#it looks like in summer 7 and other places that they also say that Seimei has white hair as well

[saeraas]

there’s an ongoing theory that Abe no Seimei is the Merlin we all know since he is referred to as the “Japanese Merlin”. There’s also a line from Kiichi Hogen for Merlin, saying " The Mage of Flowers. Ah, it's been a truly long time. If I recall correctly, the last we met was mghghgh-!  What are you doing? Why you cover my mou-”.

Which comes my point being that if Merlin being Abe no Seimei is true (if it happens or not, idk) then it’d be kinda funny if Merlin accidentally runs into Douman one day and they recognize each other like

[wherespacepooh]

Brian Orser Interview at Y.H. 2017-18 Media Day

“I’m merely the coach, but when he skated that program, I thought it was an honor that I was there in that space at the Grand Prix Final. It was that much of a masterpiece... All the judges... felt that it was an honor of a lifetime... The people at the stands, the fans, the judges seated at the panel––they will talk about it for the rest of their lives... We want to rekindle the magic once again.”  –– Brian Orser

Yuzu talks a lot, Brian talks even more ❤️ – gladi

A note: this is a translation of a translation. Brian spoke in English for 30 mins.

Basis of the text is Figure Skate Magazine (B.B.Mook) with Q’s omitted. <…> = Figure Skate Japanese Representatives 2017 Memorial (Quadruple) {…..} = Kiss & Cry (Tokyo News Mook) |…...| = World Figure Skating (Shinshokan) 

[…...] = my own rephrasing for clarity/English’s sake 

Translated by gladi. Please do not repost without permission. Original text and images belong to the respective publishers. 

Preparations pretty much complete even if the Olympics were to take place next week

{Q: Please tell us about Hanyu’s training period this year?}

Yuzuru came back to Toronto right after the World Team Trophy in April, worked on choreography with Shae-lynn Bourne, and then returned to Japan for Fantasy on Ice. The next time he returned was during the first week of our summer school––6 weeks ago. [Summer sessions] started on June 21. Yuzuru also started training at the same time, and he has stayed here since. That means, he has had 6 full weeks––almost 7––of training.

<Q: How is Hanyu’s condition?>

Condition is great. From what I’m seeing, even if the Olympics were to take place next week, you can say he is pretty much prepared. He is in really good condition and taking good care, but very focused and driven in training. He is tackling all aspects, not just jumps, and he has further increased his training time.

I’ve seen him pay attention to speed and overall condition, work on cardio exercises, and practice spins a lot with Paige Aistrop. Working hard on every single thing. Practiced his programs with all their quads in place. Incorporating the spins and the steps, skating with emotion from start to finish. Although the Olympics is in February, he seems to be practicing with a greater sense of purpose compared to past years. You can say he is well aware of the Olympic season. As if the Olympics is right around the corner, about to start any moment now.

<Q: Hanyu and Javier Fernandez. Are there different plans that best fit each respective skater?>

Javier and Yuzuru––they have different approaches. In Yuzuru’s case, he started training right away. His way is to begin program practice at once, making the necessary changes, working on conditioning, and practicing jumps. (t/n - skipping rest of paragraph on Javier’s summer vacation).

Say the Olympics is right here (t/n probably gesturing at a spot in space). We know that Yuzuru is headed towards it from this direction, and Javier comes from that direction. But they practice at the same time, in the same place. And there, again, the differences in culture and personality come out. Of course, both are working really hard. How the two of them tackle this season <and work towards their goals> will be very fascinating.

{Q: How about your way of approach as a coach?}

Yuzuru beginning training right away and Javier taking a vacation to mentally adjust before coming back are both normal to me. As a coach, regulating [their condition] is what I do. Regarding Yuzuru, I think there will be times in this season when I'll have to hold him back.

<Q: What are the pros and cons of Hanyu heading into the Olympics as the world champion?>

Because I have direct experience of this myself, I am able to share that feeling with Yuzuru. It's immense pressure. But, no matter the scenario, for Yuzuru's sake, and for him to approach the Olympics with confidence, becoming world champion once more was what he needed. Because the chance had escaped him twice. Javier was champion in 2015 and 2016, so Yuzuru's turn came in 2017.

To Yuzuru, it was a title that he wanted heading toward the Olympics. In Javier's case, had he won, it probably would have become very difficult for him. Although a 3-time successive world champion in that situation, he would have headed into the Olympics as a world champion. Now, that would have been enormous pressure. For Javi, I think he is in a more favorable position coming in as a dark horse. So I think it has actually <played out perfectly for both of them> and it’ll be a terrific battle.  

Yuzuru needed to go into the Olympics as world champion anyhow, and I think it was very important [that he got the title]. See that display over there? It has the names of all the Olympic medalists and world champions [coming out of TCC], and Yuzuru spends quite a while in front of it. Before heading out to Helsinki, <|several times I saw him standing there, looking up. | He was probably imagining the board with his name engraved on it.> Now he’s doing the same thing again. This time he’s moved over to the Olympic display, staring at the names of the Olympic champions and medalists. Most likely, imagining his name written there. <He is already in the zone> and he feels a sense of purpose.

<Q: Plans for Hanyu to challenge new jumps this season?>

All of the skaters, including my 12-year-old student, everybody is trying out and practicing new jumps. <For young skaters, this is a part of learning skating. Of course, Yuzuru is also constantly challenging new jumps. 4A and 4Lz… although he doesn’t really do the 4F so much, and of course the Loop has gotten quite excellent.> During summer training, it’s normal to train more experimentally, sort of like “Well, let’s try the 4Lz today” and “Today, the 4A.” And so, there are still several weeks until we decide what to do with the new jumps. And, we’ll also have to decide what to do in February at the Olympics. At some point, we’ll have to settle on the jump layout.

Nothing has been decided. More than anything, this is a question for Yuzuru rather than myself. As I’ve said, he’s been attempting jumps like 4Lz and 4A. We have to think strategically, in a smart way. It’s an important year, and there are other skaters who jump 4Lz, 4F, but that isn’t to say we must also follow suit. We have many other ways to compete. At the World Championships {last season}, it was actually very interesting to be able to see the top skaters on the ice at the same time during official practice and six-minute warm-up. The difference in skating skills, ability, and maturity is clear. In my personal opinion, Javier and Yuzuru absolutely stand out. And that leads to the high PCS and GOE for all the elements.

So, if Javier jumps his best 4T, he can easily receive +3. If Yuzuru does his best 4Lo, it’ll be +3. His 4S and 4S3T combination, easily +3 as well. Of course, his 3A is almost always +3. Moreover, Yuzuru is the best spinner in the world, so his spins always get +3. StSq is always exciting and dynamic, complex and difficult, so this too is always +3.

That is why, we must think carefully here. In the current situation, I have full confidence  in our prospects. For both of them. Both Javier and Yuzuru have the capability to win. So it’ll be an interesting season. All the skaters are racing, trying, to bring in better elements, but that leads to injury, leads to a decline in quality which affects PCS. So we have to think carefully, but at the same time, a fighting spirit is also important. It’s like treading on thin ice, and it's a fine balance.

<Q: As a coach, any pressure from [seeking] a third gold medal?>

Is there pressure as a coach? Yes, there is. I feel pressure from only one thing––because I want to have them in the best condition possible. I want them to enjoy the process. I want them to skate their best, with the feeling that they are second to none. I want them to fully enjoy this thing that is the Olympics. They’ve both had experience with the Olympics, so that is their strong point.

Returning to this program from the past is of great meaning to Yuzuru

<Q: Hanyu is doing Ballade No.1 for his SP and SEIMEI for his LP this season. What are the reasons for returning to old programs for both?>

Ballade No.1 and SEIMEI. We’ve been away from those two programs for a while. Last year’s programs, especially the short, carried the aim of developing new facet [of performance]. Everything was for the sake of growth. It was a challenging experience for him, doing it differently from how it’s been so far. In face of the Olympic season, when considering various strategies, skaters often return to programs of the past. In 1988, I went with a short program I’d used before and won. There’s not a single problem with doing a program you’ve used before. Modifications are complete with the short program. We’ve changed a part of the choreography, rearranged the jumps––because we’ve put plenty of thought into the modifications, it becomes a fresh program. I think everybody will love it. Especially with the changes in the jumps, when they see it once again, it becomes this program where they'll probably go “Ah! I sure love this program."

I feel the same about the free program as well. We discussed it, and it was that returning to this program meant a lot to him and that was very important. Why, because the program is very meaningful to him. Both the audience and the judges should feel quite happy to see this program once again. Yuzuru has become a far more superior skater, compared to two years ago, and at the very least, he has incorporated a new jump, the 4Lo.

I know there’ll be criticism, and that’s normal. If we do a new program, people would probably say “Mm, I’m not sure I like this.” And if we return to an old program, they would say, “It’s better not to return to an old program.” You’ll hear such criticism no matter which path you take. I have confidence in this program. Because I love it. Even more than last year's. Although it's from two years ago, it has the highest score ever in terms of PCS, and the tempo of the music is an easy fit for Yuzuru’s skating. The big jumps are laid out in such a way that he can execute them easily. Two years ago, we spent a season to find just the right spot and rhythm for jumping. I know this program means a lot in his heart.

Q: Is there a danger that the judges might be tired of the programs and PCS would go down as a result?

I don’t think so, not at all. The programs have been modified and refreshed. I haven’t talked to him about costumes, but most likely he’ll change them, and he himself has grown as a skater. […] His condition, too, was better than it used to be, and by February he’ll bring the perfect condition to skate these programs. These programs  that he skated in a state of maximum tension two years ago will be done at a completely different level.

When revisiting a program from the past, it is absolutely essential to be markedly better than before. Here, the minute he puts on the music, all the coaches––everyone––would go, “Oh, what a wonderful program!” So right off the bat, we felt very good about having made this decision. A very difficult decision, since everyone wants to see new programs, and that’s normal.

Judges will be delighted that they are able to see this program––when he takes his starting position, at the competition’s first official practice. There are judges who sat at the panels of the Grand Prix Final in Barcelona two years ago and the NHK Trophy of the same year. When he set world records. Those judges were honored to have sat at the panel, they were proud of it. There are many judges in the world who wish to have the same experience, and would love to be on a panel in such a situation. Now at last, that chance has come back.

There are lots of competitions, but when all is said and done, the hope is of course that he’ll bring his best performance at the Olympics, that the judges on the Olympic panel would be pleased that they could see this once again, or possibly for the first time from the panels. I’m merely the coach, but when he skated that program, I thought it was an honor that I was there in that space at the Grand Prix Final. It was that much of a masterpiece. After I left the rink, I went straight to where the panel was. All the judges I’ve talked to felt that it was an honor of a lifetime to have seen this performance right before their eyes. The people at the stands, the fans, the judges seated at the panel––they will talk about it for the rest of their lives. That time, when they were there, and saw it with their own eyes. Just like when Yuna Kim showed her two programs in 2010, the judges sat at the panel and fully savored that wonderful program.

This is my way of approach, we want to rekindle the magic once again. For that reason, we had to make some changes to the program. The build up from two years’ worth of training and his growth as a person over the past two years. That alone raises this program to the next level.

It's my favorite out of all the programs. Isn’t it a special program that also means a lot to you? It’s a very emotionally intense piece––people want to find out what happens, what it means, et cetera. When I saw him skate, I thought, he is skating his soul. SEIMEI is the program where he received the highest evaluations in PCS.

Yuzuru has become a skater of a different level compared to two years ago. He’s advancing technically, and he is also evolving in creativity. He has made progress in skating skills, his speed has gone up, and he’s become much more passionate. He was an excellent skater even then, you can imagine the program [now] at a much higher level. Two years ago, we all, at the NHK Trophy and the Grand Prix Final, had a magical, goosebumps-inducing experience. I thought it was an honor to see this program then and there. I think everybody can agree on that.

At choreography with Shae-lynn, he trimmed out several parts. The StSq has gotten even more delicate, even better. So, I think this is the right decision. I’ll say it again, but it’s become a program worthy of the Olympics.

As a coach, as a skater, sometimes the timing is premature for a program. When we encountered this program, it felt like it would have been right for the Olympics. It wasn’t yet the Olympic year. But I knew then, that he was going to return to this music for the Olympics. So, when it was decided that he would return to this program in the right season, of course I supported him. For both the free program and the short. No one has skated to these pieces at the Olympics, so they will become “the Olympic programs.” Precisely because we got them a little too early, that we are allowed the luxury of having these programs once again. I think everyone will be taken by this program. Whether they see it for the first time or otherwise, be it at the Olympic arena or at some other place.

Yuzuru approaching me for a conversation is something I’m very glad about

<Q: Compared to the year before the Sochi Olympics, what are the biggest changes you see in Hanyu now?>

<There are so many. First is his relationship with the coaches––me in particular.> We [as a team] were still new to the game back then. Having only been through one season together when we went for the World Championships at London, Ontario, we were still at the stage of trying to get to know each other. And then, we experienced the pressure of the Olympics, but even after that, we were still working hard to get to know each other. He was very young––I think he was just about to turn 18 [the year before Sochi]. And then, winning renown in such a way, he has really grown into a man these couple years. [Now] he has his own opinions and sets his own pace. I am there, and Tracy is there, to help guide him.

But––and I especially think so this year––he’s really grown up, and he’s gotten so much better at communication. Whenever the session ends, we would immediately sit down and talk with each other. How does the 4Lo feel, how does he feel about various things, how was physiotherapy going, how is his training progressing...

We only sit and talk for about 10 minutes, but what’s different from before is that Yuzuru himself wants to come to me and talk. That makes me very happy. Communication is the reason why I am here, and discussion is necessary. He is frank––especially with this being the Olympic year, we have to be straightforward and talk, no matter what it is. If he wants to get more out of me, he has to communicate with me. If he wants to be pushed harder, more aggressively, he has to communicate with me. We are now at the stage where we are doing that, and that's great.

{Q: What’s important for Hanyu in order to win against other skaters?}

Where we are now, compared to the last Olympics, I can see that he has a sense of purpose from early on in the season. It’s probably what he learned from the previous Olympics. The road to Sochi was full of difficulties. This time, everything is nicely sorted out in his head, and he’s actually very focused. He’s very determined to be in the best condition, and taking great care of his body. Because we’ve been through the Olympics, we know very well what the Olympic season is like. When the Olympics beckon, you live with and breathe the Olympics every day. You can’t escape from that. Right now, we’re in that condition. Although I’m the coach, I feel the same, and I also feel pressure. Excitement as well. The Olympics are always on your mind. It’s the same for the skaters.

During this period, you can see Yuzuru practicing the 4Lz through video sites, and Javier trying the 4Lo. You can say that now is the time to explore a variety of things. Whether or not to settle is another question. It’s not the time to make that decision yet. More time is needed. I encourage such an approach for my skaters to be competitive. Sometimes in practicing the 4Lz, it becomes easier to do the 4Lo. For example, with Yuna Kim. She had always hated training the 3Lo. But after we put the 3Lo into the program, her problems with the Flip disappeared. Although it was her second weakest jump following the Loop. This is one strategy––when you are working on something difficult, things that are somewhat simpler become more easily doable. Because she did the Loop, she found everything else easier. Do you see what I mean? That is, this is the period where every one of our skaters are taking on their own respective challenges.

The free skate after the failure in the SP at Worlds was not coincidental

{Q: Any plans toward the Pyeongchang Olympics?}

During the season, there will be competitions that we can use to carry out the peaking progress. [Does that mean] we’ll adjust for the Autumn Classic? That’s exactly it. Because it’s the first big competition. We don’t yet know what evaluations we’ll receive there. After that, the Cup of Russia––we’ll continue to raise his level of skating there. This is our current plan. And then, of course there’s the NHK Trophy, the Grand Prix Final, followed by the Japanese Nationals. Then the Olympics. Our job is to manage how he brings his peak, to know that we can manipulate and control the peaking, that we are able to have that confidence. However, critical above all else is that we maintain his good condition.

<Q: Any interesting episodes during practice sessions this off season?>

[Over the weekend] some time ago, we practiced new hydroblading technique.  We weren’t making much sound on the ice, and [the rink] was quite empty. <We tried other skaters’ variations, and Shae-lynn joined in as well (laughs). Since it is a move that Yuzuru has in his free program, he is of course very good at it.> Because what we were doing looked really interesting, several other skaters tried as well. So Yuzuru helped them––raise your hand like this, do it this way, lock your arms like this, and then do it here, raise the leg some more… It was difficult, but he was laughing a lot and enjoying himself. I thought it was great. Although it isn’t like that every day, I’m happy that we can have times like these.

This summer, Ann Schelter came twice. You’ve heard about “Annie’s Edges” (t/n: world-renouned workshop on skating skills), right? She’s a very good friend of mine, and to me, she is like the master of skating. She is the No.1 in the realm of skating skills. Yuzuru was enjoying the classes a lot. <The technical portions of the masterclass this time seemed to be of particular interest.> Afterwards, we had “theatre time.” We turned off the lights, put on music, <Ann held a gong, and we just skated freely>, relaxing ourselves. Especially as the Olympics draw near and every one tenses up––so we asked Ann if we could hold a couple of these skating sessions. Focusing on skating skills, taking time for something like Theatre on Ice, enjoying skating from the heart. When you see him doing this, you get how important that is. Why? There are six months left right now until the Olympics. We can’t possibly zero in on that alone and chase that every day. He is not the type who takes a lot of time off, so when he is here, we have to think of ways for him to relax somehow.

{Q: With the increase in communication after training, have you had any conversations of interest?}

In my conversations with Yuzuru, there isn't anything particularly surprising. The only thing that’s important, is that he comes and talks. Finding the time to talk about the session––that in itself is critical. He isn’t {usually} a fan of talking {during the session}, he prefers to focus on the training. We discovered that last year. It was especially the case these couple of months. But, after the session ends, we’ll even chat about technical things. We also talk about the programs. What’s our sense, what he plans to do the next day… Mostly limited to these things, but when we’ve had a very good session, why it was such a great session, his energy levels…we talk about that too. It’s helpful for my work, and I think it’s great for him to be able to talk with somebody.

Yuzuru has become much more proactive. About his schedule, his planned events going forward, travel… things about himself that need to be communicated––he’s being very clear about everything. That’s such a great thing, I no longer have to go around him and find out from people surrounding him. I can go directly to him, listen to his answer… and give him my own answer!

{Q: Javier mentioned that you were his dad in Toronto. What are your thoughts?}

We have a professional relationship with all the skaters we coach, but they all have their own respective needs. {Javier lives alone and has to do everything himself, including housework, so there is a need to support him. Mainly with resting and recovery.} As for Yuzuru, in terms of recovery, he has been doing very well this year. On very important days, for example, today is probably going to be intense. It’s necessary to work on recovery when he goes back home after this ends. Not only massages and acupuncture, but also always taking an icepack along with him. Especially for this season, he understands very well the importance of resting and recovery. Most skaters feel guilty about rest. Javier’s probably different.

{Q: Have you ever had a conversation about mental control with Hanyu?}

Pretty much every day, between Tracy and me, we are always thinking about the strengthening of what we call “mental conditioning.” Not only during the competitions, [mental conditioning] has to be incorporated into everyday training. We need to study and look into building up [skaters’] energy levels, knowing what practice we have to do, and how that reflects in training, what we should do to get even better the next day. Because we’re aware of this in the day-to-day, when we’re at competitions, who needs to be handled how––we’re able to know if we’re implementing it better and steering towards the proper direction.

Speaking from last year’s experience, after the short program ended in Helsinki, we had a lot to do. Because of course Yuzuru wasn’t happy about the results of the short program. So there was a need to support him heading into the free program. At such times, he gets resistant about taking breaks and overtrains. Again and again, he wanted to go over the runthrough, but Tracy and I told him, “You are fine. There is no more need for runthroughs. It’s better to just practice a couple jumps and leave the rink ahead of time."

Maybe it was a shock to him, but we knew that was necessary. What we had to do, was for him to regain his self-confidence, to be conscious of the fact that there was no longer need to practice. He’s had plenty and enough training. That we trust the training we’ve accumulated up till this point. We told him that and it all went well. It wasn’t coincidental, he didn’t just happen to do well. We talked about how we wanted to approach the free––in what form, and how to practice. Yuzuru listened to what I said and didn’t miss a single word. I told him, “There is no need to prove to anyone that you can do a proper Salchow.” He always, even during official practices of the championships, gives off the feeling that he has to prove to the world. That’s why we stopped him. And, when the time came to prove his strength, he proved it.

(fin)

Amazon.co.jp links to Figure Skate Magazine (B.B.Mook), Figure Skate Japanese Representatives 2017 Memorial (Quadruple), Kiss & Cry (Tokyo News), World Figure Skate issues used and referenced in this post. Please consider supporting their work.