Yuzuru Hanyu: 2014-15 Season

[Meoima]

I have no doubt in his talent and what he can achieve, and I love this kid from the bottom of my heart (no just for his skating). I just feel he is facing a huge psychological challenge here (the "bottle neck" he called, but think is is psychological instead of technical). He IS a fighter and very mature for his age, but after all he is still very young. I pray he can put all burdens (fame, achievements, failures as he called, frustrations) behind him and focus on/enjoy his skating, then he will FLY again!

The whole thing!!! I also have the same feeling about his SP at CoC. His skating skill has improved immensely but he lacked the attack in his jumps. He didn't lack it in the free skate at CoC though, maybe he was dazed by that time he didn't think of all those burdens at one point.

His performances at NHK were much better in term of presentation, though. I think he has become more comfortable with both programs than in CoC, that shows his effort.

Then but there's this thing, I hope that now when he finally got into GPF, the mental block will eventually go away in time. GPF might be too soon, Nationals might be too soon if the psychological challenge were that huge. But Worlds is still 4 months away I think he can make it in time.

I think one of the reasons he didn't do very well at NHK is that the huge expectation from Japan crowd, aside from the injuries (I still think that he still hurt somewhere, he didn't do Biellmann which he never gave up at Worlds where he was also injured as well). And lack of training time might also affect his condition and confidence. I still think it's half of the problem is his mentality and half is his health. GPF will be in Spain, I hope he will be less stressful there.

Heck, compare to Han Yan who is in the same situation, I think Yuzuru at NHK did better than Han Yan at TEB.

I only hope that now he can go with Brian to Canada and stay away from Japanese media.

 

[Pamigena]

I'm pretty sure I'd remember if I'd ever seen this before

 

[sonora]

I think that was because he had nothing to lose at the CoC LP, so he had no hesitation.

Talking about Japanese media...I watched almost all the documentaries they made, and...gosh, they never hesitate to exaggerate to get attention. For example, about Yuzu's home that was damaged in the earthquake, they used the words "completely destroyed". The media is not doing him any favor by glorifying him like he is immortal. Yuzu already has very high standards for himself, and what the media has been doing is to push him even further. He has to be perfect. Besides, they are so obsessed with him and follow him everywhere on everything he does....they can't even get their mouths shut and let the audience enjoy Yuzu's skating/practicing. I can't image if Yuzu is seeing someone what they are going to do with him.

I totally agree that Yuzu should go with Brian to Canada to focus on his training. However I am afraid I soon will see in the Japanese news that Yuzu getting off the bus or walking into the ice rink with his luggage with the date and "Canada" on the screen. Or that will be part of their next documentary.

By the way, a lot of Chinese fans are calling Yuzu “柚子”，which exactly what "Yuzu" means (a kind of fruit), and close to the pronunciation of "Yuzu" in Chinese. Lovely.

The whole thing!!! I also have the same feeling about his SP at CoC. His skating skill has improved immensely but he lacked the attack in his jumps. He didn't lack it in the free skate at CoC though, maybe he was dazed by that time he didn't think of all those burdens at one point.
.

 

[TuTU9678]

I feel it's really strange that I have full confidence in a teenager, to recover from a bloodshed collision, 5 injuries, mental insecurity (of colliding again), lack of practice hence the lack of physical and psychological preparedness -- all within an extremely short turnaround time, under immense expectations from millions of people (and himself), and surrounded by heavy media treating him like a top celebrity...

I realize this is an inhumane expectation, but I still continue to have full confidence in him... It's a really strange feeling, but it all seems to be justifiable, just because he's Yuzuru Hanyu.

At age 19 (a week countdown to his 20th!), he's gone through SO much obstacles in life already, achieved so much already, experienced so much, matured so much already, and inspired so many already!

--- Moral of the story, I'm a failure at life.

 

[Pamigena]

p. 819-828

Gorgeous is smiling
Hey, its my coach
Smile even though your heart is breaking
He is a rockstar

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2bc2sn_今日の練習_sport

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgdaHq6TQHY

(I just tried to explain the general idea )

He said it was regretful. He deeply apologized (for poor performance) though there was huge support from audiences.
He regretted that he had said it would not be perfect performances from beginning, it might make audiences be worried that he couldn't practice enough because of the injury while watching his performance.
He refused that his performance was affected by injuries, he said the result was from his current “ability”.
(When he knew that he was qualified for GPF)
He was surprised. He though finally his effort in COC was not wasteful.

http://youtu.be/ZlniOJpalRM

nanoka12 's translation of Yuzuru's interview on the tumblr. Thank you !

http://nanoka12.tumblr.com/

羽生結弦 インタビュー NHK杯 表彰直前4位の結果受けて 2014/11/29

Translation: Post-event interview

Q: On approaching this competition at less than your optimal physical condition, how do you feel about the SP and today’s FS?

A: Well, again, I feel regretful. Really regretful. To show everyone such a performance, I’m really sorry. Yes. Sorry, I will say it once more (laughs). Sorry. Honestly, at the end, to have to let “not at the optimal physical condition” become an excuse, I am very regretful. Although I think that when everyone watches my performance, they will first of all be worried whether my performance was affected by my injury or being unable to practice, honestly this is not the impact of the injury but my ability right now.

Q: For this competition, we heard that you did not want the support you received from the previous competition (COC) to go to waste and wanted to skate with thoughts of connecting it to the GPF. It has become connected to the GPF.

A: Indeed…Thank you very much. Frankly speaking I am very surprised, and also think that the competition in China did not go to waste.

Q: Please take a good rest. You have worked hard.

A: Thank you very much. Please continue to support me.

6 minutes warm up and Hanyu's LP

http://youtu.be/MqMKXXz-7g4

Yuzuru cheering for his friends during medal ceremony, you can see him behind takahito in this video also, must be hard for him also happy for his friends

yuzuru interview after FS today, thanks to tumblr user a-m-n-o-s

costume photos

http://www.sankei.com/photo/images/news/141129/sty1411290017-p1.jpg
http://www.sankei.com/photo/images/news/141129/sty1411290017-p3.jpg

i love it

costume pix:

FS COC

NHK SP
SP-1 / SP-2 / SP-3 / SP-4 / SP-5 / SP-6 / SP-7 /SP-8

NHK FS
FS-1 / FS-2 / FS-3 / FS-4 / FS-5 / FS-6 / FS-7 / FS-8 / FS-9

I'm pretty sure I'd remember if I'd ever seen this before

 

[Meoima]

I totally agree that Yuzu should go with Brian to Canada to focus on his training. However I am afraid I soon will see in the Japanese news that Yuzu getting off the bus or walking into the ice rink with his luggage with the date and "Canada" on the screen. Or that will be part of their next documentary.
By the way, a lot of Chinese fans are calling Yuzu “柚子”，which exactly what "Yuzu" means (a kind of fruit), and close to the pronunciation of "Yuzu" in Chinese. Lovely.

Well, let's hope that's the result at NHK is motivating him in the positive way. We can do nothing about it. At least GPF will be in Spain, so I guess he will feel less pressure there. Because this time he is not the favorite to win GPF.

Anyways I think Yuzuru's condition also has to do with lack of preparation, not just his mental state and health. My friend has just summarized to me, In this interview he admitted that ever since CoC, he didn't have any full run-through of his LP until NHK's morning free skate practice. So practically only until November 29th's morning, he did the first full 4,5 minutes run-though of his free skate ever since CoC. So Of course he lacks confidence because he didn't do it in 3 weeks.

If you can understand some Kanji, please read this: http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20141129-00000111-spnavi-spo

PS: I've heard about the Yuzu fruit as well. Very cute.

 

[sonora]

Thanks for the link - and yes the Kanji helps. I agree lack of preparation plays a big role, and that is the part he can catch up soon. I am relieved a lot now.

Well, let's hope that's the result at NHK is motivating him in the positive way. We can do nothing about it. At least GPF will be in Spain, so I guess he will feel less pressure there. Because this time he is not the favorite to win GPF.

Anyways I think Yuzuru's condition also has to do with lack of preparation, not just his mental state and health. My friend has just summarized to me, In this interview he admitted that ever since CoC, he didn't have any full run-through of his LP until NHK's morning free skate practice. So practically only until November 29th's morning, he did the first full 4,5 minutes run-though of his free skate ever since CoC. So Of course he lacks confidence because he didn't do it in 3 weeks.

If you can understand some Kanji, please read this: http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20141129-00000111-spnavi-spo

PS: I've heard about the Yuzu fruit as well. Very cute.

 

[silverfoxes]

I feel it's really strange that I have full confidence in a teenager, to recover from a bloodshed collision, 5 injuries, mental insecurity (of colliding again), lack of practice hence the lack of physical and psychological preparedness -- all within an extremely short turnaround time, under immense expectations from millions of people (and himself), and surrounded by heavy media treating him like a top celebrity...

I realize this is an inhumane expectation, but I still continue to have full confidence in him... It's a really strange feeling, but it all seems to be justifiable, just because he's Yuzuru Hanyu.

At age 19 (a week countdown to his 20th!), he's gone through SO much obstacles in life already, achieved so much already, experienced so much, matured so much already, and inspired so many already!

--- Moral of the story, I'm a failure at life.

Yes, I'm sure there will be a happy ending to the story because he has such a strong character. It's hard not to wonder, though, if this kind of drama is going to follow him throughout his entire career. I guess that's how legends are made...but I don't want this kind of drama any more!

 

[Meoima]

Yes, I'm sure there will be a happy ending to the story because he has such a strong character. It's hard not to wonder, though, if this kind of drama is going to follow him throughout his entire career. I guess that's how legends are made...but I don't want this kind of drama any more!

Thank you for your positive thought.
And here is technically my feeling (and I am sure many people so as well): when he finished his free skate I was so sure he wouldn't get into GPF so I was like... What a relieved because I can see that even though he was trying very hard, he isn't mentally and psychically prepared yet. Well at least he will have more time to rest.

Then after Jeremy I was like: Oh *** he got into GPF I am not ready for another cardiac arrest!!!

 

[GermaricanMix]

costume photos

http://www.sankei.com/photo/images/news/141129/sty1411290017-p1.jpg
http://www.sankei.com/photo/images/news/141129/sty1411290017-p3.jpg

i love it

hah! I figured out what it reminds me of. It looks like a Monet painting to me. I liked his old costume a lot better, but this one is nice too. I miss the red =(

 

[leolion11]

Now that the Japanese men are really bringing it and Yuzuru isn't at his best mentally and physically, I begin to worry a little that taking part in the GPF might drain him and if that affects his performances at Nationals, should we be worried that he might not get a spot on Japan's team to worlds? I know it's unlikely that the JSF will not send their reigning Olympic + National champion to worlds, but given that Machida is still looking quite strong, Mura is improving (and looks rather solid this year as compared to the past few seasons where he was very inconsistent) and Daisuke Murakami just came out of nowhere to grab the NHK title, it seems that there is now a lot more competition for a spot on the world team. And let's not count out kozuka as well (poor bby). Though I hope that Yuzuru can improve his mental and physical state to have a set of good performances at GPF and hopefully at nationals/worlds too.

 

[firal]

The saddest part of yesterday for me was Brian's face as he welcomed Hanyu-kun into K&C.

I must be the only one who is hesitant about the new costume; sure the kid looks good in anything, but I like the CoC one better. This one the deep V collar reminds me of those "Japanese Men Hosts"(Does anyone know what I'm talking about?? If you don't never mind it's not important. Makes me sad we won't see a reappearance of the original costume, either for superstitious reason or because it was damaged(blood stained?).

Some one mentioned water bottle covers? Can't believe when it was that I saw yesterday (probably during 6 minute or after the FP), he drank from a bottle that has no cover. Which makes me think this costume change was a "rush". And a poster on Twitter tweeted that she gave Hanyu-kun the water bottle cover that he was using during SP(yes she has pictures to prove it; it's the one with black bottom and silky white/blue top. Isn't it nice that he is so thoughtful? And well coordinated?

I know he kept insisting that it is his inability, not the injuries, that is causing this problem. But what does the fact that he landed both the 4t and 4s in morning run through and 6min right before say? That it's mental? I always took him to be someone who loves competition and excels under just the right kind of pressure, also as someone who has a lot of confidence. Has that changed? How would the accident change his confidence about his jumps since he is landing them just right before?

 

[dia]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGvnP4rodVA
Yuzuru Hanyu told Orser after hearing his score: "I want to do it [once] more...I can...OMG"

I have the feeling that Yuzuru has been weight down by the same huge pressure as that put on Mao at Sochi.

 

[firal]

I just read from Japanese fans that this morning the news paper headlines are all about Hanyu-san even though we all know that Japanese men won both gold and bronze. I am sure they are mentioned, but certainly not in big letters/graphics and attention-grabbing headlines.

Actually I have new found respect for Mao and Dai, who had pretty much had to endure all the attention through out the years. Dai always said he is weak mentally, but I think it is just the opposite.

 

[alia jackson]

And now all the pressure is on Hanyu alone.....I wish him to fly back to Canada and recover there. The environment is better and more healthy than in Japan.

 

[sonora]

You just said what I had in mind in the past few days. To be honest Yuzu's performance has not been consistent. Although he is the Olympic & World Champion he has not delivered two clean programs at once. He is not at his peak time and he still has a lot to improve. That said, he may get beat up more than once or twice for the rest of his career. But I have faith in him. He just proved again he is such an extraordinary character. I've decided to stop worrying and just be supportive through his ups and downs.

Now that the Japanese men are really bringing it and Yuzuru isn't at his best mentally and physically, I begin to worry a little that taking part in the GPF might drain him and if that affects his performances at Nationals, should we be worried that he might not get a spot on Japan's team to worlds? I know it's unlikely that the JSF will not send their reigning Olympic + National champion to worlds, but given that Machida is still looking quite strong, Mura is improving (and looks rather solid this year as compared to the past few seasons where he was very inconsistent) and Daisuke Murakami just came out of nowhere to grab the NHK title, it seems that there is now a lot more competition for a spot on the world team. And let's not count out kozuka as well (poor bby). Though I hope that Yuzuru can improve his mental and physical state to have a set of good performances at GPF and hopefully at nationals/worlds too.

 

[Lindacrow]

Is Yuzu gonna perform in the gala?

 

[sonora]

yes he will be the last one for the first half

Is Yuzu gonna perform in the gala?

 

[alia jackson]

Let's bring positivity towards Yuzu....begins the countdown for his 20th birthday, the boy will be legal in 7days :dance:

 

[firal]

Let's bring positivity towards Yuzu....begins the countdown for his 20th birthday, the boy will be legal in 7days :dance:

Why? What do you have in mind once he turns legal? (Bad attempt at lightening the mood I know...)