lavendead

[lavendead]

Shoma Uno's Interview, after Ice Brave 2025 First Day (14 June 2025)

Full Transcript in Japanese by World Figure Skating: https://worldfigureskating-web.jp/news/13417/2/

Nikkan Premium (paid): https://www.nikkansports.com/premium/sports/figure/news/202506140001795.html

— What are your thoughts after finishing the first day?

Honestly, I'm surprised to be surrounded by even more people now than when I won the World Championships twice (laughs). But setting that aside (laughs), we created this ice show from scratch, and it wouldn't have reached this level of quality through my efforts alone. I received so much support from so many people. And it wasn't just business-related support—people went above and beyond, doing more than what was required.

There are only seven of us performing this show, and it's that very fact—being just seven—that made it both possible and extremely difficult. But everyone stuck with it until the end, and because of that, we were able to have an incredible opening day.

Also, this kind of demanding ice show is really hard to get through physically, but the applause and cheers from the audience kept us going. Of course, we’re doing this to entertain everyone, but their applause and cheers made it enjoyable for us, too. I feel like we created a true win-win show.

— Was there a particularly memorable number or program?

After finishing, I was reflecting, and I’d say Ice Brave had no real "rest" moments. We put a lot of time and effort into every part of it. While I’m the main skater, the other six aren’t just supporting cast or ensemble. I think of them as equal teammates. So there’s no single highlight—I can proudly say, “All of it.”

— You had an ice dance scene with Marin Honda as well.

Doing it made me realize how different ice dance is from singles. I could only apply about 10–20% of the skills I developed in singles—it was really tough. It wasn’t just a collaboration piece; since this was my first time producing an ice show, I wanted to try new challenges and create something that stood on its own as a complete program.

I’m confident I can grow even more, but I also feel proud of how hard I worked. The applause felt like praise for all the practice I’ve done up until now (smiles). With singles, it was always about how much time you put into a program and what result you got. Of course, there were nerves back then too, but you rarely get moments where you hear that kind of cheering and applause. It felt amazing to skate today.

— How did it feel to open the show in your hometown, Aichi?

Even as I was exiting the rink, I felt so grateful that so many people came to watch. We held long rehearsals to deliver something truly special to the audience. Since this was my first time doing so many things, there were lots of mistakes, lots of trial and error. But thanks to a lot of help, we managed to create something wonderful.

For me to be able to say it was “wonderful” means I gave everything I could right now. Doing this show at Morikoro Park, a familiar place… ah, I’m no good (laughs). I’m too exhausted to speak fluently right now, sorry (laughs).

— Were there any programs you felt you were able to brush up since your competitive days?

The concept of the show was centered around my competitive programs. It’s about me in the present revisiting those past pieces. We even had a land-based dancer do some choreography, which pushed me into areas I hadn’t explored before. Since I’ve spent every day honing my skating skills, I decided to take on the things I’d been neglecting.

Ice Brave was created as the first step into that journey. I don’t know if I’m really answering your question, but every piece has its own memories—like “this was super hard, so let’s have Stéphane (Lambiel) do it” (laughs), or Boléro, which I finally felt came together after a year, so I saved it for the end. See You Again is super old, but it’s a good program.

Looking back at all the different styles I’ve done, I’ve discovered what I’m good at and what I struggle with. I also gained experience in how to teach programs I’m not even skating in myself, which was a valuable learning experience.

— Do you ever feel nostalgic for your competitive career?

Not at all (laughs). Honestly, when I was competing in singles, it always felt like I was being chased every day—that intensity was great in its own way. It’s not that I miss or don’t miss being active, but rather, skating alone felt lonely. I skated Loco (Balada para un Loco) solo, but I really enjoy working together with others, building something in the same direction. After today’s opening night, I felt like I now find more fulfillment and joy in that shared experience.

— How did Stéphane Lambiel’s skating look to you?

Stéphane is 40 now, right? And he’s incredibly energetic! The quality of his performance at 40 is amazing. I mean, he’s doing the programs I used to do as a competitive skater (laughs). That’s seriously impressive.

Before he joined us, we were all working hard, but once he did, everything lit up. It became a space full of laughter—and also, rehearsals stopped progressing (laughs). Half-joking, half-serious (laughs). But that’s how fun the space became.

Even though he jokes around, he picks things up quickly and puts in real effort. You can really see his determination to make the show great, even if it means pushing himself. He’s more than just a coach—he’s more like a close friend, and that’s how I’ve always seen him.

— When did you start practicing ice dance?

Around October of last year, I changed skates and started from there. Not every day, but I practiced when I could. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to include one ice dance piece in the show, so I made that request early on.

— Why did you choose Loco (Balada para un Loco) as a solo, and Legends as a duet with Lambiel?

For Loco, well… half the reason is that I liked the piece back when I was competing. I knew I wouldn’t be able to recreate the same quality right now, but I thought maybe I could bring out a different version that’s unique to who I am today.

Since Ice Brave is a show that traces my journey, I wanted to include programs that viewers have emotional connections to. Some were ones that left strong impressions; others were programs I struggled with, and that’s why I chose Loco.

As for Legends, I’m not sure—it just had a good reputation (wry smile). I’ve heard people say they liked it, but I can’t view myself objectively, so I don’t know how “great” it really is. But I’ve received positive feedback from others, including fellow skaters, so I figured, “Well, let’s include it.”

We were also considering skating Gravity together, but… ah, you can tell I’m struggling to talk about things I don’t feel strongly about (laughs). Through a process of elimination, and because it’s a good and popular program, we decided, “This works, right?” Something like that. Sorry (laughs).

— Any interest in returning to competition through ice dance?

When we decided to do ice dance, I didn’t want it to be seen as just a collaboration piece, so getting questions like this actually makes us happy.

What I’ve realized through trying ice dance is that everyone’s level is really high—it’s an incredible discipline. I don’t mean this in a disrespectful way, but I hope we can continue to build something that’s truly great as a pair in this show, to the point where we could be seen as real ice dancers.

— Who leads during ice dance? Do you call out to each other?

Not really. Especially during spins. Seriously, it’s harder than it looks. Just doing one rotation is a challenge. I hope people can understand just how difficult it is. It’s really tough. Everything easily goes off alignment.

— Who taught you ice dance?

(Kenji) Miyamoto-sensei used to do ice dance, so he taught us. We also learned bits and pieces from various people when we could. Kazuki Kushida had dabbled in ice dance too, so we asked him some things as well. That’s how it went.

[lavendead]

what was your almost name? mine was sofia

[lavendead]

Ally? Playing a character with a chance for random spells? And that character is trans? While Lou is playing an older character deeply connected to the setting in some way? If I had a nickel —

[lavendead]

not siobhan fully breaking brennan by solving this riddle over the course of mere minutes

bonus:

[lavendead]

SIOBHAN THOMPSON DOES IT AGAIN!

[lavendead]

Siobhan. Fucking. Thompson. Holy shit I’m in awe

[lavendead]

Pappy is my favorite this season it's decided

[lavendead]

"The way I stand, you won't be able to hit me"

Wealwell my fucking BELOVED

[lavendead]

pappy is killing me 😭😭😭 i love that homicidal grandpa

[lavendead]

Call me Fig Faeth the way I'm dealing with the wizards curse stomach ache

[lavendead]

i do trust sonic... but now i'm a lil bit suspicious

[lavendead]

THIS POLL IS NOT ABOUT WHAT CHARACTER IS SEXIEST

[lavendead]

pappy and his puppy <3

[lavendead]

I assume this has been noticed before, but I'm listening to NADDPOD Campaign 1, and Emily and Murph talk a lot about the critters in their backyard. Which has made me realize that Dale watching the deer in Unsleeping City is 100% based on Murph, which is EXTREMELY cute.

[lavendead]

french is haaaaaaaaaard

[lavendead]

Murph is throwing bad guys into the abyss, Ally is doing vitally important non combat things and Emily is doing a bunch of damage with a ship, welcome back A Starstruck Odyssey

[lavendead]

A GENTLEMAN WHAT???