[2015-2019] P&G "YUZU DAYS" Monthly Publication

[yuzurujenn]

A compilation of P&G’s monthly publication "YUZU DAYS", which ran on its members’ site from June 2015 to June 2019.

 

Info: 

https://www.myrepi.com/communities/yuzu-days

https://web.archive.org/web/20190401013438/https://www.myrepi.com/communities/yuzu-days

 

JP extracts:
https://www.bilibili.com/opus/266441818081380790 (Ch 1-9)

https://www.bilibili.com/opus/266693619130382041 (Ch 10-25)

https://www.bilibili.com/opus/266709106784578723 (Ch 26-35)

 

Alternative translation index: 

https://www.tumblr.com/yuzusorbet/156629368832/yuzu-days-translations-i-decided-to-organise-all

 

 

Summary:

"In YUZU DAYS, we will be delivering a series of articles featuring fascinating episodes and passionate thoughts about skating, which are not to be missed even by those who are not fans. Please look forward to the next installment."

 

Spoiler

Source: https://www.j-cast.com/trend/2015/08/03241802.html

 

On July 31, 2015, P&G launched "YUZU DAYS," featuring figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, on its lifestyle website " MyRepi ." The content is exclusive to MyRepi members and is scheduled to be updated once a month.

 

"Please look forward to it!"

   P&G has been running the "Official Sponsor of Moms" campaign to coincide with the Olympic Games, from the 2012 Summer Olympics in London to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi (Russia). Since 2014, P&G has appointed Hanyu as the ambassador for the Japanese national team in this campaign, which led to the content presented here.

 

   The first part of the series will introduce impressions and episodes from "Fantasy on Ice 2015 Makuhari Performance," where Hanyu showed off his brilliant performance. From the second part onwards, we will feature special interviews and newly taken photos exclusive to MyRep. We also plan to hold a giveaway campaign with products autographed by Hanyu.

 

   On July 6th, Hanyu visited the P&G Kobe headquarters, and commented on his thoughts about the content:

 

"Yuzu Days, which is filled with my thoughts about figure skating and my family, will be updated every month. MyRecipe readers, please look forward to it!"

 

[yuzurujenn]

2015.06.29

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20150721023210/https://www.myrepi.com/members/member-article/article/yuzu-days-1506

 

Vol 1: Fantasy on Ice 2015 Interview with Hanyu

 

"Fantasy on Ice" is a spectacular entertainment that is also known as the "legendary ice show."

This year, the show will be held at four venues: Makuhari, Shizuoka, Kanazawa, and Kobe. We interviewed Yuzuru Hanyu, who has just finished the first performance in Makuhari (May 29-31).

 

Spoiler

Hanyu talks about the unique joy of ice shows

 

"Fantasy on Ice" brings together the world's top skaters. Stars such as Nobunari Oda, Miki Ando, Akiko Suzuki, and Shoma Uno from Japan, and Plushenko, Fernandez, and Lambiel from the rest of the world, performed one after another, and it was Yuzuru Hanyu who performed the grand finale. The audience was captivated by his emotional performance. As soon as the performance ended, a particularly loud cheer rang out, and the entire packed venue was filled with emotion. At the end, he even attempted a quadruple loop, which really got the crowd excited. We were able to talk to Hanyu directly at the Makuhari Messe Event Hall, where the excitement and heat had not yet died down.

 

--You also performed in last year’s Makuhari show. Do you remember anything about that time?

Hanyu: "At last year’s Makuhari show, I did a collaboration with Hiromi Go, and I remember being quite nervous. I think I was able to perform while really taking in and expressing the meaning of the lyrics."

 

At the 2014 “Fantasy on Ice” Makuhari show, special guest Hiromi Go appeared. Performing to a ballad sung live by Go-san, Hanyu delivered a routine that greatly energized the audience. This year as well, at the Makuhari show, Hanyu gave a wonderful skating performance in a collaboration with R&B singer Che’Nelle, who was the special guest.

 

--What kind of feelings did you put into your performances over the three days of the Makuhari show?

Hanyu: "From the beginning to the end of the program, I focused on expressing my emotions to the fullest. I really love skating while putting a lot of feeling into it, so I think it was a very happy time for me."

 

His bold attempt at a quadruple loop during the Makuhari show left a strong impression. Hanyu’s sincere performance, staying true to his nature of never shying away from a challenge even in an ice show, deeply captivated the audience.

 

--Could you give a brief message to your fans?

Hanyu: "I was able to skate while enjoying the moment together with everyone, immersing myself in the music with everyone, and cherishing each and every moment I shared with all of you, truly savoring the happiness I felt."

 

We received a truly lovely comment, characteristic of Hanyu’s deep appreciation for his fans. Thank you very much.

 

[yuzurujenn]

2015.07

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20190618054725/https://www.myrepi.com/family/relationships/yuzu-days-1507

 

Vol 2: Hanyu talks about his growth trajectory [childhood to junior years]

 

Hanyu began figure skating at the age of four. In a three-part series, we will be presenting his journey from his childhood, when he was completely absorbed in skating, to his development into a top athlete, as "The Trajectory of Growth." In the first part, he looks back on his journey from when he first started skating to his junior days, sharing memories from school and anecdotes with his family.

 

Spoiler

Encounter with figure skating

 

-Hanyu has now become one of Japan's, and even the world's, leading figure skaters. We asked him about what inspired him to start skating and some stories from the past.

 

My sister was both my catalyst and my rival

 

"The reason I started figure skating was because my older sister was doing it. At the time, I followed everything she did and copied everything. That's how I ended up joining the skating class she was attending. For me, I absolutely looked up to my older sister, who was four years older than me, and at the same time, I thought of her as a rival and thought, "I'll overtake her someday!" I don't think my sister thought anything of it, though. While chasing after her and doing the same things, I think I naturally got drawn into skating."

 

I think it was because it was difficult that I became so fascinated with it.

 

I was totally absorbed in my practice at the time, but I think I somehow understood the appeal of skating. Skating is something out of the ordinary, you can go faster than you normally walk, and you can do jumps and spins that are unimaginable on land. And I think it was precisely because it was so difficult that I became so absorbed in it.

 

From then on, my goal was to win a gold medal!

 

I hate losing. Actually, even back then, I always told my mother, "I'm going to compete in the Olympics twice and win the gold medal both times!" My mother was surprised and asked, "Why are you so confident?" I was the type who always wanted to play the lead role in school plays. So while I didn’t like practice, I loved competitions where everyone was watching. I really loved that feeling of having the rink all to myself, and the tension of being watched by everyone."

A miraculous journey walked together with the support of family

At age 6, he won his first competition. After that, he continued to stand out in various tournaments, and at age 15, he achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first Japanese male skater to win a gold medal at the World Junior Championships while still in junior high school. What were those years of rapidly blossoming talent like for Hanyu and his family?

 

I often wanted to quit

 

"When I was little, I really hated practice. Basically, it was boring, and I’d get scolded, and I’d cry from being scolded, so I was always being kicked off the rink. I don’t think there was ever a time I made it through practice all the way to the end. Also, once I started elementary school, there weren’t really any other boys doing figure skating. All the kids were playing baseball or soccer. Since my dad played baseball, I really wanted to try it too. I said I wanted to quit all the time."

 

I think I didn’t quit because I hate to lose

 

"When I told my parents, “I want to quit skating,” they would always respond with a simple, “Then quit,” or “Go play baseball.” They didn’t say it sarcastically at all, but because I’m competitive, I just couldn’t give up. Also, my parents never forced me to do things I didn’t like, but instead valued whether I liked it or not, and whether I wanted to do it or not. I think that was the greatest support of all. Because those words were always there, I didn’t quit. In other words, I think it’s because “I really loved skating after all.”"

 

I was able to come this far because of my parents’ support

 

"Of course, I don’t think I could have continued without my parents’ daily support. My mother would take me to and from practice almost every day, and when our local rink closed and we had to travel farther, my father helped with transportation as well. My mother also made my costumes, from my very first competition all the way through my first year as a senior. Even though she had never studied dressmaking, she made them from scratch, starting with the patterns. At the time, I remember thinking it was a pain to stay still during fittings and such (laughs), but looking back now, I realize just how much they supported me. Even now, while I am still Yuzuru Hanyu the figure skater, I also want to continue valuing the part of me that is simply a person — 'Yuzuru, born into the Hanyu family.'"

 

A look at his childhood outside the ice rink

 

Days devoted to skating alongside his family. But how did he spend his time outside of skating? He also spoke with us about school life and playtime memories.

 

Outside of practice, I played to my heart’s content

 

"I think I was a very active kid. Once I got into studying, I was the type to really get into it, but I wasn’t good at Japanese. I liked subjects like history, science, and math. Japanese was the only subject where I couldn’t get a score I felt satisfied with (laughs). After school, I would go straight to the rink with my school backpack still on, so I remember making the most of my mornings, lunch breaks, and recess to play dodgeball and run around. It really felt like I was always playing at school (laughs)."

 

Yuzuru Hanyu: His growth and progress as a junior

1998 - Started skating at age 4 due to influence from older sister
2000 - Age 6: First win at the Daiei Cup in Chiba
2004 - Age 10: The local rink was closed due to financial difficulties.
2008 - Age 13: Won his first All Japan Junior Championship
2009 - Age 14: Won the All Japan Junior Championship for second consecutive year
2010 - Won the World Junior Championship at age 15 and made his senior debut

 

 

[yuzurujenn]

2015.09.01

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20190627042553/https://www.myrepi.com/family/relationships/yuzu-days-1509

 

Vol 3: Hanyu talks about his growth trajectory [senior years]

 

Hanyu, who made his senior debut at the age of 15, has been honing both his technique and expression. How did the Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred the following year, affect Hanyu and his family? In this second installment of "The Trajectory of Growth," Hanyu shares with us his thoughts on the days when he faced difficulties behind his brilliant growth.

 

Spoiler

A Brilliant Senior Debut

 

--Yuzuru Hanyu made his senior debut in the fall of 2010, his second year after moving up from novice to junior level. While most skaters typically remain in the junior ranks until around their first year of university, his entry into senior competition as a high school freshman was unusually early. At the NHK Trophy, his first Grand Prix Series event, he successfully landed his first quadruple toe loop, marking a spectacular start to his senior career. What kind of days followed that brilliant start?

 

Choosing the Senior Path to Push My Growth

 

I decided to move up to the senior level early because I had won all the Junior Grand Prix events I competed in that season, and I wanted to challenge myself on the bigger senior stage as soon as possible. Of course, I had encouragement from my coach, parents, and others around me, but I personally felt strongly about taking on the challenge sooner rather than later. In the senior division, the programs are longer, and you have to include quads, so both the physical and technical demands are much higher. I believed that putting myself in a tougher environment, facing greater trials, would definitely help me grow, and that’s why I made that decision.

 

When I Realized Confidence Had Become Overconfidence, I Felt I Could Finally Move Forward

 

Landing a quadruple jump at my first NHK Trophy gave me confidence that I could make it in the senior ranks. At the time, my success rate for quads in practice was only about one out of fifty, so pulling it off in competition felt huge. But looking back, that wasn't real confidence—it was overconfidence. After that, at the Cup of Russia and other events, I couldn’t land it at all. I realized just how naïve I’d been, still carrying a junior-level mindset. From then on, I struggled—really struggled—and pushed myself through practice after practice. That’s why, when I finally succeeded at the Four Continents Championships at the end of the season and came in second, I was truly happy.

 

Skating to Express My Own Feelings

 

--On March 11, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake struck. Just a month earlier, Hanyu had wrapped up his senior debut season. He was training at a rink near his home when the quake hit, and he had to evacuate to a shelter. After he resumed skating, he traveled around the country participating in ice shows, many of them for charity and disaster relief. How did Hanyu come to terms with such an indescribable experience?

 

Leaving Sendai, Traveling Nationwide for Ice Shows

 

After the earthquake, I was based at a rink in Higashi-Kanagawa, while also participating in ice shows for disaster relief and charity. My father had to stay in Sendai for work, and my sister couldn’t leave either because of school, so it was just my mother and me, moving from one hotel to another across the country. It was during that time that my mother and I really became a team, working together in full commitment to skating.

 

What I Felt As a Skater, and as Someone from Sendai

 

Right after the earthquake, I honestly wasn’t sure if I should keep skating. So many people were suffering from the devastating impact of the quake and tsunami, and yet I was still in a position where I could live and skate. I felt guilty. I wondered, “Is it okay for me to be seen as a representative of the victims? Do I really have the right to speak about the disaster?” I even questioned whether continuing to skate during such a difficult time could really help the disaster-stricken areas in any way.

 

But at the same time, I felt deeply grateful. Grateful for the people who worried about me and supported me, and for simply having the ability to skate at all. Being born and raised in Sendai, I started thinking seriously about what I could do as a person from the disaster area, and as a figure skater. It became a turning point that made me reflect on what I could share with others.

 

I Want to Express My Experiences and Feelings

 

The first performance I gave after the earthquake was in Kobe. There, I skated to White Legend, a version of Swan Lake. For the first time, I felt a strong, almost desperate desire to convey feelings that words couldn’t express. I wanted to communicate what I had experienced and felt through my skating.

 

During my first year as a senior, I realized that my skills alone weren’t enough. Then the earthquake happened, and I started thinking deeply about what I truly wanted to express, how I could use this music, this piece, to reflect what I had been through, what emotions I wanted to share. That performance of Swan Lake was a turning point. It marked the beginning of a shift in my skating from simply executing technique to expressing my own thoughts and emotions.

 

Yuzuru Hanyu: The Early Days of His Senior Debut 

2010 – Age 15
Yuzuru Hanyu made his senior debut. At the NHK Trophy, he successfully landed a quadruple toe loop and placed 4th, earning a spot on the Four Continents Championships team. At the Four Continents, he won the silver medal, becoming the youngest male medalist in the competition’s history.

 

2011 – Age 16
The Great East Japan Earthquake struck. While training at a local rink, Hanyu was affected by the disaster and evacuated to a shelter. Afterward, he traveled across Japan to participate in charity ice shows supporting recovery efforts.

 

Coming Next on “YUZU DAYS”:
In the next installment, Hanyu will share stories from his move to a new home base in Canada. He will talk about his current lifestyle, the values he holds in daily training, and more behind-the-scenes moments you won’t find anywhere else.

 

 

 

P&G’s Message: “Proud Sponsor of Moms”

Under the global theme “Thank You, Mom,” P&G has supported the Olympic Games since the London 2012 Summer Olympics, continuing through Sochi 2014, Rio 2016, PyeongChang 2018, and Tokyo 2020. The Olympics are not only about the triumphs of athletes—they also shine a light on the unwavering support of the families who have stood by them since childhood. Through highlighting these powerful bonds, P&G hopes people around the world will take a moment to appreciate their own mothers and families, and reflect on the gratitude they feel. That heartfelt intention is at the core of P&G’s message.

 

[yuzurujenn]

2015.10.01

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20190618054636/https://www.myrepi.com/family/relationships/yuzu-days-1510

 

Vol 4: Hanyu talks about his growth trajectory [From his new home in Canada to the present]

 

After the earthquake, Hanyu chose Toronto, Canada as his home base. It is still fresh in our memory that he flew from there to the Sochi Olympics, where he won a stunning gold medal. In this third installment of "The Path of Growth," we get a glimpse into a new side of Hanyu as he talks about his life in Canada, time with his family, how he spends his days off, and his goals for the future.

 

Spoiler

A New Chapter: Life in Canada

 

Since 2012, Yuzuru Hanyu has made the world-renowned skating club in Toronto, Canada his training base, under the guidance of his new coach, Brian Orser. Leaving his hometown of Sendai, he entered a new environment where elite skaters from around the world gather to train. How did this new chapter impact him?

 

"A rink that gives me a sense of tension with rivals from all over the world"

 

Moving to Canada brought a dramatic change in my environment, and that shift became a major source of inspiration. One big reason I chose Canada was the presence of Javier Fernández, a skater known for his strong quadruple jumps. Personally, I perform better when there's a sense of tension in the air. There are times when I land a jump for the first time during official practice just before a competition, and that’s often because other top competitors are right there in front of me, pushing me without even trying. I feel that same kind of pressure here. Watching Javier land his jumps right in front of me, I think, “He’s good. I don’t want to lose.” Practicing every day in that kind of competitive atmosphere has been a huge benefit for me.

 

Strengthening fundamental skills and mental aspects led to results

 

The Canadian skating club is dedicated solely to figure skating, so I was able to spend much more time on the ice, which naturally increased my total training hours. We also went back to basics such as reworking my skating fundamentals, adding physical conditioning sessions, and raising the overall quality of my practice. On top of that, my coach taught me how to stay focused during competitions and manage my mindset. That mental preparation, I believe, played a big role in boosting my confidence heading into the Sochi Olympics.

 

Current Life and Family

 

--Today, Yuzuru Hanyu is based in Canada but travels the globe for competitions and performances. Even during the off-season, he is constantly busy with ice shows in Japan and other skating-related activities. So how does he spend his rare and precious downtime? In 2013, he enrolled at Waseda University, adding the role of student to his already full life as a world-class athlete. In this segment, we take a closer look at the more personal side of Hanyu—how he spends his off-ice time and how he connects with his family.

 

On Days Off the Ice, I Focus on Schoolwork

 

Even in the off-season, there are ice shows and interviews, so I rarely have a “real” break. During the season, it’s also important to balance training and rest for the sake of managing my physical condition, so there are days when I don’t skate at all. On those days, I usually study.

I’m currently majoring in Information Science, and honestly, the coursework is pretty tough. I take my classes online, write reports, and even have the occasional exam. Assignments are due every week, so I can’t just leave everything until the end like I do for summer homework! (laughs)

 

The More Time We Spend Apart, The More I Treasure Moments with My Family

 

Even when I have time off, my mother and I are in Toronto, while my father and sister are in Sendai, so we don’t often get to spend time together as a whole family. We rarely go on family trips either. I always tell my sister and father, “It’d be great if you could come to Canada during summer break,” but it hasn’t worked out yet. The rare times we’re all together are usually when I return to Japan for ice shows and visit my hometown. We’ll sit around watching the news on TV and talking, or I’ll play video games with my sister. It’s just an ordinary family scene, but precisely because we live apart, I’ve come to truly value those moments.

 

What I Value Most

 

In 2014, Hanyu had a collision accident during a competition, but he overcame that and took first place in both the short program and free skating at the World Team Trophy in April 2015. In the exhibition gala, he successfully landed a quadruple loop, finishing the season in his best form yet.

So, what goals is he setting his sights on now?

 

Facing New Challenges Every Day

 

When you train every day, you're bound to run into new challenges. For instance, the quadruple loop doesn’t land perfectly every time. It depends on the situation and conditions. The same goes for skating skills and spins, not just jumps. Some days everything feels right, and other days nothing goes your way. But when something doesn’t go well, I try to reflect and think, “Okay, that didn’t work today. How can I adjust tomorrow?” I believe what’s important is to constantly identify and face new challenges, and to keep working through them. It’s that continuous process of overcoming obstacles that helps me grow.

 

 

Yuzuru Hanyu's journey from moving to Canada to the present

2012:   At the age of 17, he went to Canada and won his first All Japan Championship.
2013:  At the age of 18, he entered Waseda University, won his first Grand Prix Final, and won the All Japan Championship for two consecutive years.
2014:  At the age of 19, he won the gold medal at the Sochi Olympics, the Grand Prix Final two years in a row, and the All Japan Championship three years in a row.
2015:  At the 20-year-old World Team Trophy, he took first place in both the short program and free skating, concluding the 2014-2015 season.

 

 

Up until now, we have been reporting on Hanyu's "growth trajectory." From the fifth installment of YUZU DAYS, we will continue the interview with a new theme. It will be full of episodes that you can only read here! Please look forward to it!

 

[yuzurujenn]

2015.11

 

Source: https://yuzusorbet.tumblr.com/post/132739529992/pg-interview-nov-2015-although-figure-skating

 

Yuzuru and P&G products - Doing the Laundry

 

Spoiler

Although figure skating does not get muddy like baseball or soccer, there is a lot of sweat. Even warming-up produces much sweat. Every day 3-4 changes of clothes are needed. The laundry is all done by my mother. When I am changing into freshly washed training clothes, I am thinking, “Aah, nice smell.”

 

Because Father played baseball and Sister also skated, there was always a lot of clothes to wash. I remember Mother was often doing the laundry. As a child, I thought it was tough on my mother and I often helped to fold the clothes, but it seems I was not good at folding neatly. (laughs)  Now I do the laundry occasionally and it is hard. Once again, I feel very grateful to Mother who does it everyday.

 

When I travel for competitions and such, I can’t bring many changes of clothes and we have to do laundry in the hotel bathroom. We have to wash by hand and it is not easy. That is why Mother uses ‘Bold’ which has a nice smell and does not need softener. After the clothes are washed and hung to dry in the bathroom, the whole room has the nice smell of 'Bold’.  I am grateful to my mother who gives me support every day, even when I am travelling.

 

 

 

 

[yuzurujenn]

2015.12.01

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20190618054615/https://www.myrepi.com/family/relationships/yuzu-days-1512

 

Vol 5: Hanyu talks about that moment [All Japan Junior Championships Edition]

 

Hanyu has reached the pinnacle of the figure skating world. His journey to where he is today has not always been smooth sailing. He has competed in numerous competitions since his junior days, but there were times when he was unable to skate as well as he wanted and fell into a slump. In this new theme, "Talking Now About Those Moments," Hanyu talks about three competitions that were particularly important to him, and we will deliver this in three parts. What did he feel and think at those times? This time, we asked him about the All Japan Junior Championships, which was the catalyst for his rapid advance.

 

Spoiler

The All Japan Junior Championships, with eyes set on the world stage

 

--The All Japan Junior Championships is an important competition for figure skaters, as it also serves as a selection test for the World Junior Championships. Winning this competition means getting a ticket to the world stage. What were the thoughts of the 13-year-old Hanyu at that time?

 

I really wanted to win

 

When I was promoted to juniors, I hadn’t achieved much yet and didn’t have the ability to compete at the World Junior Championships. But if I won the All Japan Junior Championships, I could go to the World Juniors. So I had very strong feelings about this competition. Of course, in any competition, if I participate, I don’t want to lose. That’s why I remember practicing the triple Axel relentlessly every day.

 

An Unsatisfactory Performance

 

I still clearly remember the All Japan Junior Championships. The music was Rachmaninoff’s "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini." I think the performance itself was good, but I couldn’t land the important triple Axel. For me, the triple Axel is an essential element that I absolutely must land. Since I missed it, it wasn’t a 100% satisfactory performance.

 

Yes! I Can Go to the World Juniors

 

The moment I won, in one word, I felt like, “I Won!” I never thought I could win without landing the triple Axel, so I was surprised at myself. I felt some confusion, but mostly I was happy to win and thought, “I can go to the World Juniors, so I need to work even harder from now on.” I remember that night, my family and I went out to eat our favorite tonkatsu to celebrate.

 

What I Saw and Realized on the World Stage

 

After winning the All Japan Junior Championships for the first time, Hanyu actively challenged senior competitions such as the All Japan Championships, continuing his remarkable progress. Then he took on the World Junior Championships. How has his first experience competing on the world stage influenced him up to now?

 

I Have to Land the Triple Axel

 

At the World Junior Championships, I couldn’t land the triple Axel, and I made mistakes on other jumps as well, resulting in a 12th place finish. It was also a chance to increase Japan’s men’s junior quota by one more spot, but I couldn’t reach it… I felt frustrated. It made me realize, “This isn’t good enough.” Also, in the World Juniors, there are junior skaters who already compete in senior competitions and enter to earn world ranking points, so the level of competitors is very high. I painfully realized that to beat these skaters, I have to land the triple Axel. This competition challenged me with many issues—both technical and mental.

 

Because I Lost, I Am Who I Am Now

 

Losing at the World Juniors made me realize that the confidence I had until then was actually “overconfidence.” Throughout my skating life, I often overestimated my abilities, which caused me to lose many competitions. But it was precisely those experiences of losing due to overconfidence that made me constantly think about how not to lose, how to overcome my challenges. So now, looking back, I believe there were no wasted experiences. This is what I think now.

 

 

The 7th edition of YUZU DAYS will share episodes about Hanyu’s daily meals and doing the dishes, coming in January next year.
The sequel to the “Talking about that moment now” series—featuring the Sochi Olympics, where he wore the gold medal around his neck—is scheduled to be released in February next year!

 

[yuzurujenn]

2016.01

 

Source: https://yuzusorbet.tumblr.com/post/136598341457/yuzu-days-jan2016-washing-the-dishes-is-my

 

Yuzuru and P&G products: Washing the dishes is my feeling of gratitude

 

Spoiler

In Canada, besides going to and fro between home and rink, I hardly go out. Every day, I go for practice with my mother and when it is over, we go to the supermarket to buy groceries and then we return home…. our days are like that. Toronto is a city with many Asians, so it is easy to get the ingredients and seasoning for Japanese food, and mother is able to make Japanese food well. Of course, she cannot do it exactly the same as in Japan, but she works with the ingredients that she can get and reproduces the taste of the Hanyu home.  In an environment that I am not used to, I am grateful that I can have food with the taste of home and I feel relief.

 

In Sendai, clearing up after meals was shared by all 4 of us.  In Canada, it’s just mother and me living together.  From cooking to doing the laundry and cleaning, most of the housework is done by mother.  So, at the very least, I thought I should wash the dishes;  everyday I am responsible for clearing up after meals.  From long ago, I held a bottle of ‘Joy’ and helped with washing the dishes while watching and learning from my sister who loves cleanliness.  Even now, I think the person who is very good at washing dishes is me.

 

There are words like “itadakimasu” and “gochisousama”, right? (t/n. Japanese words said before and after a meal)  I feel that washing the dishes is like that, an action that represents the feeling of thankfulness to the person who made the meal.  Even though I am thinking, “Thank you again for today,” it’s hard to say the words face-to-face.  So washing the dishes is a form of gratitude to my mother.  I want to continue doing that.    

 

[yuzurujenn]

2016.02.01

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20190618054553/https://www.myrepi.com/family/relationships/yuzu-days-1602

 

Vol 6: Hanyu talks about that moment [Sochi Olympics edition]

 

The 2014 Sochi Olympics. It was the stage where skaters from all over the world competed for the top spot, and it was the dream stage that Hanyu had been aiming for since he was a child.

In this second installment of "Talking About That Moment Now," we spoke at length about the unimaginable pressure he faced on the grand stage of the Olympics, and the feelings he had hidden behind his comment that he was "more frustrated than happy" at the moment he won his medal.

 

Spoiler

My First Olympics

 

-Hanyu participated in the short program of the team competition, a new event added at the Sochi Olympics. In preparation for the team competition, which takes place before the opening ceremony, he arrived in Sochi on February 3rd, four days before the opening ceremony, and began preparations. There, he had experiences and happy encounters that are unique to the Olympics.

 

I need to stay focused

 

The first thing I thought when I arrived in Sochi was that the period was really long. The day before the opening ceremony, there was the team event, and it felt like right after finishing one event, another was coming. This feeling lasted throughout the nine days until the individual finals. Since I had to skate the short program twice—for both the team event and the individual event—it was challenging to adjust my peak performance for each. Having to maintain focus for such a long period, right until the very end, was an experience unique to the Olympics, I think.

 

I skated with someone I admire!

 

For the first time at the Olympics, I practiced together with Plushenko as a competitor. Plushenko has been my hero since I was little. Watching his performances made me want to compete in the Olympics. Just standing side by side with my idol on the Olympic ice was moving enough. We exchanged words during practice, but I was so excited that I don’t remember what we talked about at all. We also shook hands, and I thought, “I definitely won’t wash my hands” (laughs). Plushenko watched me skate throughout the practice. Being able to practice with Plushenko is one of my best memories from the Sochi Olympics.

 

Stepping Onto the Stage to Win the Medal

 

--The entire nation of Japan watched Yuzuru Hanyu’s performance with bated breath. And then the moment he won the gold medal. What was going through Hanyu’s mind on such a big stage?

 

If I do it as usual, it will be fine

 

During the team event and the short program, I was very focused. I kept telling myself that if I did it as usual, it would definitely be okay, and that I just had to perform well. I was really in tune with the music and was able to skate very comfortably until the end. When my short program score exceeded 100 points, I couldn’t help but think, “Gold medal!”

 

Maybe the gold medal is impossible...

 

In the free skate, my body didn’t move as I wanted, and I couldn’t focus well on the performance. I desperately tried to rid myself of distractions like thoughts about the medal, but even that effort became a distraction... When I finished skating, I thought I would definitely be overtaken, so I almost gave up on the gold medal. I was really frustrated and full of regret. When I watched Patrick Chan’s performance, I even thought, “I'd rather lose gracefully.” That’s why I was truly surprised when I was awarded the gold medal.

 

There really was a monster

 

Looking back now, I think that was the “Olympic monster.” After I got a higher score than I expected in the short program, the thought of the gold medal kept flickering in my mind. That itself was proof that I wasn’t fully focused on my performance at that point. But I wasn’t the only one thinking about the medal. Almost everyone was so tense from being conscious of it, and even during the six-minute warm-up right before the free skate, there was an unusually tense atmosphere. I don’t think any skater performed the free skate perfectly without mistakes. Patrick Chan also couldn’t skate his usual way and had a similar score to mine. So, as a result, I, who was leading after the short program, was able to win the gold medal. People often say “there’s a monster at the Olympics,” but now I think that the monster I faced was the “weakness” I created within myself.

 

The View from the World’s Top Podium

 

—From childhood, he had dreamed of standing on the Olympic podium. Finally, when he placed the gold medal around his neck, standing at the very summit of the world, we asked him to share his thoughts on that moment.

 

It Wasn’t Something I Won Alone

 

When I stood on the podium, I saw the Olympic rings shining under the lights by the rink side. That was when I finally truly realized, “I’m standing on the Olympic podium. I’m number one.” I also saw so many people waving to me. The faces of everyone who has supported me came to mind one by one… and I felt a deep gratitude. The gold medal wasn’t something I won by myself. At the same time, I thought I have to train even harder and get ready for the World Championships, so I won’t disgrace this medal around my neck.

 

It Was a Nerve-Wracking Competition!

 

The first time I saw my family was at the medal ceremony, and the first thing they said was, “I was so nervous!” After the short program the day before, their impression was “That was so moving!” but when I won the gold medal, all I heard from them were things like “We were worried” and “We were praying for you” (laughs). After the short program, the excitement was high, but after the free skate, everyone—including me and my family—felt a big letdown and thought, “The gold medal might be impossible…” I’m sure everyone watching felt the same way (laughs). But by the time of the ceremony, I finally realized I had won gold, and we all celebrated together.

 

 

YUZU DAYS Episode 9 Coming Soon!

In the ninth episode of YUZU DAYS, we’ll share the “Talking About That Moment Now” segment from the 2014 Grand Prix Series, where Yuzuru Hanyu talks about the accident that happened during practice at that year’s competition. He also opens up about what he’s thinking now after overcoming the injury. Scheduled for release in early March — stay tuned!

 

[yuzurujenn]

2016.03.01

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20190618054528/https://www.myrepi.com/family/relationships/yuzu-days-1603

 

Vol 7: Hanyu talks about that moment [2014 Grand Prix Series]

 

It was November 2014, after the Sochi Olympics. During official practice for the third Grand Prix series event in Shanghai, Hanyu collided with another skater in an accident.

 

In this third installment of "Talking About That Moment Now," we asked him why he didn't withdraw despite the objections of those around him who were concerned about him, what it was like when he endured the pain and performed to the end, and how he overcame the rehabilitation that followed.

 

Spoiler

The Moment of Impact

 

-During the official practice just before the free skating, a scream suddenly rang out from the stands. Two skaters collapsed onto the ice. Hanyu spoke in his own words about what happened to him at that moment.

 

I was completely focused on my practice

 

At that time, we were both so absorbed in our own practice that we didn’t really notice what was around us. When we’re performing, we’re not always looking in the direction we’re moving. The moment I turned around, the other skater was already right in front of me. Since we were moving at speeds of 60 or 70 km/h, there was nothing we could do. I got hit in the solar plexus and was thrown off balance, then I hit my jaw hard.

 

I absolutely wanted to compete

 

At that moment, the pain was overwhelming. I think hitting my solar plexus made it hard to breathe—I was so struggling that I wondered how I could even get air. My head was foggy, and I couldn’t think of anything as time just passed by. I had stitches on my jaw and above my ear, but since it was done without anesthesia, that was really painful too. After resting for a while, I started to feel better and was able to walk. Then I thought, “I can definitely skate. I absolutely want to compete.”

 

Everything was for the Grand Prix Final

 

Although he received first aid and was diagnosed with no risk of concussion, the situation was still delicate. Enduring the pain and against the worries of his coach and parents, he pushed through to compete. The true reason behind that determination—what was it rooted in?

 

I didn’t want it to end here

 

The reason I was so determined to compete in this event was simply because I absolutely wanted to participate in the Grand Prix Final, the last competition of the series. To qualify for the Grand Prix Final, I needed to earn points in this event. Since I had scored reasonably well in the short program, even if the free skate didn’t go well, by completing my performance I could still earn points based on my ranking. That would keep my chances alive for the next NHK Trophy. Also, having won the triple crown last year — the Olympics, World Championships, and Grand Prix Final — I was determined to win the Grand Prix Final again, which holds the meaning of being the season’s champion.

 

Determined to stay on my feet until the end

 

During my performance, the inside of my knee hurt so much that I couldn’t bend my leg properly. Looking back, I’m amazed I was able to skate at all. Even if I fell, as long as I fully rotated my jumps, I would still get points. If I completed a triple jump rotation, I would earn 2 or 3 points, so I was determined to complete every rotation. Honestly, just standing was really difficult, but somehow, in my mind, I believed I could even land a quadruple jump. When I finally finished skating safely, I felt a strong sense of accomplishment. At the Kiss and Cry, I was so relieved that I couldn’t stop crying.

 

Rehabilitation, then back to the ice

 

After the accident, Hanyu took some time off for rehabilitation. However, the impact from the collision was more severe than expected. He spoke about the difficult days he faced, struggling with his body not moving as he wanted.

 

I thought I might never skate again

 

After that competition, the doctor told me I’d be able to walk within a week, but in reality, I couldn’t walk for about ten days. When I was finally able to jog a little and tried stepping onto the ice, the pain was so intense that I couldn’t skate at all. I had been injured before, but never experienced pain like that... I seriously thought I might never skate again. I was so down that I even considered quitting skating altogether.

 

Grateful for my mother’s words

 

For the first time in my life, I admitted to my mother that I felt like I couldn’t skate anymore. Surprisingly, her response was different than usual. Since I was little, whenever I said I wanted to quit, she would say, “Then quit.” But this time, she said, “Just try it.” She told me, “If you treat it like rehabilitation and skate a little bit every day, things might start to get better.” Suddenly, I felt a surge of energy and the hope that I could skate again. I even found the determination to say, “I will definitely win the next NHK Trophy!”

 

Looking back on the accident now, if I had withdrawn from that competition, or if it weren’t for my mother’s words, I might not be where I am today. I’m truly grateful for what she said back then.

 

 

How did you like the “Talking about that moment now” series?
In the next YUZU DAYS, we’ll bring you a new theme: “What Figure Skating Has Taught Me.”

In Episode 10, we’ll explore what figure skating truly means to Hanyu’s life.
Look forward to the release in early April!

 

[yuzurujenn]

2016.04.01

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20190618054504/https://www.myrepi.com/family/relationships/yuzu-days-1604

 

Vol 8: Hanyu talks about what figure skating has taught him [about life]

 

In this three-part series, we will share with you what Hanyu has felt through his experiences to date, with the theme of "What figure skating has taught me." In the first part, we will reveal what role figure skating has played in Hanyu's life. We will also introduce some unexpected aspects and special episodes that he revealed in the interview.

 

Hanyu has spent a lot of time with figure skating since he was four years old. There are surely countless things he has learned from figure skating in his life. Starting from this issue, we will be delivering a total of three articles on the various things Hanyu has felt through his experiences so far. In this first article, we will reveal what role figure skating plays in Hanyu's life. We will also introduce some unexpected aspects and special episodes that he revealed in the interview in a column. Please don't miss it and enjoy until the end.

 

Spoiler

Learning to Control Myself

 

– The joy of skating, the thrill of expressing myself, the cheers from so many people… Figure skating is a sport that brings countless rewards. At the same time, it comes with intense training, the pressure of competition, injuries, and other challenges. Surely, Yuzuru Hanyu has experienced both the highs and lows of skating. We asked him to share one of the most important lessons figure skating has taught him.

 

My Opponent Is Myself, That’s Why I Cannot Lose

 

Figure skating isn’t a head-to-head sport like baseball, soccer, or tennis. It all comes down to yourself. Of course, there are rare times when you might win because someone else had an off day. But whether or not you land your jumps or perform cleanly is entirely up to you. In fact, because I’m battling myself, I feel even more like I can’t afford to lose. Technique, artistry, and focus can all be improved through training and coaching. But what matters most is whether you can bring out your full potential when it truly counts. How long can you stay focused and motivated? How well can you turn pressure into strength? In the end, I believe the ones who win are those with the mental strength to control themselves.

 

Nothing I’ve Experienced Has Been a Waste

 

There are times when I feel nervous or anxious before a competition. But to me, that just shows how serious I am about it. If I didn’t want to do well, I wouldn’t feel nervous or worried at all. Even negative emotions can become something positive, if you can ask yourself why you're feeling that way and really think it through. That’s why I believe that nothing I’ve experienced through skating has ever been a waste. Of course, not everything is something I can be proud of. But the more emotions and experiences I’ve gone through, the more I might be able to express those in my performance. Maybe anger or frustration can lead to more powerful jumps. That’s why I don’t want to run away from negative feelings. I want to value each and every experience I have.

 

I Stay Strong Because of My Mom

 

Taking care of my physical condition is also important in order to stay mentally strong. I adjust my training pace and intensity every day, but my mom handles almost everything else in my daily life. She always notices even the smallest changes in how I’m feeling, and makes sure I eat well-balanced meals. I’m really grateful for that. In Canada, just talking with her helps me mentally. She worries about me and gives me advice, and sometimes I argue back. Just typical parent-child stuff, I guess. But being able to speak my native language, especially while living overseas, really calms me and gives me energy. My mom’s presence is a huge support for me, both physically and emotionally.

 

What Figure Skating Means to Me

 

– Figure skating has taught Yuzuru Hanyu important things, such as controlling himself and mental strength. We asked him once again what figure skating means to him in his life.

 

It's not everything, but it's very important

 

In the past, I felt like figure skating was my entire life. But through the earthquake and various other experiences, I’ve come to think that life is life, and figure skating is figure skating, they’re not the same. If “everything disappears if figure skating disappears,” that would be a problem, so maybe I’m consciously trying to separate them. Still, it’s true that figure skating is a core part of what makes me Yuzuru Hanyu, so there’s no doubt it’s an important part of my life.

 

Through figure skating, I’m experiencing life

 

Figure skating has taught me positive things, like the importance of effort and the strength to not give up. It’s also made me aware of the negative aspects like my weaknesses and overconfidence. A lot of what I’ve learned from that has definitely influenced how I think, what I say, and how I behave in daily life. But I don’t think everything is necessarily right. In the end, how you accept things is up to your own choices. Rather than 'learning' from it, my relationship with figure skating is closest to the feeling of "I'm experiencing various things in life through figure skating."

 

 

＼Exclusive interview tidbits/

 

YUZU COLUMN
-What if Hanyu were to try a sport other than figure skating? When we asked him this question, he chose a surprising sport.

 

Someday, I want to try kyudo (Japanese archery)

 

Besides figure skating, what I want to try is kyudo. I’m the type of person who’s good at focusing in short bursts, so I’ve wanted to try kyudo for a long time. I was born in December, and I’m a Sagittarius, the archer, so I feel a sense of closeness to it, and it also connects with my name, Yuzuru. I'm also interested in the fact that, unlike figure skating, it's a sport you do while remaining still. For a while, I was also interested in tennis, but since it’s a sport played outdoors even in the hot summer, I quickly gave up, thinking it wasn’t really suited for me, since I prefer staying indoors (laughs).

 

 

YUZU DAYS, Episode 11
We will deliver a special interview about P&G products: the “Pantene Edition.” We asked him about his unique approach to hair care as an athlete,
as well as his childhood memories of bath time. Scheduled for release in early May!

 

[yuzurujenn]

2016.05.02

 

Source: https://yuzusorbet.tumblr.com/post/143731019092/yuzurus-words-in-pg-article-2-may-2016-for

 

Yuzuru and P&G products: My Shampoo

 

Spoiler

For competitions and times like that, I often use hairstyling products to fix my hair so that it does not get too messy. Because of that, I choose a shampoo that washes away the styling products without making my hair feel rough. Styling products also cause hair to be more easily damaged, so I use a conditioner as well. Figure skating is a sport where we are looked at from head to toe, including our hairstyle, so I do pay attention to haircare.

 

When I was a young child, I copied the hairstyle of Evgeni Plushenko whom I admire and I had a round mushroom cut. I started using Pantene from about that time and I remember the suds were really nice and my hair felt very smooth after that.  I can feel that it has evolved from that long time ago, but the nice feeling of a good wash is still the same. The styling products are all cleanly washed off and I like the smooth feeling of my hair even with just shampoo alone.

 

From a long time back, the bathroom of the Hanyu home always had Pantene. When we all use the same shampoo, after a bath, we all have the same scent. That gives me a feeling of the bonds of family. Even now when I go back home, there is Pantene in the bathroom, and I feel very much the sense of closeness and familiarity.

 

[yuzurujenn]

2016.06.01

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20190618054426/https://www.myrepi.com/family/relationships/yuzu-days-1606

 

Vol 9: Hanyu talks about what figure skating taught him [Family ties]

 

Hanyu is always grateful to his family, saying, "It's thanks to my family that I've been able to continue with figure skating." Perhaps one of the greatest assets he has gained from figure skating is the "family ties.

 

In this second installment of "What Figure Skating Taught Me," Hanyu talks about his family, who have raised and supported him as an athlete and as a person. We will also introduce some surprising aspects and special episodes that he revealed during the interview in this column. Don't miss it until the end, and enjoy.

 

Spoiler

A Member of the Hanyu Family

 

The world’s No.1 figure skater. A 21-year-old university student. Yuzuru Hanyu has many faces, but his roots seem to lie in being “the youngest child of the Hanyu family.” What kind of presence is his family to Yuzuru Hanyu?

 

The Happiness of Being “Yuzuru of the Hanyu Family”

 

Ever since I was in elementary school, my family has supported me devotedly in both skating and everyday life, and I can never thank them enough. In particular, my parents raised me with the belief: “No matter how much you love skating, we want you to also know the world outside of it.” That attitude hasn’t changed even after I became an adult or won a gold medal. So, to my parents and my sister, I think I’m still, as ever, the eldest son and the youngest child of the Hanyu family. I also want to continue being “the son of these parents,” and I always feel that’s a true source of happiness for me.

 

Words from Family Become Strength

 

I especially feel the importance of my family when I’m struggling. I know what I should do, but sometimes I can’t take action easily. At times like that, a single word or advice from my family acts like a switch, and that often becomes a turning point for things to improve. The words from my mother, who is always close by, are especially special. I think this applies not only to me but to others as well: because mothers carefully carry you in their womb for months, go through hardships to give birth, and stay with you since you were a baby who couldn’t even speak, they understand things that others don’t. Their words and feelings carry weight and resonate deeply and directly.

 

Thoughts for Each Family Member

 

What kind of people make up Hanyu’s family? We asked Yuzuru Hanyu to specially talk about each of his family members — his father, mother, and older sister — and what they mean to him. We also take a closer look at the everyday life of the Hanyu family, including how they spend their time together.

 

Everyone has a different personality and is unique

 

In the Hanyu family, all four members have different blood types. Maybe because of that, everyone has completely different and unique personalities. Usually, our daily interactions start with silly arguments between me, who is strong-willed, and my mother. Then my serious older sister steps in to mediate with her usual “now, now” approach, and my father watches carefully, thinking, “Which side should I take today to settle this situation?” This pattern happens a lot (laughs). Because our personalities are so different, we can accept each other and it makes it easy for us to come together. Though we seem different, I think we are a very balanced family.

 

The pillar who watches over the Hanyu family, my father

 

My father works in Sendai, so we don’t usually spend much time together. But he is always there, firmly established like a “big rock,” a presence with great weight. He supports the family like a mental pillar. He used to scold me a lot, but now he watches over me calmly and gives advice.

 

My mother, who I can say anything to and who understands even without words

 

My mother is the person I spend the most time with and the one I can say anything to. Whether it’s good or bad, I honestly say what I think to her. Sometimes I hold back so as not to worry her, but she always understands anyway. Lately, it’s my mother’s role to scold me.

 

My sister, equal but still “big sister”

 

My sister is kind and loving, and always puts herself in my shoes and thinks things through with me. Because she is my sister, she can sometimes understand things from a different perspective than my father and mother. As siblings, we also understand each other’s feelings toward our parents. Our relationship hasn’t basically changed since I was four years old. Even now, she is the “big sister” who lets me rely on her.

 

I can be myself in front of my family

 

During the season, my mother and I are in Canada, so we don't have much time to spend together as a family of four. For that reason, I look forward to spending time at my parents’ house. When I return home after a long time, my father and sister dote on me like a little kid. We don’t talk much about skating but instead enjoy talking about TV shows or playing games together. Sometimes we have silly quarrels (laughs). My parents' house is a place where I can return to my "true self." It feels very comfortable.

 

 

\ Exclusive Interview Behind-the-Scenes /

 

YUZU COLUMN
— Yuzuru Hanyu, 21 years old. Do you ever drink alcohol together with your family?

 

My First Drink “Among Men”

 

When I turned 20 and returned to Sendai, I had my first drink to celebrate my coming-of-age with my grandfather and cousins. Later, my father joined us, and we all drank together, but I started slurring my words. The sake was delicious, but I thought maybe my body isn’t really suited for alcohol. As an athlete, it was probably good that I couldn't drink alcohol (laughs).

 

 

YUZU DAYS Episode 13:
“What Figure Skating Has Taught Me — The World Stage”

Now a star beyond borders, Yuzuru Hanyu shares his perspective on the global stage. Don’t miss his message to everyone aiming for the world! Scheduled for release in late June — stay tuned!

[yuzurujenn]

2016.07.01

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20190618054356/https://www.myrepi.com/family/relationships/yuzu-days-1607

 

Vol 10: Hanyu talks about what figure skating has taught him [The world stage]

 

Ever since taking on the World Junior Championships at the age of 14, Hanyu has been active on the world stage. In the 2014 season, he won a triple crown: the gold medal at the Sochi Olympics, the World Championships, and the Grand Prix Final, literally standing at the top of the world.

In this third installment of "What Figure Skating Taught Me," Hanyu, who is now attracting attention from all over the world and becoming a role model, talks about how he views the world stage and gives a message to those who want to make it on the world stage in the future. We will also introduce some unexpected aspects and special episodes that he revealed in the interview in a column. Don't miss it and enjoy until the end.

 

Spoiler

The World Stage

 

— The thrill of reaching the top in Japan and then stepping out onto the world stage. Facing rivals from all over the globe and competing against them. How does Yuzuru Hanyu feel about this ever-expanding stage with each victory?

 

A dream, and also a wall

 

When I was little, the local rink was my whole world. From junior to senior level, and from Japan to the world, I gradually felt my stage getting bigger and bigger. When I first stepped onto the world stage, it truly felt like a dream. Until then, the world stage was something I only saw on TV,
so everything was surprising, moving, and amazing. When I first went to Canada, everything was stimulating, and every day was full of new discoveries. Going out into the world, I felt the vastness of it all firsthand, but at the same time, I felt a huge wall—the reality that there are many wonderful skaters who can do things I cannot.

 

There’s only one thing I must do!

 

When I actually step onto the world stage, I definitely feel many differences compared to Japan. To win globally, I have to master even more advanced skills and develop greater mental strength. The climate, environment, and food are all different, so I must be very careful managing my health. But whether I’m in Japan or anywhere else in the world, I believe the thing I need to do is the same. If I want to beat the top-level skaters performing worldwide, I have no choice but to improve myself. Of course, I can say this now, but I don't think I could have said such a thing to myself back then.

 

About Fans Around the World

 

--As Yuzuru’s stage has expanded, the cheers have crossed national borders. Now, fans from all over the world watch him closely and send passionate support. We asked Yuzuru Hanyu, now a global star, to share his thoughts on his fans.

 

I'm always happy with any kind of support

 

The energy from fans is incredible and always reaches my heart. I believe the feelings of fans supporting their athletes are the same everywhere. However, the ways people show their support do feel different. Some fans enjoy cheering by dressing up in cosplay, while others fill the rink with lots of gifts... These reflect each country’s customs and culture of hospitality, and their unique, passionate support really lifts my spirits. It’s wonderful and very heartening that so many people can come together as one to support a single athlete.

 

I want to turn support into strength

 

The power of the fans’ support is sometimes so strong that it can become a positive kind of pressure. But I believe that turning that pressure into my own strength is how I can truly respond to their support. Every time I perform, I can hear various reactions from the audience. Depending on how the performance goes, their voices express hope, relief, or sometimes disappointment. I can feel the atmosphere in the arena shift as I skate. That sense of unity and the live atmosphere with the audience is truly enjoyable.

For those who aim for the world

 

--Standing on the world stage and broadening his experience more and more, we asked Hanyu about what he wants to convey to those who also aim for the world in figure skating. This message might also resonate with everyone who wants to succeed in various fields beyond just figure skating.

 

Don't be afraid of failure or detours

 

In the future, I hope I can give good advice to younger athletes, but I don’t feel like I’m in that position just yet. For now, I believe that “nothing is ever wasted.” Even if something feels like a detour or a failure, it always becomes an opportunity to reflect and learn. What might seem pointless at the time will definitely become valuable later, helping you avoid the same mistakes. Sometimes, taking a detour ends up being the shortcut in the end. So I want people to face their challenges without fear and to cherish every experience they have.

 

 

\ Exclusive Interview Tidbits /

 

YUZU COLUMN

Currently, Yuzuru Hanyu is enrolled in the School of Human Sciences at Waseda University. We asked him about what he’s studying there.

 

University Student Yuzuru Hanyu

 

I’m enrolled in the Faculty of Human Sciences, and currently majoring in Human Information Science. This field of study is about analyzing, using data, how people encounter, receive, judge as correct, and act on the necessary information out of the vast amount of information overflowing in the world. It explores the reasoning behind these processes and aims to apply the findings in various areas. Human information processing ability and how to deal with information naturally relate to sports, but apart from sports, I also study environmental design, such as how efficiency changes depending on the arrangement of desks in an office, researching with actual companies as examples. Weekly reports are tough, but I’m doing my best to submit them.

 

 

The first installment of the YUZU DAYS series ends with this edition. The second installment of the YUZU DAYS series is scheduled to be released starting this fall. Please look forward to it!

 

 

 

[yuzurujenn]

2016.10.28

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20190618054326/https://www.myrepi.com/family/relationships/yuzu-days-1610

 

Vol 11: [Special Feature] Hanyu answers your requests! Requests to YUZU! (Part 1)

 

Thank you for all the submissions to our special feature "Requests for YUZU!" This time, we bring you the first part of the series in which Hanyu answers the requests and questions sent in. Please enjoy the precious photos that show his training and daily life in Canada.

 

Spoiler

Request 1
Hanyu-san, who devotes himself to practice every day, please tell us if you have any recommended methods for changing your mood recently!

 

Reply from Hanyu①
I think I’m pretty good at properly switching between on and off. When I’m not practicing, I’m always able to relax! I value doing whatever I want to do at each moment.

 

Request 2
Hanyu travels all over the world, but if there is a country you would personally like to visit, please tell us why!

 

Reply from Hanyu ②

Maybe because I live this kind of lifestyle, there isn’t anywhere in particular abroad that I especially want to visit. If anything, I’d rather spend my time relaxing in Japan!

 

Request ③
What do you feel is different about life in Toronto compared to life in Japan?

 

Yuzuru Hanyu’s reply ③
In my case, since I am in Toronto mainly for skating, I strongly feel that this is an environment where I can focus on skating. Also, the taste of ingredients is a little different from Japan. So sometimes I find myself wanting to eat Japanese food.

 

 

-YUZU Album-

Toronto is a clean, safe and easy city to live in.

I also like the fact that even though it's a big city, it's rich in nature.

 

 

Next time, we will bring you a video of Hanyu trying out P&G products. A special video of Hanyu, who regularly uses Joy to wash dishes ! Scheduled to be released in early November! Look forward to it!