Yuzuru Hanyu: 2014-15 Season

[Hanmgse]

It really is amazing. Honestly, after NHK I didn't even imagine that he would end up skating so well at the GPF. Super glad he did though!! :dance:

I always have faith on him but honestly I also didn't expect him to do that well. I'm so glad I decided to watch it because he gave two amazing programs I really couldn't ask for more.

 

[leolion11]

Here is my quick translation of Hanyu's FS from the Japanese broadcast which was delayed quiiiite a bit as the live was at 5 in the morning. -I wish they had shown it live.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2cizgr_gpf2014-yuzuru-hanyu-fs_sport
Feel free to correct me if I got anything wrong. Sano Minoru, is a former figure skater...but I don't know who the other comentator is.

Thanks for the translation! It's always interesting to hear what other commentators say about his performance If I have time, I'll try translating the Chinese commentary version but that's if I can find time...

 

[won0066]

I've uploaded about 97 of photos I took of Yuzuru, at the Grand Prix Final in Barcelona --> HERE.
I find them pleasing, I hope others do too :-D

I mentioned it in the Grand Prix Final board too --> HERE

And if anyone's interested, I expect to upload galleries of many other GPF skaters too, when I have time.

The photos are excellent, thanks for sharing!! Also, thanks for sharing what gear you used too!! That helps alot!!!

 

[leolion11]

Ok I translated the Chinese commentary for Yuzuru's LP. It's an extremely rough translation (because some parts would sound very weird in English if translated literally) and I literally did it in 5-10 min so there may be mistakes. I know there were people complaining about the commentator butchering the last character of Yuzuru's name (she pronounced 'xuan' not 'xian') but I thought the rest of the commentary was okay.

Yuzuru Hanyu, being a representative figure of Men’s Singles skating, created history at the age of 19 by becoming the youngest olympic champion in 66 years and the first Asian olympic champion in men’s figure skating, as well as winning the world championships in the same season.

-after performance-

The technical score has already gone past 100! Even though there was a single fall on a triple jump in the middle, it did not affect his perfect interpretation of this program (Really really rough translation of this line because it would sound weird if translated literally).

At the beginning of the season, Yuzuru Hanyu also had some setbacks, and entered the GPF at the very last moment. However, after coming to Spain, using his own words, he has already recovered, and skating was extremely comfortable and smooth.

－commentator talks about how an athlete’s feeling of their own physical health is extremely acute and how that affects their performance-

This program, except for the fall on the triple jump, the rest of his elements (literally: movements) were done with the highest quality, especially the opening two solo quads, which were awarded +2s and +3s in GOE.

The thing that must be specially mentioned is that he did not merely complete his difficult jumps, and that his speed of rotation, timing, height and distance were all outstanding.

-commentator goes into the specifics of rotational speed, timing, height and distance, and then notes that Yuzuru has really good rotational speed, and the ease at which he completes his difficult elements-

Being the last skater to step on the ice today, Yuzuru Hanyu gave what can be considered to be the best performance today. Even though there was a fall, the technical score still surpassed 100 points.

-reads out scores on scoreboard- This is his highest score in the entire season. This performance indeed came close to perfection. Being a representative of men’s figure skating, it can be said that no matter where he performs, it would seem as if he is performing at home. He is always extremely popular.

Edit: forgot to mention that the commentator stayed silent throughout his entire performance and then started talking about it only after he ended his performance. Idk if I like that though :think:

 

[Interspectator]

Ok I translated the Chinese commentary for Yuzuru's LP. It's an extremely rough translation (because some parts would sound very weird in English if translated literally) and I literally did it in 5-10 min so there may be mistakes. I know there were people complaining about the commentator butchering the last character of Yuzuru's name (she pronounced 'xuan' not 'xian') but I thought the rest of the commentary was okay.

Thank you very much.
About name pronunciation...it makes me very uncomfortable that Japanese commentators go ahead and CHANGE the entire pronunciation of Chinese skaters names to the Japanese Kanji's reading. For example Han Yan becomes En Kan. The Japanese skaters themselves do not do this. When Hanyu was mentioning looking for Han Yan after their collision he said 'Where is Han Yan?' so why do the commentators change the names? Is it insulting to the Chinese people or do the not know or do they not care so much?

 

[Heart_009]

I don't think the name change is really insulting though i might be wrong. But generally even in chinese commentary they use the chinese speaking version of the name since kanji and the chinese letters are the same/similar in certain cases (I'm not sure with all skating commentary but when watching chinese commentary in other sports it seems to be the case). So I think the opposite wouldn't be that bad. I think skaters refer the english name for other skaters internationally just to have some consistency.

 

[leolion11]

Thank you very much.
About name pronunciation...it makes me very uncomfortable that Japanese commentators go ahead and CHANGE the entire pronunciation of Chinese skaters names to the Japanese Kanji's reading. For example Han Yan becomes En Kan. The Japanese skaters themselves do not do this. When Hanyu was mentioning looking for Han Yan after their collision he said 'Where is Han Yan?' so why do the commentators change the names? Is it insulting to the Chinese people or do the not know or do they not care so much?

Yeah I think it'll be better if Japanese commentators stick to the actual pronunciation . But isn't that the same as English commentators calling Kim Yuna "Yuna Kim"? And I suppose Yuzuru Hanyu is supposed to be Hanyu Yuzuru right? Sighs I wonder if it'll be easier if commentators just call skaters by their correct names.

 

[msteach3]

You are not taking into account Yuzuru´s love for shows... Yes I know that evil JSF is making him do shows, but he also likes to do them.

He may love doing them, but I think winning competitions, especially the 2018 Olys, is probably more important. I think he'll cut back next summer and spend less time in Japan and more in Toronto training. At least I sure hope so.

My friend in Japan has just told me Yuzuru will go to 4CC. It seems he will test his original layouts there.

Fantastic news! We'll get to see him skate another time.

 

[channah]

Hopefully yes
But I'd like to see a clean program (it was so close) and with 3 quads it's going to be really difficult. But yeah...he's Yuzu...he can do it.

I agree that clean programs would be great but I have often heard Yuzuru say that it is the challenge of new things that keeps him motivated. It is trying new things that helps him focus and concentrate properly. It was one of the reasons he switched from the tipple flip (or loop - can't remember which) that he usually does in the warm-up before his skate to the 3A. He was just going through the motions before so he wasn't really concentrating hard to make the jump. The 3A is much more difficult and so he needs to concentrate to land it. So, this kind of mentality isn't really suited to playing it safe just to win. He seems to need the constant challenge with himself to really enjoy his skating. I think this is very a very admirable thing in an individual sport and what keeps skating fresh for him. It is hard on our hearts though as we never know how it is going to work out even though we want him to do well.

Sorry for the long rant - I don't post so much (even though I read the blog everyday (and occasionally translate stuff) but I just want to say that I support his ambitious mind and his challenger spirit.

 

[channah]

Here is my quick translation of Hanyu's FS from the Japanese broadcast which was delayed quiiiite a bit as the live was at 5 in the morning. -I wish they had shown it live.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2cizgr_gpf2014-yuzuru-hanyu-fs_sport
Feel free to correct me if I got anything wrong. Sano Minoru, is a former figure skater...but I don't know who the other comentator is.

Love the translation! Thanks.

 

[sonora]

I don't think the name change is really insulting though i might be wrong. But generally even in chinese commentary they use the chinese speaking version of the name since kanji and the chinese letters are the same/similar in certain cases (I'm not sure with all skating commentary but when watching chinese commentary in other sports it seems to be the case). So I think the opposite wouldn't be that bad. I think skaters refer the english name for other skaters internationally just to have some consistency.

I agree with you. Just take "Hanyu Yuzuru" as an example. The Chinese prononceation of his Kanji name is completely different from Japanese. In chinese Pinyin it is "Yu 羽Sheng 生Jie 結Xian弦". I don't think it has anything to do with being insulting or ignorant. Chinese translation of Japanese Kanji (names and locations) always goes with Chinese prounceation since the very beginning, and I believe it is the same way in Japanese language. It is quite practical and convenient for people in the two countries who do not know the other language to easily refer to the same subject with each other. So the true reason may be - we (both Chinese people and Japanese people) are too lazy!

 

[Interspectator]

I agree with you. Just take "Hanyu Yuzuru" as an example. The Chinese prononceation of his Kanji name is completely different from Japanese. In chinese Pinyin it is "Yu 羽Sheng 生Jie 結Xian弦". I don't think it has anything to do with being insulting or ignorant. Chinese translation of Japanese Kanji (names and locations) always goes with Chinese prounceation since the very beginning, and I believe it is the same way in Japanese language. It is quite practical and convenient for people in the two countries who do not know the other language to easily refer to the same subject with each other. So the true reason may be - we (both Chinese people and Japanese people) are too lazy!

--as long as no one feel offended, I guess it's ok.

 

[firal]

I've uploaded about 97 of photos I took of Yuzuru, at the Grand Prix Final in Barcelona --> HERE.
I find them pleasing, I hope others do too :-D

I mentioned it in the Grand Prix Final board too --> HERE

And if anyone's interested, I expect to upload galleries of many other GPF skaters too, when I have time.

Late to the admiration party but oh my! those are some of the best photo I've seen! Thanks for taking them and for sharing.

I, too, care less about the points then a happy, smiling Hanyu-san at the end of the skate. With Japan Nationals approaching, all the newspaper articles and TV programs leading up to it are talking about breaking the 300 points barrier and about him going for 3 consecutive title. I am sure he'd like to win, but I don't even know if he cares that much about the 300 points. I don't think he has been asked directly about that but maybe we will hear about it soon.

 

[matmuh]

Haha :-D No, I'm not a pro - I'm just an amateur that's had a lot of practice :-D

You can tell a "pro" photographer, because they post photos of skaters during jumps and spins, when they're pulling really ugly faces, and the wobbly bits of their bodies are unpleasantly distorted

I try to show a little more respect, and only post photos that I think the skaters themselves would like...! :-D

nice definition of pro photographer great photos, thanks!
This one is so great!

My friend in Japan has just told me Yuzuru will go to 4CC. It seems he will test his original layouts there.
We need a prayer circle for his body.

better try it at 4CC thank worlds right?? and he has time to prepare for 4cc after nationals, probably more than he had duing summer, so i am not worried
thanks for all the translations, its always great to hear from other commentators as well, and here is another version of POTO evolution, this time COC included
http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm25144403 you will need to open account, can use with your facebook account as well

 

[Lindacrow]

My friend in Japan has just told me Yuzuru will go to 4CC. It seems he will test his original layouts there.
We need a prayer circle for his body.

Sorry I'm not familiar with all the 4cc and Worlds team and stuff but doesnt he have to do good at nationals to make the team first? Or does he automatically get on the team because of his good results?

 

[Interspectator]

I'm pretty sure he's got a spot at the worlds team. I'm not sure about 4CC but if he feels up to it JSF will MOST DEFINITELY send him.
Since he holds the highest scores this year and the highest placement on the grand prix circuit and the highest world ranking, he's almost guaranteed a spot, barring injury.
The other guys will have to fight for the remaining 2 spots.

 

[leolion11]

Sorry I'm not familiar with all the 4cc and Worlds team and stuff but doesnt he have to do good at nationals to make the team first? Or does he automatically get on the team because of his good results?

Well like newbiespectator said he's the best Japanese man now. Plus he fulfils most of the criteria needed to land a spot on the world team. I bet he can place 5th or 6th and still make the team.

Fyi the criteria for making the world team:

Worlds:
Singles
1) The first skater is the National champion.
2) The second skater will be selected in a comprehensive way from the skaters who meet the criteria below.
a) The skaters who placed second and third in Nationals.
b) The skaters who placed the highest and the second highest of Japanese skaters(except 1) skater) in GP final.
3) The third skater will be selected in a comprehensive way from the skaters who meet the criteria below.
a) The skater who was not selected as the 2) skater even though meeting 2)-b) criteria, and skaters who placed 4th-6th in Nationals.
b) Skaters whose ISU world standings are 3rd highest and higher than 3rd of Japanese skaters as of the end of Nationals.
c) Skaters whose ISU season best scores are 3rd highest and higher than 3rd of Japanese skaters as of the end of Nationals.
*There are possibilities that if skaters who have placed 3rd and higher than 3rd in Worlds before do not meet the criteria above because of the reasons such as injuries in the first half of the season, the skaters can be added to the skaters considered for selection taking the skaters' situations at the time of Worlds into consideration.

*Pairs and ice dancers will be selected based on the international competitiveness, and the criteria for single skaters are not applicable to pairs and ice dancers.
*If the selected teams don't have the Worlds minimum scores, they will be sent to international competitions to get the minimum scores.

 

[alia jackson]

Is there requirement for Yuzu to go to 4CC? Can he skip that so he can rest for Worlds?

 

[Meoima]

Yuzuru did the spread eagle-3A-spread eagle at GPF gala:
http://i.imgur.com/Te2jVVL.gif

Edit: here's the clip http://youtu.be/0A1a1Feoa88

 

[KansaiPJ]

Is there requirement for Yuzu to go to 4CC? Can he skip that so he can rest for Worlds?

No, there is no requirement. However, he has indicated to the press that he'd like to go and I am sure the JSF will offer him a spot. There are rumors today that he's been asked, but nothing has been made public yet.