Continues~with Wings~ Treasured Edition Book: Right now, the things they want to ask Yuzuru Hanyu about
Evgeni Plushenko: “23 years old is still very young. I think you can go for the (next) Olympics when you are 27. I read in an article that you want to land the 4A. Although I think it is difficult and requires a lot of hard work, if you succeed you will set a new record again. And since some time ago I have been wanting him to perform as the black swan from Swan Lake. Because the movements of his arms and wrists are very beautiful and soft. Don’t you think it would be a great programme?”
Jeffrey Buttle: “Though I know he likes classical music, I think perhaps it would also be great to do something that is slightly of a new world, something abstract. Because he has won two Olympics, it feels like “Hasn’t he already achieved everything career-wise!” (laughs) Therefore he has already reached a position where he can do all the things he really wants to do. It is ok not to pick music oriented towards the judges (in order to win competitions) or perhaps I should say...the time is ripe to be adventurous. If he skates to what he wants to, maybe we will get to see yet another different side of him, something that is even more like him, and I look forward to it.”
Takahito Mura: “With regard to skating, how do you want to be involved in it hereafter? I also look forward to see how he will make the most of the things he has pursued in skating thus far in future.”
Johnny Weir: “First of all I want him to be healthy. And then, he will have everything to continue standing at the top of this sport--artistry, jumps, mental strength, he has them all. And to be able to decide on his own terms how long he wants his competitive career to be. After that the thing that is difficult to do is to continue to maintain the love towards figure skating while being apart from competition. I think it is exactly because we have worked so hard to such a degree that we do not want to lose that love. From my personal experience, I felt that as figure skating is tough, after the end of my competitive career, I could not really find something to propel me to continue maintaining my intent to just continue skating. I would think maybe I should train today, and then end up going for dinner with wine. (laughs) Then, what is the thing that would rekindle it? It is difficult. The childhood dream of being a figure skater, and the dream of happiness in life in a new career, as a normal person in real life, it is difficult to pursue both of them thoroughly. In a normal life lived wisely, one must aim for something that is the best but of a different type from what was previously aimed for. I want Yuzuru to be happy, to enjoy, love and sing the praises of his life. I think a normal life as a person, family, friends, and truly being happy are the most important things. And lastly, I also want to see the 4A. (laughs)
Alexander Smirnov: “Do you have an image of yourself competing in the next Olympics?”
Yuko Kavaguti: “There are always jump fests at the end of the ice shows that Yuzuru-kun and I perform at, and I have always wanted to be a part of them. No one joins the jump fest as a pairs team. Next time, I really want to jump together.”
Shae Lynn Bourne: “I have never asked him this, but it is something I have always wanted to ask. Why did he choose me as his choreographer? I want to ask about the things from the beginning. (laughs) And then, someday I want to try making a show number for him. Because for a competition programme one has to take into consideration the elements, stamina, breathers, judges and various things, while at a show it is enjoyable without any restrictions. Whatever we want to do can be done. As to whether it would generate very interesting ideas, it would be great if that would happen eventually.”
Minoru Sano: “Because I am impatient, I immediately become curious about what happens next. Now, what’s the next stage?”
Yuzuru Hanyu: “Somehow, it seems that everyone prayed for my health. (laughs) Yuko Kavaguti-san is amazing, she can still do throw quads. This time I also saw her do them. As there are various pieces of music I want to skate to right now, I also look forward to what kind of programme I will do next. Eventually, more than becoming a coach, I want to reach a position where I am able to pass on my experience and knowledge. In order to be able to go anywhere in the world and not just in Japan, I must practice English more, and I also want to study Russian a little. Also because I want to converse with Plu-san. (laughs) Including these there are also many things I want to study.
(While looking at the collection of messages and autographs) The logo of “Continues~with Wings~” is like my name, to have these great skaters gathered here in this way, to begin with that in itself made me happy, and furthermore I even received their messages in this way. From the skaters who came and also Javi and Stephane, I really feel I am very much loved and supported by these skaters. I have received more blessings than I deserve as a skater.”
(Clockwise from top left)
“Wishing you good luck and health! You are Number 1!”—Evgeni Plushenko
“Yuzu you are loved. ❤️”—Johnny Weir
“Dearest Yuzu, You are a wonderful person, inside and out! Thank you for being an inspiration to so many.” —xoxo, Jeffrey Buttle
“Dear Yuzu, You are a gift to us all.” —Much love, Shae Lynn Bourne
“Let’s quad together!”—Yuko Kavaguti
“Do your best. I am praying for good health for you!” —Alexander Smirnov
“Now, what’s the next stage?”—Minoru Sano
“I am thankful to have competed together!!”—Takahito Mura
Correction: I translated Alexander Smirnov’s message based on the Russian to Japanese translation in the book, but have been informed by a Russian speaker that his message should be more accurately understood as “(Wish you) Luck, health, kindness.”
Much thanks to @leelona for the information!
