[2022.12.07] KISS&CRY Special Book: Yuzuru Hanyu -THE ONE-

[yuzurujenn]

*Machine translation. Inaccuracies exist*

 

 

Source: KISS&CRY Special Book: Yuzuru Hanyu -THE ONE-, pg 184

Info: 

https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/NEOBK-2799157

https://www.amazon.co.jp/KISS-CRY特別編集-羽生結弦―-ONE―-TOKYO/dp/486701527X/ref=sr_1_6

 

 

Special Interview
All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. (ANA)
CX Promotion Office, Business Promotion Department, Ms. Maimi Tazawa
 

"Excited about the New World Represented by Hanyu-san"

From affiliated Athlete to Partner: Supporting a Fresh Challenge

 

Spoiler

Yuzuru Hanyu is transitioning to the professional field. How will the relationship between ANA and Hanyu change?

 

"Since 2013, ANA has supported him as an affiliated athlete. However, now that he is no longer an active athlete, ANA will support him as a member of the corporate sponsor. If the day came when Hanyu-san would leave the competitive arena, we hoped to celebrate his new journey with all the fans. Although this day came faster than we imagined, the person in charge has no intention of terminating the sponsorship just because he ended his competitive career. Hanyu-san also said, 'I want to carry ANA on my shoulders in the future.' I'm really happy about this."

 

When did you learn about Hanyu-san's move towards a professional career?

 

"Because he is an ANA-Affiliated athlete, as a company, we were probably the first to know. There were a few opportunities to go to Sendai, and it was during one of those times that we heard it directly from him."

 

The press conference was held at ANA InterContinental Tokyo. Were there any challenging aspects, including preparations?

"There wasn't a lot of time between the time we heard the news and the time we held the press conference and because Hanyu-san's intention was to 'convey his feelings in his own words to everyone,' we used the fewest staff members for preparation. So, the preparation work was indeed tough. For athletes of Hanyu-san's caliber, there's a lot of attention, and we anticipated a lot of questions and inquiries, so it was challenging to manage the information while adjusting the internal structure of the company."

 

What were your thoughts after hearing Hanyu-san's words of determination at the press conference?

"I strongly felt that it wasn't a retirement but a 'new journey.' Also, the words that he will become a 'professional athlete,' not just a 'professional figure skater,' left a deep impression on me. When I heard directly from him in Sendai, it was, 'I want to work hard as an athlete in the future. If I can continue to receive support from ANA in this aspect,' and Hanyu-san passionately conveyed this sentiment. I think it was a fantastic press conference that clearly conveyed his thoughts and feelings."

ANA's TikTok account released a short video of Hanyu-san at the airport. How was the reaction?

 

"I think this was to convey the message that 'ANA will continue to support Hanyu-san' after the press conference. When we thought about the most appropriate way to convey this, it was indeed SNS. Hanyu-san happened to have arrangements to take an ANA flight to Kansai, so we asked him to cooperate with shooting for SNS posts. Hanyu-san, with a bright smile, saying 'I'm off,' made the audience's mood brighter. It was a feeling of going on a spontaneous trip. The time for shooting was very short due to the flight schedule, but Hanyu-san, as always, was perfect in one take."

 

What kind of feedback did you receive?

 "Apart from Japan, there were also posts from overseas accounts in Chinese and English. Japanese fans left many heartwarming comments, and overseas fans expressed their joy with straightforward comments like 'the smile is wonderful' and 'the pose in the uniform is so refreshing.' The person in charge of SNS was surprised by the reactions."

 

Hanyu-san has launched a series of new initiatives like YouTube and Twitter. What are your thoughts?

 

"He values his own worldview greatly, and I heard that he personally handles everything from shooting to editing the YouTube videos. If we can collaborate with Hanyu-san on a variety of projects in the future, we will be very happy. What kind of food he likes, what books he's reading, what music he's listening to... I think it would be great if we could convey things that offer a glimpse of these real aspects, and if we could realize projects that make Hanyu-san and the fans enjoy together. Additionally, I'd like to try a special viewing travel package for Hanyu-san's ice shows. Although it's still in the conceptual stage, we would be very happy if we could implement various projects in the future."

Finally, please leave a message for Hanyu-san.

 

"Hanyu-san is a person who takes on 'challenge', treating figure skating in an ascetic way and striving until now. As an affiliated athlete, he fully embodies the philosophy of our company. Although he has turned pro, at the press conference, he conveyed the idea of 'wanting to embark on new challenges in the future.' All ANA staff members are eagerly looking forward, with the same excitement as the fans, to the 'new world' that Hanyu-san will show us in the future. We will do our humble best to support Hanyu-san to continue his challenges."