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8/11/2021 Web Interview part 4 by Towa Pharmaceutical

Translation post 37

Original language: Japanese

Translator’s note: This is not a word-for-word translation. I paraphrased some of the things said in the video to clarify the main point.

Video

Q: What kind of determination or feelings do you have towards the challenge of mastering the quad axel?

Hanyu: Determination, I think, is something quite symbolic of the things humans can have. Um... How should I explain? We can have a determination towards something without being driven by our instinct. For example, animals would determine to eat or something to survive, I guess, driven by their instinct, but humans, on the other hand, can have a determination even when it has nothing to do with their survival, which I find very human. So I always try to cherish the determination, or the will when I determined to do something. So... in trying something new, in my case, it would probably be the quad axel, I feel that I am always maintaining the determination towards it and keep polishing it in my mind like a rough diamond.

Q: What drives you to continue taking on challenges?

Hanyu: Well, I abandon challenges too. Hehehe. I don't have that many dreams that came true as you think. Um... I probably have abandoned many things. From your point of view, Yuzuru Hanyu has won two consecutive Olympic titles and is trying to master quad axel, so you may think he has got what he had to get, but I have many unfulfilled dreams. Like, I want to be better at playing games? (Laughs) I want to play bass, drums, and guitar. I wanted to play baseball more, to be honest. If I look back at something more trivial, there were many times that I was thinking, "Sigh. I can't go to batting cages" or "I wish I could play with everyone," so I have many unfulfilled dreams, I think. However, I realized the dreams that I had determined to realize. I think that is because I abandoned all those unfulfilled dreams decisively. The determination to abandon them or the realization that I had abandoned them is the biggest driving force, and I cherish it.

Q: Let us hear your resolution toward your big goal for the future.

Hanyu: After all, to execute quad axel successfully is my biggest goal and the challenge I would like to take on. I presume that I will have to face quite a lot of difficulties, as I have had up until now, but I want to take on this challenge, taking another look at the various things from various points of view, and also studying my technique from various angles.

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11/7/2021 Dreams on Ice 2021 (day 3) Interview with Yuzuru Hanyu after the show

Translation post 36

Original language: Japanese

Translator’s note: Based on the special edition aired by TBS Ch2, on August 29, 2021,  This is not a word-for-word translation. I paraphrased some of the things said in the broadcast to clarify the main point.

- On joining Dreams on Ice for the first time after 6years

Hanyu: It made me feel pretty nervous, but after all, I have practiced hard for this, and I think that despite the nervousness, I could show the performance I had wanted to show... or that I could put my feelings that I had wanted to put into it, not just driven by the emotions, but while paying attention to my posture or the nuances conveyed by the tip of my fingers, and as a result, I could present something good as figure skating performances as well. So, regarding my performances, Dreams on Ice this time made me feel, like, "I am happy that I made it!"

- On dreams to realize in this season

Hanyu: I definitely want to land the quad axel successfully, of course. After all, I think the power of will is so strong, and it is something unique to human beings. Aside from tackling something driven by our instinct, we can also take many other things into consideration, calculate, and make a detailed plan for it. I believe there is something that can be achieved only by human beings that behave in such a way. Well, I think common sense would see it as a difficult feat, but I will work hard for it every day to say confidently, "I made it because I am what I am," someday in the end.

- In your training and life at the moment, what quad axel means to you?

Hanyu: Umm... Genuinely, without exaggeration, I feel it is my motivation in life. For me, figure skating is, after having been doing it for a long time up until now, it is... I don't really like to call it "a part of my life"... Umm... It is something I have taken every step in my life together, and all the while, I have been feeling a sense of gratitude towards my skating shoes, costumes, and the ice as well. I believe because you have something like that and have a goal to achieve in it, you can make efforts for the things that exist in the background of it. I think it applies to not just me but probably everyone. (Looks at the camera operator) For the person operating the camera now, the camera is the motivation in life, I suppose. (with a  mischievous smile) I think it is fortunate to have something like that supporting you in life. Lately, I am thinking that I would be happy if my performances or things that I do can contribute, even for a bit, to creating a chance for someone to realize their motivation in life or the meaning of life.

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Continues ~with Wings~ Day 1 / Talk with Johnny

Translation post 35

Original language: Japanese (except Johnny’s comments)

Translator’s note: This is not a word-for-word translation. I paraphrased some of the things said in the broadcast to clarify the main point.

Day 1 28:32-42:48

(After Jeff Buttle finished skating "For Forever")

PA announcer: From here, we are going to present to you an entertaining talk section between a guest skater and Hanyu san. What kind of talk will they have? Can't wait to hear it! Now, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage, Yuzuru Hanyu!

(Hanyu goes on stage while Let's Go Crazy is being played)

Hanyu: OK. Hello, everyone. (Laughs) You know, this makes me so nervous.

(Audience laugh)

Hanyu: I am really nervous... Uhm, fortunately, this time, so many... well, not so many, but great skaters have kindly gathered here for this show, and we have this talk session, so I would like to interview skaters that I love to interview. This is such a section. So, please watch this thinking that I am reporter Yuzuru Hanyu. (Laughs) Now, let me introduce our guest, Mr. Johnny Weir!

(Johnny goes on stage dancing to Lady Gaga's Poker Face)

Hanyu: (After exchanging a hug with Johnny) Thank you. (Gladly) He gave me a nice hug.

(Audience laugh) 

Hanyu: (In English) Please sit down.

Johnny: (To the audience) Konbanwa. (=Good evening) Hehehe. Arigato gozaimasu. (=Thank you so much)

(Johnny, Hanyu, Kaori Niimura (MC and interpreter) take their seats)

Hanyu: OK.

Johnny: Don’t be nervous!

Hanyu: I am, already. (Laughs) OK. (Opening a notebook on his lap) Now I would like to throw questions I would like to ask one by one!

Johnny: Special interview book, Yuzu kun?

Hanyu: Yeah! (After hearing Johnny's words through Niimura san) Hehehe. Hahaha~. OK, first question. What do you like most about figure skating, Johnny san?

Johnny: The thing I like most about figure skating is the ability to take my audience away, away from everyday normalcy, away from bad things, even away from good things. I like to transport my audience with me when I’m performing because, for me, it’s my happy place, and it’s my honor and joy to be able to skate for my fans, for my audience. My favorite part about it. And also it’s very fast.

Hanyu: (Nods with a big smile)

Hanyu: (After hearing Niimura san’s translation) I agree. Wow, great answer. Uhm, is figure skating a sport for you? Or is it art?

Johnny: Both. Hehehe… For me, I of course like the artistry of skating. It’s what made me interested in figure skating when I watched Oksana Baiul won the Olympic Games. Her artistry, her costuming, and the ability to make the world stand up is what caught my attention with figure skating. Of course, I love to jump, I love to spin, but just… the ability to perform to music and show people your heart is the most attractive thing of figure skating to me.

Hanyu: (After hearing Niimura san’s translation) Now you mentioned Oksana Baiul senshu... or Should I call Oksana Baiul san? Is there anyone, including non-figure skaters or animation characters that you admire as your hero, idol, or role model?

Johnny: So, I have a long list… When I just started to skate, my heroes were Irina Srutskya san and Evgeny Plushenko.

Hanyu: (As Niimura san is translating) Wow. I didn't know that...

Johnny: And of course, through my carrier, I have admired so many celebrities, and singers and actors, but the people that I most admire, I think, are Christina Aguilera, and Lady Gaga because they are individuals, they are unique, and they let their talent speak for them.

Hanyu: Uh-huh.

Johnny: (After Niimura san finished translating) And now that I am an old lady... (Laughs) I have to watch some skaters to make myself want to go practice and want to train because life is so busy now. Thus for me, I need some inspiration. So, of course, I watch videos and listen to the songs of my heroes. But now, to make me excited to go skating and to practice, I watch Evgenia Medvedeva and Yuzuru Hanyu.

(Audience applaud while Hanyu is bowing down feeling awkward)

Hanyu: (After Niimura san finished translating) Thank you so much. Well, er... As you know, the theme of this show is "Continues," and uh... now I heard that Johnny san used to admire Pluschenko san... and Srutskya san as well. I, of course, have my own list of skaters I admire, and Plushenko san is one of them, and after Johnny san went up, I mean, grew up and became one of the skaters I could watch on TV, I got fascinated by Johnny san's performances. I think it is amazing that we have such a connection, and it gave me goosebumps.

Johnny: Arigato, Yuzu kun.

Hanyu: Goosebumps... Oh, it has already been translated. (Laughs) OK. There is a thing I found intriguing in your comment, so... although I have prepared cue cards and questions, I am going to skip them. You mentioned Lady Gaga, and I would like to ask a little more about it. "Poker Face" was played here a while ago. When you pick a piece of music for your program, do you choose it by yourself, or is there someone who inspires you to pick it?

Johnny: I always choose my music. I am this kind of character where I have to be in control of every piece of what I present to the world, because, in my opinion, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. (Listens to Niimura san as she translates his comment) So when I choose music, it can be a very long process. Sometimes I would be driving my car and sometimes comes on the radio, and I’m like, “(Gasps) I have to skate to that!” but usually, the music that touches my heart are the pieces that I use, and then… when I am able to skate with my heart, my audience can feel that. So, whether it’s Poker Face or Ave Maria, everything comes from my heart, and that makes my performances so much more interesting for me to skate every day.

(Johnny and Hanyu wait for Niimura san to finish her translation. As she gets close to the end of translation, they applaud her for her skill and effort since the comment is very long)

Hanyu: (As Niimura san finished her translation) Wonderful.

Johnny: (To Niimura san) Such a long translation. I am sorry. (Laughs)

Hanyu: (To Niimura san) Do we still have time?

Niimura: Yes.

Hanyu: We do? OK. So... you make your programs getting inspirations from many things. When I see you performing such a program, I get the impression that beauty and passion coexist in your performance. This impression intensified after you turned professional. (Wait a moment for Niimura san to catch up and finds out that she is also waiting for him) Uh... Hehehe... Well, actually, during practice sessions, Johnny san devotes much time to jumps as well. He attempts 3A too. I have said this once in a press conference, but I strongly feel that all the techniques, including jumps, are the essential components of expression and artistry, and I wonder what jumps in a program means to Johnny san. I love Johnny san’s programs so much, and I think they will hold even without jumps, but only with spins, steps, and his performance, so I wonder how Johnny san position jumps in his skating.

Johnny: Arigatou. (Laughs) Uh… for me, I still practice all of my jumps because I think life is a continuous struggle to be better than yourself, and every day whether it’s as an athlete or as a person, to be better than the day before. So, that’s why I still practice all of my jumps. For the performances, I do, sometimes, easier jumps because it’s important for me to make sure the show is good, and now that I am professional, I have that ability to, sort of, do this. I don’t need to do so many quads. (Looks at Hanyu and nods, touching Hanyu's arm)

Hanyu: (Returns nods and laughs)

Johnny: Hehe... And uh… Yeah, what drives me to be better every day is the fact that I can be better than the day before. So for me, the performance needs to be very artistic, and I want people to laugh and cry, whatever the feeling I want them to be with me on the ice, and uh… it’s the emotion that drives me.

Hanyu: (Nods deeply and listens to Niimura san's translation) I see... (Applauds)

Niimura: (Off-mic) It's about time. 

Hanyu: OK. Thank you so much. Although I have so many things I want to ask you, looks like time is up. I am so sad to have to end this section, but Johnny Weir san, thank you so much! (Bows)

Johnny: (Bows to Hanyu) Arigatou gozaimashita. (To the audience) Arigatou gozaimasu.

(They stood up and leave the stage)

PA announcer: Thank you very much. That was a fun talk. Everyone, please give a big hand to Hanyu san and Johnny Weir san again! Thank you, Johnny! Thank you, Yuzuru!

Continues to “Continues ~with Wings~ (4) Introduction of Minoru Sano”

Other posts on Continues ~with Wings~

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Continues ~with Wings~ Day 1 / Opening Speech

Translation post 34

Original language: Japanese

Translator’s note: This is not a word-for-word translation. I paraphrased some of the things said in the broadcast to clarify the main point.

Day 1 07:00-08:53

(After the opening)

Hanyu: (Clears his throat) Oh. My mic was on... Thank you so much for coming today. Hehe. I am so happy to have gone through the resting period without trouble and to be able to stand here in front of you this way. Thank you again for being here today. This time, I named this show, "Continues with Wings" with the feeling that my skating and I are the continuations of what I have met through my life and skating, that I have inherited so many things as I came this far. With this feeling, I decided to produce this show inviting great skaters who have significant connections with me. Hehe... 

(Applause from the audience)

Hanyu: Uhm... I feel very nervous about presenting this show to you since this is day 1, but, at the same time, I am really hoping that you will enjoy the skating of those great skaters while finding out what I have inherited from them, thinking, "Ah, this is what Hanyu senshu..." Lol, I am calling myself "Hanyu senshu."

(Audience laugh)

Hanyu: ...thinking, "This is what he inherited from this skater" or "We can find this in Yuzuru Hanyu's skating as well." Now, let's start Continues with Wings. (Bows to the audience)

Continues to “Continues ~with Wings~ (1) Introduction of Johnny Weir”

Other posts on Continues ~with Wings~

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PyeongChang 2018 - Interview with Yuzuru Hanyu after FS by NHK

Translation post 33

Original language: Japanese

Translator’s note: This is not a word-for-word translation. I paraphrased some of the things said in the broadcast to clarify the main point.

Video

Interviewer: This is Hanyu Yuzuru senshu. Congratulations.

Hanyu: Thank you.

Interviewer: You've overcome.

Hanyu: Somehow. (Smiles)

Interviewer: How do you feel now? Would you let us hear?

Hanyu: More than anything, with the help of so many people supporting me, I somehow managed to... first and foremost, skate as you see, in this venue, so I am relieved, and... I am really glad that I managed to perform the way I can feel that I could give it all I've got.

Interviewer: The moment you finished your performance, you roared, "Ahhhhhh!!!" It looked like so many things were condensed into the roar.

Hanyu: Well... I just thought that my right foot endured so much, and... because of many things including the injury and of course the lack of training due to the injury, I think I had caused many people to worry, and in that sense, I guess they were probably cheering for me more than ever. I think I was truly blessed to receive such support.

Interviewer: Right after that, you were... um... touching your right foot for a moment, weren't you?

Hanyu: (Nods)

Interviewer: Were you feeling pain, or...?

Hanyu: No, just gratitude. I was only feeling gratitude.

Interviewer: How clearly could you visualize where you are now before coming to PyeongChang? I imagine you had to fight against fear and anxiety, didn't you?

Hanyu: Um... First of all, I wasn't sure about my jump layout. People had been asking me, "What is your jump layout going to be like?" but I myself was not sure what would be the best and had been debating with myself, and because of that, it was a bit hard to have a clear image of my FP. But in the end, I could keep my focus and manage to land the jumps I wanted to land, so I am happy anyway. (Laughs)

Interviewer: The way you saved the Lutz was amazing.

Hanyu: I just have to thank my right foot. (Laughs)

Interviewer: With this, again, you are going to be the reigning Olympic Champion for the next four years. Can you tell us how you feel about it and leave a message for everyone?

Hanyu: I have been supported by so many people to come this far, to live this far. I am grateful from the bottom of my heart to many people for not about my figure skating but for having brought me up this far, as Yuzuru Hanyu. Thank you so much.

Interviewer: We are truly happy for you.

Hanyu: Thank you.

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PyeongChang 2018 Yuzuru Hanyu FS by NHK

Translation post 32

Original language: Japanese

Translator’s note: This is not a word-for-word translation. I paraphrased some of the things said in the broadcast to clarify the main point.

Announcer: Takaki Toriumi. He has been working for NHK since early 90’s and done play-by-play announcement for NHK Trophy many times.

Commentator: Takeshi Honda. Former single skater. Two-time Olympian and World bronze medalist. First 4CC champion and six-time national champion. He is also the first Japanese skater who landed a quadruple jump in a competition. He is now coaching in Osaka. He had been training in Ice Rink Sendai in early 90’s with Shizuka Arakawa.

Video

(Hanyu standing by the board, doing his routine before his performance. When he shakes hands with Orser and Briand, a guy shouts, "Hanyu, gambare!" followed by loud cheers from others. The NHK announcer and the commentator remain silent until PA announcer calls Hanyu)

(Hanyu goes to the starting position drawing 士 on his chest, doing shu-pa, and going over 4S)

Toriumi: In the short program, Yuzuru Hanyu, the king showed his potential that was far beyond our imagination. Even though he has won an Olympic gold medal at Sochi, he has continued competing for four years to redeem himself for the mistakes he made in the FS there. The music he chose to win the two-consecutive titles for the first time in 66 years is "SEIMEI." The soul-stirring four-and-a-half minutes begins.

(Hanyu starts his performance)

Toriumi: The first jump he is going to attempt is... 4S!

(4S)

Honda: 4S. He nailed it beautifully!

Toriumi: Next up is 4T.

(4T)

Honda: 4T, landed with ease.

(3F)

Honda: 3F.

(FCoSp)

Honda: Combination Spin with a flying entry.

(Stsq)

Honda: Step sequence.

(Hanyu finishes the step sequence and goes into the second half of the program)

Toriumi: The second half of the program. Does he still have the energy? (t/n: to skate through it) ...Here comes another quad!

(4S-3T)

Honda: Quad Salchow... triple toeloop!

Toriumi: He nailed it! ...Next up is the final quad...

(4T, stepping out)

Honda: 4T. 

(3A-1Lo-3S)

Honda: Triple Axel, single loop, triple Salchow.

Toriumi: (T/n: He altered the plan and) He did 3-jump combination here.

(3Lo)

Honda: 3Lo.

Toriumi: One more jump!

(3Lz, stepping out)

Honda: 3Lz!

Toriumi: Saved it!

(FCSSp)

Honda: Change-foot Sit spin from a flying entry.

(Chsq)

(CoSp)

Honda: Combination Spin.

(Hanyu finishes his performance)

Toriumi: This is the king! This is how a king skates! Overwhelming strength. He shone in his first official competition in four months. He fought through the four and a half minutes while fighting with his injury as well. He showed us what he needed to show on the ice!

(Hanyu takes a bow as the audience cheer for him loudly)

Toriumi: What an incredible guy.

Honda: He was so strong.

Toriumi: His technical score may fall short of Boyang Jin's.

Honda: Uh-huh.

Toriumi: But when it comes to the components, Yuzuru Hanyu is overwhelmingly dominant.

Honda: He has the potential to score higher 9s, so I guess the score (t/n: PCS) will be over 90, 95-96, at least.

(Hanyu gets off the ice and hugs Orser)

Toriumi: He hugged coach Brian Orser.

(They start to show the highlights of his performance)

(4S)

Honda: This is the 4S. Fully rotated. Had a nice flow after landing.

(4T)

Honda: Now, this is the 4T. Had a good height. Fully rotated and done with ease.

Toriumi: In this competition, he chose to do four quads of two types, Salchow, and toeloop.

(4S+3T)

Honda: This 4S+3T combination he did in the second half of the program is beautifully nailed.

(Orser and Briand at the rink side applauding for Hanyu)

Honda: However, the 4T he did after that, (t/n: They start showing the 4T) he did two solo 4Ts here, so the base value of this jump will be reduced to 7.93, 70 percent of the original and it will also get negative GOE.

Toriumi: Uh-huh.

(3Lz)

Honda: He did a good job saving this jump.

Toriumi: He fought really well.

Honda: And after failing to do 3-jump combination, he managed to do it with the 3A. I think the program contents showed his calmness as well.

Toriumi: Uh-huh.

(The camera captures Hanyu and Briand in the Kiss and Cry)

Toriumi: Now, if Hanyu scores over 186.10 in the FS, he will secure a medal. The score for Boyang Jin was 297.77. If he surpasses Jin, he will be medaled!

(PA announcer announces Hanyu's score)

Toriumi: Yes, he did! 317.85! He is taking the lead! He secured a medal! It is confirmed that he will medal in two consecutive Olympics. What is still undecided is the color of the medal. There are two more skaters, Javier Fernandez and Shoma Uno.

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PyeongChang 2018 - 6-minutes warm-up before FS by NHK

Translation post 31

Original language: Japanese

Translator’s note: This is not a word-for-word translation. I paraphrased some of the things said in the broadcast to clarify the main point.

Announcer: Takaki Toriumi. He has been working for NHK since early 90’s and done play-by-play announcement for NHK Trophy many times.

Commentator: Takeshi Honda. Former single skater. Two-time Olympian and World bronze medalist. First 4CC champion and six-time national champion. He is also the first Japanese skater who landed a quadruple jump in a competition. He is now coaching in Osaka. He had been training in Ice Rink Sendai in early 90’s with Shizuka Arakawa.

(The camera captures Yuzuru Hanyu standing-by at the rink side while people in the venue are waiting for Adam Rippon's scores)

Toriumi: Finally, group 4 is coming up next.

(The camera captures Adam Rippon in the Kiss and Cry)

Toriumi: Adam Rippon's scored... 171.41 for free skating and 259.36 in total. Adam Rippon is currently in 4th place after 18 skaters finished skating.

(The camera captures Yuzuru Hanyu at the rink side again)

Toriumi: Nathan Chen, Vincent Zhou, and Mikhail Kolyada (t/n: are ranked above Rippon) in this order. Now, finally, this moment has come.

(Hanyu takes off his blade covers and touches them with his forehead)

Toriumi: Here comes the time to fight.

(Hanyu hands the blade covers to his coach. Loud cheers go up responding to his image on the overhead screens)

Toriumi: Loud cheers went up when they showed this image on the overhead screens as well. The six skaters of the final group are now taking the ice! Yuzuru Hanyu will skate fourth in these six.

 (PA announcer introduces skaters in the final group)

Toriumi: An Olympic athlete from Russia, Dmitri Aliev. He delivered his best short program. Boyang Jin of China, who scored his personal best yesterday. Patrick Chan of Canada, the silver medalist from Sochi. And now, Yuzuru Hanyu. Javier Fernandez of Spain. Shoma Uno of Japan. Anyone in this group can win a medal. These six skaters are competing at such a high-level.

Toriumi: Now, the six-minutes warm-up has started. Can Hanyu deliver his best performance and win two-consecutive titles?

(Skating order for group 4 appears on the screen)

Toriumi: Aliev, Boyang Jin, Patrick Chan, Yuzuru Hanyu, Javier Fernandez, and the last skater is Shoma Uno. Yuzuru Hanyu is taking the lead. (t/n: after the short program) His score was 111.68. He is now in the top position being ahead of Fernandez by 4.10 points. The point difference between Shoma Uno in the 3rd place (t/n: after the short program) is 7.51. Now, Mr. Honda...

Honda: Yes?

Toriumi: What draws our attention first and the most is how Hanyu will perform his FP.

Honda: Well, in the free program, they have to do more quads and skate longer, executing 13 elements in the four and a half minutes. So, naturally, the key is to minimize the point loss.

Toriumi: Judging from what we have seen in the practice sessions, his program will include two 4Ss and two 4Ts, four quads in total.

Honda: Yes. 

(Hanyu lands 3A+2T Rippon)

Toriumi: He landed a 3A now. How do you see it?

Honda: I think he is moving very smoothly. It looked like his usual 3A.

Toriumi: It is his specialty. He landed an exquisite 3A yesterday. Didn't it receive full marks?

Honda: Yes, it did.

Toriumi: He landed such a 3A. In the practice session this morning, although he had 40 minutes, he cut it short to 25 minutes to get ready for what was coming up next. What do think about how things have been going so far?

Honda: Well, I guess that seeing his practice this morning, they decided that that was enough, that he was ready and left early.

(Hanyu lands 4T+1Lo+3S)

Toriumi: Oh... He did a quad now.

Honda: That was a quad+1Lo+ 3S combination.

(Hanyu goes back to the board to get hydrated and goes back skating)

Toriumi: Yuzuru Hanyu had been away from the ice for two months due to the injury in his right ankle, but in the short program yesterday, he delivered a massive performance and made us wonder if he had indeed been injured.

(PA announcer introduces Hanyu. Loud cheers go up in the venue)

Toriumi: Again, they are showing this image in the venue as well. Today, they opened this Gangneung Ice Arena to the audience at 8 in the morning, and we saw many ladies bringing Japanese flags. The official practice this morning was open to the public as well.

(Hanyu saves the landing of 4S)

Toriumi: Oops, Hanyu staggered a bit now.

(PA announcer introduces Fernandez)

Toriumi: Javier Fernandez is on the screen. Mr. Honda, I would say he is one of the biggest rivals. (t/n: for Hanyu)

Honda: I agree. Judging from the way he has been practicing, he must be in very good condition.

(Fernandez lands a 4T)

Honda: He is also an entertainer and capable of earning high marks in components scores, so naturally, he will get high score.

Toriumi: Right... He is a two-time Worlds Champion. This Javier Fernandez and Hanyu have been learning from each other under coach Brian Orser.

(Uno lands a 4F while PA announcer is introducing him)

Toriumi: Now, Shoma Uno. Although this is his first Olympics, he got very good score yesterday. His short program earned 104.17, which is very close to his personal best. What do you think about his conditioning so far?

Honda: I think he has been doing great. Physically, he is looking normal, and he is jumping quads as usual... Ah, he is trying to attempt a 4Lo now...

Toriumi: OK, let's take a look... Well... he is planning to do 4Lo, 4F and 4T today...

Honda: Yup. Two 4Ts in the second half.

(Uno pops the loop)

Honda: He is attempting a quad... Hmm. He could not get in the rhythm of his jump.

Toriumi: He could not get in the rhythm this time. Shoma Uno is planning to do four quads of three types today. If he can nail these jumps, he will, of course, get in the medal contention, and he is capable enough to contend even for the gold.

(Uno fell on 4Lo)

Toriumi: (T/n: He went for a) Quad... Hmm. He got down on his knee. The warm-up will end in 15 seconds.

(The camera captures Kolyada, Chen, and Zhou in the green room)

Toriumi: Currently, Nathan Chen is in the first place. Vincent Zhou is in second place, and Mikhail Kolyada is in third place. Nathan Chen managed to land five quads today for the first time in the history of the Olympics.

(End of 6-minutes warm-up. Hanyu marks Salchow and skates toward the exit)

Toriumi: The warm-up has ended. Hanyu is going to skate fourth. Uno, sixth. How would they spend the time until their performance?

Honda: Well... After all, I hope they will take a bit of rest to calm down and boost their focus again.

(Hanyu receives his blade covers from Orser and put them back on, then goes to the backyard with his coaches)

Toriumi: Yuzuru Hanyu is going after the second Olympic title. If he manages to win, he will be the first one to accomplish the feat in 66 years.

[notebookfilledwithscrabbles]

PyeongChang 2018 - Interview with Yuzuru Hanyu after SP by NHK

Translation post 30

Original language: Japanese

Translator’s note: This is not a word-for-word translation. I paraphrased some of the things said in the broadcast to clarify the main point.

video

 Interviewer: This is Hanyu Yuzuru senshu. That was an incredible performance. How do you feel about it?

Hanyu: Well, um... There isn't anything I am dissatisfied with. There isn't any element I find questionable, so I am very happy with it, but I... Um... Today, I could skate while feeling that I was truly blessed, to be able to skate in that order, to have people supporting me, to have fans cheering for me from Japan and all over the world, so now, I want to gear myself up again to compete tomorrow.

Interviewer: As you said, everyone had indeed been waiting for you, I think, although we had some anxiety about how things would go. Tell us why you could perform like that, in a competition, in Olympics after a long break?

Hanyu: Well, I know Olympics. Um... You may say, "Don't talk big!" (Laughs) But after all, I am a former--is "former" appropriate in this situation?--a former Olympic champion. And uh... the desire to redeem myself... (Laughs) It's funny to say that I want to redeem myself after calling myself an Olympic champion. However, the mistakes I made in the FS (t/n: at Sochi 2014) I think, have been one of the motivations for me to work hard and become stronger in these four years. So, for tomorrow, I am hoping to redeem myself more than anything.

Interviewer: There is one thing I would like to ask you: When did you decide to do quad Salchow as the opening jump for your SP?

Hanyu: I had been rehearsing my SP doing Salchow (t/n: as the first jump) until I came here.  Well, in some ways, I may have needed more time to fully condition myself, but I am really satisfied with my score and everything, so I think it was the right decision to do Salchow.

Interviewer: Last question: For four years, you have been having the strong feeling toward FS. Let us hear your resolution for tomorrow.

Hanyu: Anyway, I have done what I had to do and kept on making efforts even when I could not get on the ice for two months, so I want to show the fruition of these efforts as a result.

Interviewer: Thank you so much.

Hanyu: Thank you so much.

[notebookfilledwithscrabbles]

PyeongChang 2018 - Yuzuru Hanyu SP by NHK

Translation post 29

Original language: Japanese

Translator’s note: This is not a word-for-word translation. I paraphrased some of the things said in the broadcast to clarify the main point.

Announcer: Takaki Toriumi. He has been working for NHK since early 90’s and done play-by-play announcement for NHK Trophy many times.

Commentator: Takeshi Honda. Former single skater. Two-time Olympian and World bronze medalist. First 4CC champion and six-time national champion. He is also the first Japanese skater who landed a quadruple jump in a competition. He is now coaching in Osaka. He had been training in Ice Rink Sendai in early 90’s with Shizuka Arakawa.

video

(Kikuchi san says something to Hanyu while he is blowing his nose and taking a sip of his drink to get ready. Brian talks to Hanyu. Hanyu listens to him and then closes his eyes)

Toriumi: Now, Japan and the whole world are watching over every move he makes.

(Hanyu shakes hands with the coaches and goes to the starting position)

Toriumi: Yuzuru Hanyu is back on the battlefield. The whole world is watching how he will come back after suffering an ankle injury and being forced to take time off the ice three months ago. (t/n: Actually, it was four months ago) This short program is the first step toward his goal of winning the second consecutive Olympic title. With this program, he recorded the highest ever score before he got injured.

(Hanyu starts his performance)

Toriumi: (His program is) Chopin's Ballade No.1, starts with a quad Salchow he landed successfully in the warm-up.

(4S)

Honda: 4S, beautifully landed.

Toriumi: He nailed it!

(FCSp)

Honda: Camel Spin with a flying entry.

(CSSp)

Honda: Change-foot Sit Spin.

Toriumi: Next up is triple Axel, his specialty.

(3A)

Honda: Triple Axel. Landed it with ease!

Toriumi: Now, another quad.

(4T+3T Rippon)

Honda: Quad toeloop and triple toeloop. He nailed it!

Toriumi: Perfect!

(CoSp)

Honda: Combination Spin.

(Hanyu finishes his performance) 

Toriumi: He is back! The strong Hanyu is back! What a strong mentality! What an excellent technique! Yuzuru Hanyu has come back stronger!

(Hanyu takes a bow to the audience)

Toriumi: After all, he is the king! His strength was on another level.

Honda: That was simply amazing. How could he deliver such a perfect performance...

Toriumi: Did he truly have to spend two months off the ice? Incredible.

(Hanyu gets back to the board and hugs Brian)

Brian: Amazing!

Hanyu: Coming back! 

(They start to show the highlights of his performance)

Toriumi: We heard his voice saying, "Coming back," and coach Orser saying, "Amazing."

(4S)

Toriumi: This is the quad Salchow.

Honda: Beautifully rotated. It also had a nice flow after landing...

(Entrance of the FCSp and 3A)

Toriumi: The triple Axel landed with ease.

Honda: This triple Axel is just... flawless.

Toriumi: How was it evaluated?

Honda: Received full marks.

Toriumi: Full marks!

(4T+3T)

Honda: Yes, the GOE is +3...

Toriumi: OK, the triple Axel received full marks.

Honda: And this quad-toe+triple-toe... Yes, it looks fully rotated. I think it was OK.

(Orser and Briand watching over Hanyu and jumping with him as he attempted 4T+3T)

Toriumi: I imagine that he did far better than Coach Brian Orser expected.

(Highlights of Stsq and CoSp)

Toriumi: Impeccable, isn't it?

Honda: This ability to maintain focus is incredible. He delivers when it counts. That was a magnificent performance.

(Brian, Hanyu, Ghislain in the Kiss and Cry)

Toriumi: This season, Hanyu has scored 112.72, which is the highest-ever score. Now, how high can the score get?

(PA announcer announces his score)

Toriumi: 111.68! Very good score almost as high as his personal best! Yuzuru Hanyu made a comeback! He is the king!

(Hanyu talking to his coaches in the Kiss and Cry)

Toriumi: He, of course, took the lead! Yuzuru Hanyu made a great start toward winning consecutive titles!

[notebookfilledwithscrabbles]

PyeongChang 2018 - 6-minutes warm-up before SP by NHK

Translation post 28

Original language: Japanese

Translator’s note: This is not a word-for-word translation. I paraphrased some of the things said in the broadcast to clarify the main point.

Announcer: Takaki Toriumi. He has been working for NHK since early 90’s and done play-by-play announcement for NHK Trophy many times.

Commentator: Takeshi Honda. Former single skater. Two-time Olympian and World bronze medalist. First 4CC champion and six-time national champion. He is also the first Japanese skater who landed a quadruple jump in a competition. He is now coaching in Osaka. He had been training in Ice Rink Sendai in early 90’s with Shizuka Arakawa.

(Hanyu standing-by at the rink-side)

Toriumi: The last six skaters are about to start skating. On November 9th, he suffered a severe injury in his right ankle and had to stay off the ice for two months. He resumed training at the beginning of this year, and we had been worrying if he would be able to come back in time for this Olympics, but Mr. Honda, he is back.

Honda: Yes, and in very good form.

Toriumi: Indeed. He arrived in Korea on 11th, which is five days ago and has been training since the next day in this main rink or the practice rink in the basement. At the press conference, he firmly assured that he had done what he had to do and had no worries. How do you feel about his comment?

Honda: Since the quality of his jumps is pretty good, he probably has a good feeling about his skating, and that enables him to believe that he can compete, I guess.

(Hanyu going over his jumps in his head pointing at the ice)

Toriumi: He injured his right ankle. The right foot is the landing foot for figure skaters... I mean, for Yuzuru Hanyu here. There must be a considerable strain put on his right ankle, but in practice, he has been landing quads beautifully enough to make us wonder if he ever had been injured.

Honda: Yes.

Toriumi: So, we are very curious about how much he is ready, in terms of his intuition for skating in competition as well.

(The camera captures the skaters standing behind Hanyu)

Toriumi: Now, the camera is capturing Nathan Chen. We can also see Kolyada and Shoma Uno behind him. Here is Javier Fernandez, and here is another skater, Boyang Jin of China. Well, Mr. Honda, this is going to be an extraordinarily fierce competition, isn't it?

Honda: I agree. This is going to be a high-level competition since everyone in this final group has surpassed 100 points in the past.

Toriumi: Yes... 

(Hanyu patting on his body to stimulate his muscles)

Toriumi: This is his first official competition in nearly four months.  How is Yuzuru Hanyu going to skate...

(PA announcer calls the skaters onto the ice)

Toriumi: The final group is taking the ice! Yuzuru Hanyu was the first one who got on the ice.

(PA announcer introduces Hanyu)

Toriumi: He received the loudest cheers so far today, Yuzuru Hanyu.

(PA announcer introduces Chen)

Toriumi: A phenomenal quad jumper, Nathan Chen.

(PA announcer introduces Kolyada)

Toriumi: He competes in this Olympics as an Olympic athlete from Russia, Mikhail Kolyada.

(PA announcer introduces Uno)

Toriumi: It’s Shoma Uno.

(PA announcer introduces Fernandez)

Toriumi: The only thing he hasn't got yet is an Olympic medal, Javier Fernandez.

(PA announcer introduces Jin)

Toriumi: Boyang Jin of China. We'll definitely be able to see his quad today as well.

Toriumi: The six skaters started their 6-minutes warm-up. The camera is now capturing Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan, the gold medalist from the Sochi Olympics aiming to win two-consecutive titles here. The short program today is the first step to the second gold medal. Now, Mr. Honda, he is likely to attempt a quad/quads in this warm-up.

Honda: I think so too. Since he is going to skate first, it's about time for him to start jumping...

(Hanyu lands 1A)

Toriumi: What do you think about his skating order?

Honda: Skating first in the group can be beneficial for him as he can go into his performance maintaining the feeling he gets during the warm-up. Hanyu said that he liked to skate first, so I think he can confidently...

(Hanyu lands 4T+3T Rippon)

Toriumi: Ah, he jumpted.

Honda: It was a quad-triple combination, beautifully landed.

(Hanyu goes back to his coaches to keep himself hydrated)

Toriumi: Yuzuru Hanyu has just landed a quad-triple combination in the warm-up. Coach Brian Orser is also keeping an eye on him. 

(Nathan Chen skating along the boards)

Toriumi: This is Nathan Chen of America. In the Team Event, he made unexpected mistakes in the short program. How much has he gotten back into the swing of things in a week after that?

(Nathan lands 4F)

Toriumi: He's already got a bronze medal in the Team Event. When it comes to quad jumps, people think of Chen.

(Kolyada lands 1A)

Toriumi: Now, this is Kolyada, an Olympic athlete from Russia. Mikhail Kolyada is competing in this competition as an individual from Russia. 

(Kolyada lands 2A)

Toriumi: Mikhail Kolyada is planning to do a quad Lutz, which has the highest base value among quads.

(Uno going into a jump)

Toriumi: Now, this is Shoma Uno of Japan. 

(Uno lands 2F)

Toriumi: In the short program in the Team Event, he scored over 100. Mr. Honda, what's your take on how he has been doing since then, including in the practice sessions?

Honda: I think he has had good practices. I mean, he looked the same as always, exchanging smiles with his coach, so I think his condition is not bad.

Toriumi: In the Team Event, he scored 103.25 in the short program and finished 1st in the segment.

(Uno lands 4F)

Toriumi: He is planning to include two quads in the short program. Will he manage to land these jumps?

(Coach Mihoko Higuchi talking to Uno, smiling)

Toriumi: Now, we are seeing coach Mihoko Higuchi. After the short program in the Team Event, Shoma Uno commented that he had been more nervous in Nationals. (t/n: than in TE)

(Fernandez skating towards Brian Orser)

Toriumi: This is Javier Fernandez of Spain. He is the two-time world champion and has won six European titles in a row, but has yet to win an Olympic medal. Just like Yuzuru Hanyu, he is training under Coach Brian Orser. This is his third Olympics. (t/n: to Honda,) What is your take on Javier Fernandez?

(Brian Orser and Tracy Wilson following Fernandez with their eyes)

Honda: Well, he looks good in the warm-up. His movements are very sharp.

(Boyang Jin skating along the boards)

Toriumi: Here is Boyang Jin of China. Recently, he won in Four Continents Championships beating Shoma Uno, scoring over 100 in the short program. He arrived in PyeongChang as he got himself in gear.

(Hanyu going over his opening quad)

Toriumi: Hanyu is going to skate first, right after this warm-up. According to his planned contents, he is going to open his program with a quad loop but...?!

(Hanyu lands 4S)

Honda: That was a quad Salchow.

Toriumi: Yes, it was Salchow... Is he going to alter it to this Salchow?

Honda: I think so.

(Hanyu goes back to his coaches to keep himself hydrated)

Toriumi: He will probably attempt the quad Salchow as his opening jump and then quad-toe-triple-toe combination in the second half of the program. He said that he had done the absolute best he could do before coming here and wanted to do his best. (t/n: in this competition) He is thinking very positively, isn't he?

Honda: Yes, indeed. Well, he said that even when he could not skate, he could do off-ice training well enough. So, he has done what he could do for this Olympics.

(Hanyu starts skating again)

Toriumi: He explained about the time off-the-ice saying that he could not get on the ice for two months, but he had a lot to figure out, so the time off-the-ice wasn't meaningless.

 (End of 6-minutes warm-up)

Toriumi: Now, 6-minutes warm-up has ended.

(Hanyu goes over the Salchow for one last time and goes back to the coaches)

Toriumi: Now is the time to fight. The reigning Olympic Champion, Yuzuru Hanyu. He suffered a severe injury. Now, how has he recovered?

[notebookfilledwithscrabbles]

20/9/2019 Joint interview with Yuzuru Hanyu after ACI published by Sponichi (Part. 2)

Translation post 27

Original language: Japanese

*Part 2 of an article based on a joint interview done by Japanese press after Autumn Classic International 2019. This is not a word-for-word translation. I paraphrased some of the things said to clarify the main point.

*Part 1

At the end of September, Figure Skate Magazine 2019-2020 Vol.1 also released a transcription of this joint interview. Yuzuru's answers were mostly the same in both media, but in some sections, Magazine's transcription is more detailed. To clarify the context, I am going to add the excerpts of the article by Magazine in the appendix. (I will do the same with part 1 I posted in September) According to Magazine, part 1 of the joint interview was conducted by TV stations and part 2 was for print media.

Yuzuru Hanyu, champion's instinct: "I felt the desire to win as I was skating, so strongly."

Published by Sponichi Annex on 9/20/2019 https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2019/09/20/kiji/20190920s00079000157000c.html

Yuzuru Hanyu (aged 24, affiliated with ANA), who won two consecutive Olympic titles in figure skating at Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018 gave a joint interview after competing at Autumn Classic International held in Oakville, which was his season-opening competition. He has made a fresh start this season after finishing last season being 2nd at the World Championships. The absolute champion who thirsts for victory talks about where he is now and where he is planning to go. The tone of the man who is preparing to renew his attack becomes gradually enthusiastic.

--You finished 2nd at the World Championships last March. What did you think that you need to close the point gap between Nathan Chen (USA)? "After all, I just have to raise my base value. I think (t/n: under the current judging system) it is worth doing only when you can earn positive GOE. However, there is a limit to depending on GOE since it is affected by the standards of those who evaluate it. So, I think in the end, it (t/n: going after huge GOE) is worth doing only when you can land difficult jumps."

--You've mentioned the five-quads layout. Do you see it as a layout to defeat Chen? "Not exactly. It is more like I am always calculating the maximum layout I am capable of executing. Obviously, what he did at Worlds isn't his maximum. I am sure that he can add more difficulty as much as he wants. I think I need to be capable of beating him even when he does his maximum."

--Last season, upon including 4T+3A sequence, you said that you wanted to do what you wanted to do even if it would lower the GOE you might be able to earn. "Hehe. As I said, I think I was really fluffy after PyeongChang. But I strongly hoped to land it solidly and cleanly after I actually attempted it. (t/n: in a competition) After all, I really wanted to be the first person to land it in an official competition since I had been doing the jump sequence in shows for a long time. So I feel fulfilled about it by having landed it cleanly last season."

--And in the end, you went back to pursuing victory. "Yes. I certainly desire to win. It would be great if I could win by competing the way I did, but it is no use saying such a thing. After all, I think I need to master the Axel (t/n: 4A) as a weapon as soon as possible, and as a step towards it, well, not that I am planning to proceed step by step, but I want to equip Lutz (t/n: 4Lz) first. I feel that it (t/n: his 4Lz as a weapon) has become quite reliable, so I want to be able to include it depending on the situation, considering whether it is needed or not in each time."

--You said that you don't want people to see you in disgrace. "Because, you know, I definitely don't want to hear people say something like, "Ah, Yuzuru Hanyu's time is over." Take today for example, I thought... How should I put it? I thought that I fought well, but I think I am so uncool looking at the scores. (Laughs) So... I am really going to work harder." (t/n: see also no.1 of the appendix)

--What is your image of your disgraceful/uncool self? "I always end up thinking I am disgraceful at Autumn Classic and Skate Canada. (Laughs bitterly) I am always thinking, "Oh, I am so uncool" while competing. (t/n: in these competitions) But, after all, I have always been having dramatic ups and downs, and I am the kind of person who would straightforwardly acknowledge what happened whether it was good or bad. I am most severe when I evaluate myself, and this time, I can say that I didn't do well. After all, I am still craving for what I felt while performing SEIMEI and Ballade No.1 without mistake, or what I felt while performing Hope and Legacy at Helsinki 2017. I have a strong desire to surpass my perfect self at that time. If I manage to do that, then I will be able to consider myself cool--"cool" may not sound right in this context--then I will be able to believe that I did well as an athlete. I consider any other results uncool."

--It sounds like you have a long list of things you want to pursue, and it is not just for this season but for multiple seasons... "Well, it is like I am doing what I can do. After all, there is a limit to the things I can do on each occasion, so I am feeling like, if I end up doing so as a result of doing what I can do on each occasion, so be it. Anyway, I am feeling that I still have room to grow while training now. Actually, there was a time that I found it difficult to go on. As expected, I hit a huge wall mastering Axel, and was like, "Am I really going to be able to do this?" Now, I am becoming to feel like, "It looks more do-able than I thought." So, hopefully, I will be able to become stronger by trying various things and getting more information." (t/n: see also no.2 of the appendix)

--When was the time (t/n: you found it difficult to go on) and what kind of wall did you hit? "As you may know, it was around the Autumn Classic last year. There was a time that I felt like, "This is no time to practice Axel." After all, I was nowhere near mastering it. I had landed it with the help of the harness, but without it, it didn't even seem possible to complete the rotations. But I am finally becoming able to complete rotations. Last season, I had no time to practice Axel when I had competitions to take part in, and there was the injury, of course, so I had my hands full just to prepare for the Worlds. But as it turned out, it worked as a training. (t/n: for 4A)"

--There was a talk about the year 2022. How clear do you feel about it now? "I know you want to hear about it... Well, but, in my mind, it is just an extension of my competitive career. I really think so. At the moment, I am not dying to compete or win in it. I am just dying to do the Axel. How should I put it? I want to land the Axel, and on top of that, I want to make Origin complete. That is what I want to achieve most." (t/n: see also no.3 of the appendix)

--So, your goal as of now is to land the Axel and make Origin complete? "Well, it may take three or four years to achieve that. Who knows? (Laughs) Anyway, I have to proceed little by little, mindfully trying not to damage my body."

--What are you going to do after you achieve the goal? "Well... I used to have plans, but my environment has changed so much. It is so different from what I imagined... I mean, I am receiving overwhelming support from so many people. For example, this is a B-class competition, but no one cut corners because this is a B-class event, and not just my supporting team, but the organizing staff and the security staff of the event also treat me with special care that a normal skater would never receive, I think. So... what I feel most strongly is the urge to reciprocate them for their support. I used to think that I wanted to be this or that... When I was a kid, I was always thinking that I was going to win in PyeongChang and then turn pro and work hard for a year to make money, but... after PyeongChang, I started out (t/n: the next season) leaving things open, like, "OK, let's tackle on Axel then," and as a result, I am now skating with the feeling that it is so much fun to compete. What forms the basis of my motivation right now is... the desire to master the Axel and to make Otonal and Origin complete, of course. But I may be motivated more strongly by the urge to perform well to meet the expectations of people supporting me. I am not sure how long I will continue this way, though."

--During the World Championships, you said, "Losing is no better than dying." How strongly do you desire to win now? "During this competition, I didn't think much about winning or losing. I really wanted to present complete programs with the current layout. I have a sense of unfulfillment in this regard. Now I am finding issues like, "Ah, maybe it should have been like this, or like that.” Anyway, I... Hmm. It is so difficult to explain in words, but... Well, at Worlds, when I lost, I felt that it (t/n: the victory) was out of reach, and I... How should I put it? I felt the desire to win as I was skating, so strongly. As I said earlier, since when I was in kindergarten, I had been thinking that I was going to win at PyeongChang. No, in my mind, it wasn't even "PyeongChang." I was just thinking, "I am going to compete in Olympic games at the age of 19 and 23, win at both and quit!" So... after that, (t/n: after winning at PyeongChang) I didn't have much desire for victory. Well, I think I had the desire during the GPS last year, but having lost at Worlds in the way that I felt the difference in our ability... Well, I don't know what the result could have been if I have managed to skate with no mistake, but I think our ability should be defined by how we performed there. So, having lost at Worlds feeling the difference in our ability at that time is making me... uh... how should I say... want to win so much. I competed here in a sense trying to suppress the desire because this time, I wanted to make my performances complete regardless of such desire. But as well as the gratitude toward people supporting me and the urge to live up to their expectations, the kuyashii feeling I had toward the loss at that time makes the foundation of me keep skating now, and it enables me to work extra-hard this season, I guess."

--What kind of life is it to live just for mastering quad Axel? For us, it is hard to imagine. "I live like a monk practicing asceticism. (Laughs) I mean, for real. So I think it must be pretty un-interesting for paparazzi if they come after me. Because, you know, my life is like, go to an ice rink, practice, go home, have a meal, work out, take a bath, and go to bed. (Laughs)"

--Have you found anything you can enjoy outside of the rink? "It sounds as if I were a super sad person... (Laughs) Well, I don't go out. I haven't found it fun to go out since my childhood. I don't consider it especially good or bad, though. But interaction with artists like I had during Fantasy (on Ice) is very inspiring. I can learn as a performer through interacting with them since there is always something that makes me feel, "Oh, I didn't know this," or "I didn't know that." Well, you don’t just have fun on such occasions, but I think it (t/n: FaOI this year) was fun and inspiring. So... I think I had enough fun during Fantasy. (t/n: on Ice) Well, of course, I consumed myself for it to a certain degree. I consumed my foot too. But in a sense, it helped me to recreate or refresh my mind during the off-season. This year, I haven't had time off the ice, so my life may have been revolving around skating. Well, I enjoy playing video games. (Laughs)" (t/n: see also no.4 of the appendix)

--How is your right ankle now? We heard that only a small amount of tendon left intact in it. How would it affect if you get injured again? "I can't say. I really don't know what would happen, but I feel that I can easily sprain my ankle. When I got injured in Russia (last November), I didn't expect it to swell much, but it became swollen and puffed so much that I worried if I would be able to put the boots on. Hmm... I don't know, but I should be careful while skating for sure. But I don't feel any pain now, either in my right foot or left foot. Well, it sometimes hurts like an old wound, like in the morning, when I wake up, but that's about it. It doesn't affect when I compete anymore. It is just that I bear a higher risk of injury than others."

--Thank you very much. "I am not going to retire at all, yet!" --What video game are you playing now? "I am playing the Fire Emblem now. (On which platform?) Switch." --We are looking forward to seeing the Axel. "I am going to land a beautiful one. I mean, I am going to land a truly beautiful one. Watch it, world!" (t/n: see also no.5 of the appendix)

Appendix

1. In Figure Skating Magazine 2019-2020 vol. 1, this Q and A starts like this: --You said that you don't want people to see you in disgrace. "Yes, I did. (Laughs)" --That was an impactful comment, I think. "Really? (Laughs) Because, you know, I DEFINITELY don't want to hear people say something like, "Ah, Yuzuru Hanyu's time is over."

2. In Figure Skating Magazine 2019-2020 vol. 1, this Q and A starts like this: --It sounds like you have a long list of things you want to pursue and are going to keep going on and on... "Hehe... Well, it is like I am doing what I can do. After all, there is a limit to the things I can do on each occasion, so I am feeling like, if I end up doing so as a result of doing what I can do on each occasion, so be it.

3. In Figure Skating Magazine 2019-2020 vol. 1, this Q and A is transcribed like this: --As to Beijing 2022, how clear do you feel about it now? "Hehe... I know you want to hear about it... Well, but, in my mind, it is just an extension of my competitive career. I really think so. At the moment, I am not dying to compete or win in it. I am just dying to do the Axel. (Laughs) Uh... How should I put it? I want to land the Axel, and on top of that, I want to make Origin complete. That is what I want to achieve most."

4. In Figure Skating Magazine 2019-2020 vol. 1, this Q and A starts like this: --Have you found anything you can enjoy outside of the rink? "Hahaha! What kind of question is that?! It sounds as if I were a super sad person... (Laughs hard covering his face with his hands) Um... Well... I don't go out. I haven't found it fun to go out since my childhood. I don't consider it especially good or bad, though.

5. In Figure Skating Magazine 2019-2020 vol. 1, the conversation after the interview is transcribed like this: (The joint interview ended here. Hanyu talks with the press as he leaves there) "Hehe. I am not going to retire at all, yet. Hehe." --We partly wish to see you win three consecutive Olympic titles... ".........I will try my best. (Laughs)" --What video game are you playing now? "I am playing the Fire Emblem now, and..." --On which platform? "(T/n: Nintendo) Switch!" --Don't you sometimes become tired of being the Yuzuru Hanyu? "It is like, I have already gotten used to it... (To everyone) Thank you very much. Thank you. Today's interview was kind of gloomy, wasn’t it? Hehe. Like, "Are you going to retire?" (Laughs) No, I am not! (Laughs)" --We are looking forward to seeing the Axel. "I am going to land a beautiful one. I mean, I am going to land a truly beautiful one." (t/n: You can't find "Watch it, world!" here, but he certainly said so since you can find it in multiple articles written by reporters who were actually there. source 1 2)

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19/9/2019 Joint interview with Yuzuru Hanyu after ACI published by Sponichi (Part. 1)

Translation post 26

Original language: Japanese

*Part 1 of an article based on a joint interview done by Japanese press after Autumn Classic International 2019. This is not a word-for-word translation. I paraphrased some of the things said to clarify the main point.

*Part 2 

ETA on 22/10/2019: At the end of September, Figure Skate Magazine 2019-2020 Vol.1 also released a transcription of this joint interview. Yuzuru's answers were mostly the same in both media, but in some sections, Magazine's transcription is more detailed. To clarify the context, I added the excerpts of the article by Magazine in the appendix. According to Magazine, part 1 of the joint interview was conducted by TV stations and part 2 was for print media.

What is in Yuzuru Hanyu's mind as he enters the 10th season: "I have a clear goal in mind and am striving toward it."

Published by Sponichi Annex on 19/9/2019 https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2019/09/19/kiji/20190918s00079000485000c.html

Yuzuru Hanyu (aged 24, affiliated with ANA), who won two consecutive Olympic titles in figure skating at Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018 gave a joint interview after competing at Autumn Classic International held in Oakville, which was his season-opening competition. His new season has finally begun. The man who has entered his 10th season in the senior circuit speaks his mind, sharing his thoughts on Otonal and Origin which he is aiming to show in complete form, quad Axel, the super big gun he has been tuning up in silence, and the future beyond achieving these goals.

--What do you feel looking back at your performance in the FS? "The performance was not bad, but the result was not good, so I think I have a little work to do."

--During the practice sessions, it looked like you were having trouble getting the timing right in doing 4Lo, etc. "I thought that this competition as a whole, including the short program, exposed all of my shortcomings, such as the tendency to overexert myself or to get too relaxed to the extent that I lose my strength, but in the free skating, I think I managed to keep myself concentrated in a good way."

--Aren't you going to include 4T+3A in the FP this season? "No. After all, there isn't much benefit in including it if I want to earn more GOE. Also, I am satisfied with the quality of the jump sequence I did during the last season, so I don't think I need to do it. However, I can still do it (t/n: 3A as a second jump) as a recovery or in an Axel-Axel sequence. For example, if my ultimate jump layout has only one slot to do Axel, I can do an Axel-Axel sequence. I can also do it as the last jump of the program. I have trained myself enough to do that. So, keeping such possibilities in mind, I want to train myself even more and become able to land it with a high level of preciseness and completeness."

--After going through your season-opening competition, what do you think is your future task in competing in this season? "I think I have gone through performing in numerous competitions, but I still feel different every time. And in my case particularly, I always feel that anything other than delivering error-free performances means defeat. In that sense, I think I managed to deal with a new type of pressure. (t/n: in this competition) I will keep facing new challenges in future competitions too. I may get nervous in a different way or have to compete in a different physical condition. I am aiming to deliver good performances while dealing with such circumstances making use of my experiences."

--Every time you compete, you get surrounded by so many people in the press and fans. What do you consciously do to keep yourself concentrated on competing? "Hmm. I think everyone is kindly trying to let me stay focused throughout a competition, including the time I leave my hotel or stay in my room, or leave the venue. My fans are also mindfully trying to let me stay focused on my skating, so I think I have no problem dealing with that situation. Well, in this particular competition, of course, there were some moments where people cheered very loudly. They did so as I took off my jacket since I was wearing new costumes, but I heard loud cheers even when I wasn't doing anything. As I receive so many cheers, I sometimes worry if it is annoying other skaters, but it also invigorates me, making me feel that I have to deliver good performances to live up to their expectations. Of course, the best I can do for fans externally is to achieve good results or to deliver good performances, so I want to do my best.” (t/n: see also no.1 of the appendix)

--Are you planning on including new jumps which weren't in your programs last season? "I am considering to include three quads in the second half. And at the moment, I want to practice 4Lz and see if I should include it during GPS."

--What exactly are the three quads you are planning on including in the second half? "Salchow, toe loop, toe loop, I guess. Oh, the second half, I mean... don't you call it the second half anymore? Do you see what I mean by the second half? Anyway, as the last three jumps... (t/n: in the FP) No. OK, I should put it this way... I should call it "a jump layout with five quads." I am hoping to compete with the five-quads-layout and am training myself for that."

--Are you going to include (quad) Axel this season? "Umm... If I can land it. "I can land it" means various things. You may be feeling that you are capable of landing it in a competition. You may also be feeling that you may accidentally land one in practice. Anyway, I need to reach the level where I am capable of landing it in competitions and make it complete so that I can earn GOE before actually attempting it in a competition. I need to think about the risk of injuries as well. I think I need to find a balance between the training and the conditioning for the competitions."

--You have started practicing the three-jump combination starts from toe loop (t/n: 4T-Ew-3F) from this season, is that correct? "I am practicing it to increase the scores I can get even for a point. I practice many things aiming to be able to do any jump in any situation."

--You are trying many new jumps this season. "In my mind, I have the images of the complete form of Origin and Otonal in a sense, and the jump layouts of them are different from what I am doing now, although I am not telling you exactly what I am aiming for yet. So, I need to practice various types of jumps, and to perform complete Origin and Otonal, I need to practice more difficult ones."

--What is motivating you to try new things? "I guess the biggest motivation is the desire to make these programs complete. I want to win, of course. I think it is pointless if I can't let these programs win, but on top of that, I want to achieve it with the jump layout and the quality of the jumps I am aiming for."

--As to mastering the quad Axel, what stage you are in now? "I complete the rotations and fall. So, all that is left is to land it, I think. Well, but I am still struggling a bit just to complete the rotations. As I said, I need to find a balance between training and competing, so I think I am going to have to focus on competing when I should, and practice Axel when I can afford it."

--Last season, you said that "fire" was your keyword. What is your motivation for this season? "I have been motivated from the beginning. (t/n: of this season) (Laughs) From the beginning, (t/n: of this season,) I have never seen myself as fluffy as I was. (t/n: at the beginning of the last season) I really have a clear goal in mind and want to train myself every day to achieve it. The frustration I feel about the World Championships is a motivation for sure, but the biggest one I think is the desire to perform these programs in a way that I can be proud of in the end in the face of these programs." (t/n: see also no.2 of the appendix)

--Which part of you have the initiative? Your artistic side aiming to bring your programs to perfection, or your athletic side wanting to get back on top of the Worlds' podium? "I see no difference between them. I don't want to take sides with one of them. That is not figure skating, I think. As a skater, I feel the trends in scoring artistry and techniques, but in the end, we need an overwhelming amount of techniques to make our program complete, I think. After all, I want to complete my programs doing difficult things, and feeling, "Yes, this program needs to have this kind of jump. This program needs to have this kind of difficulty and thrill.""

--The other day, you said that you had landed quad flip. Are you aiming to include all types of quads in the complete form? "I haven't thought about it yet. (Laughs) As to the flip, I sometimes feel like doing it, but my flip is not clear. It is not a flip that I can confidently say, "This is the correct flip." So, I am not sure about it. But I will include the jump if I land Axel and still have room to do it, and if I want to make an official record that says I landed all types of quads."

--Does competing make you feel such desire? "I have been hoping to do the Axel from the beginning. But I am still struggling since the barrier between me and the jump was thicker than I thought. Right now, I feel that I skate for the Axel and live for the Axel. I mean, how should I put it? Of course, I have to think about my body and everything since I have been suffering so many injuries, but under this condition, I want to increase the difficulty pursuing the jumps that I can do because I have this body and the jumps that shine in my performance."

--Are you going to retire after landing 4A? "Well, who knows? Maybe I will go for the flip. (Laughs)"

--You are mentioning flip and quint on top of working hard to master 4A. In what sort of mindset are you competing now? What about the plan to retire when you are still in the best shape? "I am not sure what is my best shape. The more I pursue, the more I feel, "I should be able to do this," "I may be able to do that." So um... It is kind of like I am just living in the present, putting my all into it. At present, I am working hard to become a better version of me, even if it can't be called the best. I always keep in mind to keep upgrading myself while I continue competing."

--If you are doing the same in 2022, the year of Beijing 2022, what would you do? "If I am doing the same until then, then I would probably be competing there. Well... How should I put it? To say quite frankly, I think that I should quit if I am going to lose. I never want people to see me in disgrace. After all, if I continue until then, I guess I will be doing so to do 4A or all types of quads. That is pretty much what I am doing now, although I do not intend to include 4F. (Laughs) Anyway, my aim is to become always strong. Although I cannot make any commitments, if I manage to be always strong and reach it (t/n: Beijing 2020) as an extension of being strong, that would make everyone happy, I guess. (Laughs) ...Oh, I am so bad at answering. I am so sorry. After all these years I spent as an interviewee... Thank you very much." (Continued in part 2)

Appendix

1. In Figure Skating Magazine 2019-2020 vol. 1, this Q and A starts like this: --Hanyu senshu is always surrounded by many people in the press and fans. I wonder if it isn't difficult to remain balanced externally. ""Externally." (Laughs) Well, I think everyone is kindly trying to let me stay focused throughout a competition, including the time I leave my hotel or stay in my room, or leave the venue. My fans are also mindfully trying to let me stay focused on my skating, so I think I have no problem dealing with that situation."

2. In Figure Skating Magazine 2019-2020 vol. 1, this Q and A starts like this: --Last season, you said that this competition lit the "fire" in you, but this season, it seems like it hasn't been lit yet... "I have been motivated from the beginning. (t/n: of this season) (Laughs) "

News clip of Yuzuru mentioning 4F and answering the question about Beijing

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Haru yo koi (春よ、来い) English translation

Translation post 25

Original language: Japanese

My translation of the lyrics of Yumi Matsutoya's Haru yo koi.

Since the beautiful lyrics were written in slightly old Japanese, to translate them seemed above my skills and there were some translations, but I wanted to give it a try simply because I felt that I knew the landscape written in here. In the end, I could not translate the nuance created by the old wordings, but it was fulfilling to take a close look at these lyrics again and to try to go deep into the landscape.

Come, spring

Rainshower sparkles tenderly on winter daphnes remind me of my dearest one From the buds overflowing tears, one by one, they start to give off their scent

It will come, it will come, crossing the sky One day, it will finally come for me

O spring, spring so far away I close my eyes and hear a voice so close to me The voice of you that brings back memories The voice of you who gave me love

My heart I trusted to you is still waiting for your reply No matter how much time has passed, it is still waiting, unchanged

It will come, it will come, crossing tomorrows One day, it will surely reach me

O spring, spring yet to be seen When I'm lost and standing still I feel someone's eyes upon me The eyes of you that embrace me The eyes of you who gave me a dream

O dreams, fleeting dreams I am here, walking alone, thinking of you like rain flows on like a petal flows on

O spring, spring so far away I close my eyes and hear a voice so close to me The voice of you that brings back memories The voice of you who gave me love

O spring, spring yet to be seen When I'm lost and standing still I feel someone's eyes upon me The eyes of you that embrace me The eyes of you who gave me a dream

O spring, spring so far away I close my eyes and hear a voice so close to me The voice of you that brings back memories The voice of you who gave me love

O spring, spring yet to be seen...

Haru yo koi by Yumi Matsutoya with lyrics

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26/5/2019 FaoI Makuhari Day 3 Interview with Yuzuru Hanyu after the show

Translation post 24

Original language: Japanese

Translator’s note: Based on TV Asahi Ch2 version aired on July 28th, 2019. This is not a word-for-word translation. I paraphrased some of the things said in the broadcast to clarify the main point.

Hanyu: Can I use a towel for a moment... (Wipes his face with the towel) Aww. Kuyashii. (Laughs) …OK!

Interviewer: Otsukaresama deshita.

Hanyu: Otsukaresama deshita.

Interviewer: Now, you said, "Kuyashii."

Hanyu: Hahaha.

Interviewer: The Lutz in the finale, right?

Hanyu: Hahaha... Yes. Well, that was close, so I got a bit greedy. (Giggles)

Interviewer: So, day 3 is over now. The cheers from the audience are getting louder day by day. How do you feel about Masquerade looking back at your performance today?

Hanyu: I feel that I did everything I could. I really... I think that today, I managed to leave everything I had on the ice.

(Footage of Masquerade in day 3)

Hanyu: To be frank, I feel quite emptied now. To that extent, I...um... How should I say? I feel that I managed to put my all into the performance today, including my emotions, physical and mental strength, everything. (t/n: to the extent that he feels emptied)

Hanyu: Of course, I cannot perform that way without Shae's choreography, but this time, I am with the guitarist bringing a fresh sense to the music, Mr. Takebe who is playing with passion, and ToshI san... his magnificent, beautiful high-tone singing voice which surrounds me seamlessly while I am skating. So... I truly feel that I can perform that way because of everyone's combined efforts, and today, I felt like we managed to form something like... a huge mass of energy out there by performing together.

Hanyu: To be frank, I've known ToshI san for a long time, I mean, through television, so I just feel humbled and honored, (t/n: to collaborate with him) but he always tries to put himself in my position. He also kindly provided an opportunity/opportunities to share our thoughts and feelings about this song. I think being able to communicate well with each other this way enables me to perform like myself in this collaboration, and I am truly grateful for him for that.

Hanyu: I strongly feel that I have to perform with all my strength and leave everything on the ice. I heard that ToshI san also puts his all into his performance until he becomes unable to walk at the end, which also motivates me to do everything I can as he does. Well, of course, we are performers and have been taught to walk after... um... How should I say? We have been taught that our performance never ends until the curtain falls, but this time, I'm consciously trying to do everything I can before the curtain falls.

Interviewer: Could you tell us your resolution for next week and after that?

Hanyu: Hahaha. “Resolution”? (Laughs) Well... Yes, I want to refine my performance, so I want to take time to listen to the song and to check the choreography, not on the ice but off the ice. Then I want to work on the refined program putting more effort (t/n: or energy. See the translator’s note after the translation) into where it is needed.

Interviewer: OK. Thank you very much.

Hanyu; Thank you very much.

Interviewer: Otsukaresama deshita.

Hanyu: Otsukaresama deshita.

   T/N: In Japanese, he said "その洗練されたもので力を入れるところをもっと力を入れていけるようにしたいなという気持ちでいます". "力を入れる" in this context can be interpreted as "put effort into" and as "perform energetically," and it's hard to decide which seeing what he does usually, so I chose not to choose.

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Worlds 2019 – Interview with Yuzuru Hanyu after FS by J SPORTS

Translation post 23

Original language: Japanese

Translator’s note: This is not a word-for-word translation. I paraphrased some of the things said in the broadcast to clarify the main point. 

Interviewer: Otsukaresama deshita.

Hanyu: Otsukaresama deshita.

Interviewer: Congratulations on your medal.

Hanyu: (Laughs bitterly) Haha... Hmm... Thank you anyway.

Interviewer: Would you tell me your honest feelings?

Hanyu: Well, I feel kuyashii, but I felt good competing, and I feel super motivated. So... there were so many things I took away from this, I think.

Interviewer: After the short program, how did you analyze it or think about it while getting ready for today?

Hanyu: I was obsessed with comparing this competition to others... thinking like, "I was like that in that competition so I have to do this." Especially, at the Olympics, I won coming back from an injury, so I was confident but that made me trapped in thinking that I had to do the same. So, I worked on clearing away such obsession. I spent much time especially on adjusting the loop (t/n: the opening 4Lo) to be able to nail it while skating to the music because I felt very insecure about it and often failed to land it in run-throughs.

Interviewer: You were going over the jump again and again in the morning practice and 6 minutes warm-up as well. The 4Lo was the jump caused your injury. Did nailing it help you get your rhythm today?

Hanyu: Yes, something like that. I thought that if I nail the loop, I will be able to perform the rest of the program with no mistake. Even during the practice, I was sure that I could skate clean if I land the loop. So... I wasn't concerned about the other jumps so much. Well, of course, I became a bit cautious after landing the loop (t/n: in the free skating) and under-rotated the Salchow, but overall, my free skating was good, I think.

Interviewer: Toward the loop...

(Someone interrupts when the interviewer tries to ask something about the 4Lo)

Hanyu: (t/n: To the person) Later.

Interviewer: I'm sorry. Let me ask one more question. So, you have already achieved many things. Now, what do you want to achieve, more than anything?

Hanyu: Well, after all, I want to win in every competition. Especially about competing with Nathan, I felt my lack of competence in many respects, and because I respect him so much, I feel the desire to win all the more. So... Well, I still have time until the next season, so I want to train well until then.

Interviewer: Thank you very much.

Hanyu: Thank you very much.

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Worlds 2019 – Yuzuru Hanyu FS by J SPORTS

Translation post 22

Original language: Japanese

Translator’s note: This is not a word-for-word translation. I paraphrased some of the things said in the broadcast to clarify the main point.

Announcer: Chizuru Kobayashi. She is a freelancer who has been working for figure skating programs on J SPORTS for years.

Commentator: Makoto Okazaki. ISU Technical Specialist and a coach. He won a bronze medal at 2001 Winter Universiade as a singles skater and has been contributing figure skating columns titled "岡崎真の目 (Eyes of Makoto Okazaki)" to Sponichi.

 (Hanyu takes a deep breath and shakes hands with Brian, Ghislain, then squeezes Pooh)

Kobayashi: And here comes Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan, who was in the 3rd place after the short program.

(PA announcer calls his name and Hanyu leaves for his starting position)

Okazaki: Overwhelming amount of cheers.

Kobayashi: Yes, they are cheering wildly. He is 12.53 points away from Nathan Chen who was 1st in the short.

Okazaki: These cheers will surely give him a boost.

Kobayashi: I think so, too.

 (Hanyu starts his performance)

Kobayashi: (t/n: His program is) "Origin," an arrangement of his idol Evgeny Plushenko's "Tribute to Nijinski." He is going to attempt four quads. The first one is going to be a quad loop.

(4Lo)

Okazaki: Quad loop. He saved the landing.

(4S)

Okazaki: Quad Salchow. Aww! It might have been a bit under-rotated, but he did a good job saving it.

(FCCoSP)

Okazaki: Jumped into a flying camel spin. Camel upward, camel sideways. This is a flying change-foot combination spin. From sit sideways to upright forward. A level 4 spin.

(Stsq)

Okazaki: Step sequence. Right rocker, counter, twizzle. Left rocker, counter, counter.

(3Lo)

Okazaki: Triple loop. Well-controlled despite the short set-up.

Kobayashi: Here comes another series of quads.

(4T)

Okazaki: Quad toe. Very nice!

(4T-3Aseq)

Okazaki: Quad toe, triple Axel sequence. Again, he did a very good job saving it.

(3F-3T)

Okazaki: Triple Flip, triple toe combination. This one was also nice.

(3A-1Eu-3S)

Okazaki: Three-jump combination consisted of triple Axel from a backward-outside counter, single Euler, and triple Salchow. This one was also well-executed.

Kobayashi: And that was the last jump. (t/n: in this program)

(Chsq)

Okazaki: And now, it's the choreographic sequence. Ina Bauer on forward-outside edge. Hydroblading.

(FCSSp)

Okazaki: Entered from a difficult air-position. Sit forward. This is a flying change-foot sit spin. Completed 8 revolutions in sit behind position. It's a level 4 spin.

(CCoSp)

Okazaki: Entered with a difficult entry. Change of edge in camel position. Change of foot with jumping. Included a variation in a non-basic position. This is a change-foot combination spin, level 4.

 (After Hanyu’s performance)

Kobayashi: Loud cheers from the audience. People in commentary positions around us are still applauding.

Okazaki: Hahaha. It's amazing!

Kobayashi: It's wonderful.

(Hanyu takes a bow to the audience)

Kobayashi: This is the world championships held in Saitama, Japan. The atmosphere in the arena is just incredible.

Okazaki: And an incredible amount of stuffed animals are thrown into the rink. (Laughs) Wow, this is spectacular...

Kobayashi: Indeed. ...Well, he was amazing.

Okazaki: Yes. Well, he reeled a bit on the landing of the quad Salchow and the jump looked a bit under-rotated, but other than that, he controlled everything so well.

Kobayashi: But (t/n: the landing of) the Salchow was also incredible. How could he stay on his foot that way?

Okazaki: Without stepping out or falling, right? That is something only he can do.

Kobayashi: Definitely.

(Hanyu comes back to the board)

Kobayashi: The Russian commentators sitting next to us never stopped applauding after he landed the last jump. It was amazing.

(Hanyu, Ghislain, and Brian take seats in the Kiss and Cry)

Kobayashi: Look at the amount of stuffed animals. It must be tough to collect them.

Okazaki: Yes...

 (During the replay of the highlights)

(Hanyu at the beginning of the program)

Kobayashi: He looked completely concentrated.

Okazaki: Yes, as if he was in the zone.

Kobayashi: Exactly.

(4Lo)

Okazaki: The quad loop. Looks good. (t/n: When he landed it,) His weight shifted on his heel for a moment but (t/n: he saved it) with no trouble at all. Excellent.

(Ice Scope data: Distance 2.20m, Height 0.64m, Running speed out of the jump: 9.5km/h)

Kobayashi: If I remember correctly, he injured his right ankle. Is that correct?

Okazaki: That's right, but he didn't make us feel its impact on his performance. He really is back on form.

(4S)

Okazaki: Ah, it does look a bit under-rotated, but from here... despite being almost in the sit position... (t/n: he regained his balance)

Kobayashi: That made us feel how strong he was.

Okazaki: It's incredible.

(3Lo and 4T)

Okazaki: Then there were jumps with a short set-up like this. This kind of jump does not make it easy for you to have a good flow out of it, so it is very difficult to control your body while landing it, but he still managed to hold the landing position. That's impressive.

Kobayashi: Indeed.

Okazaki: The lack of flow makes this kind of jump look less flashy, but it is very hard to go into a jump with a difficult entry and maintain control of your body even after landing.

(4T-3Aseq and the coaches watching it)

Okazaki: This Axel was also with short set-up and entered from a back outside counter... (t/n: I think he probably confused it with the other Axel in the 3A-1Eu-3S)

Kobayashi: Yes. He is the only one who can do such a thing.

Okazaki: Yes, and taking everything into account, it is natural for him to receive huge GOEs.

Kobayashi: Right.

(3A-1Eu-3S)

Kobayashi: Coach Orser's jump was bigger than usual.

Okazaki: Yes... This is the three-jump combination. This also looks good.

Kobayashi: This was the last jump in this program.

(Ina Bauer in Chsq shot from above)

Okazaki: The whole arena had already gone wild in excitement during this choreographic sequence.

Kobayashi: It was intense.

(Close-up shot of Hydroblading)

Okazaki: This also consumes your energy, and he did it at the very end of the program. I think he fought so well until the end.

Kobayashi: I agree.

(When they show the footage of his face at the end of his performance, the audience cheer loudly for him)

Kobayashi: Now this is what champion is. Yuzuru Hanyu, the winner of two consecutive Olympic titles and the two-time world champion.

 (Hanyu and the coaches in the Kiss and Cry)

Kobayashi: Now, what kind of scores should we expect?

Okazaki: I can't say.

Kobayashi: I am sure they will be huge.

Okazaki: (Laughs) They are still collecting the stuffed animals.

Kobayashi: Yes. It is a hard job.

(PA announcer announces his scores)

Okazaki: Ah, he scored over 200.

Kobayashi: Amazing. He scored 206.10. His technical score is 110.

Okazaki: Wow.

Kobayashi: And (t/n: his total score is) over 300! He did it.

Okazaki: Wow, it's incredible to score over 300 after falling behind in the short that way.

Kobayashi: It is indeed incredible. His total score is 300.97. At the beginning of this season, ISU restarted all the records, but in the end, it was Hanyu who broke the 300-point barrier.

Okazaki: Yes. I guess he managed to put a big-enough pressure on the remaining two skaters.

Kobayashi: I agree.

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Worlds 2019 - 6 minutes warm-up before group 4 in Men's FS by J SPORTS

Translation post 21

Original language: Japanese

Translator’s note: This is not a word-for-word translation. I paraphrased some of the things said in the broadcast to clarify the main point.

 Announcer: Chizuru Kobayashi. She is a freelancer who has been working for figure skating programs on J SPORTS for years.

Commentator: Makoto Okazaki. ISU Technical Specialist and a coach. He won a bronze medal at 2001 Winter Universiade as a singles skater and has been contributing figure skating columns titled "岡崎真の目 (Eyes of Makoto Okazaki)" to Sponichi.

  (Skaters for the final group take the ice)

Kobayashi: Here comes the group 4, the final group. The arena is filled with loud cheers. First, they introduce each skater. Vincent Zhou of America, who finished 4th in the short program. Shoma Uno of Japan, who finished 6th in the short. Matteo Rizzo of Italy, who finished 5th in the short. Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan, the winner of two consecutive Olympic titles. He finished 3rd in the short. The defending champion, Nathan Chen of America, who finished 1st in the short. The last skater is Jason Brown of America, who finished 2nd in the short.

(Starting order is on the screen)

Kobayashi: These are the 6 skaters to skate in the final group. Now, we are showing the starting order on the screen. This group consists of 3 American skaters, 2 Japanese skaters, and an Italian skater.

Okazaki: Finally.

Kobayashi: Yes, finally. Our commentator today is Mr. Makoto Okazaki.

PA announcer: We are now introducing the skaters for group 4 in the order of skating. Skater No. 19, Mr. Vincent Zhou of America. After moving up to the senior level last season, he survived the fierce domestic competition and proceeded to PyeongChang Olympics. At PyeongChang, he fought bravely and finished 6th in total earning the second-best technical score in the free skating. This season, he finished 3rd in 4CC and won his first senior ISU championships medal.

Kobayashi: OK, we are going to introduce the skaters one by one. This is Vincent Zhou of America who finished 4th in the short program. He has many types of quads in his repertoire.

Okazaki: Yes, but this time, he is planning to do only 3 types of them, doing each of them once.

Kobayashi: Yes.

Okazaki: I guess his plan is to do what he can do and to do it properly. You know, his jumps often get called under-rotated, so he is going to stick to what he can do cleanly, I guess.

Kobayashi: Uh-huh.

(Vincent lands 4S)

Okazaki: His quad Salchow looks good today.

Kobayashi: Yes.

PA announcer:  Skater No. 20, Mr. Shoma Uno of Japan. The silver medalist from PyeongChang Olympics. This season, he won at GP Canada and NHK Trophy and won a silver medal in GPF. At Japanese Nationals, he achieved a three-peat, and at 4CC, he came back from 4th after the short program and won the long-desired title of a major senior competition.

Kobayashi: Next up is Shoma Uno of Japan. He is planning to do three quads of four different... no, he is planning to do 4 quads.

Okazaki: Yes, he is going to do four quads of three types. I hope he will nail the quad Flip since he fell on it in the short program.

(Loud cheers in the arena)

Kobayashi: When you hear this kind of cheers, it means that someone has landed a good jump somewhere.

Okazaki: (Laughs) Right.

PA announcer: Skater No. 21, Mr. Matteo Rizzo of Italy. This season, he stood up on a GP podium at NHK Trophy as a first Italian men's singles skater and won a bronze medal at European Championships as well. At Universiade held recently, he won the title with his high-quality performances.

Kobayashi: Now, this is Matteo Rizzo of Italy. He is planning to do one type of quad once in the program as a solo jump. He finished 5th in the short with a clean program.

Okazaki: I figure that he is aiming to nail the quad securely and execute other elements cleanly.

Kobayashi: Uh-huh. He is the champion of Winter Universiade.

PA announcer: Skater No. 22, Mr. Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan. He won the Olympic titles consecutively in Sochi and PyeongChang. He also won the Worlds titles in 2014, here in Saitama, and in 2017. This season, he won gold medals in 2 GPs. After that, he got forced to sit out due to injury but has made a comeback here in this World Championships.

Kobayashi: And now, this is Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan.

(Hanyu lands a 4Lo)

Okazaki: Oh, a quad loop. Very nice.

Kobayashi: Yes, it was! Mr. Okazaki, how do you think about his jump layout?

Okazaki: He is planning to do four quads of three types. However, he has the potential to earn huge GOEs... (Hanyu lands a 4S) Ah, that was nice. A quad Salchow.

Kobayashi: That was very nice.

Okazaki: (Goes back to the previous subject) ...So his jumps can totally compete with more difficult quads such as Lutz and Flip. Let's hope for the best.

Kobayashi: Yes.

PA announcer: Skater No. 23, Mr. Nathan Chen of America. He is the defending World Champion. At PyeongChang, he skated strongly in the free skating and finished 5th. This season, he entered the prestigious Yale University and won two-consecutive GPF titles trying to balancing study and training.

Kobayashi: And now, this is the defending champion, Nathan Chen. He is the only one who scored over 100 points in the short program. His score was 107.40.

Okazaki: He is also planning to do four quads of three types.

Kobayashi: Right, including Lutz and Flip.

(Nathan lands a 4Lutz)

Okazaki: Hmmm... That was nice.

Kobayashi: He landed it.

Okazaki: Somehow.

PA announcer: Skater No. 24, Mr. Jason Brown of America. He is loved by the audience for his prowess to express the music delicately and for his cheerfulness. This season, he moved to Canada and has been training under coach Brian Orser. After winning a silver medal at GP France, he came back on the podium at U.S. Nationals for the first time in two years.

Kobayashi: There is 10.59 points difference between Nathan Chen and Jason Brown who was 2nd in the short program. The third-place finisher Yuzuru Hanyu is 12.53 points away from Nathan. Here is the last skater, Jason Brown. He is going to do only one quad.

Okazaki: Yes. Hope he will go for it.

Kobayashi: I hope so, too. Until last season, he has been incorporating a quad toe-loop, but this season, he has been tackling with quad Salchow. He has not landed it successfully yet, right?

Okazaki: Hmmm, I think so.

(Loud Cheers)

Okazaki: Ah, looking good. Uno has landed a quad Flip and then Hanyu landed a quad loop. Let's expect good performances from our skaters.

Kobayashi: Yes. ...You know, it is hard to decide who to focus on in these 6 skaters.

Okazaki: Indeed. It is kind of distracting in a good way...

Kobayashi: (Laughs) Yes.

Okazaki: This situation does not allow us to focus on a skater.

Kobayashi: Indeed. This men's free skating is the last event of this competition. We have already known who are the medalists in the other three disciplines.

Okazaki: Vincent Zhou has landed a quad-Lutz-triple-toe combination too. (t/n: Nathan Chen is on the screen and lands a combination when Okazaki says this, so there is a possibility that he confused Vincent with Nathan, or he thought he was saying "Nathan Chen" instead of "Vincent Zhou.")

Kobayashi: Yes. You know, every skater has been training hard for this season's last competition.

Okazaki: Hope everyone can show what they've got.

Kobayashi: Indeed.

(Hanyu falls on 4Lo)

Kobayashi: Oops...

(The standings after group 3 is on the screen)

Kobayashi: Now we are showing the current standings. Boyang Jin is currently in the 1st place.

(ISU President is on the screen)

Kobayashi: And this is ISU President Mr. Jan Dijkema.

(Nathan lands a 4Lz)

Okazaki: Quad Lutz.

(End of 6-minute warm-up)

Kobayashi: 6 minutes warm-up has ended.

(Hanyu goes back to the board doing shuuu-pa)