Kana Muramoto & Daisuke Takahashi | Page 33 | Golden Skate

Kana Muramoto & Daisuke Takahashi

mikeko666

Final Flight
Joined
Apr 27, 2011
Kana and Dai will grace the cover of the June 19th issue of weekly magazine AERA, which will be available on June 12. The issue will feature photos by Mika Ninagawa and their interview. This is their second time working with AERA and Ninagawa.
"We are so excited by the work by Ms. Mika Ninagawa, the way she uses the colors."
 

mikeko666

Final Flight
Joined
Apr 27, 2011
Kana and Dai will grace the cover of the June 19th issue of weekly magazine AERA, which will be available on June 12. The issue will feature photos by Mika Ninagawa and their interview. This is their second time working with AERA and Ninagawa.
"We are so excited by the work by Ms. Mika Ninagawa, the way she uses the colors."
The cover is up :)
 

synesthesia

Final Flight
Joined
Mar 1, 2014
Country
Germany


I preferred their last AERA cover for the styling and vibrant colours, but I like the PotO inspired atmosphere and of course it’s already ordered for the 6-page KanaDai content. :)


The 21st June costume special of “Figure Skating Life Extra” will also feature them on the cover and include another interview:

https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/gp/product/4594620590/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=AN1VRQENFRJN5&psc=1



________________________


The first 2 shows of PIW in Saga have taken place today. Kana and Dai did not debut their new program, but instead performed "The Mask", in keeping with PIW's Broadway theme.

As always at PIW, fans have been busy taking pictures of the cast. Here are some of Kana and Dai (thanks for sharing everyone!):

https://twitter.com/naoko_1986/status/1667398905905172483

https://twitter.com/casablancaj22/status/1667417975585132545

https://twitter.com/19761107yumi/status/1667504706007228418

https://twitter.com/Kirinyan/status/1667426423240556544

https://twitter.com/naoko_1986/status/1667466417825001473

https://twitter.com/Ritsunail/status/1667448347882569728

https://twitter.com/yoko21450522/status/1667516474813194240

https://twitter.com/Ritsunail/status/1667426862543536129

https://twitter.com/4u_ftms/status/1667490164816625664

https://twitter.com/yoko21450522/status/1667520407770112001

https://twitter.com/yoko21450522/status/1667533084189949952

https://twitter.com/tokyo1005/status/1667508035470905344

https://twitter.com/osen1217/status/1667507140989423616

https://twitter.com/petitchateau_m/status/1667508542771961857

https://twitter.com/petitchateau_m/status/1667516606187180032

https://twitter.com/osen1217/status/1667542518114963457




ig story on KanaDai's official account :laugh::

https://www.instagram.com/stories/kanadai_team_official/3121846442476860352/



Dai with Hirokazu:

 
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mikeko666

Final Flight
Joined
Apr 27, 2011
Reportedly, they performed The Mask, the 2020-2021 RD they only skated twice at competitions, at PIW Saga. I want to see it so bad! I hope they will perform it in other shows.
 
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synesthesia

Final Flight
Joined
Mar 1, 2014
Country
Germany
I wonder which program they are going to debut at The Ice, this one or the one by Kaitlyn.

Or both (hopefully). ;)

So now we know why they've been spending such a long time in the US (they've been there since mid June, I suppose?) Kana first visited her sister, her brother in law and her adorable nephews in San Diego, while Dai presumably first went to see Maggie and Kobi in New York and then to Detroit (as reported in his fan fest too). Then they reunited with their coaches and traning mates in Florida, then went to the west coast where they met up with Kana's family (Kana for the second time) and finally arrived at Great Park Ice in Irvine to work with Shae-Lynn. Per Kana's ig stories they are now flying home. That was quite an extensive round trip!
 

synesthesia

Final Flight
Joined
Mar 1, 2014
Country
Germany
Kana and Dai didn't debut any of their new programs at The Ice in Nagoya. They did The Mask for all three performances. While the first performance was understandably a bit tentative, they really got into it Saturday afternoon and on Sunday. I like how they changed the twizzles - the way they accelerate on the first twizzle by bringing their free leg in is very cool. :cool: I loved the ice dance collaboration of all three dance teams to the blues number "The Ice Queen" in the second show half as well - sensual in a way we haven't seen Kana and Dai together before. And they did not look out of place at all among the reigning Olympic and World champions. Even the short partner switch went very smooth. 🥰 Kevin’s and Dai’s dance collab to Ado's "New Genesis" (from the One Piece movie “Red”) was super fun and allowed them to show a lot of personality. Teaming them up was an inspired choice - they’re a great match and looked well rehearsed despite the little preparation time they had. And Kana killed it during the dance battle, edging out a win against the equally fabulous Adam. :rock:


Here's my upload of "The Mask" (Saturday afternoon): [removed]


"The Ice Queen" (also Saturday afternoon): [removed]


Dance Unit Project (Kevin and Dai's collaboration starts about halfway through):

Dance battle - Kana vs. Adam: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nRCOxiITzowSMl8l3KWlzrqC5F6h4Fbr/view?usp=sharing



I will take the first two videos down after a few days since this was a paid stream. There will be tv broadcasts in August and September on BS NTV and CS Nitteleplus.
 
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synesthesia

Final Flight
Joined
Mar 1, 2014
Country
Germany
I uploaded a couple of videos from Nikko and Osaka. The last two The Mask performances were my favourites so far, even with a slight bobble on the end of the RFI twizzle by Dai on today's performance. Unfortunately the sound wasn't too great on yesterday's afternoon stream.

At all three Nikko shows and the matinee show in Osaka they did Soran bushi, alternating between the red/black and white costume versions (I only caught the last Nikko performance).

With only one stop left, I guess it's safe to say that they won't debut any new program at The Ice. (Maybe Kaitlyn's program didn't really work for them and that's why they got a new one from Shae-Lynn, which just wasn't ready yet? It was only choreographed about 1,5 weeks before the start of the tour after all. 🤔)




Kana was once again amazing during the second round of the dance battle (note what she did to poor Nathan at the end :laugh:), clearly beating out Mai according to the voters on Tik-Tok. She will next face Keegan in the semifinals.

I'm always looking forward to Dai and Kevin, their collaboration is SO adorable and fun. (Yesterday, Dai slipped on the carpet when he hopped off the stage, but was fortunately able to catch himself. 😅)

On a shallow side note: Love Dai's new haircut, he looks very handsome with it. And Kana's hairdo for The Mask with the costume-matching highlights is so cute. 🥰



27.07.2023 Nikko, Soran Bushi: [removed]

27.07.2023 Nikko, Group Ice Dance + Women: [removed]

29.07.2023 Osaka, Dance Battle Kana vs. Mai: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SRoKJCpPS6dDI0GofsxyA7BEukU6lSYf/view?usp=sharing

29.07.2023 Osaka (soiree), The Mask: [removed]

30.07.2023 Osaka, The Mask: [removed]

30.07.2023 Osaka, Dance Unit Project - Diamonds:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/136YLL-dLqE8p-WOnPzYYUe28dLmpnSBR/view?usp=sharing



Again, I will delete the links after a few days, except for the dance unit project and the dance battle.
 
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demarinis5

Gold for the Winter Prince!
Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 23, 2004
Thank you syn, much appreciated!:clap::clap: Dai is looking very handsome with his new haircut!

Does anyone know what Dai and Kana are saying to the audience after their performance?
 

mikeko666

Final Flight
Joined
Apr 27, 2011
I uploaded a couple of videos from Nikko and Osaka. The last two The Mask performances were my favourites so far, even with a slight bobble on the end of the RFI twizzle by Dai on today's performance. Unfortunately the sound wasn't too great on yesterday's afternoon stream.

At all three Nikko shows and the matinee show in Osaka they did Soran bushi, alternating between the red/black and white costume versions (I only caught the last Nikko performance).

With only one stop left, I guess it's safe to say that they won't debut any new program at The Ice. (Maybe Kaitlyn's program didn't really work for them and that's why they got a new one from Shae-Lynn, which just wasn't ready yet? It was only choreographed about 1,5 weeks before the start of the tour after all. 🤔)


I think they are going to debut their new programs at Friends on Ice later this month. FOI is run by their management USM, so is their highest priority. Dai always debuted his new program of the season at FOI when he was competing in singles. The Ice is run by IMG Japan and started to support the skaters in the Nagoya area (Mao, Miki, etc.), and as far as I remember, he never performed in the show when he was a competitive single skater.
 
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synesthesia

Final Flight
Joined
Mar 1, 2014
Country
Germany
Does anyone know what Dai and Kana are saying to the audience after their performance?

demarinis, I think this tweet quotes a fragment of what Dai said in one of the greetings:

Daisuke: "I would like to continue to perform as KanaDai and Daisuke Takahashi in various places as long as I am physically able, so please give me your support."
Mr Kamata (the announcer): "So, can we expect more from you in the future, Dai-chan!?"
Daisuke ✊
Mr Kamata: "Shōwa era.*"

* the era, in which Dai was born


I haven't found a full transcript of their speech, but I think they essentially said again that they had recently retired but would like to keep performing in shows, and thanked their fans for their continued support. (Japanese speakers please correct me or add any missing bits! :pray:)




The Ice is run by IMG Japan and started to support the skaters in the Nagoya area (Mao, Miki, etc.), and as far as I remember, he never performed in the show when he was a competitive single skater.

I believe he did once in 2007.


I think they are going to debut their new programs at Friends on Ice later this month. FOI is run by their management USM, so is their highest priority.

Well, it could be a strategy to boost ticket sales since Shoma (who is also managed by USM) is not doing FOI this time.

But FOI is the last show scheduled for Kana and Dai this year (unless they’re invited to CaoI). I wonder why they wouldn't want to showcase their new program(s) as much as possible, if it is/they are indeed completed. Then again they might intend to keep it/them for next year’s show cycle. I also noticed – even though this might not mean anything – that Kana and Dai are credited separately in FOI’s cast list (while they were listed as Kana Muramoto & Daisuke Takahashi for all other shows they did this off-season) and on the FOI-flyers that were distributed at The Ice only Shizuka, Dai and Miki are pictured. Maybe they’re going to perform individually this time? (Or maybe both individually and together?) :unsure:

I suppose we'll know in three weeks' time…
 

reader3

Chicago Lady
Final Flight
Joined
May 17, 2021
Country
United-States
I uploaded a couple of videos from Nikko and Osaka. The last two The Mask performances were my favourites so far, even with a slight bobble on the end of the RFI twizzle by Dai on today's performance. Unfortunately the sound wasn't too great on yesterday's afternoon stream.

At all three Nikko shows and the matinee show in Osaka they did Soran bushi, alternating between the red/black and white costume versions (I only caught the last Nikko performance).

With only one stop left, I guess it's safe to say that they won't debut any new program at The Ice. (Maybe Kaitlyn's program didn't really work for them and that's why they got a new one from Shae-Lynn, which just wasn't ready yet? It was only choreographed about 1,5 weeks before the start of the tour after all. 🤔)




Kana was once again amazing during the second round of the dance battle (note what she did to poor Nathan at the end :laugh:), clearly beating out Mai according to the voters on Tik-Tok. She will next face Keegan in the semifinals.

I'm always looking forward to Dai and Kevin, their collaboration is SO adorable and fun. (Yesterday, Dai slipped on the carpet when he hopped off the stage, but was fortunately able to catch himself. 😅)

On a shallow side note: Love Dai's new haircut, he looks very handsome with it. And Kana's hairdo for The Mask with the costume-matching highlights is so cute. 🥰



27.07.2023 Nikko, Soran Bushi: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UeaNyAEzpo9JlDLvAjnMwpGcUNF8ABgJ/view?usp=sharing

27.07.2023 Nikko, Group Ice Dance + Women: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WqJRAogjDCN6px3jLN-k-jkpbfn5Xb0m/view?usp=sharing

29.07.2023 Osaka, Dance Battle Kana vs. Mai: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SRoKJCpPS6dDI0GofsxyA7BEukU6lSYf/view?usp=sharing

29.07.2023 Osaka (soiree), The Mask:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yQFpzNrPYvvsJ1-tJY5Zf1ODR4283Bkk/view?usp=sharing

30.07.2023 Osaka, The Mask:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1frCcpqJUeGCDsZyH5Edywv3qvkBIxGyz/view?usp=sharing

30.07.2023 Osaka, Dance Unit Project - Diamonds:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/136YLL-dLqE8p-WOnPzYYUe28dLmpnSBR/view?usp=sharing



Again, I will delete the links after a few days, except for the dance unit project and the dance battle.

That Kana arresting Nathan skit was funny.
 
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synesthesia

Final Flight
Joined
Mar 1, 2014
Country
Germany
Gendai media published a two part article/interview with Kana, Dai and Shizuka on FOI today in which Kana and Dai said that they will be debuting the program choreographed by Shae-Lynn in the show. It indeed sounds like the program wasn't quite ready yet, as Dai says they'll see how far they can get in the few weeks until FOI. They did not reveal any details, only that it is an "atmospheric, stylish" number, that combines a jazzy music piece with one from a different genre and that this time they did not bring in any ideas of their own, but gave Shae-Lynn a completely free hand. Shizuka said that there will also be a three-way collaboration between Kana, Dai and Stephane to "Poeta". :love:

Part 1: https://gendai.media/articles/-/114367
Part 2: https://gendai.media/articles/-/114368


Machine translation (part 1):

Daisuke Takahashi and Kana Muramoto aka 'Kanadai' unveil their first 'New Program' as professionals.

Friends on Ice 2023, produced by Shizuka Arakawa, Part 1
Author: Akiko Tanaka

Daisuke Takahashi and Kana Muramoto aka 'Kanadai' will present their first new programme as professionals at 'Friends on Ice 2023', which starts on 25 August. Figure skating-lover writer Akiko Tanaka interviewed the two Kanadai members about the content and their enthusiasm, as well as Shizuka Arakawa, who has produced "Friends on Ice" for many years, about her thoughts on the show and her expectations for Kanadai. In the first part, we talk about the 'new programme' that is finally lifting the veil.




Kanadai's programme, which will be performed for the first time

Daisuke Takahashi and Kana Muramoto have ended their competitive careers. Their new programme as Kanadai, their first as professionals, will be unveiled at Friends on Ice 2023, which will be held at the KOSE Shin-Yokohama Skating Centre for three days from 25 August.

The show is a midsummer entertainment on ice featuring top skaters from Japan and abroad, which has been planned and produced by Shizuka Arakawa for many years. It is characterised by many veteran and famous skaters. Every year, active skaters are added to the line-up, creating an ice show that is attractive for its cross-generational interaction and the unique collaborations that are created on the same ice. Kanadai's programme, which will be performed for the first time, is a work by Shae-Lynn Bourne, who has choreographed popular programmes for famous skaters around the world, including Daisuke Takahashi's 'Mambo Medley'.

Muramoto: "In a word, Shae-Lynn is really amazing! I originally really liked and admired Dai-chan's programmes that she choreographed. I myself decided to couple up with Dai-chan and had her choreograph my solo programme for 'Ice Explosion' before we went to Florida. I was impressed then, but this time, it's a fascinating programme that says 'this is Shae-Lynn'. It's very difficult with a lot of movements, but I really enjoy doing it."

Takahashi: "It's been a long time since I've been in a Shae-Lynn programme. It's been a long time since 'Lacrimosa' when I came back from studying in New York. Of course, her choreography for Mambo is extremely difficult. She moves a lot anyway. But this time I was reminded that she moves as much as we do, if not more, when she choreographs. We are supposed to be younger than her, but she is still giving off a lot of energy, and it's overwhelming. The programme is extremely cool and stylish."


The name of the song is said to be a secret until the performance, but it is said to be a very atmospheric combination of a jazzy one and another song of a different kind.

Muramoto: "Shae-Lynn herself said she was looking forward to it, as it's been a long time since she choreographed an ice dance programme. What made me happy was that she said that both Dai-chan and I can move very well, so no matter what we do, it will look great.

Takahashi: "The ideas seemed to come non-stop. This time we wanted Shae-Lynn's colour to come out, so we didn't come up with any ideas. We have less than two weeks until Friends, so let's see how far we can get. We'll do our best.




Shizuka Arakawa talks about her thoughts on group numbers

One of the features and major attractions of Friends on Ice is the many group numbers, which can only be seen at this time, in which famous skaters and skaters of different generations are paired up. We asked Shizuka Arakawa about her thoughts on the group numbers.

The skaters who appear on Friends are of course great as solo skaters and as couples, but there is a special feeling in the world where these skaters team up only for that occasion. As a skating fan myself, I always look forward to seeing the performers and thinking about who would make a great team. I want to create an exciting time for both the skaters and the audience.



Group number for Friends on Ice 2022

This year, too, many collaborations will take place, and Daisuke Takahashi and Kana Muramoto will take part in some of them.

Arakawa: "I've asked Kana, Dai-chan and Stéphane Lambiel, who is currently Shoma Uno's coach, to collaborate on 'Poeta'. We came up with this song when we thought of something that would show the best parts of each of them to the fullest. Poeta is a great, representative piece of Stéphane's. Kana also used this song when she was working with Chris Reed, and I liked it a lot. Kana is a skater who can show her glamour, strength and sexiness as a woman, and she used to be a singles skater, so I want people to see that too, because she looks great even when she skates alone. That's why this programme starts with Kana's solo. And then, Dai-chan. He has never skated to this song, but I really wanted to see him skate passionately to this deep song. I told them how I wanted to start with the song and Kana's solo, and then connect with Stephane and Dai-chan, and left it to them, so I'm excited to see how it's going to turn out.


In the second part "'Kanadai' Daisuke Takahashi & Kana Muramoto: 'This show will be a step forward as professionals'", we'll reveal how the two Kanadai members felt when they received the offer from Shizuka Arakawa, as well as the contents of further group numbers.


Machine translation (part 2):

'Kanadai' Daisuke Takahashi & Kana Muramoto: 'This show will be our first step forward as professionals'

'Friends on Ice 2023' produced by Shizuka Arakawa, Part 2
Author: Akiko Tanaka

Daisuke Takahashi and Kana Muramoto have ended their competitive careers. Their new programme as Kanadai, their first as professionals, will be unveiled at Friends on Ice 2023, which will be held at the KOSE Shin-Yokohama Skating Centre for three days from 25 August. In the first part, Akiko Tanaka spoke to the two members of Kanadai and Shizuka Arakawa, who planned and produced the event, about Kanadai's 'new programme', which will finally lift the veil. In the second part, we will look into the thoughts of the two Kanadai members when they received the offer from Ms Arakawa, as well as the details of the other group numbers.




The two members of Kanadai are meeting Ms. Arakawa's expectations...

Friends on Ice" is a midsummer on-ice entertainment event that has been planned and produced by Shizuka Arakawa for many years, bringing together top skaters from Japan and abroad. How are the two tackling Ms Arakawa's expectations?

Muramoto: "When Ms Arakawa gave me the offer, I was very happy when she said that Kana's 'Poeta' had left a strong impression on her, so without thinking, I said 'I'll gladly do it! I immediately said, 'I'll be happy to do it! Later on, I felt a lot of pressure, like the fact that it was Stéphane's masterpiece and that I would be skating solo with Dai-chan, but I still want to do my best to live up to the expectations."

Takahashi: "It's Stéphane's masterpiece song, so there's a lot of pressure to skate with him, and to be honest, I don't want to do it (laughs)."

Muramoto: "But I think it would be really great if Dai-chan skated. I want to see it so much."

Takahashi: "I've wanted to skate to Poeta for a long time, but it's Stéphane's masterpiece, so I couldn't do it. Also, it's almost the first time I've done a flamenco piece. It's a lot of pressure, and it's really hard to train for a new professional, but once this happens I'll try not to think about it, and I'll do my best to show you a good performance!"

The choreography is being done in cooperation with Muramoto-san and Stephane-san. In addition to this, several other attractive group numbers have been prepared for the show. The group number featuring Shizuka Arakawa, Akiko Suzuki and others, choreographed by Caitlin Weaver, is "O" by Cirque du Soleil.

Arakawa: "I will also be in this number, and I think the programme will be a light and healing space with images of water, wind and nature. The other motif is the musical CATS. This one will feature fresh members Koshiro Shimada, Sena Miyake and Mai Mihara, as well as veterans Miki Ando and Takeshi Honda, with me skating to Memory at the end. It's fun to keep the programme of the show a surprise until the day of the show, but I think it's a different kind of fun to announce the programme in advance, research the song and the world of the musical, and let the audience feel what the world will look like at the show. I think it would be even more enjoyable if people could watch the performance of "Poeta" after seeing Stéphane and Kana's previous skating performances on SNS.

As the name suggests, "Friends on Ice" is mainly made up of Arakawa's friends and acquaintances, but also offers to skaters whom Arakawa has met in interviews and ice shows, and whom she would like to see in the programme. What she values there is inter-generational exchange and stimulation.

Arakawa: "Friends has been running for a long time, so I think the average age is the highest among the shows, but I value the veteran regular skaters and hope that we can connect with the younger generation and inspire each other. I think figure skating can develop at any age, and the more life experience you gain, the deeper your expression becomes and the more persuasive and attractive it becomes. I'd be happy if young skaters see that and want to express themselves like that, or if they think that if these people are working hard, I can work even harder, and I hope that the older generation can lead the way so that it will lead to better competition results.




The secret of her longevity as a skater is "expanding her line"!

In recent years, Ms Arakawa herself has been playing a different character from her previous ones, such as playing a villain in Hyoen.

Arakawa: "I have recently come to believe that the secret to longevity as a skater is not to change your lines, but to expand them. Also, even when I do my old programmes, I aim to show my maximum now, rather than the performance I did then. Then the performance becomes completely different from back then, and now the remakes are very interesting. Dai-chan is truly a skater who is expanding his line. He was a singles skater who was totally absorbed in skating, but then he left skating and did something different, such as floor dancing. Then he became an ice dancer, and even after he retired, he is still expanding his activities by dancing and solo skating. I can also sense what Dai-chan wants from skating now, and I think he is becoming more and more attractive."

Conversely, Daisuke Takahashi said: "I have been producing 'Ice Explosion' myself, and now I realise how hard it is to make sure that the collaborations are not the same, so that everyone can enjoy the show. At the same time, various fresh members join every year and the members change, but Ms Arakawa has always stayed in line. I've come to understand how great she is."




'This show will be my first step forward as a professional.'

There's a lot to look forward to in many ways at Friends on Ice. Finally, we asked them to share their enthusiasm.

Takahashi: "In a real sense, this show will be my first step forward as a professional. This year's Friends will have Cha Junhwan participating, and I think the atmosphere will be a little different. I'm looking forward to seeing what the show will be like and I want to show you a new side of me, so please look forward to it."

Muramoto: "I'm really happy to be taking part in Friends again this year, which I've always admired. I'm really looking forward to the warm atmosphere of standing on the same ice with the veteran Friends who have a friendly atmosphere. I am exactly the same as Dai-chan, but this is my first step as a professional. Please watch me start."

Arakawa: "This year we can loosen the Corona measures a bit, so the cheers will come back and I'm really looking forward to creating an atmosphere that can only be experienced there with the skaters and the audience. The finale has a tune that we can get each other excited about, so let's all make it the most divergent Friends we've had in a long time!"



Finally, from the last The Ice performances in Morioka:

03.08.2023, Soran Bushi (red/black): [removed]

04.08.2023, Soran Bushi (white): [removed]

03.08.2023, Dance Battle Semifinal, Kana vs. Keegan: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VUXgacwAF-264sGyau4yhZowzE6Ka95n/view?usp=sharing

03.08.2023, Dance Battle Final, Kana vs. Kevin (last year's dance battle champ): https://drive.google.com/file/d/14k0j5pEXrcvS_qZW3kBEswWNK6qsRa-6/view?usp=sharing

Kana is the champion of the dance battle 2023!!! :dance3::points:




Bonus: Dai-chan practicing 2A at The Ice




From Kana's ig account:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CvkJi4exwiA/





From the sysmex ig account (swipe to pictures no. 2 + 6): https://www.instagram.com/p/CvWrGBRJjV7/?img_index=6


Dai holding a speech at the Furusato Festival in Niimi, Okayama today/yesterday (depending on your timezone):
https://www.instagram.com/p/CvjnqIkBJVn/
 
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