Layfan, this is what I posted in the other figure skating forum, and I hope this gives you some idea about how Japanese skaters are feeling / doing.
All translated by me.
Comments by JSF officials:
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/new...000428260.html
Hidehito Ito (Head of the figure skating committee, JSF)
It was not that the Worlds was decided not to go ahead at all, so we are still hopeful. I understand it is very unlikely, but we'll find a venue if it is decided to go ahead.
Kei'ichi Suzuki (Vice President, JSF)
I believe the explosion happened in the nuclear power plant was the deciding factor. The ISU was worried about the radiation. (If they request the JSF to host the the Worlds at a latter date) it would be difficult, but we're willing to accept the request.
Additionally, some comments from Japanese coaches:
Nobuo Sato (Mao & Kozuka's coach)
It is the most problematic (that it is not yet decided whether it is cancelled or not). I have no idea how to adjust the training (for my skaters to peak at the right time). I need to think carefully how to do it, as I have never faced the situation like this before.
Machiko Yamada (Kanako's coach)
I do not know whether the Worlds will still be held or not. Competitors need the defined goal. I would like (the ISU) to set the deadline (for the decision to be made).
And skaters:
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/new...000428880.html
Mao Asada
I am thinking about the preciousness of life and praying for more lives to be saved in the midst of this very severe situation after the earthquake. As a competitor, I will carry on practising as normal, regardless of whether the Worlds will be cancelled or postponed.
Miki Ando
I will carry on practising as I have done throughout this season, and follow the decision to be made in the future. All I can do now is to practice and train well, so that I can help uplift the spirits of the victims of the earthquake and tsunami by my performance.
Takahiko Kozuka
Watching the news coverage between the practice sessions, I am feeling fear and deep pain in my heart. All I can do now is watching how the situation develops and preparing myself (for the competition).
Nobunari Oda (who just arrived back from Canada)
Watching the news coverage on TV, I was thinking the situation would be too difficult to hold the competition. If the Worlds goes ahead, I will practice hard for it.
Daisuke Takahashi
All I can do now is to carry on practising, and monitor the situation. I hope we can collectively overcome the difficulties (that Japan's facing now) with the strength drawn from the solidarity.
Kanako Murakami
Although I would love to participate in the Worlds as it is my first time, I also feel that it is best to be cancelled. It will be emotionally hard for me if I do not know the new date for the competition.
* Some of skaters' comments are excerpts from the official comments published elsewhere. Refer to IMG's press release for Mao, Takahiko and Miki's comments in full (Japanese) https://www.imgjapan.com/news/?page=...l&nws_code=402, and Daisuke's official blog (Japanese) http://www.kansai-u.ac.jp/sports/message/takahashi/ Daisuke's message in full is also available translated in English by a twitter who's been translating his tweets. http://twitter.com/D1sk61316eng
Thanks, Mot. It's as I feared. Of course, every skater must be having to deal with the uncertainty but for the Japanese it must be particularly wrenching. Still, it seems like the gist is that they want it to be held, except for Kanako. Whatever happens, I guess.
ETA: This just in from Hersh. Sato and Dungjen talk about dealing with the uncertainty and say Alissa is hoping it will happen. Check out the last quote from the ISU VP. Doesn't bode well.
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