*Machine-translation. Inaccuracies exist*
2018.07.03
Source: https://digital.asahi.com/articles/DA3S13567481.html?ptoken=01KWHMCP669T81M2TJBS12DAGG (paid)
Hanyu becomes a beacon of hope for the world at the National Honor Award ceremony
On the 2nd, figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu (ANA) attended the awards ceremony at the Prime Minister's official residence, becoming the youngest individual to receive the People's Honor Award. While wholeheartedly applauding his great achievement, I couldn't help but think, "Is he really only 23 years old?"
After the awards ceremony, Hanyu said, "I want to live a life where I am considerate of many things and not someone who is criticized behind my back," and "It is important that I skate in a way that does not bring shame to the name of the People's Honor Award."
However, he has already put in an immeasurable amount of effort. He was affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and lived in an evacuation center. Lacking a suitable training environment, he left his hometown of Sendai during high school and went to Toronto, Canada. After the 2014 Sochi Olympics, he suffered from a series of accidents and injuries. He didn't go out to eat with his skating friends or watch his favorite baseball games, instead focusing on his sport. Knowing this history, we have been greatly encouraged by Hanyu.
Hanyu is a young man with unimaginable potential. I hope he doesn't get too caught up in awards or achieving results in skating, but instead freely forges his own path in activities he wants to do outside of competition.
Hanyu also said, "I hope to be able to support athletes who want to reach the top," and "I hope to be someone who can convey what only I have experienced." I felt hope in that.
It seems his focus is not limited to Japan or skating, but on supporting people all over the world. When asked about the earthquake, he seemed apologetic, saying, "I'm not in a position to create something or directly help," but there's no need to give up on being directly involved in the recovery efforts.
For example, former New York Yankees pitcher Derek Jeter established a foundation during his playing career to help young people stay away from drugs and improve their academic and living conditions. NBA player Kobe Bryant worked with organizations providing housing to hurricane victims and others during his playing career.
Overseas, there are systems in place to fulfill the aspirations of top athletes and allow them to utilize their talents. Leagues, teams, and other organizations, as well as individuals, provide support by creating organizations or assigning dedicated personnel.
While Japan continues to attract a lot of attention to sports, there is a lack of systems in place to support athletes' aspirations beyond strengthening their sport. I hope that Hanyu's hopes will be fulfilled, and that young athletes will follow in his footsteps. (Daisuke Goto)
■ "My desire to help the disaster-stricken areas remains" - Hanyu's Q&A
▼Reference to social aspects
The main questions and answers between Hanyu and the press are as follows:
--What are your thoughts on receiving the award?
"This award is not something I could have won on my own. There are many people who have paved the way for me to get this far, and I believe I received this award thanks to the supportive environment I've been in. I want to continue moving forward with this award and with everyone's expectations."
—What are your thoughts on the outfit you're wearing today?
"The hakama (traditional Japanese trousers) are made of 'Sendai-hira' silk, and were personally gifted to me by a Living National Treasure. They were also used by the lord of the Date clan, so they are truly magnificent. I had the Hanyu family crest added to them."
—It seems there wasn't a commemorative gift. Why was that?
"I felt that this achievement belonged to everyone who supported me. I didn't want to put too much emphasis on my own personal feelings, so I respectfully declined receiving a commemorative gift."
-- I think the people in the disaster-stricken areas feel that Hanyu represents them.
"I was practicing at a skating rink in Sendai when the disaster struck, and since then I've received support from so many people. Because I was someone who was also encouraged by those in the disaster-affected areas, I still carry the hope that I can, in some way, be a source of strength for them."
—What are your goals for the future?
"First and foremost, I think it's important to prepare thoroughly for the competition. My injury is gradually getting better, and I'm able to do more jumps and techniques."
--What are your aspirations for the next Olympics?
"I haven't thought about it in particular. Right now, I just want to do what I want to do, what I want to hone through skating, and how I want to grow, in a way that I can be satisfied with."
—What kind of life do you want to live?
"It was very memorable to receive congratulations from skaters overseas at ice shows and other events. That's why I want to skate with pride as a Japanese person, and keep my sights set on the world as well."
▼"Significant for the promotion of winter sports" Regarding Hanyu's receipt of the People's Honor Award, Daichi Suzuki, Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency, said on the 2nd, "There are other Olympic gold medalists who have received the People's Honor Award, but this is the first time for a winter athlete. It is significant from the perspective of promoting winter sports."
■ Yuzuru Hanyu's world record score
Short Program: 112.72 (2017 Autumn Classic)
Free Skate: 223.20 (2017 World Championships)
Total score: 330.43 (2015 Grand Prix Final)
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