Interview with Koshiro in Spur
Thank you to Tsurara on Golden Skate for the translation and permission to repost!
Koshiro Shimada, Marching Forward
Captured by the lyrics about leaving one’s old self behind
At an airport on January 4th, 2019, the junior skater had a beaming smile on his face.
At Japan Nationals last December, he competed with senior skaters and placed 3rd after SP and skated the following day’s FS in the last group. Drawing a number for the last skater, the competition went dramatic and he placed 5th overall.
“I placed 3rd at Junior Grand Prix Final in early December, and I was aiming to be in the last group for Nationals. But when that actually happened, I found out that I actually wasn’t mentally ready yet. As I skated with Daisuke Takahashi and Shoma Uno, I saw that the quality of their skating was high and my coarseness stood out. I accept that as my homework. Since I had successful quads at the warm-up and my condition was good too, I realized that the process of having extensive practices that would make me feel 100% confident was important.”
When he was looking for a place to practice after his former coach’s relocation, Stephane Lambiel in Switzerland told him that he could be of help and he moved to Europe alone. He relocated (his home rink) in July, 2017.
“There are many great coaches there, and we could communicate even though I couldn’t understand English. I was sure that I could build even better relationships with them if I made enough efforts. I was injured at 2017-18 season and I could only participate in 2 competitions. Especially when I decided to withdraw from Japan Junior, I was very unhealthy (mentally), feeling lost and didn’t know what I wanted to do next. Then, Stephane said to me, “I’m just cheering for you, and while determining what’s needed for you in order to aim high up, I’ll be following you,”* and gave me a long hug for tens of seconds. I noticed my tears just spontaneously falling down.”
Note: What Stephane supposedly said there is just my translation from Spur’s summarized interpretation for the article from Koshiro’s interpretation and interview responses. Please be warned that it may not match with what Stephane actually said.
When he was struggling with his injury, there was a number he was planning to use for an exhibition program: “Adios”, which he used for this season’s SP instead.
“I liked Nathan Chen’s “Nemesis”, his SP number during 2017-18 season, and I was listening to Benjamin Clementine’s album. “Adios” is one of the songs in it. The lyrics about leaving one’s old self behind, it just fit me perfectly at that time, and I asked Stephane to change it for SP. I keep in mind to be conscious of advancing forward strongly while skating, and that consciousness appears to have helped me doing successful jumps. I’m glad I met this song this season.”
Training under Stéphane has made his objectives clearer this season.
“First of all, I am aiming for Beijing Olympics in 3 years. Right now, I’m just barely managing my daily practices, but my motivation for it is becoming stronger. I’m also interested in being a choreographer in the future. Stephane always searches music on Spotify. That included, there are so many things I can learn from him. The other day, we watched the movie, “Bohemian Rhapsody” and he said, “we want to use Queen’s song, don’t we?” I personally like “Who wants to live forever”.”
Costumes
- FS uses a mature number that he had never done before, so red and black as base colors.
- Vivid red for the SP costume, to represent cuts/wounds. His slender proportion helps his performance to look sharp on the ice.
Q&A
Q You grew taller.
A Yes, indeed. Since I had a very relaxed time during New Years days, maybe I got taller again. Not sure if it’s jumps that’s affecting my height, but I get 2 to 3 cm shorter after practicing.
Q Are you in any way particular about your costumes?
A I’m emotionally involved with my SP “Adios”, and the image of it in my head is cuts/wounds. As for FS “Winter in Buenos Aires”, it was my first challenge to do such a mature piece, so I discussed it with Stéphane too to decide. Oh, but I told him ‘No Way’ to a zebra costume beforehand. (laugh)
Q What is Stéphane like at ordinary times?
A When we shared a room in Canada, he cleaned up the room, saying, “I’m cleaning it because I like to.” It was quite humbling, but I had a very comfortable time thanks to him, to the point that I see why everyone calls him “Mom”, no questions asked. (laugh) Lately I can speak out my own opinions too, and our relationship might have changed a little bit, from 'the sensei I admire/worship’ to 'my coach’, perhaps?
Q Any ideas for something special, like the pair program by Stéphane and Deniss?
A Truth be told, Stéphane says he already has an image of three of us skating together in his head. But, to do that, I need to achieve some good results and win the right to skate together with them. So I’m trying hard. We three have about the same height now, but you know what, Deniss’ body has got exceptionally beautiful curves!
Q Is Deniss your rival? Or best friend?
A I hope to become his (proper) rival some time soon, because you need one in the rural environment. On our day-off, we go to climb a mountain together. He really has a variety of hobbies, and bakes cakes every day. Stéphane sometimes warns him, saying “You’re baking too many/much!” (laugh)
