As we draw closer to the Tokyo Olympics, a โgreat exchangeโ that connects Tokyo and Sendai took place in this special Pre-Olympics Numbers edition.
This is the first face-to-face meeting between the golden child of swimming, who has once more taken to the competitive stage, Rikako Ikee, and the champion of Winter, Yuzuru Hanyu.
From the outset of the conversation, he showed his concern for Ikee, saying, โIโve felt this whole time that though sheโs young, sheโs had to shoulder the weight of various things and has worked really hard. Of course, there was dealing with her own illness*, but also wanting to give courage to others who were also sick and wanting to get better, all of those things. While I feel that she doesnโt have to bear all of that weight, itโs perhaps because sheโs carried these burdens that she is strong.โ
*Ikee was diagnosed with leukemia at 19yrs old in February 2019.
Ikee replied: โItโs true that Iโm carrying the knowledge that I shouldnโt shoulder these burdens. After recovering, Iโve felt at all races that Iโm almost like a representative for those who have been ill.โ
Hanyu: “I think at the time, it weighed on me very heavily.”
The worry of the illness and the recovery last year. Ikee, who seemed to recover and return as a competitor in the blink of an eye, had been shouldering burdens unbeknownst to others. From afar, Hanyu could sympathise with this. Itโs because even now, he has also been shouldering a heavy weight that fate had laid upon him.
โFor me too, since the 3/11 disaster happened when I was sixteen, I feel that from that time, I had started to really shoulder these various things.”
“Even now, I try wherever possible to accept requests to help out with [financial] support and recovery in the affected region, but at the time I thought of it as an incredibly heavy weight. The natural disaster suddenly happened and then when it was thought that I was chosen to be the representative of Japan [in figure skating] only because I was someone doing my best in the affected disaster area, I felt very frustrated.”
Though she was initially a little tense and nervous in front of the two-time Winter Olympic champion, through a combination of the kindness, warmth and especially strength conveyed through Hanyuโs words to her, Ikee also was able to open up.
In addition, the conversation topics included how to prepare for the Olympics, recent and past frustrations and regrets, times when they cried alone, and how to overcome those difficulties now. Itโs because they are both top athletes that they could trade notes on all these topics.
The ice show โDreams on Iceโ was held on the 9th at Kose Shin-Yokohama Skate Center in Yokohama. Sochi โ14 and Pyeongchang โ18 gold medalist Yuzuru Hanyu (ANA) took part for the first time in six years, unveiling his program โMasquerade,โ starting off a new season. The interview questions with him are as follows.
โ (Your thoughts on) This being your first appearance at DOI in six years.
Yuzuru: Um, well, I strongly felt that I wanted to skate in front of everyone. Last year there werenโt ice shows, and so I wanted to skate more in front of an audience. Also, last season when I participated in competitions, I thought that perhaps my performances could be useful for someone; that perhaps they could feel something from it. So with that in mind, I wanted to try for everyoneโs sake. I want to take the opportunity to skate in as many places as possible, so I decided to participate in Dreams on Ice this time.
โ Did you actually receive power [through this?]
Y: Of course, I personally received a lot [of power]. I received it and then changed it into power for my performance, and maybe everyone watching will pass this on in turn in another form. Iโm already exhausted after this one performance so I hope this may be the impetus for some sort of emotion in everyone.
โ What is the current state of the quad Axel, which you cited as your ultimate goal right now?
Y: Firstly, Dreams on Ice is the first ice show in awhile where Iโve had to do two performances in one day. I thought that I must prepare my body and focus on this ice show so I havenโt been able to practise my quad Axel until now. After Stars on Ice, there was the toll that it took on my body, the need to take care of my body that had worked hard last season, there was practice on the foundations of the axel, and the need to do the work to properly rebuild my body for the quad Axel from square one; Iโd like to start concretely practising for the season ahead from here on out.ย
โ What is the reason you decided to compete in the GP Series again after two seasons?
Yuzuru: Without the chance to be in competition, I think even if I land the quad Axel, itโs pointless. I strongly feel I want to land it in competition. I thought that I should take as many opportunities as I can in that regard, and so I decided to participate in the Grand Prix series [this season].
โ You decided on NHK Trophy and Rostelecom Cup [for your GP competitions]
Y: When they decided I would compete at the NHK Trophy, I felt it would definitely be either Rostelecom Cup, Skate Canada or the Cup of China. I was 3rd at the World Championships so I didnโt have any particular say in it. ย
โOnce again, what are your thoughts on the Beijing Olympics?
Y: I donโt particularly have the same feelings that I absolutely must get the gold medal like I did during the season of Pyeongchang (Olympics). However, I am very determined to definitely land the quad Axel this season. I will take up that challenge this season with that resolve and determination.
โ Is [the Beijing Olympics] something beyond that goal?
Y: If it happens to be part of the journey [towards the 4A]. Itโs just…hm. Like I said before, I feel I donโt have the same degree of passion or fervour that I did at the time of Sochi or Pyeongchang.
โ What is the reason you performed โMasqueradeโ today?
Y: Well, I havenโt had many chances to perform this program. But also, since that time [I first did the program], Iโve become more of an adult, and I think there is more I want to express, and given the current state of the world, there is more I think that can be objectively felt from the program, so with those thoughts in mind, I wanted to perform it again, so I chose this program.
โ Will your training base this season be in Japan?
Y: First, in order to return to Canada now, there are many difficult procedures involved. Iโm not certain whether it is even possible or not, but for the time being, based on my experiences from last season, I feel that I can grow even if training on my own, so I am not thinking of returning to Canada at the moment. However, I think with regards to the choreography, that it will be done with remote assistance [from Canada].
โ The upcoming Tokyo Olympics has been decided to be held without spectators. How do you feel about this?
Y: I am coming from the standpoint of an athlete. To put it bluntly, the audience…in regards to whether the audience can convey their support or travel [to watch] in person, I canโt really speak to that. But if I can speak from an athleteโs standpoint, the Olympics are a dream stage for many athletes, I think the final dream stage they long for the most. I donโt think the fact they will give everything they have on that stage will change. It’s the fact that it’s during times like this – we [skaters] call it a ‘performance’ – but I think it’s precisely because it’s during these [difficult] times that [watching events like] races and whatnot can result in something touching and emotional.
Men’s single skater Yuzuru Hanyu (ANA) gave an online interview before his exhibition appearance. After his last competition of the season, he spoke for about 10 minutes and answered each question as follows.
โWhat did you gain/learn this season? And what do you still need to work on now that the season is over?
Yuzuru: Hmm… this might become a little abstract. Well, the first time I came in third place at the World Championships was just about nine years ago now. Once again, I was thinking the same kind of things I thought at the time, as it is the 10 year anniversary of 3.11 now. The reason for this is that this time, there were things like the period of self-isolation [because of the pandemic], and also I withdrew from competitions. While I was doing those things, and watching the news, I felt how bad the COVID situation is, and I spent the time wondering about various things like, how we are supposed to confront it, and how people are each suffering in different ways during this time. Somehow, from thereโฆ Hmm. I still think the best way to deal with it is to have zero cases if possible, after all. But, (since thatโs not possible), we have to keep going, and we have to face and deal with many things. In a way, for me, itโs not about my 4A, but that I feel I need to challenge myself and that I need to put together the best plan of action. Ah, my answer is becoming a little hard to follow. Let me see… In this context, I think about when I was coming up with my own comments on the 10th anniversary of 3.11. How painful was it? What kind of pain was it? Or, how many really want to remember it? Surely there are those who don’t want to be reminded of it, and I was thinking about all these various things. And I thought to myself, “Isnโt this the same as the current situation with COVID?,โ and so ultimately, I came to a conclusion, in the season that 3.11 happened, and the season after it as well. I was much, much younger at the time. I didn’t want to be a representative of the disaster-stricken area, and I didn’t want to be labelled as such because I was a member of the Japanese national team, and I had won the spot with my own abilities. I was thinking strongly then, that I wanted to win various things on my own. But in the end, I began to feel a great sense of gratitude, and I realized that I was the one who was being supported by the people, and that I was not in a position to support them, but rather they were supporting me. I was able to feel those things again this time. Somehow…hm. This became a bit of a rambling answer. As a result of everything, I felt that maybe itโs okay for me to keep skating. If I can find some kind of meaning in my skating, I think that’s a sign that it’s okay for me to exist.
โWhat was the significance of practising your 4A in practice and your response?
Yuzuru: I totally didnโt expect the audience to be there. After the Free Skate, there was the fact my body wasnโt that tired. I thought maybe it would be worthwhile to do it at the competition venue. The other reason is that I think Iโll be going back to training alone and I think itโs easier to get a better mental picture jumping it when youโre motivated by the presence of other really talented athletes. But when I actually tried it, the jump was nowhere near my best attempts so Iโm really frustrated. I have better ones, really! Truthfully I think Iโm closer [that that]. But um, to tell you the truth Iโm really really frustrated because I couldnโt do a good jump. So using that frustration as a springboard, though it looks like itโll be a tough period ahead, Iโll really make intense preparations and analyse various things with a cooler head, and I want to keep pushing past my limits.
โDuring yesterdayโs practice, when you two-footed the double Axel landing, you said, โThatโs good.โ
Y: From the beginning yesterday, my jumps didnโt [feel as] light. The rotations were totally insufficient and I kept jumping 4As that felt off to me. When I popped it into a double Axel at the end, I thought I was finally starting to get a feel of the ice. Finally I was getting the height so I told myself, โnow rotate itโ. After all, if it gets too high, your body instinctively tries to protect itself. Itโs also a jump where itโs indeed difficult to balance both the height and rotation, so that comment I made was tied to that [fact] as well.
โNext season, your Free Skate Program will be โTen to Chi to,โ but will you return to a piano piece for your Short Program?
Y: Ummm. To tell you the truth, Iโm thinking about it. Itโs not just about wanting to go back to a piano piece. I think this program [Let Me Entertain You] was created because of the current situation. You could say it was created precisely because I wanted to do this kind of program that suited the current circumstances. I have to consider how the circumstances will pan out and also how my own feelings will change with it. Also, beyond just doing the skating, I think Iโll pick the program thinking about what I want to express.
โThe 4A is hard on your body, so how will you take care of it while you can’t go to Canada?
Yuzuru: Well, for the time being, I am thoroughly taking care of it myself. And there are a lot of people who can help me as well. There is also a lot of information available on the Internet. I’d like to take care of myself to the best of my ability by accumulating various kinds of knowledge.
Y: We’ll only know next season when next season comes. [Seems to be distracted by something else]. Just, um… hehe…. Sorry. Weโll only know about next season when it comes, so there’s nothing I can do about it. Um, well…. Hmmm… hehehe, I canโt. I got a little distracted, for a moment. Hmmm. Iโll think about [next season] when itโs time. I’m sorry!
โAt that time, we would like to have the opportunity to speak with you again.
Y: Hehehe… But yes, I will. When I’m asked for comments again, I’ll try my best to come up with different words from my head. That’s something…. Well, I’m not a professional with words and I’d rather express myself with skating, so I hope I can find a way to do that.
โYou said you go back and forth between the ice rink and the home, but how do you spend your time at home?
Y: Let’s see. Well… When Iโm at home… (first thing) is waking up. Heheheโฆ I wake up in the morning, um, and then immediately clean*. Then, until food is ready, Iโll do things like image training, checking my form, and so on. After eating, I do some care for my body. I go to practice, come home, take a bath, do some care, eat, then sleepโฆ thatโs the kind of schedule I have.
Y: Ah, I do play video games. I’m addicted to Monster Hunter right now. (The one that just came out?) Yes. Yes, I’m playing it. Thank you very much. I was able to say something a little like [what youโd find] in a sports magazine. Hehehe.
ใ(Interview over.)
Thank you very much. and I look forward to working with you again. I’ll do my best.
Yuzuru: Well, of course there are feelings of frustration in there but well, after the World Championships and for these two weeks, I wasnโt living my usual routine, to be honest. In terms of my feelings and well, I couldnโt eat the meals I normally eat, so Iโd like to say to myself that I did well, given all those circumstances.
Y: I think everyone was the light. This time, during the Short Program and Free Program as well, seeing the scores like โah, that was really tough but we worked hardโ โI felt that watching my teammatesโ performances as well. In a sense, like a guiding light, they really really gave me a lot of power. As a senior [in the team], I really felt I had to work hard and in a way, it was a competition where I received a different kind of power to the norm.
โHow did you try to express (the image of) Uesugi Kenshin* in your (free) program? Y: Hmm, first, I tried to really consider how I wanted to perform the program, like what kind of theme I wanted to perform. So, as a result of listening to many different pieces of music, I thought that in a sense, a theme that would let me be myself would be good. And what I found fitting that (theme) was this piece of music, and I think I myself have a lot in common with Lord Uesugi Kenshin too. Also, various things about him such as his approach towards battle, his (acknowledgement of) sacrifices that must accompany it, and also his compassion and generosity and so onโI think that that is the kind of person, and the kind of athlete that I want to be, and so I chose this program. Um, as for the choreography, there are parts where I am wielding a katana [sword], and also signaling [to soldiers] to move out for battle, but, well, I think itโs up to everyone watching to interpret it as they will. I think this is a program that really is open to what you think, and I am certainly also skating with the thought that if everyone watching could feel a sense or story or something like a scene from my expression of each part of the choreography and each jump, I would be very happy.
*T/N: Referring to 16th century/medieval Japanese warlord Uesugi Kenshin who ruled over part of northern Japan. The music for Yuzuruโs free program this time is taken from a 1969 taiga (historical) drama called โHeaven and Earthโ that is about Kenshinโs life.
โ(Question from foreign media) Did you have any problems with your asthma this week? Will there be any problems with your asthma going into the Beijing Olympics?
Y: (In English) Hehe. Iโm not thinking about the Beijing Olympics. I think it will be good if the Tokyo Olympics happen this year. (In Japanese) Ah. Sorry, please wait a moment. Hehehehee. OK. Um. (In English) I donโt have problems with asthma and my condition going into this competition wasnโt an issue. In regards to performance, I have confidence in both my programs. There was a small mistake in the Short Program. In todayโs Free Skate, there was a big mistake on the 4S, but Iโm not despairing over the preparations Iโve done until now. I think Iโll need to practise more and more from here on out.
Y: I was really careful going into it. Ehโฆ well, I think my form wasnโt bad but well, I guess you could call it bad luck. I jumped straight into the hole I had made [before]. This is probably a unique quirk that I canโt really do much about, but I do tend to jump in the same spot, more than [people normally do]. So I do tend to snag [my jumps] in the same holes. Thatโs what happened this time. Honestly, it was just the width of the edge [of my blade]. It wasโฆ I wonder how many centimetres it was. Well, it was just a groove around the width of an edge, but I really just got stuck properly in it. (Was it a hole from the 6min warmup?) I think it was.
โWhat were your feelings going into the last 3A?
Y: Um. Well firstly, between the last two competitions, I wasnโt able to land my triple Axels well, which you could say was a big shock, or source of frustration. I really feel hugely apologetic towards my triple Axel. So today, until the very very end โthough of course I had the memories from the World Championships to contend withโ I thought I will absolutely land it beautifully. I went into the 3A wanting to show that this is the base from which Iโm continuing my road to the quadruple Axel. Within the tiredness [at that point] and with such a slow speedโwell, I slowed down on purpose there, as a part of the performance. But within all of that, feeling no strength left, I think I entered the rotation very smoothly and it was a good jump with good height. I think it was the best triple Axel I can do at the moment.
โThis was your last skate of the season. What are your feelings about that and also towards next season?
Of course, I really wanted to skate a Free Skate like the one I did at the start of the season.* But unlike before the Japanese National Championships, I went into this one like I did at the World Championships without doing much practice for competition. This time also, after the World Championships, I wasnโt always in a good condition. Well, there was stress and exhaustion and my stomach was also upset. In the midst of various things and ah, well, there was also a mistake caused by bad luck there I think… But I was able to stay with the program until the very end and unlike the World Championships, I really was feeling the music in this program, and feeling everyoneโs heartbeats, breaths and prayers, so in a sense Iโm satisfied. And then…what was it. Regarding next season? Looking at next season, well, in a sense I think it was a huge shame that I wasnโt able to put in the 4A this season. But itโs because I have been practising my 4A that I was able to discover things like a connection with the music that you saw, the difference between the 4A and 3A, and the ways to think about how to use my body for other jumps. So Iโd like to gather my current knowledge, experience and various things and aim for the 4A next season and work hard towards the perfect performance that incorporates the 4A.
*Referring to his Japanese Nationals 2020 performance.
โWhat did you gain from this competition and what will you work on?
Y: Um, well, to make sure I donโt get caught in a hole [in the ice] that I made myself, itโs a matter of jumping in a different spot. But, so far Iโve tried that many times too, and it didnโt work. I think ultimately my strength is being able to be extremely precise in following what I believe. Like, instead of being able to jump (something) 90% of the time, I can control it so I can jump it 100% of the time. I think that connects to having clean jumps and (high) GOE, like yesterdayโs (quad) Salchow [in the short program]. So, I think I want to diligently hone in on this strength. As for what I gained this time, thereโs a lot I need to work on, but, maybe itโs that I landed a [triple] Axel nicely for the first time in a while. To be honest, there were a lot of things, like the (quad) Loop wasnโt perfect either, and the (quad) Toe Loop and combination were a little off as well, but above all, I was able to get into put my heart and soul into this program, and the last [triple] Axel was exhilarating, and for the first time in a while, it was something that felt like one of my usual Axels. The short (program) was what it was and the (quad) Salchow there was good too. I think now I have the feeling that somehow for the first time in a while I was able to jump like myself. Thank you very much.
Yuzuru Hanyu, attending his first WTT after sitting out of the last competition, secured second place with a seasonโs best of 107.12, and afterwards participated in an online interview.
โYou did a peace sign to the supporting teammate area [after your performance]
Yuzuru: Um, well, the announcements are all happening in Japanese, so internally I wasnโt going to listen to them. Ah, but I ended up hearing that [teammate Shoma] Unoโs score wasnโt that good. I was nervous, and although he made some mistakes, I think that I was able to feel some sort of spirit or power from him which let me do my best.
Y: I was trying not to worry about it too much. I think that what I can do to contribute the most right now is to properly get into my performance and do it at my own pace. However, today, until the very end, I think I was able to skate by kind of borrowing some energy from alongside [Shoma] Uno.
Y: Hmm~ Well, I think I did what I could. Iโm not paying too much mind to the placements. But um, as for myself, not regarding the team competition aspect, it was the first time I was able to land a nice (quad) Salchow and (quad) toe loop [4T3T combination] jump in the first half of this program in competition, so I feel like Iโve made progress.
โWhat are your thoughts heading into the free program?
Y: Ummโฆ well, I do have a considerable amount of what you could call feelings of frustration or the desire to redeem myself from the World Championships. I want to acknowledge those feelings and then on top of that, would like to concentrate properly on delivering a performance like I did today where I can really feel that Iโve grown.
โThere was an earthquake not too long ago [in Sendai], how did it affect you?
Y: Hm. Firstly there was the earthquake that happened in March, but the earthquake in February affected where I was living more. The things on our shelves and the shelves themselves were shaking really badly and well, tableware broke and there was damage like that around the house. But, fortunately, there werenโt injuries or damaged windows, or damage to the building itself โthough I suppose there may have been some cracksโ and there wasnโt anything as severe as the 3/11 disaster. But Ice Rink Sendai did experience cracks [in the building] and the wall that had been damaged in the 3/11 disaster collapsed once again. There was damage everywhere, just like from 3/11. Fortunately the ice wasnโt broken, nor was the cooling system. Thanks to the special efforts and consideration of Ice Rink Sendai โthough it wasnโt immediately as they couldnโt do it in a day and it was while repairs were going onโ I was able to skate just a little from the following day onwards.
โWhat was the motivation for making you think that you could leave behind something with your programs this time?
Y: Um, the most impactful thing for me was that when I was returning to Japan from Sweden on my sponsored ANA flight, there was really no one on board. The airport was also completely dark. I saw this state of the airport, and itโs what people overseas would be calling a โghost town.โ What was supposed to be a boarding gate had been turned into something like a… hospital reception area. When I saw these circumstances, I thought that it was really important for me to refrain from spreading the virus myself. I also strongly felt that I must not become a reason for others moving [travelling] and possibly spreading the virus, [and because of that] I sat out the Grand Prix series [last fall]. Of course I still hold those feelings, but I am also fully aware that there are those who have lost their usual means of work, those who are suffering during these circumstances, and of course, how difficult it is for those involved to organize and run a competition like this, which includes TV staff and reporters who came here. I thought that by bringing myself to this venue that [people depend on for] work, I could um, maybe help in someway. Also, the ANA staff who guided me at the airport and took care of me, I had said they couldnโt say congratulations to me, but rather they said things like โI really received courage [from you],โ and that they felt empowered from my performances. Although of course I still have complicated feelings, it was based upon weighing these [conflicting stances] that I made my decision to appear [at WTT]. Thank you very much. I look forward to speaking again tomorrow.
โYou said your inner balance fell apart in the free, but there were also reports that your asthma flared up?
Yuzuru: I think I felt the asthma attack itself a little bit after the free skate. But, after it ended, I thought it was a bit painful, but well, I wasnโt late to coming to the rink for that reason in particular. Itโs rather, there were a few small troubles that kept stacking up. Well, in the 6 minute warm-up, I didnโt feel any effects from that, but ultimately, I think all those small things ended up making everything fall apart. In my mind, Iโm certain of the cause. Having said that, if asked whether that was what led to that huge mistake [in the free program], I donโt think it was as big of a miss as it was in terms of the miss in the score. Itโs just within myself, one by one, little by little, everything started to come apart. Thatโs why, even more so than things like the placements and scores was the feeling within myself that I had properly completed the program.
— What are your feelings aiming towards the Beijing Olympics?
Y: Mmm. Itโs not anything like whether or not I want to quit competing but itโs a bit like Iโll never be satisfied for my whole life if I donโt jump the 4A hehehe. Of course, there are days where, for a period, Iโll be thinking things about my age and the fact my physical fitness is diminishing, but right now, Iโm proceeding with the feeling that Iโm not done yet, that there are still ways I can grow and evolve. Of course, itโs easy to compare absolute results and well, in my instance, my previous glories or achievements. If you compare with my past accomplishments and ask whether Iโm still holding onto them, that might be difficult to answer. However, there is no doubt I have improved and become better, definitely more than at the Pyeongchang Olympics [2018] and at the Helsinki World Championships [2017]. So I donโt feel like Iโve hit my limit yet. Rather, itโs a question of how I overcome moments in which I may feel like this is my limit. Well, from here on thereโs the World Team Trophy though Iโm saying this while the World Team Trophy isnโt on my mind right now. Iโve decided that Iโll be practising the 4A in the off season. And while practicing for the 4A, there will be questions like how to overcome the times where I feel like I canโt jump it or when Iโm hitting a wall, how to give myself the morale boost to keep going. Right now, I feel like I must think about those things, and leverage the knowledge and experience I currently have in order to prevail.
Yuzuru: Um, yesterday, after the competition ended I returned with Brian and after that I got some emails too. Well, thereโs various things we can try. However, none of that is definitive. But, well, Brian and the others are looking forward to teaching me at the Cricket Club any time, and told me that theyโd like to skate together with me again soon. However, things are still uncertain within my thoughts and I canโt decisively say I will return to Canada. After all, this season, I learned quite a lot from training by myself. I think itโs precisely because I trained alone that I was able to learn those things, and also Iโm at a stage where Iโm doing quite a lot of the quad Axel-related practice on my own, and Iโve learned various things in doing that. So, um, yes, for example, when training with other people, if I try to work on the quad Axel, there might be times where there are others in the trajectory of the jump, and it would distract me. Also, things like the condition of the ice. Those kinds of things, I donโt have to worry about when I train on my own. I can really concentrate on the jumps. Also, practicing along with the music is something unique about figure skating. Thereโs an order to that [in group settings], and a priority order in which the music tracks are played. For instance, thereโs a rule that those who have a competition coming up can practice quite a bit [with the music], but those who donโt have a competition coming up yet cannot. Iโve been practicing now without all of that, and itโs really flexible in that I can practice what I want to, and according to a training plan I come up with. I think itโs a question of how to take that into account. Something also [to consider] is the condition of my body. Without a doubt, since coming back here, or rather, ever since Iโve returned to Japan which is indeed quite a long period of time, I havenโt visited the doctor* who helps me with [off-ice] care back in Toronto. I think, for sure, I am starting to wear out. And since Iโm working on the quad Axel, Iโm putting quite a lot of strain in various places, like my feet, legs, neck, etc. So I think Iโll have to weigh this up while thinking about my decision as well, so thatโs why itโs difficult to say right now whether Iโll go back [to Canada], or stay in Japan.
*T/N: Unclear what kind of doctor, or possibly physio, etc.
Y: I didnโt have any feelings in particular, to be honest. Umโฆ of course, I think [Nathan] Chen is amazing and to be able to complete a program with all 5 highly difficult quads with that quality is no ordinary feat. I think these are the fruits of his hard work. However this time, the main thing I was feeling was preventing infection andโincluding the two weeks of quarantine we have to do when we returnโ about finishing the World Championships in good health. In any case, the situation in my hometown is not good so I have a strong desire to both not spread infection myself and not be infected. Precisely because that was my number one goal this time, in my mind, it wasnโt something as simple as going up against Nathan, and I didnโt really have something like any straightforward strategy. It was more likeโฆ how do I put it, more than a competition against myself, there was an element of fighting the coronavirus this time. Iโm not really concerned about it. More anything else, the number one thing Iโm happy and relieved about is securing the 3 [Olympic] spots for Japan. Because Iโm the Japanese National Champion, I had a strong sense of duty to fight for the Olympic spots, and it was a strong reason for competing here. The big thing was that I properly contributed to securing 3 spots for Japanese Men. I havenโt really thought about anything else.
โYou said youโll think about the Beijing Olympics in the course of pursuing the quad Axel, but, in other words, if you land the (quad) Axel, are you going to retire?
Y: Hahaha. Asking so bluntly! Ahh, I donโt know. Well, even if I talk about when I land the (quad) Axel, itโll depend on how that happens. Whether I myself am satisfied with it or not. The fact Iโm working on the quad Axel with so much effort, with so much focus, and making it my goal, is also in the end, I think, based on whether I can be satisfied within my own heart or not. So, if Iโll be satisfied with having jumped it, perhaps Iโll think about it. However, as I said during the earlier interview as well, this Yuzuru Hanyu is, without a doubt, still improving. Hehe. Indeed getting better. For instance, if you compare my [current] elements to that of Helsinki Worlds, certainly, there was one jump less. And in the second half [of the program], instead of a [quad] Salchow, it was a [quad] Toe Loop. I think the probability of skating a clean program, or something like the strength to not fall apart, are better than they were then. Also, Iโve become able to aim [for these kinds of programs], whereas that time [in Helsinki] it was by chance; I felt like I had been able to get into the โzoneโ. Now, Iโve become able to aim for this, and I think Iโm really improving in that regard, actually. Of course, there are times I canโt put out a [good] result and itโs difficult. Regarding my performances this time, yes, there were jumps that didnโt get [good] scores, and I think the performance didnโt either. But beyond scores, these were performances where I felt that ah, the training I did wasnโt wrong. Thatโs why, for me, thereโs not really the feeling that I should quit because Iโve reached my limits or anything.
Y: I said this in Fuji TVโs interview earlier but in any case, this is just in my mind but I do want to put the 4A in โTen to Chi toโ. Well, I created this program with that desire. Therefore – though I havenโt completely decided yet – I feel that I want to skate โTen to Chi toโ. After all, Iโve barely had any competitions this season. I want to show more of the good parts of this program. And I think once the 4A is added, its impression will completely change. Itโs for those reasons, I want to perfect this little one.*
*T/N: Yuzu is metaphorically referring to โTen to Chi toโ as though itโs a child.
โHow often are you jumping the 4A in a day? How much of it can you do?
Y: Um, if I can just rotate about โ more, I can get it, without doubt. I can land it. So until I can get there, I have been pushing my body and there have been points of pain that are appearing little by little. The damage is definitely accumulating. And then you asked how long I was training it? Letโs see…butโฆ there was a question before [in a past interview] about when I decided to abandon plans for the quad Axel in this competition, and I said three days. Truthfully, I had thought to myself that the limit was that I had to land it by the end of February or I couldnโt put it in. If I landed it by February, I decided I would add it; if I landed even just one, I decided I would put it in the program. But, I couldnโt land it by the end of February, and so I extended the deadline until now. Around that time, I was indeed working like hell. I didnโt jump any of the other jumps, just the Axel. For two hours on end. Of course, I wasnโt jumping the 4A the entire time, but there were indeed quite a few two hour sessions where I only jumped Axels. I think on average about 45 minutes. Thank you very much. Itโs been a tough day for everyone. Thank you. I ask for your support again.
โCould you please offer some thoughts on your free program performance?
Yuzuru: Ah, well, I kind of wasnโt able to get into the flow of things. However, um, as a whole it didnโt go well, but, um, I wasnโt able to get what I wanted the most at all, which was a (high) GOE. However, throughout the whole thing, I was able to manage everything as smaller mistakes, and I think maybe my ability to do that has improved.
โThis was your first time revealing โHeaven and Earth andโ to the world (an international competition). What kind of feelings did you put into the skate today?
Y: Yes, it is, um, in the same way as during Japanese Nationals, I think I was able to skate while really immersing myself in my inner world and also to the surrounding atmosphere.
โSo this season has been truly an unusual one, and we think you must have had a hard time continuing to compete while on your own. The competition this time was also held with no audience present, so itโs different from usual competitions. What kind of World Championship is it for you?
Y: Well, to be honest, Iโm frustrated but, um, I think it was a competition where I learned a lot, and really, Iโd like to get back to skating right away, butโฆ I think if there is a next opportunity, I want to properly focus on doing a good performance then.
โWe are looking forward to then. So, this season there were very few competitions, but there are fans who are hoping there will be more competitions next season if the world situation gets better, and there are also many fans who are eagerly anticipating the quad Axel. So, if you could speak about your vision heading into next season, as much as you can.
Y: Well, heading to this competition, I intended to practice the quad Axel quite a lot. Well, itโs not like I landed it, but itโs at the point where thereโs been a lot of instances where itโs finally become quite a โquad Axel-likeโ jump, so, heading into next season, Iโd like to properly practice that. And alsoโฆ um, working on the quad Axel means you have to really overwork your body and whatnot, so I hope I can continue to evolve while properly taking care of myself so as not to get injured.
What are your thoughts, looking back on your performance?
Wellโฆ um, I was very tired. It was really like my balance was crumbling piece by piece. I did what I could to prevent myself from falling but well, one by one, uncharacteristic jumps kept continuing so it really was hard.
Hm, for now we donโt know what will happen at the next competition but, um, if there is time to do so Iโd like to quickly practice my quad Axel – firstly land it, increase its degree of perfection and get it ready for competition – thatโs my goal for now.
Were [the mistakes] on the 3A today influenced by 4A training? Your opening 4Lo was also off balance
Yes, the overall feeling wasnโt bad. There wasnโt really a trend or pattern like this in practice but wellโฆ it felt like there was an instance where the balance within me collapsed all of a sudden. In terms of the Axel, there is the factor of the quad Axel there but mm, more than that it was more like what I just said about being in a state where that balance was crumbling very quickly. Umโฆ you could say it was my own sense of equilibrium or balance; it felt like I wasnโt able to grasp the axis of the jumps properly the entire time. However, I donโt think this is a huge problem, it was just feeling out of balance bit by bit so, well, I think I was able to do the things I had worked hard on in training and the things I was watching out for during practice.
Sochi 2014 & Pyeongchang 2018 Gold Medalist Yuzuru Hanyu (ANA) came in first in the Menโs Short Program with a score of 106.98. He answered interview questions from the media online in a virtual reportersโ mixed zone.
โWhat is something you wanted to express specifically with this piece of music?
Yuzuru: I think the appeal of the program is that Iโm really feeling the music and expressing the energy within the music with my arms, my skating and jumps and throughout my whole body. Also, looking back on each element, the absence of the audience this time meant that it was difficult to make that connection but there are a lot of movements in the choreography that tries to speak to the audience so I think thatโs also a key appeal for this program.
โIn the pre-competition online interview, you said you had a lot of thoughts in your mind before you came here. Are those thoughts still lingering in your mind?
Y: Umโฆ hmm. Well, I think I came here still carrying those feelings. Ah…if asked whether theyโve changed since Japanese Nationals [in December], I feel as if not much has changed. In fact, well, perhaps itโs because itโs my hometown, but Iโm extremely worried about the number of [COVID19] infections going up a lot where I live in the Sendai & Miyagi area. However, after all, Iโve come here to the competition site and I skated and put out a performance like that today, and then thereโs the free, and if I can perform in the exhibition too, I want to try and find some sort of meaning in the fact I skated here, at this World Championships. Of course, I would be very happy if everyone watching can feel something and I want to make it so as well, but, in the end I think Iโm going to do my best and aim for performances where I can feel some sort of meaning in the fact that Iโm skating, so to speak.
โAfter the Japanese Nationals, you have been practising alone until now. Did you think it was difficult or have you become used to it?
Hm, well there were times I felt down, like before Japanese Nationals, then there were the ups and downs of my condition and I could not reach the goal I was aiming towards, so it was indeed tough Also, right before I came to Stockholm, and also back in February too, there were earthquakes; [the February one] which messed up the inside of my house, so on top of those feelings there were some painful moments associated with that. That being said, I was able to come here in good health and also skate this program well. It was a hard time I think, but I am where I am now because of those days.
โWhat were the things you were most let down by?
It was the quad Axel. I did indeed put a lot of effort into the quad Axel. I think the most painful thing was not being able to decisively land the jump.* But in any case, itโs because of that [training] that I gained a lot of muscle strength and new ways of thinking about my training methods. Well, in some sense, I think Iโve leveled up from before Japanese Nationals.
*T/N: Itโs unclear here by โdecisively landโ (่ทณใณใใใชใใฃใ) whether Yuzuru means he was unable to land the jump at all or not land the jump to the standards of his other jumps etc. In order to not make assumptions, we want to note this part is open to interpretation.
โYou said before that youโve incorporated thought from artistic gymnastics and athletics, but how does it link to your performances?
Y: That was from quite a while ago. When I had the chance to speak with gymnasts [Kouhei] Uchimura and [Kenzo] Shirai, they told me they sometimes use the way of rotating in figure skating as references. This time, I was also inspired by the fact Uchimura-san had succeeded at H difficulty level skills*. I found myself watching Uchimura-san’s documentaries, and wondering what kind of feelings he was going through. The quad Axel is quite a big barrier for me now, so I had been thinking about how to increase the number of revolutions, the height of jumps, and the time in the air. Also, though I donโt do any weight training off-ice, Iโve thought about various things like how to get the most out of my strength on land and my own potential.
*T/N: Referring to the highest difficulty level of skills in artistic gymnastics
โDo you feel that the new things you have incorporated became familiar to your body?
I feel like I’m really getting closer to perfecting my quad axel. I’m glad, because it helped me to stabilize many things, and it also helped me gain confidence.
โYou said before that in doing practice for the quad axel, you gained some muscle. How are you building up your body now?
Y: Itโs not like Iโm doing weight training, but more like while I was doing [quad axel practice], gradually I gained some muscle along the way. I think I gained some muscle in order (for my body) to deal with things like centrifugal force and inertia.
โAre you building up your muscle through practices?
Y: Yes, but Iโm not doing any special training to increase my muscular strength. However, when I first started working on the quad axel I had quite a lot of muscle pain. Thatโs since gone away. In fact, even in my free & short (programs), for my other jumps, Iโve been able to jump them a lot more effortlessly.
โThe actor Ishizaka Kouji who appeared in the taiga* drama โHeaven and Earth,โ that your free program is based on, sent you a supportive message [recently].
Y: Aside from writing and scrolls [paintings], we actually donโt know what Lord Kenshin* looked like. But, I think within Ishizaka Kouji-san, thereโs a bit of something like Lord Kenshinโs soul, or heart. For myself too, I would like it if I could feel and then skate with some of that same heart and soul, or perhaps something like the scenery and memories that Lord Kenshin saw too.
*T/N: Referring to 16th century/medieval Japanese warlord Uesugi Kenshin who ruled over part of northern Japan. The music for Yuzuruโs free program this time is taken from a 1969 taiga (historical) drama called โHeaven and Earthโ that is about Kenshinโs life.
โYou said that there was a period of time where you were feeling quite down, like before Japanese Nationals, but this time around, what motivated you to get back to this point?
Y: There wasnโt really anything motivating me in particular. Hm, what was itโฆ Well, itโs like my feelings have been rejuvenated and itโs close to feeling like Iโve crawled my way back to this point. My real feelings were that I wanted to put in the quad axel at this competition. I even squeezed in practice for it until the very last minute. And so in the end, Iโm a little disappointed at the fact I couldnโt put it in. Also, itโs a much harsher fight this time compared to Japanese Nationals. So in that sense I was overcome with worry even during practices, and because of things like that I think it was tough. However, I think I was able to do what I did today because there were those difficult days. Also, Iโm working on thinking about how to keep myself up*, thinking about jumps, thinking about skating, so I want to keep those things close to me, and tomorrow, I want to aim for a performance where I can say โI did my bestโ to myself afterwards. Tomorrow? Oh, itโs the day after tomorrow. Yes, I want to aim for that [kind of performance] day after tomorrow.
*T/N: Unclear what kind of โupโ he means, whether mentally, physically, etc.
โWhen did you decide not to include the (quad) axel this time?
Y: Uhโฆ umโฆ around 3 days before I left [for the competition]. Yes. Thank you. Iโll see you again the day after tomorrow. [in English] Thank you so much!
Axel with Wings 