Daisuke Takahashi

ioanna said:

Has anyone posted DTRTS's interview with Dai at Ice Legends?
https://www.facebook.com/DaisukeTakahashiRoadtoSochi/posts/827522600718640?pnref=story

Great interview. One thing that caught my attention was the part where he talks about his Lacrimosa EX. Shae-Lynn said the first part of the program is about uncertainty and confusion while the second part is about being free. She suggested it overlapped with his decision to go to America and try to find his new path, and then realizing that he has a place he belongs to, and that's at the ice shows in Japan.

Well for me, watching that program, it has a much deeper meaning than that. All Dai fans know the struggles he went through in his final competitive season. We've read at least parts of his brutally honest autobiography. The first part of the program - a murmur of voices and he's shifting his body towards different directions before he starts searching and chasing that light at the end of the tunnel; he literally crawls on his knees, he holds his head with his hands - that's him. That's his story before the Sochi Olympics. His story at the 2013 Nationals, his story after Nationals when everything was going wrong in practice and Utako-sensei was holding him while he screamed in frustration. The pressure to do well and please his country and his fans.

And then he stops; the voice is clearer now and he opens his arms as if he's attempting to let go of his suffering. And when he slides into the layback spin, that's where Lacrimosa actually begins. The music is grand, bigger than life, and he is free. Free to be himself, free to rediscover his love for skating and he feels lighter, as if the weight of the entire world is lifted off his shoulders. It's exactly like his FS in Sochi, where he let go of his worries and insecurities and skated with freedom, with a calm smile on his face.

Having that backstory in mind, this program allows us to actually feel what he went through and it's much more authentic than words can ever be.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPSi6y8704I

Click to expand...

ioanna, your comment is really great. And moving, as we will never forget Dai's desperate struggle to reach Sochi. And how he was HUGE during FS, like he was flying over the ice, free and relieved, with an aura of love and beauty surrounding him.

Lacrimosa is a wonderful and breathtaking program, whichever meaning you can read in it.

All the interview is amazing and we must remember that it's Dai's first long interview in English and given not to press but to his fan page!!! This is very important acknowledgement, like he was saying "thank you" to all his fans who waited for him during the time he was away (not only physically), respecting his silence and his decisions but strongly hoping for his coming-back, on and off ice.

One more pic of Dai at Disney On Ice. The tweeter writes he was talking with children.

http://https://twitter.com/814_lav/status/754484516559867904

Great shot of Dai/Meryl at LOTF. We all know about Dai's dream to be Meryl's partner. And now it is reality. I bet he was pretty nervous the first time they practiced together and the first time on stage. but..... they did great!! Look how intense they are!!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BH7tudVgyZP/?taken-by=stronggphotography

Daisuke today has a day-off and he lets us know via IG!!! Google translation of his comment: Day-off (in Japanese and English) - Leaves look like hearts.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BH81h5xjZFf/?taken-by=d1sk_t

Dai's SPOTLIGHT aired yesterday on "Frozen" by Disney On Ice. Many nice moments: Dai skating in the snow, attenting jumps trying and trying untill he successfully lands a 3Lz or 3F, trying to skate wearing a seagull costume (so funny ) and talking in English with show staff!!!!

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4l7ms8_%E4%B8%96%E7%95%8C%E6%9C%80%E5%A4%A7%E7%B4%9A%E3%82%A2%E3%82%A4%E3%82%B9%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%BC%E3%81%AE%E8%A3%8F%E5%81%B4_sport

Back in studio, Dai expresses his opinion about Russian doping scandal. I'd like to know what he feels.

Pics from NEWS ZERO's FB page

https://www.facebook.com/newszero/photos/pcb.1097650480307097/1097649953640483/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/newszero/photos/pcb.1097650480307097/1097649923640486/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/newszero/photos/pcb.1097650480307097/1097649713640507/?type=3&theater





Shizuka Arakawa and Dai promoting the contest to buy tickets for "Stars Greeting in Hawaii"

http://www.jtbbwt.com/entertainmenttour/starsgreeting/

First of all, huge thanks to all Japanese fans who shared on social media pics and gifs. !!!!

Great pics from today's LOTF broadcast!!! I'm so proud of Dai, he changes expressions and feelings to fit in any aspect of LOVE. Such intense interpretation is nothing you can learn. You have it inside. Dai is HUGE and amazing.

https://www.facebook.com/DaisukeTakahashiRoadtoSochi/photos/?tab=album&album_id=843697862434447

Dai and Meryl dancing

http://juicy1987.tumblr.com/post/147893170911/maksylmyheart-meryl-and-daisuke/embed

Dai and Kristi - Romance

https://twitter.com/kaito121714/status/757190781564129280

Dai, Meryl and Charlie HURT (Dai represents friendship that helps and comforts)

https://twitter.com/kikumarunya/status/757201675765415937

Dai as God of Dance (I call him in this way) in EXPERIMENT

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIQBYvGjous/?taken-by=akm_11shw

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIQCtExjaST/?taken-by=akm_11shw

Dai has taken part in THE ICE in Osaka. According to tweets, he skated Lilac Wine with solid, airy and easily done 3Lz and 3F jumps, beautiful spins and his amazingly smooth ice-sliding with usual passionate and intense interpretation.

The switch from dance-shoes again to blades has been natural and quite easy.

Dai skated also a collaboration number with Shoma - one fan who was at Saturday's first show reported "There was a cute moment when Dai gave the stage to Shoma for the final bow, but Shoma kept refusing to accept this honour, eventually at some point he couldn't object to Dai anymore."

From Amodio's IG - getting ready for first show

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIeAz7RgN6u/?taken-by=moment4life1990

Between yesterday's shows Dai updated his IG, happy for the gifts he received

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIecuFgD1d4/?taken-by=d1sk_t


Osaka show is going to be broadcasted in less than one hour on FujiTV (Kanto Region)



Pics from Saturday's shows

http://www.daily.co.jp/general/2016/07/30/0009337606.shtml?ph=1

http://sports.yahoo.co.jp/photo/figureskate/all/dtl/1867/6/

http://sports.yahoo.co.jp/photo/figureskate/all/dtl/1867/7/

http://www.asahi.com/articles/photo/AS20160730003172.html

http://www.asahi.com/articles/photo/AS20160730003164.html

http://sports.yahoo.co.jp/photo/figureskate/all/dtl/1867/16/

Dai's "Lilac Wine" at THE ICE 2016

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP5hv6hH04M&feature=youtu.be

Dai is in Rio as special commentator for FujiTV. It's a special Team: with Dai, the 3-time Olympic Champion in Judo Tadahiro NOMURA and 1988 Bronze medalist in synchronized swimming Mikako KOTANI.

Dai visited a local rink with tv troupe and shared the ice with younger skaters and their coaches. They were all thrilled!!

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1754800324788515&id=1723713984563816&refid=52&_ft_=og_action_id.1754800328121848%3Atop_level_post_id.1754800324788515%3Atl_objid.1754800324788515%3Athid.1723713984563816&sequence=0&prev=1

One pic from video here

https://www.instagram.com/p/BItXQe0jrW0/?taken-by=renataponice

Daisuke is really a lucky charm for Japan Gym Men: gold in Team Event and gold for Uchimura senshu in All-Around competition.

Dai interviews Uchimura after gold in Team Event - with English subs.

http://iguana012.tumblr.com/post/148786664331/daisuke-takahashi-interviews-kohei-uchimura-after

When FujiTV announced their Special Team of sportcasters for Rio 2016, Daisuke said in interviews that, as he had no experience at all as sportcaster, his hopes were to convey the olympic spirit to audience with the enthusiasm of a fan rather then with professional/technical comments. Indeed he is doing great!!! He is the first fan of Japanese athletes: during Team Event he cheered so loud that he had hoarse voice after and was so involved that he cried.

Thanks to FB fan page "Daisuke Takahashi Road to Sochi" we have news and info in English on Dai's job as sportcaster.


https://www.facebook.com/DaisukeTakahashiRoadtoSochi/photos/a.328169550653950.1073741828.317966388340933/853056331498600/?type=3&theater

Here his sportcaster partner Ms. Kotani mimics Dai crying after gold of Team Japan in gym

https://www.facebook.com/DaisukeTakahashiRoadtoSochi/posts/853143591489874

Dai on Uchimura senshu after his personal All-Around gold

https://www.facebook.com/DaisukeTakahashiRoadtoSochi/posts/853147458156154

Fan pics of Dai in front of arena - before All-Around event

https://www.facebook.com/DaisukeTakahashiRoadtoSochi/posts/853193014818265

From Nomura san's IG

https://www.instagram.com/p/BI31HN3jNZI/?taken-by=nomura60kg

https://www.instagram.com/p/BI85xX1DkFs/?taken-by=nomura60kg

On 09th Dai was guest commentator for the start of Tennis-Table Single Men event. And once again he was a lucky charm!! Yesterday Mizutani senshu won bronze medal, first medal for Japan in this kind of oly event. Congrats!! Dai decided to update his IG with a pic of him and Mizutani senshu

https://www.instagram.com/p/BI_VnCaDo0u/?taken-by=d1sk_t

Dai updated his IG! Watching synchro swimming with Kotani san

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJJiF3BDW8m/?taken-by=d1sk_t

Dai updated again his IG!! He is spoiling his fandom :luv17:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJLyiE0DGCP/?taken-by=d1sk_t

Pics and clips from broadcasting of 16th Aug competitions.

https://www.facebook.com/DaisukeTakahashiRoadtoSochi/photos/pb.317966388340933.-2207520000.1471411816./856318621172371/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/DaisukeTakahashiRoadtoSochi/photos/pb.317966388340933.-2207520000.1471411816./856318567839043/?type=3&theater

https://twitter.com/purplearashi/status/765624180725329920

https://twitter.com/purplearashi/status/765630790721908737

https://twitter.com/piichandai/status/765626092040228864

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJMQFaNBMLR/?taken-by=tarakodonburi



An "eagle-eyed" fan spotted Dai among audience during the broadcast of "duo synchro swimming" he attended on 15th August

https://twitter.com/0316seisato/status/765530940126801921?lang=it

Thanks Pattina for all the updates on Rio Dai, much appreciated!! :thumbsup:

Apologize for delay in updating.

One more pic of Dai in Rio: a lucky girl met him at Arena Amazonica (Manaus). He was there for the soccer game Colombia vs Japan

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJjnXm5gCfM/?taken-by=lascadejapor

Dai's last appearance on FujiTV for live broadcasting was on 16th August (Brazilian time - early 17th in Japan), the day of his last Instagram post.

He was no more present in following broadcasting (19/08 competitions) and he returned to Japan earlier than the rest of staff. The day after his arrival, he went for a new hair-cut Posted last Sunday, the pic was taken "the other day" so maybe on Friday 19th.

http://ameblo.jp/masato417/entry-12192311228.html


On 22nd Aug he and Nomura san took part in FujiTv Special Rio 2016 - Hand Over to Tokyo 2020.

Tv news

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNeKduZN-FE&feature=youtu.be

Interview to Uchimura senshu and Team mates with Dai's questions - English subs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30zX8dVXWRQ&feature=youtu.be

At FujiTV's studios, Dai met his long-time friend singer/actor Yamazaki Ikusaburo

https://twitter.com/ikusaburo_0118/status/767634557721907200

Dai having fun with friends Akiko, Kenji, Takeshi and Takahito during FOI practice

https://www.facebook.com/DaisukeTakahashiRoadtoSochi/posts/860948070709426


Yesterday FOI special "DEAR KIDS" - i.e. dressed reharsal. Some comments tweeted by kind fans attending (thanks to huge work of Daisuke Takahashi Road to Sochi)

https://www.facebook.com/DaisukeTakahashiRoadtoSochi/posts/861432543994312

https://www.facebook.com/DaisukeTakahashiRoadtoSochi/posts/861395360664697

Dai skates a collaboration number with Shae-Lynn Bourne. Seems a hilarious number where Dai portraits an Italian chef with mustaches

http://www.asahi.com/articles/photo/AS20160825004549.html

More pics here (Lilac Wine / Press Conference / The Italian Chef)

https://www.facebook.com/eurasiasports/photos/pcb.1207537795953965/1207533695954375/?type=3&theater

Pics from Newscom in this account! Thanks a lot!!

https://twitter.com/0312azu/media?lang=it

Backstage and/or during practice pics

Jeremy Abbott with Yuka Sato and Dai

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJh_W5JgXtn/?taken-by=idreamofjeremy&hl=en

Dai, Kenji and Shizuka

https://twitter.com/tiramisu11/status/769054050306363396

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJj6ieiBL8h/?taken-by=shizukaarakawa

to Pattina for all these updates!

Pattina said:

More pics here (Lilac Wine / Press Conference / The Italian Chef)

https://www.facebook.com/eurasiasports/photos/pcb.1207537795953965/1207533695954375/?type=3&theater

Click to expand...

Look at his smile. :luv17: Surrounded by his friends and smiling so relaxed. I am so glad he comes back to ice where he belongs. Daisuke smiling like this makes my day.

deedee1 said:

Look at his smile. :luv17: Surrounded by his friends and smiling so relaxed. I am so glad he comes back to ice where he belongs. Daisuke smiling like this makes my day.

Click to expand...

Yes!! Dai' s broad smile could light up a cloudy day. He is so open in expressing all his joy and happyness.

TV news

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4qc5o2_8-26-%E5%AE%87%E9%87%8E%E6%98%8C%E7%A3%A8-%E5%85%AC%E9%96%8B%E3%83%AA%E3%83%8F%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B5%E3%83%AB_sport

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4ql3hs_foi-%E3%83%88%E3%83%83%E3%83%97%E3%82%B9%E3%82%B1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC%E3%82%89%E3%81%8C%E5%85%B1%E6%BC%94_sport

Dai and Kenji

http://ameblo.jp/kenjimiyamoto/entry-12194288809.html

Yesterday a lucky girl met Dai-chan outside the rink

https://twitter.com/panna15hana/status/769528079760789504?lang=it


FOI backstage. Dai photobombing https://twitter.com/Meryl_Davis/status/769751968470409221?lang=it

https://twitter.com/M1K1_ANDO/status/769784901751103488?lang=it

https://twitter.com/tiramisu11/status/769792750304698368?lang=it

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJpsWGAAYJB/?taken-by=meryledavis

Any chance there will be videos of Daisuke Italian Chef program?
Photos from Miki: https://www.instagram.com/p/BJqSJqXDOqB/?taken-by=miki_m_ando0403

cathlen said:

Any chance there will be videos of Daisuke Italian Chef program?
Photos from Miki: https://www.instagram.com/p/BJqSJqXDOqB/?taken-by=miki_m_ando0403

Click to expand...

Show will be aired on 25th September, afaik. So, unless some tv channels broadcast something in advance in news...we have to wait and hope for videos.

One more pic from Miki - hard to believe: the hilarious chef with mustaches turned into this cool and superhot rocker

https://twitter.com/M1K1_ANDO/status/769946471047110656

Pattina said:

One more pic from Miki - hard to believe: the hilarious chef with mustaches turned into this cool and superhot rocker

https://twitter.com/M1K1_ANDO/status/769946471047110656

Click to expand...

Wooooow

Christmas On Ice 2016 has been announced!!!

https://www.facebook.com/DaisukeTakahashiRoadtoSochi/photos/a.328169550653950.1073741828.317966388340933/863792417091658/?type=3&theater

More pics from FOI (one of The Italian Chef included )

https://www.facebook.com/DaisukeTakahashiRoadtoSochi/posts/865122113625355

https://www.facebook.com/DaisukeTakahashiRoadtoSochi/posts/865132630290970


Wednesday 31st Aug Dai was once again at News Zero with his SPOTLIGHT. This time he interviewed famous photographer Mika Nikagawa. Dai shows so openly his great interest in art, photography and design; he asks questions, he is eager to learn. A video was uploaded, unfortunately now it has been made private. So if you want to watch SPOTLIGHT, in this IG account you can find it split into 5 parts (part 1 is that gray screen)

https://www.instagram.com/riko_momo/

Gorgeous pics of newscaster Dai

https://www.facebook.com/DaisukeTakahashiRoadtoSochi/posts/865111616959738

Back in studio, Dai is asked about handling pressure in competitions and tv. Video with this last part, with English subs. Huge thanks to dear fan Izayukam

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1vHTUCzqM4&feature=youtu.be

In this IG account, posts from FOI 10th Anniversary Exhibition. Thanks a lot to kind fan who shared.

https://www.instagram.com/atabo0130/

Dai at FOI talk with Shizuka and Takeshi

https://www.facebook.com/DaisukeTakahashiRoadtoSochi/photos/a.328169550653950.1073741828.317966388340933/865542003583366/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/DaisukeTakahashiRoadtoSochi/posts/865597836911116

https://www.facebook.com/DaisukeTakahashiRoadtoSochi/photos/a.328169550653950.1073741828.317966388340933/865705070233726/?type=3&theater

Another gorgeous video from the amazingly talented Lighthair.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzsyOnm_GtU

demarinis5 said:

Another gorgeous video from the amazingly talented Lighthair.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzsyOnm_GtU

Click to expand...

Thanks!! and thanks to Lighthair. As usual, great combination of music and moves. All those moments from LOTF are breathtaking. Dai is so talented.

Some updates. This is quite interesting: the Osaka Skating Federation and Izumisano City are develloping a project to build a new ice rink in Osaka. Dai is listed as Advisor. More info here

https://www.facebook.com/DaisukeTakahashiRoadtoSochi/posts/869724666498433

Sunday night Dai was having fun at a party with friends skaters

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ8ZAl7giQ7/?taken-by=piw.hiro1

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ-Lx01A81r/?taken-by=jojojo0725

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ8_fLfDU_Q/?taken-by=miki_m_ando0403

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ-EfyFjPAc/?taken-by=nanapeeeee

The lady with Dai and Miki is Nana Takeda. They 3 met 18 years ago, competed together in Croatia (it was 2000, Mladost Trophy) and later again at 2007 NKH.

Yesterday Dai was out again with friend Hiro (thanks to him and all Dai's "social" friends). At the following link, the pic on IG and translation of Hiro's hilarious comment.

https://www.facebook.com/DaisukeTakahashiRoadtoSochi/photos/a.328169550653950.1073741828.317966388340933/869151583222408/?type=3&theater

So many new updates, thank you Pattina! Glad to read about Dai-chan's involvement with the new skating rink.
He is listed as Adviser right now but in future it may turn into something else with a number of possibilities for him.

Good to see Dai, Miki and Taka enjoying themselves!
.

It's rather an old article published almost two years ago :, but Shoma's love and respect for Dai is obvious here, literally A Love Letter I thought. May I share it with y'all here, please? As usual, apologies in advance if already posted elsewhere and for my unpolished English.

-------------------------------------------------
Source: https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product...eativeASIN=4789962229&linkCode=as2&tag=kag-22

昨シーズンの全日本の6分練習は宝物中の宝物です

僕は高橋大輔選手のファンのひとりです。

高橋選手と初めて会えたのは、僕が小学校３年生で初めて出演したエキシビションの時でした。
緊張感でいっぱいの僕に、控室で優しく声をかけてくれたのが高橋選手でした。
僕は、「全日本選手権（06年）にフラワーボーイをやらせてもらったときに『オペラ座の怪人』の演技を間近で見て感動しました！
全日本のオペラ座が大好きです、何度も見ています！」と伝えました。
すると、「あの『オペラ座』は良かったから、あれだけ見てね！他の『オペラ座』は見なくて良いよ！」と笑わせてくれました。
高橋選手はどんなときも優しくて、エキシビションやアイスショーで一緒になると、僕がひとりにならないようにいつも声をかけてくれました。

高橋選手が膝の怪我を克服して練習を再開したときのこと。復帰後の中京大学での氷上練習を見たのですが、もう自分のことのようにドキドキしました。
ちゃんと滑り出すまで、ドキドキして見ていました。滑らかにすーっと滑り出したことが嬉しくて、最後までずっと見ていました。
バンクーバー五輪の高橋選手の演技は、自分が演技するよりも緊張してしまって、あまりよく覚えていません。
後からビデオを見て、やっと思い出したくらいです。それくらい緊張しました。
ソチ五輪は怪我を知っていたので、「無事に終えますように。。。。」と見ていました。

全日本選手権は、高橋選手と一緒に出られる唯一の試合で、とても楽しみで、「もっとそばで見たい！」「もっと上手にならないとそばに行けない！」と練習を頑張りました。
全日本という同じ舞台で演技できることが、夢のようでした。
昨シーズンの全日本の6分練習は、宝物中の宝物です。「同じグループで滑りたい」という夢が叶い、嬉しかったです。

休養が明けたら、競技に戻ってきてほしいと思っていました。僕はもっと練習して、同じ試合に出られるように頑張っていかなきゃいけない、と思っていました。
現役を退くということ、今はまだ何とも言えない気持ちです。全日本選手権の時に実感するのかもしれません。

僕にとって唯一無二の存在が高橋大輔選手です。

Click to expand...

6min warm-up with him at J-Nats last season is my most cherished treasure

I am one of Takahashi Daisuke senshu's fans.

The first time I met with him was when I was 8yo at an exhibition which was the very first one for me to perform.
I was full of nervousness all over myself, and it was Takahashi senshu who talked to me kindly to ease my tension.
"I was among flower-collecting boys/girls at the Japanese Nationals in 2006, I saw your Phantom of the Opera closely by the rink, and I got so thrilled to watch you performing! I laaaave your Phantom at the J-Nats. I've watched it on the recorded DVD many many times!", I said to him. "That Phantom is the best of the season, I'd agree. You should watch only that one! And never watch other Phantoms, okay?", he answered and made me laugh.
Takahashi senshu has been kind to me everytime we were together since. At any exhibitions and ice shows, he always talked to me so that I didn't feel too lonely.

Re when Takahashi senshu came back from his knee injury and resumed trainings again; he visited Chukyo University for on-ice trainings one day, I was there, too, among those who watched him skate. I felt as if I were him, my heart throbbing from anxiety. I kept my eyes on him, my heart kept on beating hard... until I finally saw him on his blades and skating. His blades touched the ice tenderly and smoothly. I was so happy to see it and watch him skate again. I stayed there till the end of his training that day.

Re performances of Takahashi senshu at the Vancouver Olympic Games; I didn't remember very well how he skated tbh... I was so nervous for him. I was more nervous for him than for myself at my own competitions. I had to let myself watch the recorded ones afterward. I was just that nervous!
And Sochi Games.... I knew that he was badly injured. I was in front of my TV, wishing for one thing; that he would be able to skate two programs till the end with no further trouble.

Japanese Nationals for me (because I was still competiting on the junior circuit, internationally, back then) was the only competition where I could compete with Takahashi senshu on the same rink. I very much looked forward to it. 'I want to watch his skating as close to him as possible!' 'I have to practice more and progress better, otherwise I can never get myself closer to him!', I told myself and did my best. I was able to compete together with him at the J-Nats last season, which had been a dream for years. So, this 6min. warm-up in the Free is the most cherished treasure for me. 'I want to compete at his level, skate in the same group some day!', my dream came true and I was over the moon.

After Sochi was over, I was hoping he would come back to competitions after taking some time off from ice. I was telling myself that I had to practice more and more, in order to prepare myself and compete at his level had he decided a comeback.
But he's decided not to come back... I don't know what to say, I can't explain well how I feel about it now. Maybe I will know how I feel when this season's Nationals comes around...

The one and only for me is Takahashi Daisuke senshu.

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

Dai's epic Phantom at J-Nats, his almost career-ending knee injury in the pre-Oly season, Vancouver, another awful injury right before Sochi, etc... His competitive career was filled with ups and downs, like many other skaters and like us all in daily life. What Shoma said in this article is exactly many of his fans me included felt back then. Very sweet of him to be vocal without hesitation I thought and it lightend up my heart. Also helped me a great deal to read this article as a healing process to me, who was devastated by his sudden annoucement on retirement, even though it already had been very much anticipated/expected by many. I was and still am most grateful to Shoma for this.