[2023.04.20] TV Guide Web - Yuzuru Hanyu's first appearance on Tetsuko's Room

[yuzurujenn]

*Machine translation. Inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2023.04.20

 

Source: https://www.tvguide.or.jp/news/news-2164473/

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241127000743/https://www.tvguide.or.jp/news/news-2164473/

 

 

Yuzuru Hanyu makes his first appearance on "Tetsuko's Room"! 2-hour special to mark the show's 48th year

 

The flagship long-running TV Asahi program Tetsuko's Room (aired Monday to Friday at 1:00 PM) has entered its 48th year of broadcasting. To celebrate this milestone, a special two-hour episode will air on May 2 at 7:00 PM. It has been confirmed that Yuzuru Hanyu, the two-time Winter Olympics men's figure skating champion who turned professional last summer, will be a special guest on the program.

 

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Tetsuko's Room started on February 2, 1976, with the late Morishige Hisaya as its first guest. On April 27, 2010, when the program reached its 8,961st broadcast, it was recognized by the Guinness World Records for the most broadcasts hosted by a single person. Since then, it has continued uninterrupted, becoming one of Japan’s representative television programs both in name and in reality.

 

In this special, Hanyu appeared in the studio looking fresh in a grey suit, guided by Kuroyanagi's voice saying, "Please come in." "I've always wanted you to appear. It's finally happening," said a delighted Kuroyanagi. Hanyu responded with a smile, saying, "I've been wanting to have a proper chat with Tetsuko-san, so I'm happy."

 

At the end of last year's "NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen," Hanyu's kind support of Kuroyanagi, who mistook her penlight for a microphone, also became a hot topic, and Kuroyanagi thanked him, saying, "At that time, you quickly told me, 'The microphone is here.' Thank you for helping me at Kohaku." The recording of the show then began.

 

In the studio, his figure skating costumes from the past are displayed, and while discussing the charm of each costume and program, Hanyu reflected on his back-to-back Olympic victories in Sochi and Pyeongchang. He also talked about his solo performance at Tokyo Dome in February this year, titled "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 2023 'GIFT'." Hanyu revealed his thoughts about the performance, saying, "It was a physically challenging experience, but I think I was able to break free from the stereotypes of figure skating," and his conversation with Kuroyanagi, who had seen the performance at the venue, became quite lively.

 

Additionally, when Kuroyanagi asked, "Do you ever jump on the ground?" Hanyu responded, "Shall I give it a go?" and then elegantly performed a jump on the spot. When Kuroyanagi asked, "I think you still have a lot more to offer as an athlete, what do you think?" Hanyu, reflecting on his new path as a professional skater, sincerely replied, "Figure skating is a genre with many more possibilities than I had thought. It's not just about winning or scores; there are many different expressions that can be made beyond those boundaries, and I feel motivated by that."

 

In the latter half of the show, a segment unfolds where the conversation is based on themes written on cards, providing a deeper look into Hanyu’s true self. One of the topics, "The source of the gold medal!? What’s his favorite food?" introduces his love for rich, firm pudding. In the next segment, "What is he most afraid of?" it’s revealed that Hanyu is afraid of a certain "person." When a surprise video featuring this individual is played, Hanyu chuckles and says, "This is terrible! (laughs) So this is how TV works, huh? (laughs)." Additionally, when he shares his vision for the next ten years, his powerful declaration inspires Kuroyanagi to respond, "I’m excited too! I really hope you do it!" sending him an enthusiastic message of support.

 

After finishing the recording, Hanyu shared his impressions of his first conversation with Kuroyanagi, saying, 'At first, I was very nervous, but I was able to talk surrounded by Tetsuko-san's gentleness and warmth, and I felt it was a happy time.' He added, 'I was able to break things down and share deep details that I probably would never have shared with anyone if Tetsuko-san hadn't asked me. I hope that you can feel various things, such as, 'Is this how Yuzuru Hanyu is evolving?' and 'Is this what he wants to do?'"

 

Reflecting on his first in-depth conversation with Kuroyanagi, Hanyu said, "To me, Tetsuko-san had always been this 'great figure on TV.' After talking with her, I realized she’s exactly the same as the person I’ve watched on TV for so many years. What surprised me was that she spoke without looking at a script. She told me she had all the details about the guests and the flow of the show memorized, and I was amazed."

 

By the way, regarding the special talk this time, he commented, 'It was a surprise video (laughs). It was the first time I was asked such in-depth questions... I felt at ease with Tetsuko's warmth, and I was able to talk about a lot of things.' He continued, 'Tetsuko's Room' has been on air since 20 years before I was born, and I've always thought, 'I hope one day I can appear on such a homely show,' and 'I need to work hard until I become someone Tetsuko will invite.' So, I’m really honored to be invited for this '48th Year Special.' It was a moment when I realized, once again, that all the hard work I've put in has not been in vain, especially knowing that Tetsuko-san is aware of my journey so far. I want to keep moving forward with gratitude toward everyone.'"

 

On the other hand, Kuroyanagi, who welcomed Hanyu, praised him by saying, "First of all, he is a genius for being able to perform like that. He also has a great sense of humor, and it was really enjoyable talking with him. At 28, he’s still young, but I feel that he has matured wonderfully as a person. He was just wonderful."

 

Regarding "Tetsuko’s Room," she said, "48 years is more than half of my life, so I’m surprised that I’ve been able to keep one show going for this long. The reason we’ve made it this far is thanks to the guests who’ve joined us, the staff’s diligent research, and the viewers’ support. I think it’s something that’s been achieved through a combination of factors, and I feel really lucky to have had so much fun working on the program throughout."

 

She added, "In fact, I’ve never once thought, ‘I don’t want to go to the studio today.’ Every recording day, I would eagerly head to the studio. I really love people. Each time, I’d look forward to hearing, 'What kind of story will I hear today?' This is the secret to the show’s long-lasting success."