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

[yuzurujenn]

2017.12.01

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20180121052426/https://www.myrepi.com/members/member-article/article/yuzu-days-1712

 

Vol 18: Hanyu talks about his "feelings for skating"

 

After reaching the pinnacle of the world at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, Hanyu has continued to challenge himself by constantly breaking his own records on the world stage, becoming the first skater to win the Grand Prix Final four times in a row last season and winning the World Championships. With the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics approaching, we spoke to Hanyu, who continues to push himself to his limits, about his "feelings for skating."

 

Spoiler

To take on a challenge is to hit a wall once.

 

For example, during practice, I often think things like, “This is impossible,” or “I can’t do any more than this.” That happens every day. I really do feel that way all the time, and at those times, I start to feel like I want to take the easy way out, like maybe I should just compromise. But somehow, I can’t bring myself to fully compromise, and that’s probably just the kind of person I am. I think that taking on a challenge always means hitting a wall. Each time you challenge yourself, the wall gets higher, and it becomes harder to get over it. At those times, I look for a more efficient way, or try going a different route, but in the end, I can never fully go down those other paths. Eventually, I go back to the original path and climb that wall. That’s just who I am. And I think that’s what has shaped the person I am today.

 

I have absolutely no fear when it comes to taking on a challenge.

 

If I had to describe my personality, in a positive way you could say I have a strong core, and in a negative way, I’d say I’m stubborn (laughs). I do sometimes feel down or negative, but I feel like my core never wavers. Of course, I do feel anxious or nervous at times. Those feelings tend to come when I'm not moving my body, like when I’m eating, or right before going to bed. It’s in those moments of rest that I sometimes feel shaken, like maybe I should be doing more training or stretching. But once I enter the pre-competition phase, my mindset shifts. I no longer feel anxious or afraid. During preparations, I know exactly what I need to do. Whether it's packing my gear or warming up, I'm fully absorbed in each task,
and my focus becomes completely locked in. When I compete, I have no fear about taking on challenges, and I’ve never once taken on a challenge while thinking about failure.

 

I love skating so much that I can devote everything to it.

 

After all, I really do love skating. I love the moments when I’m gliding on the ice, I love having everyone watch me, and it makes me happy when people are pleased, enjoy it, or are moved by it. All of those things make me feel truly glad. I think having experiences like this is something unique to skating, so I feel like it suits me, and honestly, I feel very happy. When I calm down and think about it, I realize I devote an unbelievable amount to it. Not just time, but almost everything in my daily life connects back to skating. But I don’t mind at all giving so much because being able to skate makes me happy. I receive so much from skating. That’s why, no matter how tough it gets, I want to keep doing my best.

 

 

Next time, we will hold the “YUZU Cheer” project where you can send messages of support to Yuzuru Hanyu as he heads toward the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics! The call for support messages is scheduled to start on December 25. Please look forward to it!

 

[yuzurujenn]

2017.12

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20190618053834/https://www.myrepi.com/home/entertaining/yuzu-days-1712

 

Vol 19: [Special project] Send a message of support to Yuzuru Hanyu as he heads to the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics!

 

[Confirmed: Competing in the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics!]
Your cheers will reach Hanyu!

 

The PyeongChang Winter Olympics will finally be held in February 2018! Why not send a message of support to Hanyu as he takes to the big stage of the Olympics? We will make sure that all messages of support sent to us are delivered to Hanyu. Please send your cheers to Hanyu!

 

*Due to preparations, the cheering message booklet that will be delivered directly to Hanyu will only be available for messages posted by January 15th. Please note. Messages of support can be posted on the MyRepeat site from January 16th onwards.

 

[How to post] Simply post your message of support in the comments section below to complete the post.
*You must log in to MyRepi to post. If you are not yet a MyRepi member, register
now . Recruitment period: Until February 25th, 2018

 

Spoiler

In a previous interview with YUZU DAYS, Hanyu said, "Everyone's support helps me concentrate better during the performance," and "I think that all the people who support me are part of a team that fights together."

 

Yuzuru Hanyu’s serious gaze toward the big stage, his strength and dedication to not lose to himself—perhaps we, as supporters, also receive courage, inspiration, and the power to keep going from him.

 

The support messages we receive from everyone will be delivered to Yuzuru Hanyu before the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics.
The photo above is from 2016, when P&G sent support messages to Yuzuru Hanyu. He carefully read each message one by one and murmured with deep emotion, “So many people are supporting me...”

 

Your heartfelt “cheers” will surely become a source of strength for Yuzuru Hanyu as he stands on the stage of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics. MyRepi will faithfully deliver your support messages to Yuzuru Hanyu. Now, let’s all send our “cheers” to Yuzuru Hanyu!
The photo above is from 2016, when P&G sent support messages to Yuzuru Hanyu.

 

[yuzurujenn]

2018.02.01

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20180207140413/https://www.myrepi.com/members/member-article/article/yuzu-days-1802

 

Vol 20: Hanyu talks about "expression"

 

While Hanyu’s technical skills are impressive, his rich and beautiful expressive power is also a major attraction. Where does this rich expression that captivates the audience’s eyes and stirs their emotions come from? We asked Hanyu in an interview.

 

Spoiler

My emotional sensitivity has been there since I was a child.

 

I think I’ve always been emotionally sensitive, even from a young age. When I listen to music, I get completely drawn into it, and my body just starts moving on its own. I also feel like I experience emotions very deeply. Sometimes, it’s like I store up all those feelings inside me, and then it feels like they explode out on the ice. That emotional sensitivity is, in some ways, a perfect fit for figure skating. So I’m really glad I found skating.

 

When I express something, I try to take in everything.

 

When I express something through skating, I try to fully absorb the emotions and themes of the music into myself. I let those feelings swell up inside me, so much that they almost overflow. For example, if the piece I’m performing has a heavy theme like pain or sorrow, I take in all of those emotions, and sometimes I get so immersed in it that it becomes painful. But I don’t dislike expressing the emotions that exist within people.

 

Figure skating is a place where I can fully express my emotions.

 

When we speak, there are certain limits to what we can say, like things we can’t say, or shouldn’t say. And not all emotions can be put into words. I believe the ice is a place where I can fully express even those emotions that can’t be verbalized. For me, the ice is the place where I can be most true to myself. And I feel really happy that I can skate.

 

 

\ Exclusive Interview Tidbits /

YUZU COLUMN

 

– During the interview, what left an impression was how Yuzuru Hanyu spoke with polite language and was considerate, sometimes even putting the staff at ease. Where does that courtesy come from?

 

I was told by my parents and my sister from a young age to be careful with how I speak. Also, something I personally value a lot is respect. That applies to the ice, to my own body, of course to other athletes, and also to the people who support me. I want to always value showing respect. It’s not anything overly formal. For example, when speaking with someone older, I try to use polite language, and even something simple like saying “please go ahead” and letting them go first on the path, those things might seem obvious but I try to be mindful of them every day.

 

 

The next edition of YUZU DAYS will be a special feature! Titled “Behind-the-Scenes YUZU DAYS,” we’ll be sharing photos and videos of Yuzuru Hanyu in a relaxed mood during breaks in filming! Scheduled for release in early March — stay tuned!

 

 

[yuzurujenn]

2018.03.01

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20180322112008/https://www.myrepi.com/members/member-article/article/yuzu-days-1803

 

Vol. 21: Precious behind-the-scenes shots and videos of Hanyu are now available! [Behind the Scenes of YUZU DAYS]

 

This time, titled "Behind the Scenes of YUZU DAYS," we will be revealing all the precious behind-the-scenes shots and videos from the shoot! Enjoy watching Hanyu with his relaxed and playful expressions!

 

Spoiler

Rare and unpublished photos of Hanyu

YUZU ALBUM

 

An off-shot from the 29th edition of YUZU DAYS, when we asked Yuzuru Hanyu about his feelings of gratitude toward his mother.
The expression on his face as he spoke about her was gentle and warm.

 

The 30th off-shot from YUZU DAYS. Hanyu's smile is also wonderful.

 

He turned around towards the wall and we got this bonus shot!

 

During the shoot, Hanyu puts his feet up on the railing as if to stretch. He really has a flexible body!

 

Hanyu is amazing!!!

 

I got a relaxing shot!

 

Hanyu quickly hides in the bushes. How playful!

 

 

What did you think of this episode of 【Behind the Scenes YUZU DAYS】? In the next YUZU DAYS, we will bring you a special interview about P&G products, "Gillette Edition". We also asked Hanyu about the kind of man he wants to be in the future!
It is scheduled to be released in early April. Please look forward to it.

 

 

[yuzurujenn]

2018.04

 

Source: https://yuzusorbet.tumblr.com/post/172530123487/pg-yuzu-days-april-2018-interview-with

 

P&G Interview - Gillette/shaving and the future “cool ojiisan” 

 

Spoiler

~Interview with Hanyu-senshu~

 

I use Gillette. My ‘hige’ (moustache/beard) is like soft, downy hair, so I don’t use it everyday. But on mornings that I have interviews or (photo/video) shoots, I always use it. The feeling is that it slides comfortably and I can shave the area that I want to shave. Rather than my own hand moving it to shave, the feeling is more like it goes naturally in the direction that I want. I have sensitive skin and it gets rough and dry easily, but Gillette is gentle on the skin even though it’s sharp.

 

The male image that I want to become in future, is “a cool old man/grandpa” (ojiisan).  [laughs]  Even when I reach the age of being called 'grandpa’, it is my ideal that what I’ve done skating up to now is visible in my behaviour, bearing and attitude. Internally very strong, yet gentle and kind and able to see the surroundings properly.  I long to be a cool adult like that.

 

In future, I want to become an adult who can do something for (the people) around me. Not just doing my own things, but someone who can become strength for others, I would like to be such an adult. I think I have such feelings especially because people around me have been supporting me and devoting themselves to me all the way up to now.

With the adding of years (of age), I hope I can devote myself to others in return.

 

[yuzurujenn]

2018.05

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20190618043606/https://www.myrepi.com/home/entertaining/yuzu-days-1805

 

Vol 22: [Special Feature] Yuzuru Hanyu sends a message of thanks to everyone!

 

In preparation for the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, P&G has sent a book of heartfelt messages of support collected through "YUZU DAYS" to Hanyu in advance. Now, after winning the gold medal, Hanyu has spoken about his thoughts on the Olympics, his feelings for his mother, and his message of gratitude to everyone who supported him, all while looking back through the book.

 

Spoiler

I am truly grateful for my family who always supports me

 

I was able to win a gold medal four years ago as well, but precisely because I had that previous experience, I felt the weight of the gold medal even more strongly at this Olympics. No matter how my environment changes, my family, who are always by my side supporting me, are truly an irreplaceable and grateful presence in my life. Without their support, I wouldn’t have been able to come this far.

 

The first person I put the medal on was my mother.

 

After the competition, things were hectic and I didn’t have much time, but the very first person I placed the medal on was my mother. Just having her by my side is more than enough, she’s that important to me. Since I’m based overseas now, being able to speak Japanese and feel the presence of family is something I’m really grateful for. When I’m on my own, it’s easy to neglect things like my health, nutrition, and mental well-being, so I’m really grateful to my mom for helping me with all of that.

 

Everyone's messages gave me the push I needed

 

Thank you very much for all the messages this time. I truly feel that each and every one of these messages pushed me forward. The Olympics is a special stage for me, and this medal hanging around my neck has also become something special. Wearing the medal alone feels very heavy. I would be happy if I could share this weight with all of you. Thank you again, truly, from the bottom of my heart.

 

 

[yuzurujenn]

2018.06

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20190618043510/https://www.myrepi.com/home/entertaining/yuzu-days-1806

 

Vol 23: [Special project] Let's express our gratitude to Hanyu for giving us courage and inspiration!

 

[Congratulations on the PyeongChang Winter Olympics Gold Medal]
Let's send our "thank you" to Hanyu, who gave us courage and inspiration! For more information...

 

Hanyu won the gold medal at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Why not send your "thank you" to Hanyu, who has given us so much courage and inspiration, on YUZU DAYS? The messages sent by everyone will be delivered to Hanyu, and the details will be published on YUZU DAYS by the end of the year.

[How to post] Simply post your message of support in the comments section below.
*You must log in to MyRepeat to post. If you are not yet a MyRepeat member, register
now . Recruitment period: until 2018/06/30

 

Spoiler

Hanyu won the gold medal at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in February 2018, becoming the first skater to win consecutive Olympic gold medals in 66 years. The sight of Hanyu overcoming the adversity of an injury to his right ankle and winning consecutive gold medals with a beautiful and powerful performance moved the world.

 

Through Yuzuru Hanyu, we receive so many things. His delicate, beautiful, and powerful performances move our hearts deeply. His strength to challenge himself and keep overcoming obstacles gives us courage. And his ability to overcome adversity and achieve great goals inspires us.

 

We received many comments in the YUZU DAYS comment section. Alongside lots of “Congratulations,” there were just as many “Thank you” messages. Some comments said things like, “I gained courage by relating it to my own life,” and others shared, “I felt the importance of family.” While cheering for Yuzuru Hanyu, perhaps we are also sending encouragement to ourselves.

 

Let’s create a big circle of “Thank you” together, YUZU DAYS readers! I’m sure the great power of your “Thank you” messages will reach Yuzuru Hanyu’s heart. We plan to share how your messages were delivered to him on YUZU DAYS before the end of the year.

 

 

[yuzurujenn]

2018.10.15

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20181016224352/https://www.myrepi.com/home/entertaining/yuzu-days-100001

 

Vol 24: Talking about the PyeongChang Winter Olympics

 

In November 2017 , Hanyu suffered a serious injury during an official practice session. It was just three months before the PyeongChang Winter Olympics. He overcame that adversity and won the PyeongChang Winter Olympics for the second consecutive time, the first time in 66 years . What was Hanyu thinking and feeling at that time? We asked him in an interview.

 

Spoiler

I went into the Olympics with the feeling, "Everything's fine, so don't worry."

 

This time, because of my injury, I could strongly feel everyone’s concern and support as they waited for me. When I entered the Olympic venue, I wanted to tell all my supporters, “Everything's fine, so don't worry.” And I hoped to skate with the feeling of having received all their worries and to say, “I’ve come back safely.”

 

The three months leading up to the Olympics were very tough, but before entering the venue, I set a specific goal of "I want to get this far." I practiced with the complete belief that if I could achieve the goal I set for myself, I could win the Olympics. I reached that goal during the final practice the day before leaving for PyeongChang. So when I stepped into the venue, I felt, “I’m ready to win.”

 

The free skate step sequence where I wanted to capture a moment that would never come again

 

The most memorable part of my Olympic performance was the final step sequence in the free skate. At that moment, I had the feeling, “I’ve won this Olympic Games,” and I skated with an explosion of joy. Just before that, during the triple Lutz, I flew off in a strange direction and could easily have fallen, but I managed to hold on. I found it almost funny that I didn’t fall, and from there, I completely became my real self.

 

In a way, skating performances are meant to captivate the audience, so I don’t think it’s something that should be completed by my own happiness alone. The character I portrayed in the free skate, “SEIMEI,” is mysterious and has a profound, unfathomable presence. But in that final step sequence, I was completely myself, just thinking, “Hey, I’m simply happy!” (laughs).

 

But I think that moment was good just as it was. It was a joy that I can only truly feel at the Olympics, and I wanted to properly experience it and make sure it stayed in my memory. I believe I still have many decades ahead of me in my life, but that moment will never come back, so I wanted to keep it in my heart and enjoy it fully.

 

The moment I felt the most “free” was when I stood on the podium

 

The happiest moment for me was definitely when I stepped onto the podium. When I stand in the place for the gold medal, I always decide to jump up with both feet at once without putting my feet down anywhere else. I want to keep that moment in my memory. By the way, this time, I was so excited and adrenaline was pumping that I didn’t feel any pain in my feet at all (laughs).

 

The moment I stood on the podium was when I felt, “Right now, I’m the freest I’ve ever been.” In a world where results mean everything in sports, I felt that what I had worked so hard for was finally proven. I was number one, had done the best performance, and without saying anything, I felt I was standing in a realm that no one could invade, even without saying anything. I felt that as “freedom,” and it was a very happy moment.

 

[yuzurujenn]

2018.10.23

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20190604152009/https://www.myrepi.com/home/entertaining/yuzu-days-100002

 

Vol 25: <From Yuzuru Hanyu to readers, thank you for the past four years>

 

YUZU DAYS began its serialization at the end of June 2015. It is now in its fourth year since its inception. This time, as part of the special project that began in late May, "Let's send our thanks to Hanyu, who has given us courage and inspiration!", we sent the comments to Hanyu and received a response from him. We also received comments about YUZU DAYS, now in its fourth year.

 

Spoiler

To the readers who supported me, I want to say “Thank you” and “Congratulations.”

 

First, the reason I was able to achieve back-to-back championships like this is truly thanks to everyone’s support. Thank you very much. This is a story from my childhood, but I loved baseball and watched it a lot, and in 'Hero Interview', you often hear the phrase, "Today, I was able to hit a home run thanks to all of you." When I was a child, I wondered if that was really true. It's impossible for cheers to physically carry the ball. But as I continued skating, I began to feel that cheers really do turn into strength.

 

This is my own interpretation, but support is like expectation, and that becomes pressure. Pressure, for example, if you compare it to homework, when there’s a deadline, you move forward toward the goal, right? I think that feeling of pressure turning into strength is what it is. So, because of everyone’s expectations and support, I want to win the gold medal, I have to win it, and that has become my driving force. So, truly, support does turn into strength, and for that, I want to say “thank you.” But more than that, I want to say "congratulations" to everyone because your strength has been expressed as an outcome through me as a medium.

 

For me, YUZU DAYS is a place where I can be myself.

 

On YUZU DAYS, I feel like I can speak honestly. Since it’s a members-only site and a series, I feel secure and can properly talk about myself. This is a place where I can comfortably express myself, say what I want to say clearly, and be able to honestly say, “This is who I am,” and “This is the kind of person I am.”

 

I hope the comment section becomes a place where everyone can be themselves.

I can really feel that everyone feels comfortable commenting here. Maybe because I feel safe talking like this, everyone else also feels comfortable writing their thoughts.

 

I’m able to share many things through skating and the media, but I think for each and every one of you, it’s rare to have a place where you can directly express your thoughts. I hope this becomes that kind of place. Because a place like this exists, I can be myself, and I hope this comment section can also be a place where everyone else can be themselves.

 

I hope that YUZU DAYS will be a place where you can express the positive feelings in your heart, such as "congratulations" and "thank you."

 

 

[yuzurujenn]

2019.02.12

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20190618043232/https://www.myrepi.com/home/entertaining/yuzu-days-100004

 

Vol 26: <Brown Oral B, used by Yuzuru Hanyu>

 

Spoiler

Q. What is the importance of taking care of your teeth as a figure skater?
As performers, we do have the sense that we need to keep our teeth nice and clean because we smile and our teeth are visible. Also, this may be something that only athletes think, but when I get out of breath, I don't have to worry about bad breath, so I can maintain my concentration. I feel like it helps me in that respect too.

 

Q. What do you like most about Braun Oral B?
I like the shape of this brush. It fits easily to the teeth. Usually, the way you brush your teeth changes depending on the angle you hold it at. But with a round brush, there are no gaps in the way you brush, and it feels like it wraps around each tooth and removes all the plaque. I think that's amazing. When traveling, I use the travel case that comes with it. What I personally find very helpful is that it stays breathable.. If you put it in the case while it's still wet, it gets humid. So breathability is quite important. Also, the battery lasts a long time. I can take it on an overseas trip of about a week. It's also amazing that the Genius 10000 is compatible with overseas voltages.

 

Q: We will be releasing a limited edition Marrakech model in a gift box. Who would you like to use it for?
Teeth are something that last forever, aren't they? Children go through losing and growing new teeth, but after that, you have to live with the same teeth forever. Having healthy teeth helps maintain the health of the whole body. In that sense, I’d like my family, who I want to stay healthy for a long time, to use it too. That’s why I’d like mothers to use this limited edition Oral-B.

 

[yuzurujenn]

2018.12.17

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20190618042953/https://www.myrepi.com/home/entertaining/yuzu-days-100005

 

Vol 27: Fantasy on Ice 2018 Interview with Yuzuru Hanyu

 

"Fantasy on Ice" brings together top skaters to perform spectacular entertainment. This year, it will be held at five venues: Makuhari, Kanazawa, Kobe, Niigata, and Shizuoka. The first performance in Makuhari (May 25-27) featured Japanese skaters Nobunari Oda, Miki Ando, Akiko Suzuki, and Satoko Miyahara, as well as Pyeongchang Olympic medalists Javier Fernandez, Evgenia Medvedeva, Tessa Virtue, and Scott Moir. In addition, four skaters whom Hanyu respects as his "heroes" - Evgeni Plushenko, Johnny Weir, Stephane Lambiel, and Javier Fernandez - also gathered. Hanyu, who performed the grand finale, collaborated with Chemistry. He performed an emotional performance of "Wings of Words," a song he has listened to since he was a child. We interviewed Hanyu, who moved the audience to tears, about his thoughts on "Fantasy on Ice."

 

Spoiler

What did Hanyu want to convey through this "Fantasy on Ice" performance?
"I wanted people to relive the excitement of the Olympics"

 

This time, I think many of the performers presented programs from the Olympics. When the audience watched those performances right in front of their eyes, I wanted them to feel moved, like a flashback of their own memories or the background of the Olympics. I hoped they would be able to experience something that can only be felt after the Olympics. That’s how I felt about this “Fantasy on Ice” as a whole.

 

As for me personally, since I had the opportunity to do a collaboration, I didn’t want to force my current feelings on the audience, but instead, I wanted to create a program where they could naturally feel something. Because the piece had lyrics, I think it was easier for the feelings I wanted to convey to be delivered more directly. I put my feelings of wanting to move forward even more, while feeling the “wings of words.”

 

This show featured many of his heroes. What kind of feelings did he have while skating?
“It felt like I was inside a surreal world that I longed for.”

 

It felt like I had jumped into a surreal, dreamlike world that I’ve always longed for. At the same time, it was a moment where I could truly feel that I was doing my best as a part of it.

 

The other performers treated me with great respect, saying things like, “This is your show,” and, “Thank you for creating such a wonderful show,” or, “Thank you for inviting me to be part of it.” Because of that, even though I was one of the performers, I also felt a strong sense of responsibility to hold the entire “Fantasy on Ice” together.

 

That said, I also felt very strongly that this wasn’t my show. It’s not all about me. The other artists are there, the audience is there, and we’re all gathered in this place to create this show together. While skating, I was thinking about how I wanted everyone here to feel happy.

 

Please give a message to those who came to your show and those who will be coming to future shows.

 

I think many things were conveyed to those who came to see the show, so I really hope everyone will treasure the feelings and memories they hold within themselves.

 

When watching a show like this and feeling emotionally moved, I think it often syncs with something inside your own heart, like past experiences or memories, things you're feeling in the moment, or thoughts about the future, and that gives rise to all sorts of emotions.  I think that such experiences are out of the ordinary and very wonderful. When everyone returns to their daily lives, I really hope that the memories and feelings from this show can become a source of energy.

 

[yuzurujenn]

2018.12.27

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20190618042859/https://www.myrepi.com/home/entertaining/yuzu-days-100006

 

Vol 28: Hanyu talks about his "costume"

 

Although it is a sport, figure skating is also evaluated on its artistic merit, and costumes are an important element. Hanyu's brilliant performances are one thing, but he also draws attention for the costumes he wears to match his programs each season. We asked him about the thoughts he puts into his costumes.

 

Spoiler

Costumes are one of the tools to express a story

I think costumes are one of the tools used to express a story. Of course, in some forms of expression like modern dance or contemporary dance, there are styles that rely solely on the body to convey something, without depending on costumes. But in the world of figure skating, the visual aspect plays a very significant role. With that in mind, I believe costumes are really important.

 

What I want to express should be shown not just through the costume, but as a whole

For the free program SEIMEI, the costume is created based on the main character as a motif. But for a program like the short program using Chopin’s Ballade No. 1, the costume is designed with the feeling of staying close to the music itself. Still, it’s important that what I want to express doesn’t come out too strongly in the costume alone. If too much information is packed into the costume, it ends up looking overdone, and it can actually distract the audience from the performance. I consider the costume design while thinking of the overall balance with each element — the musical score, the way the notes come out, the breathing, and so on.

 

Lightweight, thin, stretchy... I'm interested in functionality

 

I put a lot of thought into the costumes I wear for ice shows. The temperature at ice shows is generally set higher than during competitions, so I sweat more and tire more easily. That’s why I choose lightweight and breathable materials. Honestly, you don’t really know how something feels until you actually jump or skate in it, so functionality is a major focus for me. It's something I really care about and take pride in.

 

Speaking of functionality, after the PyeongChang Olympics I had the opportunity to talk with some speed skaters. They told me, "You’d definitely be able to skate better if you wore those form-fitting, high-tech materials we use. If you jumped in those, you'd probably rotate even faster!" I’m really interested in that kind of functional design, so the conversation got quite lively.

It’s true, maybe you really could rotate more easily in the kind of material speed skaters wear. But there are specific rules about costumes, and since figure skating is also about visual expression, using that kind of material probably wouldn’t be allowed. It would emphasize the body lines too much, and even if you added decorative patterns, it might feel like it’s no longer figure skating. (laughs)

 

 

 

[yuzurujenn]

2019.01.30

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20190618042836/https://www.myrepi.com/home/entertaining/yuzu-days-100003

 

Vol 29: Editor's Pick "Yuzu's Words"

 

One of Hanyu's charms is that he carefully speaks in his own words during interviews. In this issue of YUZU DAYS, we have picked out six of Hanyu's "quotes" from past interviews. These are the fascinating words of Hanyu behind his two consecutive Olympic victories. Enjoy!

 

Spoiler

"Ever since I started skating, I used to tell my mom, ‘I’m going to compete in the Olympics twice and win gold both times!’”
—From a 2015 interview, “Yuzuru Hanyu Talks About His Journey: From Childhood to Junior Years”

 

Even as a young boy starting out in figure skating, Hanyu would often tell his mother that he was going to win two Olympic gold medals. His back-to-back Olympic victories are truly the realization of a childhood dream, one he declared and then made come true.

 

“It’s important to have something you can believe in.”

—From a 2017 interview, “Yuzuru Hanyu on the Reason for His Evolution: About the Strength He Aims For”

Yuzuru Hanyu: “In various environments, like how the ice texture changes depending on the rink, when you jump under those different conditions, developing a certain sense or feeling is truly a matter of experience. In the end, it comes down to your own sense; it’s not something someone else can teach you. It’s about whether you can believe in yourself or not. Moving forward, how much experience you build in what you can believe in, I think that's my challenge.”
 

"Figure skating is a multifaceted sport. Even if you're stuck, you can evolve in other areas."

—From a 2017 interview, “Yuzuru Hanyu on His Passion for Skating”

 

Yuzuru Hanyu: “Figure skating is a multifaceted sport. For example, even if you’re struggling to improve your jumps, you can focus on refining your steps, spins, or expression. If you look for areas to grow, there are always countless possibilities. As long as you don’t set limits on yourself, you can keep improving endlessly. Even as you get older and might not be able to jump as high, your expression will become even more refined, so in a different way, you’re still getting better. Thinking about it that way, I feel I can still keep evolving.”

 

“What I had always sensed intuitively or experienced as phenomena could be learned as scientific evidence, which helped confirm and back up those feelings.”

—From a 2017 interview, “YUZURU’S Private Time Part 2: How I Spend My Off-Time”

Yuzuru Hanyu: “I’ve always been interested in psychology, especially cognitive and clinical psychology, as well as the nervous system and sensory organs of the human body, so I often read books on those topics. Recently, I’ve also been researching sleep through books and online, and I’m currently interested in self-care and how to use the body efficiently. I’ve probably been thinking about tension and relaxation since I was little, so those areas feel very familiar to me. Also, I get many opportunities to put what I read into practice in skating. Combining what I learn from books and school with my own experiences has helped me discover things in my own way. It’s fascinating to learn that what I had always felt as sensations or experienced as phenomena actually have scientific explanations and evidence to support them.”

 

Interviewer’s note:
After the 2016 World Championships, Hanyu was off the ice for two months due to injury treatment and rehab. When asked how he spent that time, he said, “Thanks to that, I was able to focus on studying.” Even when he couldn’t skate, Hanyu was constantly evolving. These words give us a glimpse into the reasons behind his dramatic comeback victory at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

 

“My ‘home in Toronto’”

—From a 2017 interview, “Yuzuru Hanyu Talks About His Gratitude to His Mother”

Yuzuru Hanyu: “Our house in Toronto, Canada, even if not everyone in the family is there together, feels like ‘my home’—though calling it a ‘home in Toronto’ sounds a bit strange. It’s a place that gives me a real sense of comfort and security. I think that’s because my mother has always been there with me in Toronto, creating the atmosphere around me—the taste of her cooking, the smell of the laundry—these little things that make it feel like home.”

 

Interviewer’s note:
In 2012, Hanyu moved to Toronto to skate with his mother. After six years of walking together with her, the deep love and care from his mother is clear. Hanyu’s choice of words to describe this feeling as a “home in Toronto”—a sense of comfort as if he were still living at his family home in Sendai—even while living abroad, is truly wonderful.

 

“Watching over me with a praying heart. Because I can feel that, I know my mother is fighting alongside me.”

—From a 2017 interview, “Yuzuru Hanyu Talks About His Gratitude to His Mother”

 

Yuzuru Hanyu: “I think it must be extremely nerve-wracking for my mother to watch me skate from her position. For the one performing, since the routine is somewhat predetermined, focus tends to outweigh nervousness. But for those cheering from the sidelines, the tension can be stomach-wrenching. They watch over you almost as if praying. Because I know that, I feel that my mother is fighting together with me.”

 

Additional remarks from Hanyu in another interview:

—From a 2017 interview, “Yuzuru Hanyu Talks About His Evolution: Aiming for Even Greater Heights”

 

Yuzuru Hanyu: “Figure skating is a sport where you perform alone on the ice, but the bigger the competition, the more people support one athlete. There are people who build my physical condition, coaches who teach me, team staff members, and my mother who supports every aspect of my life from daily living to competitions. And there are the audience members cheering at the venue. Everyone is aligned, fighting alongside me. I feel like I’m competing as part of a team.”

 

Interviewer’s note:
Hanyu’s words, “Everyone who supports me is my team,” are truly moving and inspiring.

 

 

[yuzurujenn]

2019.02.12

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20190618042107/https://www.myrepi.com/home/entertaining/yuzu-days-100007

 

Vol 30: Turning adversity into strength

 

Hanyu became the first skater in 66 years to win two consecutive gold medals at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in February 2018. Behind his achievement was a major challenge: he was unable to step onto the ice for two months due to rehabilitation and treatment due to an injury to his right ankle. After that, he made a miraculous recovery and his beautiful performance moved the world. Hanyu's life as an athlete has been a series of major challenges, including injuries and illnesses, and the overcoming of these challenges. In this interview, we will explore Hanyu's "adversity" and how he has overcome it and turned it into strength.

 

Spoiler

I believe that happiness always comes after adversity.

Regarding “adversity,” I’ve faced many such moments. In 2014, I had an injury during practice before a competition, and that same year I underwent surgery. After that, I experienced a series of injuries and illnesses… I often feel my life has been like a roller coaster with many ups and downs. But this is my personal belief: no matter how painful things get, I believe that after adversity, happiness will definitely come. Even if the hardship is long-lasting, I trust that the next happiness will be greater.

 

The injury before the PyeongChang Winter Olympics was unbearably painful, probably the worst I had ever experienced. But I kept telling myself, “Since it’s this painful, I deserve to be happy at the Olympics,” and I prepared with that belief. So when I arrived at the PyeongChang venue, in a way, I felt very happy. I was certain that the happiness would come properly after the pain I had endured.

 

There is a saying, “Trials are given only to those who can overcome them,” and that resonates with me deeply. I believe trials come when it’s time to grow, and they become an opportunity for me to become stronger.

 

My Past Self Motivates Me

It might sound a little strange, but my “past self” always coexists within me. They coexist inside me and constantly push me forward. For example, the boy I was in childhood, the teenager I was in middle school, or even myself from a few years ago, these past versions of me encourage the present me. This feeling has been with me since I was a child and continues to this day.

 

No matter what difficulties I have faced, I have never given up because I strongly feel that I don’t want to waste the passion my past self put into skating. That feeling gives me the strength to move forward. I’ve been skating for about 19 years now, and I have a strong desire to prove everything that my past self has built and to dedicate my life to it.

 

My rule is "Don't use happiness just for myself"

I have a rule that I have set for myself. It is to not use happiness only for myself. My life has been a series of adversity and happiness. I have always been supported, and I am not living alone, so when happiness comes my way, I want to share that happiness with everyone and make sure we all become happy together. That’s what I believe.

 

 

[yuzurujenn]

2019.04.08

 

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20190618042035/https://www.myrepi.com/home/entertaining/yuzu-days-100008

 

Vol 31: [Special project] Send your cheers to Hanyu.

 

Send your cheers to Hanyu as he takes on the World Figure Skating Championships to be held in Japan in March. (Registration has now closed. Thank you for all your comments.)

In March 2019, the Figure Skating World Championships will be held in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. The last time it was held in Japan was in 2014, so this will be the first time in five years. 2014 was the year that Hanyu won his first gold medal at the World Championships. In a previous interview, Hanyu said, "Everyone's expectations and support are my driving force."

So let's send a big "cheer" to Hanyu at YUZU DAYS.