Yesโฆ the World Championships donโt really feel real yet. Well there was the World Championships representatives press conference and the things I said there were not at all false, and I attended that press conference feeling as if I am really a Worlds (team) representative.
The fact I skated and fought through to the very end of the Japanese National Championships has become an important memory, something that wonโt disappear.
However, assuming the World Championships will still be happening, what we have to face until then is, without doubt, the coronavirus with society as a whole.
The first thing is to stay healthy and thereโs nothing Iโd like more than to be able to quickly see and live in a world where we can go on with our (normal) athlete (activities), so Iโd like to spend my time working towards that.
The kind of performance I want to show, and the things I want to express, ultimately, I cannot do any of that without being healthy.ย So firstly, Iโd like to take good care of my body and also the people around me.ย I want to contribute what I can, as seriously as I can and with pride, in order to protect figure skating, which itself is something precious to me.
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Yuzuru Hanyu (ANA), the winner of the All-Japan Figure Skating Championships and the consecutive winner of the Olympic Games in Sochi ’14 and Pyeongchang ’18, gave a joint interview after the men’s medalist press conference on the 26th, and talked about his innermost thoughts.
Q: Are you thinking of anything (career-wise) after the World Championships (next year)?
A: First of all, for me, the biggest thing is whether the World Championships will actually happen.
Well, first of all, being able to use my body is the most important. Because training on the quad Axel has a big impact (on my body) after all. Well, it’s not something that I can practice consistently, so to some extent, I have to train properly and build up my body. Well, I had decided not to do a quad Axel in my training for this competition. How can I put it, I’ve building up my body to prepare for the competition, so I think now my sense of the Axel has been changing once again, but as soon as this competition is over, after my body recovers, I will make sure to build my body to suit the quad Axel, and then train for it, then see how much I can do with the quad Axel. I haven’t been able to do it yet. I’m trying to quickly bridge the gap between my current image of the Axel and my body as soon as possible. I think it depends on how well I can execute it after Iโve become able to do it. Well, more than anything else, I don’t know if the World Championships will be held yet. I don’t know how next season’s competitions, including the Grand Prix, will go. Anyway, my current feeling is that I want to put out the best effort I can while keeping an eye on the situation of the world. Beyond that, I don’t know yet.
Q: Is there anything you felt was important or difficult while practicing without a coach?
A: Yes, I think there are absolutely aspects where I canโt be completely objective about when Iโm by myself. Like when weโre talking like this, or when this becomes various articles in newspapers or the news (on TV), and I watch myself speaking through television. Similar to when I do that and am like โah, it would have been good if I had said in this wayโ, or โI shouldโve said thisโ, itโs the same in skating where there are parts you cannot be objective about when alone. So I think having a coach is an incredibly important thing, insofar as being able to provide new points of view and ones outside of your own. On the flipside though, I think precisely because I have an abundant amount of experiences, because I have more experiences compared to other athletes, itโs easier for me to have a more objective point of view about things like how I break down [under pressure], how I can produce good performance, how it becomes a bad performance, that sort of thing. So while reflecting on various things, even while being without a coach, I think I was able to leverage those experiences and connect my actual performance at Japanese Nationals this time with the training I was aiming for up until this point.
Q: About your planned layout. Up until now, youโve put your combinations in the second half of the program. This time it was slightly front-loaded. What is the point of this? And what about your layout if you add the quad Axel?
A: Well if I did add the 4A I think itโd be my first jump. To put it simply, the reason for putting a combination in the first half is because the rate of success is higher there. Before deciding on this layout, there was originally a period where I couldnโt jump the loop. I couldn’t even jump the Salchow, and the toe-loop was in a dicey condition, so there was a period where I was in no position to put quads in the second half. Precisely because of that, I was in the process of putting a combination in the first half. So I went with that flow and then slowly while practising, I became able to jump the loop again – the Salchow was of course stabilised and then I stabilised my loop little by little, so I thought okay, I can put the loop and Salchow in my FS program layout. I did think about doing 2 toe-loop combinations in the second half and doing an Axel combination as the last jumping pass, too. Right now, if I look at the Free Program as a whole, instead of making the last jumping pass a combination, the Axel combination in the first half looks better – I think thatโs the primary reason. Starting from the sound of the koto at that point [in the program], the mood picks up, I jump the Axel and then the loop, but originally I thought about making it a solo Axel jump, then solo loop, otherwise a 3Lz solo jump. Somehow I felt that the music creates a feeling of a bigger wind soaring through, so the jump that would express it best would be a 3A with a rippon 2T and then leading into the 3Lo with that momentum, which is the reason for putting it in the first half this time.
Q: The Beijing 2022 Olympics are getting closer. Whatโs your position on it at the moment?
A: This is speaking frankly but in the current situation where the Tokyo Olympics cannot go ahead, in my personal opinion, weโre not in a position to be thinking about the Winter Olympics. Of course, there are sponsors, commercials, and because this is an event where so many countries compete, of course there is a lot of money involved in that. Because of that I think there is a whole world that we donโt know. However, I’m not involved in that. As a single competitive figure skater, the Olympics is not a sport festival or event but, as an athlete, my ultimate goal. If we only think from that perspective, Iโd like the Olympics to go ahead and of course Iโd like to participate and win. However, against the backdrop of that, the current reality is that even the Tokyo Olympics cannot be held. Even if postponed, we still donโt know how it will turn out. For example, if weโre in a situation where taking the vaccine is compulsory or whether the audience will be able to attendโฆ And also, balancing the cost, whether the Olympics is something that should be held. Truly, I think there are many people thinking about various factors, with a lot of different opinions. Therefore, within all of that, Iโve personally stopped myself from thinking about the Olympics, my ultimate goal. Therefore, rather than thinking whether or not Iโll participate, whether or not Iโll continue to compete until then, it’s more like I’m shutting down my thoughts about that a little right now.
Q: What is the ultimate goal of your skating career?
A: In any case, Iโd like to land the 4A in competition. That’s the ultimate goal Iโve said countless times. However, this time, with such a long period of training alone, the difficulty of the 4Aโฆ Firstly, I wonder if I will be able to get there. When I think about how there were times when I felt like it was almost a wild fantasy, I wonโt say there werenโt times where I wondered if it was okay to make this my ultimate goal. However, if I were not to lie to my own heart then, if I did not try to get there, truthfully speaking, my reason for skating… In this society, in this current situation, it feels like my reason for training, the reason for wanting to keep skating would vanish. So thatโs why Iโm still pushing ahead against the impregnable wall known as my 4A, though the hurdle is very high. Itโs a wall so tall to the extent that it feels like there are no handholds or anything. Even so, I donโt want to leave it as just a dream. I will absolutely grasp it in my hands, and I want to look beyond that wall where there are no other walls. I think that may be the only reason I am able to skate in this current situation.
Q: Once the COVID19 situation improves, will you go back to your training base overseas?
A: Well, to be honest, I donโt know how the world will be. However, to confirm, I donโt think the training Iโve done thus far has been wrong. Um, in the end since I was able to apply the various things I have experienced thus far, and finally like a โveteranโ, I was able to accumulate the [efforts of] various training, and without doubt as this was reflected in the results of this competition, I think I can finally say I did my best. And so, the training plan of a four-quad free program including a quad loop from this time will become a strong foundation for the sake of the quad Axel later. I think for now, making that go well should be the only thing I think about. Regardless of whether that will happen upon returning to Toronto or in Japan, and improving my body, my senses, and my technical and physical fitness is definitely something I think I know best. In any case, in the last one year I have gone through a lot of trial and error. Thatโs why, to utilize [what I learned from] that, whether itโs in Japan or in Canada, first I want to put in the work in training to improve the technical aspects needed to rotate and land a quad Axel. Is this okay? Did that answer the question?
Q: (This year) You graduated from university. Aside from training, what other kinds of things did you do during the pandemic?
A: Well, the time I spent with my family greatly increased. Usually Iโm in Toronto and itโs not often that my whole family is able to get together and spend time. And by this itโs not that it was fun to be together like this, but rather we were able to think together about skating. Above all else, I thought that being supported by my whole family while I was skating is a great fortune. And, yes, I didnโt really go out, since I wasnโt doing anything but skating. Although (saying I was) doing nothing except skating might be a bit of an exaggeration. I did not go out at all, aside for skating. Um, thatโs right. I felt maybe I was able to focus more on skating than when I was in Toronto. Andโฆ what else was there? Ah, university. Fortunately I was able to graduate from university. Regarding my thesis, yes, I might present it someday, I might not. Iโm not really sure about that. I did as much research as I could think of, and of course there were connections to the training that I myself have done up until now. Above all, I thought that maybe [with my research*] the rules [of skating] would become easier to understand, it would have to. Perhaps in the future, [after] performing to where Iโm satisfied, Iโll retire from competition, become a professional [skater], become a coach/mentor, etc. So, in that progression, if that kind of technology is needed, thereโs that option too. After all, I think that as a top athlete, [it would be good] to become a means of opening up something new.
*T/N: Yuzuru is referring to his graduation thesis in which he explored the topic of 3D motion capture technology being applied to figure skating, and he stated his hope that in the future there could be AI-based scoring incorporating new technology. He talked about his thesis and thoughts on his university career in his recent article featured in Waseda Universityโs Campus Now magazine; translation can be found here.
2014 Sochi and 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic gold medallist Yuzuru Hanyu (ANA) secured his 5th Japanese National Champion title with a score of 215.83 in the Free Skate and an overall score of 319.36. These are his comments in an interview with Fuji TV after the performance.
A: Firstly, while looking at it objectivelyโฆ I think itโs significant that I was able to properly believe in the training I did and trust the feeling in my body. More than anything yesterday – though it was in part precisely because it was that type of program – there were parts in that first competition where I had exerted a bit too much power, so frankly, itโs good that I was able to feel that yesterday.
Q: You began the program with a 4Lo and then a 4S and it scored you high marks A: Well, firstly when it comes to the loop jump, itโs very difficult to get flow from that jump. For me, itโs been awhile since Iโve maintained the flow and completed the loop jump with positive GOE. Itโs a point that I am very happy about. In regards to the Salchow and toe-loop, they are jumps I have a lot of confidence in and two jumps that have accompanied me for many years* so I had confidence and completed them.
*T/N: Here, his language sort of personifies his jumps as people/things whoโve been โdoingโ skating together with him so weโve tried to express that feeling through the translation
Q: What kind of feelings have you put into this program?
A: The setting of this music features Lord Uesugi Kenshin.* In any case, I myself like competing, and in the act of competing itself, how to put it, the fun of it is in things like (figuring out) how to focus, and these kinds of exciting things are what I canโt get enough of. However, in all of that, (there are feelings like) fighting and still not winning, or (things) you can say are painful, like being consumed by anguish. Also, like when I come in first place, someone else will be 2nd or 3rd, and I am feeling that it is like there is a โsacrifice,โ or a cost, so I am somewhat influenced by Lord Kenshinโs overall sense of values he held towards battle. Right now, in this world, there may be many things people have to fight against, so it would be nice if everyone could come to see something like a โcoreโ or will within themselves as they head into battle (upon watching this program).
*T/N: Referring to 16th century/medieval Japanese warlord Uesugi Kenshin who ruled over part of northern Japan. The music for his free program this time is taken from a 1969 taiga genre (historical) drama called โHeaven and Earthโ about Kenshin. In an earlier comment, Yuzuru pointed out that he resonates with Kenshinโs overall view of battle/competition as always having come with a cost, or a โsacrifice.โ Earlier comment was translated here.
A: Well, if it will actually happen. Of course, in any case, my honest feeling right now is that I want the world to return to peace as soon as possible, and I want to live peacefully as well.
2014 Sochi and 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic gold medallist Yuzuru Hanyu (ANA) secured his 5th Japanese National Champion title after 5 years with a score of 215.83 in the Free Skate and an overall score of 319.36. After his performance, he answered some questions in an online interview.
Q: (Your feelings) After ending the short & free programs
A: Last year, I was pretty frustrated, so I think itโs good I was able to get a little revenge, but, well, more than anything else, ultimately, hmm, in these kind of circumstances, [I felt] bad about calling [my] coach would be kind of bad*, so more than anything, um, if it’s something I can handle on my own, I internally decided that, given the current circumstances, I shouldnโt call my coach if I wanted to be able to go into the competition with confidence. Well, in these conditions, [I thought] being able to do a good performance like this was really good. And also, even though I have been working alone, I want to express my gratitude to the many who have supported me thus far.
*T/N: Our guess is that he is trying to express that he does not want to trouble his coaches during the current circumstances since he can handle it on his own.
Q: What are the difficulties of doing things (i.e. practice, training) alone?
A: For instance, last season, there was Uno-senshu who competed in the Grand Prix series by himself* and amidst all that I felt that certainly that must be difficult to do. Also, I myself had a little trouble [last year] at the Grand Prix Final with my coach*, and I had to do the short program alone, and I had the experience of that not going well. Ultimately, [this year], my doubts and worries have increased a lot by doing everything all by myself for this long period of time, but although Iโm doing it alone, itโs precisely because of the fact that Iโve been training alone that I was again able to feel that somehow, somewhere Iโm connected [to others]. This time too, [Iโve received] support from afar, and of course this includes things like messages and words Iโve received, and conversely, not just these kinds of tangible things but, I think there are also many who are sending me support from very far away, so above all I very much want to express my gratitude to them.
*T/N: Referring to skater Shoma Uno who competed without a coach for part of last season.
**T/N: Referring to how in GPF 2019, Coach Ghislain was to be accompanying Yuzuru but ended up getting delayed due to his passport getting stolen.
Q: (With your efforts being rewarded) in the free program, what is your response?A: First, well, in this program I myself have great attachment to it. If I listen to the music I get very emotional. Of course, in each individual movement there are various meanings imbued into them. However, in all of that, if the jumps are not completed as well, I think what I want to convey with the program as a whole with its flow does not come across. So, although it was the first competition [of the season], with regard to things like what I wanted to convey, I think I was able to show a little of what I wanted to in this program, as the jumps were not interrupted.
A: For me, something happened at last yearโs Japanese Nationals and also the Grand Prix Finals. I felt like I wasnโt really growing, that I was slowly becoming unable to fight, those sort of thoughts were in my head. For a moment, I thought that I had become tired of competing, and I could probably give up at any point, though I think there are probably many people supporting me who donโt want that to happen. But within that fight, I realised once again that I love the feeling of accomplishment you get in a competition, the feeling of being able to do things, overcoming things, the suffering of being able to overcome hardships, etc, those feelings that exist because of competitions. Also, bringing up Uesugi Kenshin*, well, things like his perspective on battle, within that there was (a sense of) aesthetics you could say. Also, he had conflict with the fact (there were always) sacrifices that resulted from fighting, and so I think ultimately he ended up becoming a monk. So in that way, like reaching a state of enlightenment or understanding, I think maybe something like Lord Kenshinโs sense of values is kind of similar (to mine). I tried to skate while linking these kinds of things together with my performance.
*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 genre (historical) drama called โHeaven and Earthโ that is about Kenshinโs life. Kenshin was educated at a temple for some time in his youth and for the rest of his life was regarded as an honorable warrior, known for his religious devotion to the Buddhist god of war, Bishamonten. In an earlier comment, Yuzuru pointed out that he resonates with Kenshinโs overall view of battle/competition as always having come with a cost, or a โsacrifice.โ Earlier comment was translated here: https://twitter.com/shinjistarxx/status/1342787528550723585
Q: What are the key details youโre mindful of in your choreography?
A: All of it. Hehehehe. I think if any one detail is missed this program will probablyโฆ not just this program, but especially the programs in the last 5 or 6 seasons, probably would not be complete. More than anything, the fact I was able to jump seamlessly without exerting too much force was the best part in being able to complete the expression [of the program].
Q: Is the sense of continuity an important pillar [in your programs]?
A: Yes it is. Therefore, I think a performance like yesterdayโs [short program] is still a little unrefined. There are of course emotions Iโd like to show, but within that, itโs not the feeling of โyeah I jumped that, yahoo!โ or โEyyy~โ but more…something smarter – if it was Robbie [Williams], heโd express it in a smarter way, because itโs English rockโฆ um, how do I put this. Itโs not really about a particular countryโs [rock style] but I think itโs a kind of rock with more room to play with. Yesterday I thought I am probably not able to express that yet, but reflecting on it last night, I want to do a performance with more freedom and make it feel more alive.
Q: How do you want next year to take shape? A: In any case, this time I have trained for a long time by myself and well, there were of course problems in the Short Program and honestly speaking, they are not performances I can call perfect. In particular, in regards to today [Free Program], I feel very reassured, in myself and also I think those watching can feel reassured that, as they were able to see, I can do an original performance. That the way I trained was right. I think Iโve found a training method that is suitable for my current body condition, one that helps me grow, so from here on Iโd like to keep refining it further and I hope that I can continue [training] without injuries while challenging harder jumps.
Q: At the end of your program for a few seconds, what did you see?
A: What was it? It wasnโt as though I was thinking about anything in particular. Itโs just…how do I put thisโฆ I felt like I had received a huge amount of various kinds of energies, and it was like I had finally come out of this battle, so I stood there afterwards – that sort of feeling. It wasnโt really like I was looking at something but rather, it felt like I was watching from a different place.
Q: What is the meaning behind the choreography of the beginning?
A: Well, itโs Shaeโs [idea]… how should I put it, itโs kind of like a rough image but, I heard that it is an image meant to be like a warriorโs armor and helmet, originally. (Gesturing with his body and hands) Like, [she had] an image that here would be the armor, and here would be like a helmet. In my mind, “Heaven, and Earth, and”* ends with [the word] “and,โ which of course, Iโm using from the title of the taiga (historical) drama as is, but in my mind, I had an image of heaven and earth, and humanity, or a person, perhaps myself, like an image that itโs โYuzuru Hanyu.โ I think (with gestures) that in this space, itโs maybe in between heaven and the earth, then (in that space) I meant for it to be an image of as if I am there.
*T/N: Referring to the title of his program, ๅคฉใจๅฐใจ (โHeaven and Earth, andโ), which is taken from a 1960s taiga (historical) drama of the same name.
Q: This song makes good use of the sound of the biwa. (Japanese lute)
A: Well…hmmm, the biwa sound in the beginning of the song is taken as it was from the original piece. In terms of the flow of the song, itโs full of determination, like we’re going to fight, or filled with a sense of preparing to go into battle. And at the end, after the Ina Bauer, the biwa sound while spinning is not a sound that exists in the first place, but a sound that I brought from a different piece of music* and layered it with a different song to make it original. There during the ChSq, the image is of [Kenshin] who doesnโt want to fight anymore, but that he must continue to fight in order to protect. In the end, when Lord Kenshin is entering his priesthood, he is reflecting on the half of his life thus far, so with that image in mind, I tried to overlay the sound of the biwa there.
*T/N: Different song or different part from the same song, it’s not clear
Q: How about the koto? (Japanese harp-like instrument)
A: I wanted to make the program even more โJaponesqueโ. At that part, in my mind, the feeling is meant to be like after [Kenshin] has fought Lord Shingen*; it is after their fight at Kawanakajima, and they are enveloped by fog and then separated (from one anotherโs view) so they are (left to) face their own selves. I thought it would be nice to have the sound of the biwa to feel that sense of facing yourself, where your own heartbeat is ringing in your ears, and maybe also that sensation of blood flowing, and then suddenly that sense of bloodlust and the need to kill subsides. For this program, I chose the piece myself. In picking the music, I made quite many versions editing it too, including the sound itself. However, Iโm not a musician, so I do wonder if it matches the skating.
*t/n: Referring to another 16th century Japanese warlord, Takeda Shingen, who was famously known for having a long-standing rivalry with Kenshin. The two clashed many times at the site of Kawanakajima, which is located in present-day Nagano (incidentally close to Nagano Big Hat, the arena where this competition was held).
Q: What meaning does this competition hold in your competitive career?
A: I think what I said when the competition first started was everything. Should I call it my own desire, um, itโs a very personal opinion, so even now Iโm still conflicted whether I can stick with that. Itโs very personal, and if the World Championships happen, if I donโt get closer to it in advance a bit, I have the impression that itโd become difficult later. So, um, it felt like reaching for the light that I want to grasp for in the dark world that is the current COVID19 pandemic.
Q: What do you think about restarting at Nagano this time?
A: Of course, even though I have a good impression [of the venue], on the contrary, exactly because I have a good impression of it, I was afraid of breaking that, and feared that I would be caught up in it. Iโve had a long competitive career until now, finally. Rather than the techniques or the technical level, itโs so cool to be able to use your mentality, or your experiences in interpersonal sports like Federer in tennis and of course, Kodaira in [speed] skating. I honestly think itโs hard to make use of those things in figure skating. Even when Iโve become a veteran, I canโt utilize them well. But Iโve finally been able to make it work at this competition.
The men’s short program (SP) was held, and Yuzuru Hanyu (ANA), the reigning Olympic champion in Sochi ’14 and Pyeongchang ’18, finished in first with a score of 103.53. After his performance, he reflected on his SP in an online interview.
Q: Could you tell us about the short program costume?
A: Well, itโs not really something I can say much about, but. Well, itโs something a little rock-like. Um, well, itโs Robbie Williamsโ song, so itโs also incorporating a little of his image.
A: In the beginning, itโs Jeffrey Buttle who picked the music. At first, I was looking for a piano piece, but, well, Jeffrey-san wasnโt really able to decide on something either. So, even after going over 2-3 choices, in the end, there wasnโt one that really just came to me. And in the midst of seeing the news and the current state of the world, I think ultimately a kind of light-hearted piece [would be better], uhm, since everyone is watching me skate even during these tough times, I thought maybe something of a cheerful theme (would be good).
Q: [What are your thoughts] Heading into the free program?
A: First, I think itโs important to recover properly. However, I think Iโve had amazing practices before this. Though in reality, thatโs not reflected in the score. As for the jumps, all I can say is that Iโve landed them. I hope I can properly deliver another good performance tomorrow.
Q: [What are your thoughts] upon finishing your skate?
A: Well, to be honest, I think I was able to enjoy it, but looking at the score, I canโt say that it was a good performance, therefore, my current thought is that I would like to revise it while doing my best to prepare for tomorrow.
A: For the time being itโs that I didnโt push to maximize the technical (aspects) at all. Also, well, I think my jumps are (usually) high-earning in GOE. I think itโs an issue that I wasnโt able to properly obtain that.
Q: What were your feelings upon entering the venue?
A: Now that you mention it, it felt like I couldnโt really hear any voices. On the contrary somehow, the cheers that everyone gave for todayโs new program and when they saw the new costume felt like they were resonating inside my heart. It was like I received that support in a new way.
Q: You put in 2 quads. What do you think about their quality?
A: Well, Iโve landed them, so you could say 50% I guessโฆ However, about the scores, I havenโt seen the details actually so I canโt say anything. But in terms of GOE, it wasnโt good so, uhm, Iโm thinking itโd be great if I can figure out things such as how to upgrade it a little bit more, how to allocate time in the 6-minute warmup, etc.
Q: (Your thoughts) on doing a rock number after a long while?
A: Um, well to be honest, it was a little unfortunate not to be able to hear (audience) cheering, but, well, I think I was able to somehow feel that maybe those watching on TV or those watching online were cheering very loudly me on, so I was able to skate while having fun.
A: To speak in detail, first, I was sent the stepwork. Well, the placement of the steps themselves were in reverse.* Also, things like the incorporation of the music and hand movements, well, thereโs a lot that mostly I arranged. And, regarding the jumps too, I conveyed the overall timing I wanted to do for them, and then, there were also the [parts] Jeff arranged. So I wanted to ask various things about how all of that would fit in if it went with my original timing, but I didnโt get a reply at all (laughs), so yes, I choreographed it by myself while going through trial and error.
*T/N: This is our guess but we assume he means that because he was sent the video of the choreo that was presumably shot front on (the way the audience would see his performance), he would have had to mirror the steps instead of copying directly what he saw on the video when actually skating the choreo.
Q: Anything you are particularly emphasizing (in the program)?
A: Well, I think itโs maybe something like โpush and pull.โ Iโm trying to add in a lot of different things. Really, in a certain sense, I think Iโm trying to emphasize that everything in the program is worth paying attention to. However, amongst all of that, itโs to be balanced with the jumps. Also, well, I tried to insert various things while considering the artistic aspect, like where I could take a breath and really ride it out, all while everyone is watching.
Q: Did you arrange or put anything from your old performances (into this program)?
A: Of course there were things that seem to be now associated with my name, which are things that I want to highlight, and things that I extracted (from my old programs). However, afterall, I took a lot of care thinking about how to choreograph this program and for this music.
The Japanese National Championships will start from 25 December at Naganoโs Big Hat. Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Gold Medallist Yuzuru Hanyu (ANA) attended the public practice at the venue on the 24th. For Hanyu, who had withdrawn from the Grand Prix series due to the effects of COVID-19, this competition will be his first this season. After the practice, he was interviewed online.
Q: How was your feeling after the public practice, and the thoughts behind deciding to compete at the Japanese National Championships?
A: It’s been awhile since I’ve practised on a rink with so many people so there were certain senses/feelings [of being on the ice with them] that I didn’t quite grasp but in a sense, it was a fresh feeling and for me, truly something that I havenโt had in awhile so it was fun as well.
Q: You withdrew from the Grand Prix series. What was the thought process behind deciding to compete at the Japanese National Championships?
A: Well, my thinking hasnโt really changed. If I were to speak frankly, if it were based on my own personal considerations, where possible, I did not want to participate in activities that could be connected to spreading the virus [COVID-19]. And right now, throughout all of Japan, well, within what they are calling the third wave of the virus that is coming at us quickly, I was conflicted about whether it was okay for me to compete. However, when considering the World Championships – since the Four Continents has been cancelled – it was absolutely necessary to compete here firstly to qualify for the World Championships, so I feel the decision to compete is for the sake of tying it with my own hopes.
Q: How were your training conditions during the pandemic, and how did you pass the days?
A: Well, everyday Iโm alone and practicing without a coach. Also, yes, stuff like aftercare* was difficult too. As much as possible, Iโm not in contact with anyone aside from my family. I really did not go out at all. But even so, for me, it was an environment where I could focus on my skating, and I think maybe I was able to get in some good practice.
*T/N: Likely he means aftercare like massages and treatment after exercising etc.
A: It seems if I start worrying about something, I find it easy to enter into a spiral of negative (thoughts). But, since I was alone, I was able to deeply analyze things such as techniques on how to control it when I fall into it. Also, it was a good opportunity to experience how my condition gets worse, or my condition improves, not subject to external factors but originating from myself.
Q: What are the highlights of your programs this season, and the jump layouts?
A: With regards to the free program, the quads are loop and Salchow, and in the later half I plan to put two quad toeloops. In the short program, in the first half itโs the 4S and 4T-3T combination. In the second half I plan to do a back counter 3A.
Q: What would you like to express [in your programs]?
A: In terms of the FS I skated today, of course there is a theme to the story and a story I want to convey, but I truly would like for it to speak to the feelings of the people watching it, or something within themselves, without it being restricted [by my own interpretation]. In regards to the SP, I havenโt skated it yet today but…um, letโs see. If it can make people feel like raising their arms in the air, I would be happy.
Axel with Wings 