and decided to plonk (badly translated) words from various different interviews onto this video because who cares about #accuracy if Yuzu gets you more attention right?
Sheesh. You'd think he deserves more respect than to be edited like a bad high school project.
#edited to add: nothing against you @yuzuangel, just upset at the olympic channel
In response to Prime Minster Abe’s compliment of Anything you wear suits you well doesn’t it?, Yuzu replied
*laughs* Actually, well... In truth, I did think that I ought to be much more traditional in my actions (today), but I am a skater after all, and this award being given here today is, in the end, an award that is given (to me in my capacity as) an individual skater so, I thought that it might be alright too if my self (was reflected in my actions). *laughs* Um, the way I stand and such, those sort of things may not exactly be of traditional form but, if I could be present here as a skater, as Hanyu Yuzuru, then I think (that it would be good).
Unfortunately, I do not have the time to fully translate this whole part as of now. But this line that he says right here carries so much weight I had to bring it up somehow.
When Yuzu made his cameo as a lord in Tono, Risoku de Gozaru, he was criticised for lacking the gracefulness and bearing that a lord should have, even though the film was a comedy to begin with. As much as he was praised, he was put down. He is well aware that no matter what he does, he can and will be subject to all manner of attention, positive and negative alike. He has shared this in the press conference in Pyeongchang, in CiONTU, and in the press conference of this award presentation too.
Rather than risk coming across as someone presumptuous enough to put on this traditional dress, a 黒紋付き羽織袴 (kuro montsuki haori hakama), without knowing its significance, Yuzu went out of his way to call himself out on any breech of tradition he may have committed whilst wearing it and deferred to those more knowledgeable than he about tradition. And yet, by emphasizing that he was appearing as a skater, as himself Hanyu Yuzuru, he showed just how clear he was about the capacity in which he was accepting the award. It was not only humble, it was very elegantly done.
After all that, in true Hanyu Yuzuru fashion, he could not have been any more right in his choice of outfit. And in a few weeks time, I can and I will write you an entire post on the significance of this particular outfit, right down to fabric and weave of the silk, and the incorporation of sendaihira.
Hey Shu-chaun, I know of this book, and I also think I know of the translation you are referring to XD Unfortunately I don’t have a copy of the book (yet) so any translations I do of it won’t be any time soon.
But well there is like a 95% chance this book will find its way into my hands in like. 2 weeks time. So. Leave me your contact and you just might get some translations here and there XD (give or take a couple of months ^^;)
Qn: What was ... ... your most regretful moment of your skating life?
It might be the All Japan Juniors 2 years ago ... ... At that time too my condition wasn't good, but I was too pumped up, and thought that it was better to focus completely on definitely landing my jumps, and focused my energy in the wrong way. I didn't understand my own self. In the actual competition I panicked, and that was the competition that was the most shocking one for me.
~*~
Now that Rika is moving to seniors, there is certainly a lot more mainstream interest in her. Much thanks to @jumpitwithashuulanditwithapa for pointing me in the direction of this very interesting interview by Sports Navi.
~*~
Rika Kihira talks about the relationship between the 3A and the edge of the blade, and the reason to continue competing even though "adjusting is difficult"
Caption: Rika Kihira, successfully landing the first 3A-3T in the history of Women's Figure Skating. We asked the anticipated 15 year old to look back on a season of great progress. (Photo by Kiyoshi Sakamoto)
The one who broke into a shy smile the moment she faced the camera, was that 15 year old. A 3rd year student in middle school, she made an appearance at her first All Japan Championships [t/n: aka Nationals] held at the end of last year, and placed 3rd on the podium. Rika Kihira (Kansai University KFSC), who wedged herself in amongst the senior level skaters who were aiming for the Pyeongchang Olympics, had an extraordinary presence about her. On top of that, at the Junior Grand Prix Final held just 2 weeks before this competition, she accomplished the incredible feat of becoming the first woman to successfully land the 3A-3T combination jump in competition.
To Kihira, the 3A is a jump she can "challenge [herself]" with, and is something she "will not let go of in the future either". Each time she changes her boots, she must readjust the edge (of the blade) to the best position, and it seems that she is keenly aware of how difficult that is.
The 3A and its rising success rate
Full Translation under the cut
Caption: Placing 3rd in her first All Japan Championships. She showed her efforts by wedging herself in amongst the senior level skaters [Photo by Kiyoshi Sakamoto]
Qn: This season was one of great advancements, such as placing third in your first All Japan Championships.
If I were to sum up the whole season, it was one where there were both good and bad times. It was my first time at the All Japan Championships so I did feel nervous but inside the rink both my condition and my feel (for the ice) matched and I was glad that I was able to skate as I usually do in practice.
Qn: You became the first woman to ever land the 3A-3T successfully in competition at the JGPF.
Before that I had landed that jump in local competitions and such, but those are not recognised by the ISU, so I was very conscious (of the fact that it would be recognised if landed) at the JGPF. And, even with that on my mind, it was good that I was still able to land the jump.
Qn: Comparing this season with all the seasons before it, what areas do you think have changed?
The success rate of my jumps has increased, and with skating practice my skating skills have improved too. However, out of all of that, I think the best (part) is that the success rate of my 3A has increased.
Qn: What do you think is the reason why your 3A success rate has increased?
Up until the year before last, even though I could jump it when I was in good condition, it felt like once I took 2 days off I'd have to start again right from the beginning at the next practice, and in that one day it would take everything I had just to get the feel (for the jump) back. For the rest of the jumps, even if there was a break in between practices it would be find, but for the 3A, the moment there was a break, the timing of the jump would change in accordance with the condition of my muscles, and that was very difficult (to deal with). But since about last year, I've begun to know the timing, and it may be that I've come to remember the form of the jump with the number of times I've practiced it in training. I think that's how my success rate has increased.
Qn: Are you now able to jump the 3A normally even if you take 2 days off?
Yes that's right. When I can't land it, there are many reasons such as when I've changed to a new pair of boots. Like I said earlier, up until around the year before last, my condition was up and down. But recently even with a break in between trainings, I'll spend one day readjusting, and the next day I will be able to jump with a good sense (of it) right from the very beginning (of practice). So even if, for example, I spend a long time travelling on flights during competitions, (my feel for the jump) won't change.
The feel that changes with the position of the blade's edge
Caption: During Junior Worlds in March, she had a fracture of her left ring finger, and was not able to adjust (the position of) her edges before the competition. She was not able to land the 3A either. (Photo by Joosep Martinson - ISU via Getty Images)
Qn: It seems like you've really made the 3A your own haven't you?
But once I change my boots, the feeling changes with the position of the edges. I have been making a lot of adjustments to the edges, and attaching them at the position where I feel "this is it". So there is still that problem when it comes to my boots.
Qn: Once you've changed your boots, how long does it take before you are able to land the 3A properly?
If I get a good edge (position) then I can jump it within that day itself. However, after around a week the boots are broken in, so I have to shift the position of the edge just a little. And then as I use them for about just under 2 weeks, I shift (the edge) bit by bit, and then it feels like I've finally found the right position. When I can't find that position it's really tough, so in order for that not to happen I need to take the competitions into consideration in order to match them up with the timing of my boot changes. Recently I've been paying attention to that.
Qn: Has there been a competition where your 3A has been affected because of a change of boots?
Actually, at Junior World (Championships) in March, the boots were new and the edges in a bad position. I had changed the boots about 1 month beforehand but because of the fracture in my left ring finger I hadn't been jumping the 3A...... I was landing the other jumps so, I thought I might be able to land the 3A too, and forgot about the edge position (strained laugh). I think the edge was in a position that wasn't good for me personally, to jump. I had realised it only 3 days before I was supposed to leave, so (I thought), in any case I had no choice but to jump with the edge in that position and left it as it was, and as expected it didn't go well. One week after I came back from Junior Worlds, I still couldn't land the jump so I thought "Just change the boots already" and changed them, and then I was able to land the jump right away...... Actually my condition improved so much that I thought "so this is how good my condition can become" (laughs). It was my own mistake, but through this experience, I thought that I want to be able to perfect the condition of my boots. From now on, I want to start considering when I should change my boots for the next competition, and the timeframe to change them, even when I am still able to use my current pair.
Qn: Do you adjust the position of the edges yourself?
There are many things that I pay attention to only for the 3A so I'll tell my mother "I think it's a little off" and she helps me change them, and Mr Kosugi Skate* (a shop inside the Kansai University Ice Arena, her training base) helps me to adjust the position of the edges. If I think it's hard to land the jump, then I'll jump it many times and see. If I think the issue lies with the boots, then I go about changing (either the boots or the edges) quickly.
[*t/n: The shop name is just Kosugi Skate, so yes, Rika added a -san to the name and hence the Mr Kosugi Skate. It's quite cute, but also a very normal thing for girls to do, especially girls of her age]
Qn: While there is a "best" position for the edge to be in order to land the 3A, but for the other jumps is that position alright too?
Yes that's right. If I shift it slightly, I don't realise it when doing the other jumps, so even if the position is slightly off for them, I can jump them. But, for the 3A, the timing becomes very important, so I always pay super close attention and change the edge of the position (as needed).
Currently, she is practicing the 4S and 4T
Caption: She's already declared that she will challenge the quad jump. Currently she is said to be practicing the 4S and 4T. [Photo by Yutaka/Afro Sports]
Qn: You are becoming known for the 3A. What thoughts do you have and what are you particular about?
Recently, changing the boots and adjusting the edge position is extremely difficult. Even now there are still competitions where, depending on my condition, I'll think "maybe I shouldn't jump (the 3A)". But in a situation where most skaters don't jump the 3A, by adding it in I can challenge myself, and I can accumulate the experiences that can only be had by adding the jump in, so from here on I think I will not be leaving it out.
Qn: You have also declared that you will be challenging the quad jumps. Are you actually practicing them now?
Right now I am attempting the 4S with a two-legged take off. There are 2 styles of jumping the Salchow, and Skater Yuzuru Hanyu (ANA) and Skater Nathan Chen (USA) both have different ways of jumping it. Hanyu is the type who takes off with both feet on the ice, whilst Nathan is the type who takes off with just his left foot on the ice, and the right foot kept as it is, floating (just above the ice). I think other skaters mostly fall into one of these 2 patterns. I tried to see which of the 2 was easier to jump, but the two-legged take off doesn't really fit well with me, so now I am thinking about going back to taking off with just the left foot. I still have not been able to perfect it yet, but when I jump it with one leg, if I can take off right at the start then I've just about come to the point where it's mostly fully rotated.
I am practicing the 4T a lot, and it has gotten better than it was last year, so I think I hope to perfect it within the season.
Qn: You also have a reputation for your skill in expression.
The senior level skaters definitely have wonderful skill in expression, and especially if you compare the skating to the junior level, it's completely different. I do think that I myself might also be getting better year by year, but compared to the senior level skaters it's absolutely inadequate. Since I have plans to move to seniors next season, I want to improve my expression through ballet and dance, and make changes as I watch videos (of myself) during on-ice practice.
Qn: It seems like in April, you received choreography from Mr Tom Dickson for next season's free skate.
It's a piece of music called "Beautiful Storm", and there are sounds of thunder, sounds of waves. It's a piece that gets better and better as you listen to it. Rather than calling it a pretty (program), it's more like it's been done with a sort of cool feel to it, that's how I feel it's becoming.
Qn: Is your jump layout confirmed?
There are rule changes so it's not confirmed yet but, I'll start with either the 4T or the 3A+3T, and then the 3A, 3Lo, 3Lz+3T, 3F, 3Lz+2T+2Lo, and finally the 3S, something like that. It's only recently been created so from here on I want to be able to make it a wonderful program.
Qn: What about your short program?
I will be receiving the choreography from Coach David Wilson. The music has not been confirmed yet but I have suggested a piece that I like so we will be deciding whether or not to use it.
Winning at the Beijing Olympics is her current goal
Caption: Winning at the 2022 Beijing Olympics is her current goal. In order to achieve that, Kihira will devote herself as a competitor from here on too. [Photo by Sports Navi]
Qn: Please tell us about a time in your skating life thus far where you felt you had matured.
I failed terribly (11th place) at the All Japan Junior Championships 2 years ago (Nov 2016). When I think about it now, while I had been practicing the 3A a lot, my Lutz and all had not been well established yet, and I wasn't able to skate the program through properly. It had been my goal to participate in the All Japan Championships that year, but I was not able to in the end.* However, I was able to gain a lot from that experience, and it was a good practice for me as well.
This season, during the JGPF, I participated while running a fever. As the competitions were late in the evening, having to perform with my muscles in a different condition from usual was also a new experience for me. Now, I'm more conscious of needing to wear a mask on the plane so that I don't catch a cold. I can't pinpoint a competition and say "this one" was the one I matured in, but in all my competitions, there are at least 2 points to learn from, and with all these competitions I've gained quite a bit of knowledge. I can feel that I am maturing (as I take part in) these many competitions.
*[t/n: You must be 15 years old to participate in Nationals, but the top 6 junior skaters in the Junior Championships will be allowed to participate even if they are under 15, as Rika was then]
Qn: What was your happiest moment, and your most regretful moment of your skating life?
The happiest was last year's All Japan Championships when I placed 3rd. The most regretful was...what was it (strained laugh). It might be the All Japan Juniors 2 years ago that I mentioned earlier. At that time too my condition wasn't good, but I was too pumped up, and thought that it was better to focus completely on definitely landing my jumps, and focused my energy in the wrong way. I didn't understand my own self. In the actual competition I panicked, and that was the competition that was the most shocking one for me.
Qn: A new 4 year cycle towards the Beijing Olympics has started. What are the areas you are thinking of improving on?
I can't narrow it down to just one area but, (I want to improve on) the stability of my jumps, and I want to add on new jumps too. And also, my expression and my skating skills too. I think it would be good if I could perform a program where every component gets positive GOE, and up until I participate in the Beijing Olympics I want to improve every component to the point where I can say there is nothing left undone. Being able to participate in the Beijing Olympics is my first goal but, if I do get to participate then I must be at the level at which I can aim for a medal. Till then, I want to steadily gain experience, and be able to think "there is nothing to be afraid of in competition".
Qn: Do you have a goal as a competitor, as a skater?
I have practiced this much with the goal of one day winning the Olympics. Winning the Beijing Olympics is my current goal so, I'd like to continue forward with that in mind.
I was surprised at intensity with which she stated her goal for Beijing. After a light hearted and slightly self-conscious interview, she certainly wasn't shy about her ambitions hahah Very excited to see her next season. Stay injury free Rika!
Heroes&Future2018 in Nagano has finished!
Lately, although I’ve been in top shape I’ve had quite a few performances that were slightly lacking, but these all became a part of my training for competitions! And, today, just when I was about to finish the second half (of my performance) without any mistakes I slipped backwards during the choreo sequence and did a backward roll! But, I am totally okay 😆
(Sorry that) I made everyone worry 😅
And the cute stuffed toys💕, the presents from everyone made me really happy~~😍✨
Being able to appear on and have a wonderful show with so many (great) skaters - I was really happy and had a lot of fun 😆
Thank you very much✨
From Rika’s Instagram, thanks to @tadakixd for the translation ^^
It was announced today that Yuzuru Hanyu would be receiving the People’s Honour Award, the only figure skater and the youngest individual to receive this award, out of the 26 persons who have received it thus far. (You may remember the commotion that occured a few months ago, when Prime Minister Abe convened a committee to decide if Yuzu should receive this award).
The cabinet representative stated the following during the announcement:
"With rigorous training and more effort than anyone else, [Yuzuru Hanyu] accomplished brilliant results that made history, bringing to many residents dreams and deep emotion, and to society a bright hope and courage. An outstanding achievement."
Video of news clip here
Yuzuru’s comment in response to the announcement was incredible gracious, and with language so incredibly polite that the modern English language is just insufficient to convey. Still, I tried to keep most of it.
Receiving an award that is held in such great esteem is an honour more than I deserve.
That I have been able to continue skating, and that Japan's Figure Skating has continued to be in the spotlight as much as it has - I feel that all of this has been possible precisely because the Greats of the figure skating world have paved such a path for us. I feel too that, (figure skating continues to be in the spotlight) as a Winter Sport as well, because of the impressive showing of the many participants at this Olympics in Pyeongchang.
Also, the many thoughts and encouragement that have come from those hit by the disaster, together with the thoughts of every person who has brought me up thus far as an individual - I realised once again that these thoughts are brimming within me, and I think of this award as being bestowed upon them.
I will take on the expectations of everyone, and move forward day by day, without neglecting my training, as I thoroughly experience every single part of the path that continues before me. It is my wish that this award will become a bright light to the disaster-struck area and the figure skating world.
To every person who has brought me up, and to the many who have always supported me, I offer, from my heart, my deepest gratitude. Really, thank you very much.
Credit to nikkansports
The award ceremony will take place on the 2nd of July.
I wasn’t planning on translating much (if any) for a while due to work and study commitments, but the ending message of Day 2 really touched me. It also appears that quite a few things were cut from the broadcast, much of it playful banter between Yuzu and the skaters, or Yuzu and the crowd. So, I’ve tried to compile what I’ve gathered from tweets here too. To make up for the lack of subs
“The day we were struck by tragedy, was pitch black, and there was nothing at all.”
Full translation under the cut.
Tweets at the very bottom.
Um, Continues With Wings, how was it?
Thank you.
*pants* Um, as I said just now, today is the day that marks 2 years from the Kumamoto Earthquake, um, on this (kind of) day, like this, well, being able to skate a program that also means a lot to me (t/n: Etude), I think that was a good thing. Um, really, without everyone's support, being able to skate like this is something that would never have come true for me after all. Really, for giving me, so, so, so much support up till now, thank you very very much.
*collapses into a bow*
The "continues" that I spoke of in the opening was referring to the fact that everything I have received up till now has continued into who I am today but, the "continues" that I am about to speak of, will, for sure, continue on into everyone's life from here on. That's the kind of meaning of "contizu-" *stumbles over word* "continues" that I'd like to make.
Ah, we, ah, the earthquake, there was the earthquake,
And ah... mm, it was hard...Right now like this, right?
There are so many lights shining at me, and I'm standing in front of everyone, feeling everyone's gaze upon me, and I am speaking like this but...
The day we were struck by tragedy, was pitch black, and there was nothing at all. The light of the moon, and the light of stars, were extremely pretty, and that in particular, was like what I always skate to, Notte Stellata. It was that sort of scene. I think probably, the people struck by the Kumamoto Earthquake too, felt like that too. But, right now, everyone is watching (me) like this, those eyes that see me, those eyes to me...are like the stars. *laughs*
Precisely because everyone is watching me like this - the spotlight is really bright but - precisely because everyone is watching, I can be here like this, with everyone's light coming together, I can shine here like this. I really do think this way. Everyone, thank you for lighting my way.
Thank you
Um, from here on, there's still a long - well I can't really say that *laughs*
Until my goal is achieved, until my feelings are satisfied, for just a little longer, I will continue competing.
Thank you very much. *collapses into another bow*
Then, then, I will say thank you very much. Everyone say thank you too ok? I'm gonna say it, I'm gonna say it ok?
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!
Thank you.
*right before walking through the curtains*
Let's meet again ok?
Things that were cut:
(Please remember that these are just translations of fan tweets based off their memories from 1 month ago, none of these are exact transcriptions of Yuzu’s words, even if I may put them in quotations for easier reading. I’ve tried to put them in the order of the show. All translations link to tweets, and are not full translations because I cut out all the “they cut this too...” parts)
During the talk with Mura:
1) (In response to Yuzu’s surprise that Mura came on stage with his skates still on)
Mura: I didn’t have time to take them off
Yuzu: Yeah that’s true *laughs*
2) When talking about (Yuzu) having the whole package, Yuzu said “But it’s of a low level” and gestured “no no no”, to which the whole audience protested
After Intermission
Yuzu: “Did you go to the toilet? Did you buy the goods? About the goods...I’m sorry it’s mostly just clear folders...”
When talking about the hydroblade in SEIMEI
Yuzu, when watching the video of himself: “My eyes look like I’m going to kill someone.”
Not sure when
After the crowd became silent when he picked up the mike, he joked
”You’re all well trained!!”
Program Medley, after Etude and right before Parisienne Walkways
Yuzu: “Right, so I just finished Etude...ahh this step sequence is really hard you know. This, can’t be compared to something like Zigeune, right? (Etude) really just ended so it may be hard for you to go along with the change in emotion (going into the next program) but - it’s hard for me too but - But this is a program that I really want everyone to enjoy so, please shout and scream out! (last link has video)
Yep he called Zigeunerweisen “Zigeune”. He also called Hope & Legacy “Hopu-Rega” which is the Japanese short form for it. In other words, Yuzu definitely goes on twitter.
After the Finale
(he nearly missed his part)
He said that he didn’t have time to change costumes
Yuzu: “Etude’s costume is difficult...”
Yuzu: “Did everyone enjoy yourself? That’s great...” the last bit of which was said in a whisper.
(video in tweet, so this is a direct trans) Yuzu: So many voices called out to me, I felt like I became Prince Shotoku. *laughs* But I heard all of them.
Somewhere at the very end
He was referring to something he spoke about with Johnny (note it’s not exactly clear if Yuzu said all of this, or Johnny did, or if it’s a mix of what they said. Another tweet that only had part of the words also said he cried at this part sorry, it’s slightly unclear but probably the fan is the one who cried)
Yuzu: A lot of things are said (about us) but, (I realised that) when we are hurt our fans too are hurt. Amidst all of that, thank you for calling out to me. Thank you for loving me. I’m going to stake my life just a little more so, please give me your strength””
Yuzuru Hanyu x Ice Jewels Special Interview (Vol. 8) | Beyond the Laurels
The timing of this is quite interesting. Around a month after the Olympics, when he hadn’t yet put on skating boots, not even once. At the time of the interview, he mentioned he’d reviewed all his performances from when he was young until now. Perhaps in preparation for #CiONTU?
The interview itself, as always coming from Ice Jewels, is open and insightful with his current musings and ongoing thoughts. He talks about the crazy balance of mental and physical, his layout strategy for the Olympics, and –– a personal favourite –– explanation of the emergency 3A-Lo-3S, complete with its entry and why that was difficult for him. ✨
–– gladi
Translated by gladi. Please do not repost without permission. Photography by Tanaka Nobuaki, belongs to Ice Jewels. Thanks!
Ice Jewels has always been wonderful :) This time they feature a more-substantial-than-usual gallery section full of Tanaka-san’s fabulous photography. Please, support them with your purchase if you enjoy the content: http://amzn.asia/8W3GBeD
Yuzuru Hanyu x Ice Jewels Special Interview
Beyond the Laurels (栄冠を超えて)
Feeling the reality of his back-to-back Olympic victory
–– Congratulations on your second consecutive victory at the Olympics. It has been a month, now, how are you feeling?
Thank you very much. Time flies, doesn’t it? I haven’t put on my skating boots since the Pyeongchang Olympics. But, it’s precisely because I couldn’t skate, that finally, the reality of it has hit me. Suddenly things around me started coming into sight, and a sense of accomplishment––that I’ve done my best at the Olympics––and the reality of [my victory] welled up in me.
–– How was the reaction around you after you returned to Toronto?
I met with Coach Orser and had a meeting. He was very happy.
–– Are you relaxing right now?
Although I am taking it easy, I still really want to skate after all. I was taking painkillers at the gala practice but, then too, I was intending to enjoy (the Olympics) until the very end, so I am glad that I was able to really enjoy that time, and I had a very nice time. Even as I was avoiding everything that hurt so as not to aggravate [the pain], I had so much fun skating, it feels as if remnants from back then still linger.
–– When the Italian pair skater, Ondrej Hotarek, lifted you at the end of the exhibition gala, that became a hot topic.
Hotarek-senshu had been supportive of me. That time, his partner Valentina Marchei-senshu, was saying to me, “That’s my partner, so you can’t take him” “Because I’m better” So I answered, “I know, no worries!” (Laughs)
how do you and gladi split the work on collabs? do you individually translate and sub parts or is the whole thing a collaborative process? how do you find the time haha
Hahaha I wonder, can you tell if there are 2 different styles in a single video? XD (I hope not, since we have tried not to break the 4th wall haha) Honestly it differs from work to work. For some, I've translated the voiceovers/speech while @wherespacepooh does the japanese subs/signs that appear, for some we split the video in half and translate and sub individually, and then combine. Usually Gladi does typesetting and I do timing, although to be honest it's really not set in stone. What does always happen is that we both proof-read each other's work when we collaborate. Time is hard to come by, like you've said. Gladi manages her time in real life a lot better than I do though so it feels like she has 36 hours in one day while I have 12 ^^;;; For the upcoming video, Gladi is doing all the translations because she is awesome and amazing like that. I'm a little too swamped with work at the moment so I'm just doing timing and proof-reading this time :) Since we've both subbed individually before, we can kinda interchange the roles and switch it up if we need to. That's not to say we are anywhere near the standard of a well-established fansub group (which is a topic you could nerd out on for a good 42 years, give or take) - and that was never our goal to begin with - but we do try our very best to convey what Yuzu has to say, while staying true to his words. And with that please allow me to say one more thing. Thank you so much to everyone who has sent in or replied or messaged in some way your thanks and appreciation for our translations/subs, or started a discussion after watching/reading one of our posts. It's really sweet and encouraging to read. Thank you too, to everyone who has directed others to our work, and to some very vigilant people who have directed us to possible claims of our work without permission. I'm touched and grateful for all you amazing people XD
Hi, do you mind translating the Yuzuru Hanyu interview in Ice Jewels Vol 8 released lately to English? Thanks! SC Chiu
Hello! Ice jewels vol 8 was just released today XD the whole series has been translated thus far by @wherespacepooh and she'll also be doing this latest volume, but give her some time because Yuzu has given us so much material these few days... XD
One of these days I will tell you all about how beautifully this boy uses the Japanese language. Today’s Yuzuru was a little tired, and he spoke a little slower than he usually does, with longer pauses in between. I hope he has a good time in Sendai even though I know he has a bunch of things scheduled over the next few days.
Host (Nakamura Kaori): And so Hanyu, thank you for your hard work at the parade. From here we will begin the press conference.
Yuzu: Please take care of me.
H: Then we will start off with the managing station first.
Reporter: From NHK, we would like to ask 2 questions.
Y: Yes.
R: There were many people who waited for you. What sort of feelings did you have when you appeared today, and now that the parade is over, please also tell us what kind of feelings you have now.
Y: Yes. Umm...The ice show that I planned, that I produced myself had finished, and after that, umm...what has it been, one week? This parade was held a short time after (that show) but in that time, really, I couldn’t wait (for this parade to come). Um, after all many people...ah.. came to this parade. They kindly said that they wanted to see a glance (of me), so, in that sense, ah, I myself also spent these few days excited about coming. Once again, being able to finish the parade safely like this, um, , I myself, felt strongly the sense that “Ah i have returned to Sendai” after all and um, once again this, I felt the weight of the gold medal that I received this time.
R: And now the second question. I believe this is the first time you have returned to Sendai since the Pyeongchang Olympics. You just shared with us your feelings on returning but inclusive of the time at the Olympics, the cheers that you received then and in your hometown of Sendai and in Miyagi prefecture, with what sort of feelings did you receive those cheers?
Y: Um, during the Pyeongchang Olympics as well, um, be it the setting up of places where people could cheer together, and amongst all of that, the news that everyone was really cheering me on, I learnt of all that support through the news and articles. Every single one of those cheers really pushed me forward, and I strongly felt that once again with this event. Of course, this time, um...well there are still many many challenges in the recovery of Sendai and um, the prefecture (of Miyagi), and in the midst of that, um...how should I say this. To have such a large scale parade kindly set up for me...It is after all, something that I take very seriously. Additionally I myself feel that, not just within the prefecture and the city but also to the people around the world too, umm, I must keep in mind to act in such a way as to become a helping hand, to become the cause (of help) to the recovery efforts.
~Continues With Wings Under the Cut~ (I will upload a video if no one else does, but I’m sure someone will come through XD)
H: Thank you very much. We will now move on to questions from the other stations. Please keep your questions to 1 per station, and to the topic of the parade only.
R: I'm from Sendai Broadcasting Prime News. Hanyu, really, welcome back home. (Yuzu laughs and smiles here). Today, in the parade car I think you received many cheers from so many people. What kind of voices reached you and what did you see?
Y: Yes that's right. Um, after all, looking from my point of view, somehow, rather than say a lot of eyes (were on me), everyone really, kindly placed myself alone at the center of their attention, so those warm gazes and the chorus of congratulations were really burned into my heart and my mind. Um, I think it's probably precisely because this is my hometown that this scene (exists), and um, I think it's a scene that only I can experience, and the feelings of a magnitude and quality that only I can feel so...well it's like, well, precisely because I am in my hometown, that I want to... want to keep holding on, even more tightly, to those sorts of things inside my heart, and continue onward from here. It was a moment that made me feel that way. Thank you very much.
R: Suzuki from Miyagi TV. Thank you for your hard work today and welcome back home. You have said before that you can see the audiences' faces when you skate. During the parade, did you see the faces in the crowd and also were you able to find any familiar faces?
Y: Um... of course I did my best to look at everyone's faces individually, and, um. Well, the cheers and the shouts of congratulations, they definitely reached my ears but since it's not possible for me to separate each individual voice, I think that it’s a little uncertain (t/n: ie he means he may not have heard every single voice). Um......Now, like this, I am......competing with the world as the stage and in the midst of that, people from the broadcast stations of my hometown, and um, people who have interviewed me before... of course, when I was competing in the many different countries, in the world, there are those who have always been together, um.. rather than say together...there are the people who have always been interviewing me but... but after all, when I see people from the broadcast stations of my hometown, it's really a moment when I think, "Ah, how nostalgic". Yes.
R: Thank you.
Y: "Oh!Bandesu" (t/n: one of the news programs on Miyagi TV) is here too. (everyone laughs) Right? Even the staff from Sendai Broadcast News are here too. Definitely I think that, now that I am able to compete on many different stages, the fact that, for the, local, um, for the stations of my hometown um... things like interviews and all, that sort of, um, individual work (t/n: interviews/reports/appearances) - I can no longer do them and I do feel really apologetic about it. But at the same time, with those sort of things too (I want to) properly, how do I say this, saying "I'm watching (your programs)!" is a little strange but...(the stations and programs) remain firmly in my heart, and those sort of things, I feel, are connected to my being here, with this gold medal around my neck so... Well, these are feelings that I can experience precisely because I'm in my hometown, precisely because I'm within the city, within the prefecture, and that is a really big thing to me. Yes.
R: I'm Yamamoto from NTV. Congratulations once again on your 2nd consecutive victory. This time, being surrounded by 120,000 people, did you feel there any change in the scenary from 4 years ago till now? Also, during the parade there were many children who were looking at you as their goal. Is there anything you would like to say, or any message you would to send to those children?
Y: I didn't really think of the difference between 4 years and now. My one sole thought was that this current moment is everything, and I was filled with the desire to express my gratitude towards this moment. And also, again, um, like this, in the parade car, um, when we were moving, there were after all small young children with their parents who waved to me, and also those who were sitting on their parents' shoulders cheering for me, those children, I did see them. Um, now, I have the opportunity to speak from the position of having already achieved my dreams, and well even now around my neck hangs something I've always dreamed about. So in that sense, dreams to me are something really, how do I say this, right now I'm ha- I'm in a situation where my dreams have come true and I'm happy. However, the journey to achieving that dream.. mm.. really, probably there will be really difficult things but in addition to that there will also be an equal amount of happiness and enjoyment in overcoming those things so.. But that is, how do I say this, there will never be a similar moment (of those feelings). I think that, definitely those feelings (in that particular moment) happen only once, so, somehow, I want to cherish every single one of those moments, that's what I think. Well, this time, at today's parade, for those children, I'm not sure what sort of time they had and what it meant to them, but one day, if those children could achieve a dream on the level of being able to hold an individual parade, then I would be happy.
R: I am Uchida from FujiTV. Thank you for your hard work at the parade.
Y: Thank you very much.
R: Um, you said that you really felt the weight of your Gold medal today, comparing how you felt in the moment that your Gold medal was confirmed in Pyeongchang and how you feel now after the finishing your second parade in Sendai, could you please tell us, specifically, how the weight of that medal feels to you?
Y: Yes, well, actually coming back here... Well, rather than say coming back, after the medal ceremony finished, after the medal ceremony in Pyeongchang finished and the (gold medal) was placed around my neck, um.. Well at that time too I felt clearly the weight of the Gold medal but that was a sense of, having given every last bit of myself, having achieved my dream completely. Compared to that, between the two, this time it was a moment where I felt that I had truly shouldered everyone's expectations and fulfilled them fully. And so, what do you call it... During the Sochi Olympics I was more... I had my eyes set on the future (more than now)...... From this Gold medal to the next Gold medal, I'm going to run straight there - that was the sort of feelings I had then. But this time, between the two, right now I feel that...the things I wanted to achieve I have properly achieved, and so in that sense, I feel that I have treated everyone's support properly, and I feel clearly that I am wearing this Gold medal that is filled with everyone's support.
R: I'm Fukuda Noriko from TVTokyo. Thank you for your hard work today.
Y: Thank you very much.
R: During the parade, I believe there were moments when you did the Seimei pose, and during those times the cheers and applause got even louder. With what sort of thoughts did you do that pose?
Y: Mm, it was kind of, on something like a paper fan (t/n: Uchiwa - very commonly used as signs by fans), it was written "Please do a pose"...So I really thought hard, what should I do? But um, the first, what was it... the first time I did it, what made me think "I hope they see this" is...I thought that probably the people near me would be able to hear me say "thank you" and also they'd be able to see me making eye contact but, after all the people watching from far away or um, in the...streets, you could say? At places like the traffic junction, um, even at the very very back, everyone was waiting for me, and um, with really loud voices, cheering for me as well as waving vigorously to me. So with the thought that it would be good if I could reach those people too, I took the opportunity to do that pose.
R: I'm Suzuki from Sports Blue. In Sendai city today, there were many volunteers and even the shop keepers in the station were saying that today is Yuzuru-kun's Day. They were all clustered together saying "It's Yuzuru-kun's day, it's Yuzuru-kun's day". To the people who supported you today and to the people who spent this Yuzuru-kun's Day in Sendai, to all of these people, could you please send them a candid message?
Y: Um, while the parade was ongoing on, I saw that many different shops had gone through the trouble of hanging posters up, and the effort of printing...I wonder if I can call them banners? And um, mm, they kindly wrote many different words for me, and placed them in places where I could see them, I thought there really were a lot of those signs. And also, there were many many people trying to watch the parade from within the shops too. Those sort of things made me, um, how do I say this, made me really happy. Another thing was, I myself had also been thinking that this was a day where I really wanted to say thank you and well, it was in the news too, businesses stocked more (goods) and increased the orders of stock and with that, money is moving around, even just a little, to the businesses in Sendai and in the prefecture, and if that can become even just a little help to the recovery efforts (I would be happy), that's what I think.
R: I am Satou from Kahoku Shinpou (t/n: one of Sendai’s news stations). Today you received 4 years worth of rice and other awards and I believe there are many fans gathered in Sendai who are also excited about the next 4 years. After hearing the voices of your fans here, have you any new thoughts about or any change in how you feel about Beijing?
Y: Actually, myself, up till before the Sochi Olympics, up to 2 years before the Sochi Olympics, I had been able to keep skating in Sendai. I think that if you are talking about aiming to be the top of the world then, not just in Sendai but in the prefecture, in the whole of the Tohoku region, there aren't enough facilities for you to practice figure skating seriously and to aim for the top of the world. That is why I, like this, moved my training base to Canada and in the very end was able to come back again like this wearing a Gold medal. I.. how do I say this, What allowed me to continue skating here in Sendai was that Arakawa-san won (Gold) in the Torino Olympics and after that, she provided financial aid and support to the rink, to Ice Rink (Sendai), and with that I was able to continue skating in Sendai, and in the end be able to go to Canada and then be able to have this parade. That is why I really think that if I too could be a person like that, it would be good. For the children in Sendai, and of course including the children in the Tohoku region, um...not just in skating but sports in general - because (what I can) talk about is probably sports - I think there are many in sports who are probably, because of (the lack of) facilities and such, struggling hard. To those people who, in that way, are struggling, if I could become the cause for them to smile even just a little, and also, including the people from the supporting companies, and (from the) the city and the prefecture as well, if I could (together with them) be the cause of the development of sports, I think (that would be good). Um, this is going to become really incoherent but, mm, how should I put this... The encouragement and cheers of the people of Sendai, those things are really, to me, those moments make me feel "Ah, this is my hometown", and the reason why I am able to feel that way is after all, because of time I spent training in Sendai. And that's why this time too I felt that I want to practice again in Sendai, I want to skate again in Sendai. And so I once again felt the reality that those facilities need to be put in place. And so if this (t/n: his thoughts) could be taken as a starting point to move forward in that direction, I would be happy.
R: I am Hama from Hari TV. Thank you very much for coming back to Sendai. From yesterday there were many people who came from overseas and so could you please, once again, send a message to the people from overseas and also to those who came from far away, about the wonders of Sendai?
Y: Yes. First of all about Sendai - well I myself have moved my training base to Canada, and um, when I go to Canada by plane I of course have to go through Tokyo. So places like Tokyo, Osaka... City areas like those, comparing those cities to Sendai, of course I do think, “Ah (Sendai) is a city” too, but along with that it also exists together with nature, and I think that is an atmosphere that only Sendai has. Also, mm, how should I say this, the...warmth that you can feel only in Sendai, mm how do you say this...the freshness of the air and such. Those are the things you can feel (in Sendai) so I hope they can, by all means, experience that too. And with regards to the whole Tohoku region, well of course this applies to Sendai too, but with regards to that...there are still a lot of areas where the recovery effort has been halted, and in those sort of places there are still people there who have said that they hope for people to come visit (the area). Um.. of course, old, things like old buildings and...mm, things that have been swept away by the tsunami, there may still be many of those there but because of that there are also new facilities that have been reborn, and things like new train stations too, those things are there too so in that sense, the places that have stood up again - of course I hope that people will look at the places that are still being rebuilt - but there are also new streets and towns that are actually standing once again, and so I also hope that people can see those places too and think "Ah, it's become so pretty now".
R: I am Yamamoto from the news club of Furukawa High School. Please look after me this time.
Y: Please look after me.
R: At this Olympics, you have won the Gold medal and realised your dream. For us high school students who are about to become adults, you are a figure we should hold as our goal. Do you have any advice on what we should do to achieve our dreams, what is the most important thing to have to make our dreams come true, and the many different things we need to mentally prepare for?
Y: Yes. To me, I do not think that dreams are something always achievable. In order to achieve your dreams you will definitely have to sacrifice a lot of things, um.. mm..The things that you want to do...No longer being able to do the things that you want to do and having no choice but to do the things that you don't want to do, I think for sure there will be many times like that. But precisely because you keep going at it, that when you finally do achieve your dream, that sense of achievement that you get and such, that sort of thing too I think, will definitely be something incredible. Of course, as your small dreams come true one by one, it would be good if you could turn that sense of achievement into your driving force. And also, by staking your dreams on your life and on the lifestyle you live in school, if you focus solely on that big goal that you've established, then the joy that you feel when you achieve that goal will also be something incredibly huge, so by all means, without fearing anything, I hope that you will stake as much as you can to achieve those dreams. Thank you very much. Please give it your best.
H: We have now come to the end. (didn't translate the rest)
Y: Thank you very much (once to the reporters and once to the host).Cue 90 degree bows everywhere.
It's the 1st of April, which means it's the start of Spring and a new year/term in Japan. Not April fools lmao
So today ANA welcomed roughly 2700 new employees, and during the welcome ceremony they all got a cuter than bees video of Yuzu.
"On this occasion (I would like to say) congratulations on entering the company!! Waaaah (claps). I will be cheering for everyone in your challenges from here on. Please give it your best!"
Rabbit, rabbit, white rabbit~~ Here's to wishing Yuzu a speedy recovery!
