[2018.02.14] Kateigaho special interview - Real face of Yuzuru Hanyu revealed

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

Source: https://www.kateigaho.com/article/detail/15274

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20240906103434/https://www.kateigaho.com/article/detail/15274

 

 

Including unreleased photos! What is the real face of Yuzuru Hanyu revealed through a special interview?

 

"Figure Skating Love (Eye) *treasured photo gallery included

Yuzuru Hanyu during a solo interview in Tokyo after his Toronto coverage. He smiles brightly and then shows a slightly more serious expression. As expected, he can quickly switch between various expressions."

 

Spoiler

"Yuzuru Hanyu, who possesses both the charisma to lead the world and his playful true self. Finally, he arrives at the Pyeongchang Olympics!"

 

February 11th. Finally, Yuzuru Hanyu has arrived in South Korea. The main attraction has appeared. With this, all the male figure skaters for the Pyeongchang Olympics are now fully assembled on the grand stage.

 

Hanyu seems to have lost a bit of weight, but I believe he has been pushing himself through intense off-ice training and core workouts to focus on his goal of becoming the two-time Olympic champion, getting his body into peak condition.

 

On the evening of the 12th, around 7 p.m., during the official practice, I had the chance to see Hanyu on the ice for the first time in about three months. There had been concerns about his right ankle, but he showcased a beautiful triple axel. After landing on his right foot, he nodded to himself, and I’m sure some of you were nodding along with him. During the music practice on the 13th, he landed several quadruple jumps effortlessly.

 

The fateful men's short program will be held on the 16th, and the free skating on the 17th.

 

In the March issue of Kateigaho (released on February 1st), Hanyu candidly spoke about his passionate feelings toward the Olympics. I’d like to share some heartwarming and amusing behind-the-scenes stories from that Tokyo interview that will remind you of Hanyu’s true, playful nature.

 

 

Behind-the-scenes story #1
Feeling refreshed after a shower.

 

During his brief return to Japan in the summer, amidst his extremely busy schedule, Hanyu graciously made time for a photoshoot and an exclusive interview. After finishing his previous appointments, he arrived at the hotel where the interview was to take place and discovered there was a bathroom.

 

His eyes lit up, and he asked, 'Can I quickly take a shower?' It was a pretty tight schedule, but when you see such a happy face, it's hard to say no (laughs). But thanks to that, he was completely refreshed. We were able to have a pleasant and cooperative interview, so it was definitely a good idea to have him take a shower.

 

 

Behind-the-scenes story #2
'My waist is amazing (laughs)'

 

After taking a shower, while changing into one of the two outfits we had prepared for him, Hanyu said: 'Look at this—my waist is amazing.' I turned around and saw Hanyu flipping up his clothes to show off his waist to all the staff.

 

Yes, it's so...slim! Zero fat. A really tight waist. But it's not just slim, he's muscular, as you'd expect from an athlete. What a tight waist, we're so envious... I'm sure all the staff there were thinking the same (laughs).

 

 

Behind-the-scenes story #3
He was in a great mood with the stretchy fabric clothes!

 

While in Toronto, Canada, Hanyu focused on his skating practice and didn’t have many opportunities to go out, so he's fine with wearing sweats most of the time. 

 

He really liked the student-style outfit, which wasn’t too formal or too casual. In particular, he was fond of the stretchy pants, saying, 'I didn’t have pants made from this material, so it’s refreshing. They’re easy to move in, and they feel great.'

 

After the photoshoot, as he was dragging his suitcase to the station in that outfit, he said, 'It feels like I’m going on a high school trip!' and was in a great mood.

 

 

Behind-the-scenes story #4
Recently, his favorite music is...

 

Hanyu is famous for stretching while listening to music with his earphones. He once mentioned in an interview that browsing music sites to find songs he likes is one of his ways to relax.

 

So, when I asked him, 'Have you found any favorite singers or groups recently?' he replied, 'Lately, I've been listening to Mrs. GREEN APPLE from time to time. I came across them through YouTube's "recommended for you" section, and I really liked them. Yes, they’re a Japanese group. I basically only listen to J-Pop.' I wonder what kind of music he listens to before the Olympic games.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

As a charismatic figure who reigns over the world of figure skating, Hanyu certainly shows that side of himself. However, his true self, which he reveals during quiet moments with his family, is also equally real.

 

Kateigaho has been following Hanyu closely since 2011, witnessing him carry the heavy burdens of his journey while sincerely facing figure skating.

 

'I want to achieve a consecutive victory if I don’t lie to myself.' Since his injury, he hasn’t been able to practice as he wished, nor could he compete in many events. Although he must have felt frustrated, his strong desire for back-to-back victories has kept him going, enduring through the hardships.

 

And now, he has finally reached the stage of his second Olympic Games. In late April 2012, he moved to Canada, dedicating all his time to figure skating. With that dedication and the support from all his fans, I pray that he will be able to perform the routine he has envisioned on the ice at the Gangneung Ice Arena.