Due to the AWW Youtube account running into issues with comment visibility, this blog post compiles links to the translation parts posted from various members’ private accounts. The content of the video is Members-only, we ask for everyone’s understanding as we navigate this issue.
We congratulate Yuzuru Hanyu on his third solo ice show, Echoes of Life! This is a translation of the statement from Yuzuru on the Echoes of Life website. More to come.
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For as long as I can remember, I have always been thinking at the back of my mind about what it means โto be aliveโ. After experiencing the Great East Japan Earthquake, I also met the survivors of many other disasters and felt their memories and emotions. In what has felt like a rapidly increasing series of natural disasters all around Japan and hardship around the world in recent years, I have been repeating the process of finding the answer — losing sight of it, searching, finding and hypothesising, through my study of bioethics, my own lived experiences and personal philosophy — to what it means โto be aliveโ.
In a world overflowing with information, where it seems that if you were to turn your gaze outwards, you would lose sight of yourself; where it feels that you are continually feeling your own and other peopleโs pain, I wonder what โlifeโ means. I wonder what โmyselfโ entails. I composed this story and these programs, hoping they can be a โhintโ to finding an answer to these extraordinary questions.
Iโm sure that there is nothing in this world that only I alone can do. In the current age where AI and technology are advancing, the things that only mankind can do are starting to vanish rapidly.
However, I believe that if the team creating this [performance] and the people who come to watch us at the venue are together, that โmomentโ will transform into something only โweโ can do. With the worldโs greatest team, and with every one of you together, in order to create the greatest of experiences, I will go forth with all my heart and soul and with my very utmost, to deliver my performance to you.
Q: We saw your tears after finishing โPrologueโ.
Y: Anyhow, it was partly because it was my first ice show as a pro (skater). Um, I think that as a pro, I especially have to be most careful about not getting injured. Therefore, more than anything, itโs truly been a significant experience to have been able to finish this until the end without any big injuries. Also, there was of course a gradual decline in my physical conditions like this and many (other) things such as tremendous anxiety, pressure, etc. Even so, while receiving a lot of support from the many staff, Iโve once again realized that I can probably work as a pro (skater) going forward like this. So again, Iโll do my best going forward as a pro, not just with my own strength but while relying on and cooperating with (many parties) including my sponsors.
Q: You also had a full house today, how did you feel upon seeing that?
Y: To be honest, I had thought about this, for example at Japanese Nationals 2021. Back then I skated while seriously thinking how many chances I would have afterwards to skate while being showered with so many cheers and so many people watching me. But in reality, to have so many people watching me even after I turned pro like this, and so many people watching even where my line of sight canโt reach, for example, people watching via the live viewing or TV. How should I say? SkatingโฆIโm very honored and blessed as a skater. There were many moments where I could say that Iโm truly glad Iโve pursued skating. From now on as well, uhm how should I put it? If everyone ever needs it, I would like to do my very best to deliver the skating that is needed. Or if your heart changes, I will continue doing my best going forward to put out performances that you can think โYuzuru Hanyuโs skating is good after allโ even if for just a second when you happen to see (my skating).ย
Q: You said that Prologue is finished and the Main Story would continue, and now you are going to give another ice show in February.
Y: To be honest, Iโm very nervous about doing the first performance at Tokyo Dome as a skater. As to come this far, many staff worked out the composition. I also worked out various layouts. Then I plan to add stories to it, write them by myself, add narrations to them, and many other things to work on. Unlike other ice shows, there would be a main story acting as the backbone, and my programs would be in there with various meanings – something like a picture book. I think itโll be the kind of skating that you can watch with the feelings that youโre coming to appreciate the story. I definitely hope youโll look forward to it.
Q: Did you feel any sense of freedom since it was the last day (of the show)?
Y: Oh well, I was fired up from start to finish. Of course I had a feeling that this was the last day. However, as it actually was the last day, I thought I had to carry on till the end by saving my physical strength and giving my it my all at the same time*. I think Iโm the only one who understands that balance. So it was truly a tough show. The fact that I was able to skate without any big mistake, make clean jumps till the end and deliver my performances is, maybe this is from a competitive point of view, but being able to nail the jumps and skating cleanly makes me feel confident, and it gives me a sense of achievement that I was able to give good performances.
*t/n: we think he meant to say ๆๅพใพใงไฝๅใๆฎใใชใใๅ จๅใๅบใ๏ผใๅใ๏ผ
Q: Did you feel like you performed the programs for an hour and a half?
Y: Thatโll be true (laughs). Without taking a rest, I need to continuously skate throughout the show. Beside that, I think it really was hard to switch between various things since there were a variety of things according to the programs, for example, how to condition my feelings or what kind of message I want to convey.
Q: Did you skate โSEIMEIโ without any mistakes? You made no mistakes throughout the 5 shows; do you think the reason is that your skills have improved compared to when you were an amateur skater or that you have mastered how to do them when it counts?
Y: Oh well. Honestly, Iโm working while feeling that this is harder than skating a free program every day. If you think about the number of quadruple jumps that I do, of course it is much less than ordinary free programsโฆ Just a moment please, Iโve lost my concentration now (wryly smiling). Well, for example, if I talk about the number of triple Axels or the comeback of my Biellmann (spins), Iโm doing them by overusing my body. So in that sense, I think I can simply say that I got more physical strength. However, I might have ruined those programs infinitely if Iโd lost focus even a little bit, so I think I can recognize that I might have grown mentally after staying continuously nervous for an hour and a half, or should I say all the time from the practice to the actual performances and carrying on until the very end.
Q: Are you also going to do the show in Tokyo Dome alone? How was your year as a 27-year-old? What kind of year do you want your 28th to be?
Well, first of all, I am planning to do the Tokyo Dome show by myself as well. About the staging aspects, I want to make it a skating (show) or a story that everybody can enjoy with new sensations by using some more elaborate things – but not like the one this time – with a wider variety of technologies so that you can enjoy as a performance or a story without using videos in between (programs). From now on, I plan to do ice shows like this Prologue and take part in some other ice shows as well. Like this time, I also want to gradually evolve shows to have a bit more progressive style than existing shows, and do them more often. But for the Tokyo Dome show, I want to do a show in a completely different style that would propose a different view of skating.
And about my year as a 27-year-old, I cannot say anything since Iโm still 27 now (laugh). So I donโt know how to say, but for me, the year of the age 27 has become a great milestone for me. I decided to turn pro halfway into the age of 27, and now Iโve just completed my first tour as a pro, with only 2 stops but packed with content. So I think I can finish my year as a 27-year-old feeling that Iโm becoming a bit like my ideal of a pro (skater), or Iโve made my first step. My 28th year will be the time that I fully spend as a pro, so I want to continue making progress so that when I look back on my amateur days, I can proudly say โIโm better nowโ after surpassing that huge milestone. Also, I want to continuously aim to deliver performances that people can accept and admit as mine when they want to watch my performances without looking for ones from my amateur days.
Q: What is the reason you chose Tokyo Dome, a big venue representing Japan, and when did you start planning for it? What kind of thoughts did you put into the title, GIFT?
Y: The Tokyo Dome project had started before the Prologue project began. However, we had difficulty in securing the venue. So we decided to start doing Prologue for the time being while not knowing how things would turn out at the end. Then we were able to secure the venue. In that way, we were planning Prologue first while also thinking about GIFT. The reason why we chose Tokyo Dome was, wellโฆ honestly speaking, the number one reason would be that I got an offer to do (the show) in Tokyo Dome. Frankly, I donโt believe Iโm capable to that extent, and Iโm not that boastful, nor do I have so much confidence in myself. However, after being offered to do (the show) in Tokyo Dome and while getting support from various people, planning by myself and with many people, I thought a lot about what would be the figure skating that could only be possible in Tokyo Dome. Now the preparations for GIFT are moving forward with the feeling that I want to show them in Tokyo Dome. And what else? The thoughts that I put into (the title of) GIFT is that, when I recalled my amateur days, I came to think that many people have supported me. So it is not quite like giving back to them, but I thought that my story would start from giving back, and thatโs why I named it โGIFTโ, as a present. I hope the story itself will become a present to you all, and the programs that I included in that story will become gifts for you as well.
Q: As you mentioned in the explanation of the โEtudeโ performance, why did you hold the final show in Hachinohe?
Y: Actually, there were no other available venues so Hachinohe happened to become the final stop. However, of course I wanted to do my show somehow in Tohoku. Then I thought, if Iโd do this here in Tohoku, as there is 3.11 in this show of mine, Prologue, where Iโm envisioning half of my life – even though some might still be hurting from the scar of 3.11, I wanted everyone who came to watch the show to digest those feelings, or rather remembering and mourning about them by watching my performance. I donโt know if that is a good or a bad thing, but I wanted to deliver performances that spark some kind of emotions, however small.
Q: You said that you were still unsure about your goals as a pro at the Yokohama shows, have you found a hint (about that goal) through Prologue?
Y: It gave me the confidence that itโs okay to continue like this. To be honest, while planning the Prologue this time, as a skater, I already knew the logistics and physical constraints, for example, having to continue skating without changing costumes. I was very worried about how everyone would feel about that, and how to make everyone enjoy and watch until the end even with such (constraints). Therefore, my start as a pro was filled with anxiety about whether people would accept my one-man show, so in that sense, I felt quite hazy. After the Prologue this time came to an end, it gave me some confidence that I can make everyone happy even with this style (of show). I donโt think I will do shows that tell my life story that much in the future, but Iโll do a lot of thinking, planning and I hope to continue doing shows as my ideal version of a pro (skater) so that my programs will reach everyone and be enjoyable for you.
Q: Hachinohe is a place that has a deep connection with you. How did you feel about your show at Hachinohe and about Hachinohe City?
Y: Uhmโฆ When I was met with the disaster in March (2011), after Ice Rink Sendai became unusable, I first came to the Higashi-kanagawa rink and was taken care of by my former coach, Tsuzuki-sensei. Afterwards, I was told that although I couldnโt use electricity, I could skate in Hachinohe, so somehow I skated in such circumstances. As they were in power-saving mode back then, the lights wouldnโt be turned on. Since it was during the day, the ceiling could be opened a bit for ventilation. I created my programs and did my physical training with only that light source. In that sense, I was indebted to Hachinohe. Being able to skate the programs that I created there in this place gave me really strong feelings. As they were programs that I created right after the earthquake disaster, they are probably of the same age as the earthquake. Itโs exactly for that reason that I want to recall the memory of the earthquake disaster, however little, by thinking about how many years itโs been since then, feeling these programs myself once again and having everyone experience them. While I do feel sorry for evoking (those memories) and making you suffer, I skated hoping that Iโve been able to deliver performance(s) that would make you also think that itโs because (such events) have happened that we have the present. Thank you very much!
[Final greetings] Thank you very much, for gathering like this for someone like me. Thank you very much. Iโll do my best. Iโm really happy to have everyone gathering here like this. I look forward to your continuous support. Thank you very much. Happy holidays! (laughs)
This is your first ice show since turning pro. What is your state of mind going into this event?
Uhm, I started to plan everything, including the venue, after holding the press conference announcing that I would turn pro in July. While there was not much time, I was able to create this while relying on many staff and having (them) fulfilling my requests. First of all, Iโm full of gratitude just for that alone. About this show โPrologueโ, to me it is the prologue to the story from here onward. This might get really abstract, but from now on, Iโll hold a new resolution in my heart and take one step at a time towards my goal, my dream: what Iโve experienced, and the strength that I received from everyone. I planned and constructed this show thinking that Iโd like to share those things with everyone once again and want to connect them to my next steps.
(Can you say something) about your arrangement of the first 6-minute warmup?
To be honest, when I thought about the placement and the order of the performances, where to put what, to me there was the press conference, then I went back to the past a little bit, there was the Pyeongchang Olympics. After that, I thought once more about how my life has progressed until now, and with the exhibition at Beijing at the very end, I wanted to make that akin to reaching the present. I first skated SEIMEI, which is also a representative program of mine at the Pyeongchang Olympics. Having the 6-minute warmup and skating with all of the lights on, which is unthinkable for ice shows, are all my ideas. To be honest, I wondered what kind of reaction I would receive. Also, I couldnโt help being anxious, wondering how focused I could be doing the 6-minute warmup at a venue thatโs not a competition. Actually, I havenโt heard everyoneโs feedbacks yet. But my impression after finishing the first day of Prologue is that everyone was really satisfied, judging by their expressions and reactions, so in that sense, I think that might have succeeded.
Is โA Fleeting Dreamโ the program that you choreographed yourself?
Yes. Itโs the program that I skated after โRomeo & Julietโ. Itโs a bit hard to express (the concept) in a few words. What I wanted to put in it when I first choreographed it is that, when I just let the music play as I skated, the cool down movements that everyone likes just clicked into place. It fits this program, or should I say, this song. At that time, everyone did say that they would love to see the cool down routine. As there were fans who said that seeing the cool down alone would be enough for them to be satisfied, my first thought was โwell then letโs put it into the programโ. After that, I got deep into the song, including its title ‘A Fleeting Dream’… Also, I really really love Final Fantasy X (which was the source of this piece) and it was from my generation. I thought about various things while creating it, including my own dreams. My original โdreamโ of becoming the 2-time Olympic champion. After that, I once again set my dream on the quad Axel and chased after it. In a sense, I couldnโt accomplish it as an amateur, competitive skater. In a sense, I wasnโt able to become the first person to ratify the quad Axel under the ISU system. In that sense, it might have been a dream that unfortunately ended, so itโs a fleeting dream (lit. a dream that would end some day). Somehow I couldnโt do it although everyone expected me to. I wish that I can, yet Iโm so tired that I donโt want to do it anymore. Somehow, the more people cheered me on, the more I was neglecting my own feelings and breaking down. I didn’t want to hear it anymore, but I still want to live up to everyone’s expectations; I intended to express that dilemma I have in my heart (in this program).
I asked for MIKIKO*-senseiโs help with โA fleeting dreamโ and the last program โHaru yo, Koiโ. Itโs the first time that I included this much projection mapping into my performance, so I think everyoneโs perspective of a figure skating program has also changed. Moreover, I actually think that the skate that you see if you are in the venue and really close to the rink, from a point of view similar to mine, versus if you look down from above or through the camera are totally different. Therefore, itโs a program that I hope everyone will definitely enjoy in those aspects as well.
*T/N: MIKIKO is a Japanese choreographer and director who has worked closely with J-pop groups such as Perfume and BABYMETAL. She helped create Japanโs hand-over segment at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Closing Ceremony.
Were your feelings during the performance different from when youโre at competitions?
For SEIMEI, I skate it while 100% recalling the Pyeongchang Olympics. About the (program) structure, it actually became approximately 4 minutes and 7 seconds. There were also slightly fewer jumps. Although it would have been dismissed if it were the original program, I purposely tried doing 3 triple Axels, since I can do it now as a professional. I was extremely nervous. How should I put itโฆ In competitions, there would be the judges in front of me. But having a big audience right in front of my eyes, to be honest, feels like Iโm being put to the test, and I skated feeling like I have to give it a try. It was good anxiety.
What kind of physical strengthening and preparation did you have heading to this event?
Firstly, physical strengthening was truly exhausting. I did the show from beginning to end over 5 times. After all, I normally put everything I have into a program, so itโs unthinkable to skate again afterwards. But I think I have been able to carry myself through till now somehow. Also, thereโs a world that I want to express, my performances and the VTR in between them. I wanted to give those things a story line, to create something that can deliver my thoughts to everyone more easily, one that would properly convey my intention, so it was a lot of hard work editing and actually asking those who helped me create it while keeping that in mind. It was something that took until this morning to finish, so of course there are still things I want to do, and things I wish I did differently. I could not do everything by myself, and above all, I think that itโs not common for an artist to have their intention respected this much and to have such a big audience cheer for them as one like this, so Iโm glad that Iโve done my best, with all my heart, on all those occasions during my so-called amateur skater era. Iโve felt that I want to continue doing my best with everyone going forward as well.
Hanyu-san, what do you think your future story will become?
To be honest, I might have said this in the press conference where I announced my turning pro, I donโt have anything specific as a goal just because Iโve turned pro. This is, in a sense, something happening for the first time in my life. Until now, Iโve always lived my life since I was 4 years old with the goal of winning the Olympic gold medal. Thatโs why Iโm in a bit of a limbo right now. But firstly, Iโm putting my efforts every single day so that Prologue can be a success, and I focus on each of my jumps and my performances as each day goes by. Such things will probably accumulate, and theyโll again lead to a new stage called Yuzuru Hanyu. And by amassing all these experiences, I think Iโll be able to build a new foundation for myself. So Iโll do my best at what I can do right now, and I want to overcome the limits of figure skating once again. I hope thatโll be my story from now on.
How did โA fleeting dreamโ express the worldview of Final Fantasy X?
Itโs hard to express this to someone who doesnโt understand gaming at all. Itโs kind of like dancing, singing and expressing emotions with spirits. Also, thereโs a scene in the water in the fantasy landscape. I thought about the performance with MIKIKO-sensei based on that and used that place as a reference while creating this piece. In a sense, I myself also think that there are many people who truly support me with their souls. Back then (when I was performing) Notte Stellata, everyoneโs thoughts were shining. I once said it was like a sky full of stars. In the program this time, the light of everyoneโs support is blinding. Iโm skating together with everyoneโs thoughts, yet I donโt want to look at them anymore, but I want to skate with them again. At the end, everyoneโs thoughts gather and I once again continue to skate; thatโs what I intended to express.
Thank you very much. I ask for your continuing support. Iโll do my best tomorrow as well (laughs). By the way, is this good for everyone? (everyone in the interview area laughs) Thank you very much!
On August 10th, Yuzuru Hanyu (27), who turned professional having won two Olympics back to back at Sochi in 2014 and Pyeongchang in 2018 for Men’s figure skating, and turned to pro held an open practice called โSharePracticeโ at Ice Rink Sendai in Sendai City.
There was a live stream to share the practice session on his official YouTube channel, โHANYU YUZURUโ. The second chapter of his skating life has started.
็ทด็ฟๅพใฎไธๅไธ็ญใฏไปฅไธใฎ้ใใ
Q&As after the practice are as follows.
ใโโไปๅใฎ็ทด็ฟๅ ฌ้ใฎๆๅณใฏใ
Q: What is your intention of sharing the practice session this time?
Well, first of all, as I start to do the activities as a professional (athlete) from now on, I think there are scarce chances to show my practice sessions, or my challenge for the quad Axel.
However, there are people who want to watch my practices. In that situation, I thought it would be nice if I could create an opportunity for them to watch my athleticism, or should I say, my attitude of continuously pursuing things, which I fundamentally have in myself. Thatโs why I created this event of sharing my practice session.
Since it has been decided hastily, the programs that I can perform and the music that I can play were quite limited, I think. However, skating clean to SEIMEI with the same layout I did at the Olympics, I mean PyeongChang Olympics, was my goal this time.
And also I find myself having a strong resolution of wanting to prove that I am better than I was at that time. So today, I skated that program until the end.
Actually, people probably have a strong impression of the SEIMEI program that I skated at the PyeongChang Olympics. However, I could not skate it clean at that time, and although there were of course other parts that probably made up for it, I must admit that, given the conditions of my ankle and other things, I could hardly give a performance that I had wanted to do back then.
At that time, the probability of my being able to skate that program clean was not that high, so this time, what I wanted the most is to show that I have become better than myself at that time – that would be the strongest point.
Well, actually in my usual practices, I could do it 3 times consecutively. Of course, for example, I would omit some more transitions in between, but I do practice it 3 times in a row, so it was a little closer to what you can see at my usual practice. Well, in fact, I can skate it clean 3 times (laugh). I think there was a part where I was spinning wheels since I was too excited.
Thank you. Well, frankly speaking, regarding the live streaming, I do not use my own music pieces, one thing is that it costs a lot. However, this time, I also wanted to allow everyone to watch for free, so I shared it for free.
In fact, when I think about applying (for the rights to use) the music pieces that I want to use and various other things as well, I think it might cost a much more huge amount of money, so Iโve been thinking a little about what I should do from now on, or how I can do the activities on my channel itself.
But I wanted people to know how Yuzuru Hanyu would basically practice, or, people might have a very brilliant image of figure skating. I want them to see that behind such an image, there is me who looks unrefined and is desperately struggling while practicing. I thought Iโd like people who have no interest in figure skating to watch it even a little, and this is the reason I shared my practice session.
Q: You jumped a 4Lo-3T at the beginning of Hope & Legacy. We saw it at the practice, but you havenโt done it in actual competitions. Why did you jump it today?
Well, actually, I wondered which one I should jump, such as a 4Lo, 4Lo-3T, or 4Lo-3A and so on. But this time, my goal was to skate SEIMEI cleanly, so I thought Iโd choose somewhere around a 4Lo-3T.
In fact, Iโve been steadily practicing combination jumps with the (quad) Loop, and when I think about whether they have high enough success rate to be put into actual performances, or if I need to do such difficult things in the activities that Iโd like to do in future, (I think) I might not need to do them since they are not even beneficial in terms of scores, but I just wanted to show that I have a potential to this level.
Well, actually, I used to practice quadruple toe loop (in this rink) right behind me, over there, and fell a lot of times. And Iโm nostalgic remembering that I used to explain โit falls short of rotation since I do like this, then I fall this way.โ In fact, being able to practice here is something special. Of course, I no longer have the chance to practice together with various skaters now. Yet, I still have a special feeling for the fact that I do not have to leave this town and Iโm able to continuously brush up my skills by practicing at my home rink. While I want to keep growing here, Iโd also like to contribute to this city, and work hard to do many things to support my beloved hometown, even if only a little.
More than ten years ago, here (at this rink), when you were a small child, you said โI will get a gold medalโ. And you did it twice. Looking back, what do you think about it now?
WellโฆI just came to think that finally Iโm standing at the starting line. Now, in front of everyone, for the first time as a professional (athlete), Iโm able to show my skating. Then among other things, I think that thereโs some meaning as well in the fact that I could skate SEIMEI clean at this very beginning. Of course, Sochi Olympics, PyeongChang Olympics, and Beijing Olympics, all of them are my irreplaceable memories, and have become my experiences as well. Exactly because they were there, now Iโm finally at the starting line, and can think that โIโll be able to become better and better from now onโ. So please let me ask for your continuing support.
Well, I usually practice at midnight. So my body did not move as I intended*, and that made me really regretful, but I will practice it more and more, and I absolutely want to show my landing of the 4A. I will continuously work hard for it, as if I bet my life on it. Please support me.
*T/N: According to Nikkan Sportsโ article (https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/202208100000580.html), this part would mean that โI could not land a 4A today during the day time since I usually practise it at midnight and my body did not move as I intended.โ
At this point, I think this place would be my primary training base. Nevertheless, if people would come here when Iโm actually practicing, that might cause trouble for the facility staff, so I beg everyone for your understanding and cooperation especially on that matter. I want to continue practicing here from now on, and above all, if possible, I think I want to do ice shows in Sendai or in Miyagi prefecture.
Thank you very much for always supporting me. In addition, regarding the Beijing Olympics, actually I could not land the 4A and could not get a medal either, but yet I saw that everyone kept cheering for me, and while hearing everyoneโs voice, honestly, I myself wanted to succeed more and more or wanted to get a result. From now on, I want to have an insatiable appetite for โresultsโ again, including the 4A. I also want to create more opportunities to show my performance in front of everyone, so Iโd appreciate it if you are looking forward to it. Thank you.
OK. Well, this place isโฆ I think probably a different company owned it, and before it was renewed, I started figure skating here. And still now, this is the base of my activities and I mostly practice here. With that in mind, I thought I want to show everyone my practice here. And above all, I love Sendai very much. Honestly, when I moved my practice base to Canada, I went there crying and feeling that I didnโt want to leave Sendai – I love Sendai to that level. So now that I can skate in Sendai, Iโm happy. Additionally, Iโm thinking of doing various things in Sendai, including my future activities. So Iโd like to continue on, together with the people of Sendai.
Honestly, after all, in Sendai, there is only one rink available all through the year. For figure skating, ice hockey, speed skating as well as short track, the practice environment can be said to be severe. I believe youโve been practicing under such hard conditions – I know well about it since Iโve been practicing here too – in such a harsh environment. Nevertheless, please keep your ambition of getting better and better. Iโm also continuously becoming better and better here. You also are skating on the same rink (as me) so Iโm sure you can be better. Please have hope, and work hard while envisioning the ideal image of yourselves. Thank you very much.
OK, well, what was to say first? Yes, my future plans. Regarding my future plans, I have more concrete visions for the things that I plan to do within this year to some degree. Actually, there are a few things that I have decided to do, this or that, within this year. And Iโm practicing for them now. However, Iโm thinking of announcing it at a different time, so itโs still a secret. Hehehe. Yes. About the activities to do within this year, I have a feeling that they will soon be decided, and they have been put into motion after the press conference so honestly Iโm very busy and find it hard to do. Well, as Iโd like to work hard on various things even if I have to cut down on my sleep, please look forward to it.
And then about the 4A, I think it would be great if Iโd have a chance to jump it in a program if possible. However, its success rate has not reached that level yet, and honestly speaking, I did it today but the level of the 4 and a half rotation now has reached only the same level as what I did at the Japanese National Championships [in 2021]. But considering my ankle condition, since it is a jump that would put a huge load on my left ankle, in that sense my left ankle has been in a better condition compared to the Japanese Nationals, and also my right ankle has recovered to some degree, so that I can challenge it like this. From now on, I will leverage my experiences from the (Beijing)* Olympics or the experiences as well as the knowledge that I had accumulated by then, so that I will be able to become much better. Thank you.
*T/N: Multiple outlets (Sports Hochi, Nikkan) have reported that Yuzuru says Pyeongchang here but based on the context of what heโs talking about (the 4A) and the fact he corrected himself on a similar mistake a few times in post-presscon media, we believe he meant to say Beijing.
Today, It is half a year after the free skate at the Beijing Olympics. Starting as a professional athlete, what is the difference you feel between them?
Well, after all, while I do the activities as a professional athlete, there are some points that I find different from the competitions. Let me see.. How can I put itโฆFor example, itโs not just doing a 6 minute warmup and then doing one program and finishing up. Itโs not only skating for the sake of getting scores, but of course, there is the need to put out a program that everyone would be willing to watch. For me, in addition to that, I think I have to give a performance like SEIMEI which I did today, namely the program that has the same quality, or even higher quality than the ones for the competitions, the performance where I step up a gear. Well, you might have thought while watching my todayโs practices, it is much tougher. Hehehe. It is really hard, and, honestly speaking, when Iโm trying to build up the structure of my new show* and practicing for it, Iโm doing it while feeling that itโs truly tough. But even in such a situation, I want to carry it through until the end without dropping the level (of my performance). So Iโd appreciate it if you could look forward to both the style of the coming show and expect an even higher level of explosive power from me.
*T/N: โNew show” would mean the ice shows he is now working on, potentially the ones in Sendai or Miyagi that he referred to in Part 2 of this article series.
Earlier, you said โI went to Canada while cryingโ. For 10 years starting from 2012, your coaches in Toronto who have been taking care of you also supported you becoming a professional athlete.
Oh, in fact I really want to quickly go back to my team Iโve trained and show my appreciation to them. However, as I said earlier, Iโm now building up a lot of different plans, or Iโve been shooting and editing YouTube videos. They are really like beginner’s works, but I also think they feel like mine. In that sense, Iโve been kind of running around all over the place and can hardly have a chance to go and meet them, which makes me feel apologetic. Having said that, I received an email from Ghislain again this morning, and he was like โIโm watching you!โ. Thinking of their attitudes of trying to watch me until the very end or really sending me various pieces of advice from afar, I really want to go to see them quickly to show my appreciation.
Ghislain, yes – Ghislain and Tracy and Brian.. I havenโt been able to see them for a very long time, so I really want to go and see my coaches and tell them, โThank you very muchโ and โPlease support me from now onโ. In addition to them, here in Sendai, there is Nanami-sensei who uses this rink as her home base, also Soji-sensei. And Iโm wondering if I can get a chance to meet and show my appreciation to Mami-sensei as well as Tsuzuki-sensei. I really want to do so. I wonder if they would watch this (live streaming) video, but in reality, itโs better if I am able to go to see them in person and convey my deep appreciation to them. Hehehe. Oh boy, I really want to see them.
Firstly, about my jacket: it was a sudden decision to create a new jacket for my new start, and actually, I received it just this morning. So this is a tentative style. From here, Iโm thinking of doing various things in future. As for the thoughts behind it, well, I put in the idea of using colors that are a little bit reminiscent of SEIMEI.
And the next question was.. oh yes, (my state of mind) after the press conference. Well, I’ll tell you that Iโve been spending my days being very nervous until today. Of course, while doing various activities, there are many things that I have to do by myself, I mean, do by myself as a professional athlete. Iโve also taken initiative in doing things that I used to let others do, as well as considering various things. Thereโre quite a lot of things like that. So it was very hard and Iโve been doing them while thinking that I had to cut down on my sleep a lot.
However, as for my feelings, I actually think that I even need to practice harder than when I was a competitive skater, and Iโve been actually doing it that way. So letโs say I used to work hard being chased by the things called competitions, but now I feel like I want to go beyond everyoneโs expectation. Hehehe. I think that would probably be much harder. But in fact, Iโve actually been able to have fulfilling days in my life. But in such an environment, as a professional athleteโฆ as I have experienced many injuries as a competitor, and after all I cannot be allowed to cancel the event when I become a professional athlete,* and also I donโt want to disappoint the expectations of everyone who is looking forward to watching me. So from now on, as a professional athlete, above all, I will try to avoid getting injured, and will work hard to let everyone watch me perform at a high level every time.
*T/N: It seems he thinks this way for himself. He is not referring to others.
Could you tell us about the reason you named it โSharePracticeโ, about the decision to take individual interviews (with the media) after the practice session, and also about Ohtani, who is your age and matched Babe Ruthโs great achievement*.
*T/N: the day before this, Shohei Ohtani became the first baseball player after Babe Ruth (1918) in major league history to have at least 10 home runs and 10 wins in the same season.
OK, so first of all, about Ohtani-san. I really appreciate that you gave a comment for me when you did an interview at the All-star Game. Once again, I think you have obtained an unattainably great achievement that seemed impossible in this era. Congratulations to you. I can hardly come close to you, and Iโm really honored to be in this โOhtani generationโ*. Iโd really like you to work hard as you have been doing, and as I have just stepped up onto the professional stage, Iโll do my best to be able to catch up with Ohtani san. Maybe I cannot, I guessโฆ(laugh). Itโd be my pleasure if we can meet again.
*T/N: As Shohei Ohtani and Yuzuru Hanyu were born in the same year (1994) and had remarkable achievements in their respective fields, the media came up with the terms โHanyu generationโ and โOhtani generationโ to show their significance compared to their peers. In interviews, Shohei and Yuzuru often exchanged compliments by acknowledging the other person as the representative of their generation, saying they are only a person living in the other personโs generation.
And then, what was next? Oh, yes, about the interviews, I remember! Regarding the interviews, honestly speaking, I could not receive them individually so often at open practices or during competitions. Well, I can only do the brief ones for each. But I thought I would definitely want to put individual interviews (into this practice session) however difficult it would be, so though originally I was thinking of doing all the interviews in the mixed zone, I insisted on it, saying โplease let me do thatโ, and so I did. I’d be really happy if people from each media company would take their time to write (their own article) about this person called Yuzuru Hanyu.
Also about the title, โSharePracticeโ, I decided not to put a space in between (the two words) and made it SharePractice. I think of it as one word, or a newly coined phrase. At first, I thought of โOpen Practiceโ, โOpen Trainingโ, and many other phrases. But when I thought about the things that I can own together with everyone and that we can go on fighting together in future, I thought โShareโ would be the most suitable one for me. On the other hand, this is an event and at the same time, I want people to watch me fight it out until the end – which is the greatest purpose and theme of this event, so I decided myself to title it โSharePracticeโ without omitting the word โPracticeโ. Thatโs it. Thank you very much.
Note – you can find our translation and comment by going to this specific version of the video link here– our comment should appear as a ‘highlighted comment’ up the top. It would help us a lot if you could give the comment a ‘like’ on Youtube as it will improve visibility for other viewers!
Y: Well, there are too many things Iโve packed in it, and I canโt really say everything [Iโm thinking], but truly, Iโve been able to skate precisely because everyone is watching like this. And I think some sort of meaning can be created because people watch my performance, so right now, Iโd really like to thank everyone.ย
Y: I had the strong desire to do the things I wanted to do and all that I could do in this moment where it can be seen here at the Olympics. Trulyโฆ I think it was truly a happy time.
Y: It made me think deeply about a lot of things. Until now, there have been many periods where I had put in all my effort but it was no use. The โYuzuru Hanyuโ in everyoneโs memories, like at the Sochi and the Pyeongchang Olympics, may be mostly one of someone successful. But having competed up to this point, Iโve seen myself hit rock bottom many, many times. So in that sense, this time again, having grown upโฆI think being rewarded isnโt everything in life. But, right now, in this unrewarded present, Iโm happy.There are a lot of unreasonable things, but Iโll work hard to be able to face forward and to keep walking, even just a little.ย
Photo by Yoshiki Kogaito, Sponichi
Part 2
โโๆผๆใ็ตใใฃใฆใฎๆๆณใฏใ
Q: How do you feel now that you have finished your performance?
Y: Well, I gave it my all, I really did. I did my best for the free skate as well. Well, I think I gave it my all in both the short program and free skate, so I think I can say Iโve competed with all my might. When I say I gave it my all, I mean I gave it my all, including the 4A. Today is another day I was really nervous, but I put all my feelings, all my happiness into the performance. I think, somehow, Iโve been able to express various things of my skating life in this performance.
Y: Ahhh. Actually, last season, until the free program “Ten to Chi to” was ready, as a form of physical training, I tried to skate cleanly all of the programs that I couldn’t do so before.
I skated “The Phantom of the Opera” on the second day of the practice, “Notre Dame de Paris” near the end of the practice session, and the “Ballade No.1” layout in which the 4T was in the second half and 3A was the first jump. There were such a variety of programs, and somehow, in a way, I had digested them all. I was thinking that I could take back what I had left behind and move on. Butโฆ I wondered if that was just a form of self-complacency.
I thought that if there would be people watching me skate, then at that rink, I wanted to properly show them the good parts of those programs that I had wanted to show. That’s why I was happy. I realised that I really like having others watch me while I skate. It’s my origin, but I went back to it and thought about it again.
Y: Now, yes, what can I say? Well for the practices until yesterday, I’ve been taking, let’s see, about four painkillers where I normally take one.
So, well, I was skating on the edge of my limit, thinking that if I didn’t do jumps that use my right foot such as the loop, flip or lutz (*), well, then,.. I could survive the landing! The rest, I managed with fun and adrenaline.
Today, we had a practice for the opening, or finale, well, the finale. So, when I practised my parts , I only took one painkiller today. I wondered how far I can bear with just one dose, so I tried it, and well, it hurt like hell. Hehehe. I could only jump Axels. I tried loops and flips, and then I thought, “Oh, this is no good,” so I could only do Axel,
I’ve taken about six painkillers today, So I think I’ll give my ankle a proper rest… I don’t know, normally it might be just a problem with my ankle, but since I’ve been enjoying myself so much, I’m sure I’ve been making a lot of moves to protect my ankle (**), and my body has lost its balance, and I’m sure it’s probably hurting in various places.I’m sure it hurts in many parts of my body by just attempting jumps. So, I’m going to give myself a proper rest, although I’m not sure how much I’ll be able to recover from that.
For me, I still haven’t made up my mind clearly about anything, including my future.I’ll think about a lot of things and make an overall decision before deciding on the World Championships.
(*) T/N: we think this might have been a typo or Yuzuru misspoke here. The original text would mean โIf I didnโt do jumps that donโt use my right foot such as the loop, flip, or lutzโ. Weโve edited the translation so that it fits the logic of what heโs saying more. He also didnโt attempt the loop, flip and lutz that much at post-competition practice sessions.
(**) T/N: โprotectโ here means he was unconsciously trying to cover the movement originally using his right ankle, with other parts of his body.
Q: About skating competitively. By โI want to carry Yuzuru Hanyuโs skating to the endโ (in an earlier interview), do you mean you will continue to do so next season as a competitive skater, or is it something different?
Y: Well, I donโt think I mind the field. Yes, with so much fame, so much demandโฆ well itโs a little weird for me to say demandโฆbutโฆ the skating of โYuzuru Hanyuโ that many people are looking at like this, I want to turn it into something much, much more convincing. After all, because I want to deliver performances that will make even more people want to watch, and ones that they will want to watch more of… I still donโt really know whether that would be at ice shows or in competitions, whether that would be rewarded or unrewarded. So after thinking a lot about it… well, wherever it would be, I want to continue delivering performances that can make everyone think โI like Yuzuru Hanyuโs skating after allโ after watching me.ย
ใโโ๏ผๅคๅฝใกใใฃใขใ๏ผ่ฑ่ชใง่ณชๅใใฆใใใ๏ผ Q: (From foreign media) Can we ask you something in English?
Y: OK. Sure
ใโโใใผใตใณใปใใงใณใซใคใใฆ Q: (What do you think) about Nathan Chen?ใ
Y: (After saying he would answer in detail in Japanese) Uhm, I think that he possesses everything that is asked for in todayโs figure skating. It’s amazing that he has been landing so many quads in such a precise way. I can’t keep landing quads with a precision as high as his, so I think he’s amazing indeed. I can say this because I’ve won 2 Olympic golds: to figure skaters, the Olympic gold medal is more important than anything. I want to praise him more than anyone for finally being able to get that medal. I want to congratulate him more than anyone. He truly is a brilliant skater, it’s really hard to put it into words, but from the bottom of my heart, I really think that he has everything that (is asked for) in todayโs figure skating, in current competitive figure skating. Thank you.
Q: From your expression after you finished your performance, we can tell you carried a lot of things as you fought to get here. What are your feelings on finishing your third Olympics?
Y: Um, well, I think of course the [quad] Axel this time was the closest Iโve gotten, up until now. I feel that maybe this is the utmost of what I can do for now, the best of Yuzuru Hanyuโs Axel so to speak. And also, of course, the fall on the [quad] Salchow was a big [loss], but, I skated while kind of thinking of it as being incorporated in what made this story of โTen to Chi toโ possible.
Y: Yes, thatโs right, that pose signifies the โheavenโ of โTen to Chi to [Heaven and Earth and]โ, and, well, in a way, in my mind I envision it as if I am sending my spirit to the heavens. Itโs the same pose that I had in the program โFrom Russia, With Love,โ which I skated when I was nine years old. So, itโs kind of like projecting my current self on my past self, and itโs hard to explain succinctly, but there are a lot of emotions swirling around. Well, in a wayโฆ hmm how should I put it, itโs difficult. I think that the story of my program continues up to that point, until Iโve finished that pose, until Iโve sheathed the [metaphorical] sword, until Iโve exited the rink.
I was thinking that I was truly thankful. To be honest, uhm. Such a thing happened in the short program. Well, of course I was frustrated, somehowโฆ yes, in my opinion, Iโve accumulated a lot of things and also put out the right efforts until now, and I think Iโve done everything that I could think of. Iโve done all of it till this day thinking โAh, (those efforts) are not rewardedโ. However, truly, in the end, I felt thankful thinking โthank you for letting me jump to this level until nowโ.
Haha, I canโt express it in one word, after all. The Sochi Olympics were its own event, and I won feeling a lot of regret. In a sense, that might have been the occasion where I was able to improve myself. I think Pyeongchang was where I put out all the improvements that Iโve made. This time, how to say it. It might become clearer after some time has passed, but I think itโs been an Olympics where I fought my best with all of my pride.
Y: Um, to be honest, Iโm really conflicted on how in-depth I should talk about it. Well, Iโve been thinking that I could probably talk about it if I won. Frankly speaking, I donโt know how I should put it, but probably, uhm, I received a lot of treatment. I feel like thatโs solely why I could somehow keep standing.
Y: I was thinking โI definitely have to land the (quad) Axelโ, โIโm definitely gonna rotate all the wayโ. I was thinking I would bring out my own skating.
Y: The response was good. Well, amazingly, (I thought that) this is the rotating speed of a quad Axel. Landing after such rotations might be a bit dangerous, it might be impossible for a human to do it. But in a sense, I think that Iโve been able to do the best quad Axel that I can deliver.
ใโโ็ฉบไธญใงใฉใใชๆฐๆใก
Q: What were you feeling while in the air [while doing the quad axel]?
Q: [from Chinese media] If you do have a chance [to perform in the exhibition], what kind of feelings would you like to express [to your fans/audience]?
Y: Um, I really truly want to express my gratitude to everyone. I donโt know if my performances this time lived up to everyoneโs expectations, and I donโt know if I was able to connect all of the support I received from everyone to it. Honestly, I also really feel sorry. Thatโs why, I hope my feelings of gratitude will be able to reach everyone through my performances, even if just a little bit. Thank you very much. I ask for your support once more.
Y: Rather than get stuckโฆ itโs more likeโฆ um, when I say I got stuck, I mean that I got stuck in a hole that I traced before, which is what happened in 2019 in a short program. The mistake in that Short Program in 2019 was probably because um, during the 6 minute warm-up, I was fixed on my jumping position down to the millimeter, and I ended up jumping in the same spot later [in the actual competition]. This time, I was already aware of that past mistake, and I had that experience in my mind. So, during the 6 minute warm-up this time, I adjusted my position a little bit. And so, during the actual program, I went in with the perfect form and the perfect timing for the jump, and the moment I tried to take off, there was a hole there. It was a hole from a toe jump. So thereโs nothing I could do about it.
Y: Well, it was pretty good, if anything. The 6-minute warm-up was also really good. I also felt really good about my physical condition. Well, of course, facing the Free Skate, Iโd like to stay in this good condition. Todayโs mistake was something that I couldnโt have prevented, no matter what I did. Well, looking ahead towards the Free Skate, I want to properly put everything I have into it.
Y: Wellโฆ kind of like, โwell, that happenedโ. In any case, to my senses, that kind of thing wasnโt a mistake to me. So, I think thatโs why I was able to continue on with the program without it affecting my mind at all.
โโไปๆฅใฏๆๆ ใๆใใฆใใใฎใ
Q: Were you able to refocus your feelings [after the mistake] today?
Y: Rather than refocus my feelings [after the mistake], how do I put itโฆ it’s like when you see something, and with just one small piece coming out of place, I wasn’t quite able to bring it all together. It is what it is, yes.
Y: Well, Iโm really thankful to be even getting 95 points with [that kind of error]. I think thatโs because I was able to complete the other elements with high quality and Iโd like to commend myself for that. How to put it. Wellโฆ truthfully speaking, I wondered if I had done something bad. Hahaha. Like somehowโฆwas it because I had done something bad that it turned out this way? It was the sort of mistake where I could only think about that kind of thing, yes.ย
Y: Of course I had. Well, the atmosphere was different from usual [competitions]. Um. But I was really in a super concentrated state, in a condition where there was nothing out of place, so if I try to search for the cause of the mistake, I wonโt be able to sort them out. I donโt think there were any mistakes with the skating element. Itโs likeโฆ I wonder if I did something to be hated (laughs), like I skated while thinking I must be really hated by the ice.
ใโโ2ๆฅๅใซๅ ฅใฃใ็็ฑใ
Q: What was the reason behind you arriving 2 days before [the SP]?
Y: Umโฆ for me personally, since I became a Senior skater, Iโve felt that the longer I stay [at a competition], the more I become listless, and my condition gradually worsens. Things like the World Championships are also long [events] but if I do things for too long, then I get into the competitive mindset too much, and tire out. When the Team Event members were announced, that was when I decided I would cut it close [in arriving].
Y: Well, (at the time of the interview) the starting order hasnโt been decided yet so I canโt really say anything but, well, I can only do my best in the free program, yes.
Y: [in English] I think I can do it. I know this jump is difficult for me. I must focus on every aspect, and going forward, I want to give my best in everything.
Y: Well, hopefully one in which I donโt get caught in the ice [laughs]. Rather than the saying โone good deed a dayโ*, Iโm wondering if I now have to do like ten good deeds a day [to avoid this happening again] (laughs). But, I think Iโve done enough practice to justify that much. I think Iโve come here with a lot of confidence in my performances. As for the rest, well, maybe only God knows. In any case, thereโs still time. Also, by making good use of the time after the short program [until the free], and really taking in everyoneโs feelings, I want to turn my performance into something complete. Thank you for having me. Thank you, Iโll do my best [in the free program].
*T/N: Referring to a Japanese proverb, ใไธๆฅไธๅ ใ โ[doing] one good deed a dayโ
A: Thank you for your hard work! U~m, I was really able to concentrate, I think. Of course, I was more nervous at the start, ehโฆ but I was kind of trying to adjust to the feel of the ice. I think I was able to internally adjust, little by little, and ultimately was able to focus while practising. I think it was a good feeling.
Y: Well, of courseโฆ um, I think my condition changes every day, and also, this is the first practice after arriving so I feel like I’m not doing it with all my strength yet. But little by little, I hope Iโll make some improvements even here (at the Olympics)..
Q: What have you been putting your efforts into since the Japanese National Championships?
Y: Well, indeed, Iโve been practising the 4A. Well, I practised it while thinking that itโs really hard. However, it is, after all, the goal I want to achieve no matter what. Well, for me personally, I think itโs absolutely necessary for me to rise to the top at this Olympics. Iโll do my best.
Q: This being your third Olympics, whatโs different from the past ones?
Y: Well. In all the previous Olympics, I went in thinking something like if I just put out what I had been practising and doing up until then, I’d be able to win. But this time, Iโm in a position where I still have to up my level. In a sense, itโs similar to [what I said] at Japanese Nationals but, I think the tension of a stage such as the Olympics is indeed something unique.
Y: Hm~ I havenโt yet. Anyway, um, since Iโve come here Iโve been feeling pretty good, and today I was able to practice while feeling that my rotations were coming pretty easily. First and foremost, I want to rotate [the jump] fully.
Y: The Short Program? Hehehe. The Shortโฆwell. Of course, Iโm thinking rationally about it, and I end up thinking a lot about the 4A. But the Short Program is the Short Program. Iโd like to really pour a lot of love into the Shortโฆ umโฆyes, one by one, Iโd like to accumulate everything I can, heading into the Short Program
*T/N: The original article said 4A4A but we think it was a typo
Q (In English): [Brian] Orser is not by the rink with you
Y: Ah – um, I will answer in Japanese. Um. Brain, Ghislain [Briand] and Tracy [Wilson] are properly watching over me. This time, they themselves said that theyโd like to respect my routine.
Axel with Wings 