Translations of interviews from the ABC broadcast of Fantasy on Ice: Kobe. Translated by @cantilovertranslations, @suzumoriyuiko, and @yukirin1408. Do not repost or use these translations without permission from the original translators.
Sometimes you have to stay focused on important things : I'm happy to inform you I made my first day as a CX mechanic in Zonhoven for @drewliano aka the hairy surfer ! #cycling #cyclocross #uci #veldrijden #vedlrijdeordie #bemoresven #cantilover #rocklobstercycles #nofilter #slightlylatergram (à Superprestige veldrijden Zonhoven)
Compilation of Japanese skaters’ messages for Mao from social media and news. This post will be updated if more messages appear. Do not repost any text without permission.
------------------------------------------
Translated by @yukirin1408:
Rin Nitaya: Being able to skate in the same group during the short program at nationals is something I will treasure for a lifetime. You've really really worked hard
Kana Muramoto: Mao-chan. One word: thank you. I’ve always admired Mao-chan and wanted to be a skater like her. Until now, from now on, you are someone I strive to be!!! 😌🙏🏼❤ Ahhhh I'm sad/lonely 😭😭😭 Thank you for touching our hearts. You've really worked hard!!!!!
Fumie Suguri: I love Mao-chan's smile. I think that many people received courage and hope from that smile.
Lately there have probably been some tough days, but with that experience as well, they should become a source of big flower-blooming smiles from today on.
You've really worked hard. I look forward to your success in the future!
Mariko Kihara: You've really really worked hard for such a long time. Mao-chan has been someone I admire when I started skating, until now, and will be from now on. Because of Mao-chan, ladies’ figure skating in Japan is what it is today! The fact that I was able to have the experience of participating in the same competitions as Mao-chan in my life is a treasure for a lifetime. Thank you very much ⛸💓
Takahiko Kozuka: Even within the same generation, you were someone who lead people. (Before away competitions) I was inspired by your hard work, such as your figure practicing in the middle of the night Japan time while adjusting to the time difference, thinking seriously about skating. I hope you take your time in finding what you want to do.
Takahiko Kozuka: I heard from Mao herself that she had decided to retire. There is more to her memory and presence than the records. If you hear "triple axel," you remember the name Mao Asada. Through her challenges, figure skating has become loved by many people. You have worked hard. Everyone will be cheering you on forever.
Daisuke Murakami: As a representative of Japan, she was one of the reasons I moved. I was once inspired and encouraged by her practice. I watched over her working hard in both practice and competitions, and I admired her as one of her fans. I will never forget that we stood on the same stage at competitions as teammates. Thank you for touching our hearts so much. Heading towards the next step, we are all cheering you on. You've worked hard!
Mai Asada: The day that she really retires will come, and that today is that day, I myself still can't believe it.
It's been 21 years since she started skating; for many years while she continued to be active as a top athlete she must have felt both joy and conflict, including those, she thought of skating as the center and entirety of her life - I only have admiration (for that).
Her competitive career was filled with things to learn from.
She has just made her decision and deciding on her next goal will be difficult, but for now I hope she enjoys her period of freedom.
As her older sister, and as her fan, (I want to say that) she worked hard as an athlete from the bottom of my heart. And thank you so much for moving us greatly.
Yuna Aoki: Mao-chan retires 😭 You worked hard during your career (lit. active working life). 😭🙏
I am filled with respect and admiration for Mao-chan, who always pulled Japan's and the world's skating up. Christmas On Ice in the picture was my first show and I was nervous, but Mao-chan and everyone taught us kindly and fired us up, (I made) fun and valuable memories!
Being at the same competition at nationals last year was like a dream. I was really happy when you kindly called out to me while stretching.✨
You worked hard until now 🙏🏻
Yuzuru Hanyu: Asada-senshu's performances where she challenged the triple axel, complicated steps, and carefree skating in any situation at any time - I am happy that I was able to watch them. I love the skating of Asada-senshu, who loves figure skating. She is someone I will admire forever. Thank you for all the dreams. I look forward to meeting again. You've really worked hard.
Daisuke Takahashi: Mao Asada-senshu's retirement announcement is probably a final decision after she thought about various things. She may have left competition, but I love Mao Asada's skating, and I look forward to skating together on the same ice again. From here, it's a new (kind of) skating. She may face even greater troubles now, but I would like to shadow and watch over her efforts from now on. She probably still can't think about the future right now, but I would like her to take her time and rest first. For a long period of time, during your competitive career, you've really worked hard. And thank you for touching so many hearts.
Haruka Imai: Mao-chan, you've really worked hard until now. I'm really full of respect and thanks.
When I was still a high schooler and just debuted in seniors, I was able to compete with her at 4CC and in the GP series, she took me out to eat and invited me to go watch practice. She really connected with me like an older sister and was really kind. They were first senior competitions filled with uncertainty, but thanks to Mao-chan each moment became a treasure.
For me even if Mao-chan retires, she is someone who I will always admire forever.
Thank you for touching our hearts so much.
You've really worked hard!!
Other athletes:
Yuto Nagatomo (soccer): Asada Mao retires.
An athlete who shines, a person who emits such a charming aura - competitors like this are rare.
Personally, she was an athlete I liked very much.
I think it was a bitter decision, but I want to support Asada's future life.
Thank you Mao Asada!
------------------------------------------
Takahito Mura and Wakaba Higuchi’s tweets have been translated by @tadakixd in this post.
------------------------------------------
Nobunari Oda: Mao-chan, thank you so much. Thank you for your hard work. I will always love your skating.
Miki Ando’s instagram post in English: 🦋Dear Mao🦋
Thank you for showing us your emotional skating!!! I was so happy to share the time with you on the ice and I am so proud of you😌🇯🇵✨ and also proud of myself to competed with you in Japanese team as Japanese!!! You are beautiful skater and sweet girl with pure heart💕 this is not the end!!! This is new start for her⛸🦋 I'm sure your next skating life will shine as always😌✨ I'm sure you'll give your heart to all of the world🌎🦋❤️ again thank you so much for being a great performer⛸✨✨✨🇯🇵✨✨✨ with a lot of love❤️
