Yuzuru Hanyu: 2016-17 Season

[YuzusHydroblade]

Many, many times. Let's just hope and pray he will land it in competition this time.

Fayruza will be very happy

 

[Lysambre]

Yeah, but he's either truthful and honest at all times on TV - and so this documentary was a disappointment then just in its failing to give a more intimate picture of him, just because they failed to ask something he hadn't heard or thought about already. Or Yuzu's adept at creating an image for TV in any place and any time.

ETA: have to edit my post after I've read your earlier post - and I agree, they sorta underestimate the boy's intelligence and his eloquence, in general. His general talent in coming up with comments and answers which are thoughtful, wise and profound - and truthful. He doesn't lose a beat because he's well used to being a centre of attention now...

Maybe it's a mix of all of these things?

As in, he's obviously smart and well spoken. His ease when he answers questions, even out of the blue, isn't a given, especially in the sport community. So obviously they do underestimate him a bit on that side (they also always underestimated Machida on that side of things).

But on the other side of things, they are somewhat right too. He's been growing up under the eye of the camera, and while from our side, it doesn't show, I'm pretty sure that from his POV, having that massive thing nearly constantly in your face, does alter the way you will behave in public.
If only to protect your true self, you have to have a public persona. Sure, it can be one that shares the same values at heart, but to survive, you cannot allow yourself to show anybody but your family and close friends, who you truly are.

I guess that journalist, by calling Yuzu "mediagenic" was actually answering a question people have been asking since the beginning of "reality TV". How spontaneous can someone bewhen facing a camera, if a camera has been following them since forever? Answer : not very much.
The people who have grown up being watched to the extent Yuzu has, have a public persona 100% of the time. They cannot be surprised by any journalist questions, because they've heard them a hundred times before (or they've imagined it all, so they could be prepared, to reassure themselves), they cannot afford to show every emotion they feel, because the few times they did, people have been analysing it to death. They cannot allow themselves to be spontaneous, because they've forgotten how to be spontaneous when there is a camera around (which doesn't mean they do not know at all).

The few times you see Yuzu expressing an emotion that overwhelms him is when they make him relive his massive trauma, over and over again (which is probably the least healthy thing to do with someone who has lived through these kind of traumatising events), or when he spoke with that man who had lost everything (and who, consequently would have made anybody, with even half a heart, react).


Where the journalist sounds almost disappointed (oh, we didn't get to see *real emotions* because he's too "mediagenic"), all I hear is : We've used him for so very long, in a way that has been unhealthy from the very start, but now he's mastered his own reactions, and that's slightly annoying, because it means he's bested us, the media. Damn.

 

[YuzusHydroblade]

Maybe it's a mix of all of these things?

As in, he's obviously smart and well spoken. His ease when he answers questions, even out of the blue, isn't a given, especially in the sport community. So obviously they do underestimate him a bit on that side (they also always underestimated Machida on that side of things).

But on the other side of things, they are somewhat right too. He's been growing up under the eye of the camera, and while from our side, it doesn't show, I'm pretty sure that from his POV, having that massive thing nearly constantly in your face, does alter the way you will behave in public.
If only to protect your true self, you have to have a public persona. Sure, it can be one that shares the same values at heart, but to survive, you cannot allow yourself to show anybody but your family and close friends, who you truly are.

I guess that journalist, by calling Yuzu "mediagenic" was actually answering a question people have been asking since the beginning of "reality TV". How spontaneous can someone bewhen facing a camera, if a camera has been following them since forever? Answer : not very much.
The people who have grown up being watched to the extent Yuzu has, have a public persona 100% of the time. They cannot be surprised by any journalist questions, because they've heard them a hundred times before (or they've imagined it all, so they could be prepared, to reassure themselves), they cannot afford to show every emotion they feel, because the few times they did, people have been analysing it to death. They cannot allow themselves to be spontaneous, because they've forgotten how to be spontaneous when there is a camera around (which doesn't mean they do not know at all).

The few times you see Yuzu expressing an emotion that overwhelms him is when they make him relive his massive trauma, over and over again (which is probably the least healthy thing to do with someone who has lived through these kind of traumatising events), or when he spoke with that man who had lost everything (and who, consequently would have made anybody, with even half a heart, react).


Where the journalist sounds almost disappointed (oh, we didn't get to see *real emotions* because he's too "mediagenic"), all I hear is : We've used him for so very long, in a way that has been unhealthy from the very start, but now he's mastered his own reactions, and that's slightly annoying, because it means he's bested us, the media. Damn.

Then what is it that sets him apart from, say, child stars? They grew up with a camera in their faces too, or the children of famous people who are now grown up. We do see them break down every now and then, why is he different? It just gives me more things to wonder about

 

[narcissa]

Then what is it that sets him apart from, say, child stars? They grew up with a camera in their faces too, or the children of famous people who are now grown up. We do see them break down every now and then, why is he different? It just gives me more things to wonder about

Well, not all of them, right? Also, I think some child stars don't have a support group the way Yuzu does, and are surrounded by people who are fake and/or trying to use them...
Whereas Yuzu is lucky to have grounded parents and family, coach, support team, etc....

Also, there's probably selection bias, because a lot of child stars are spoiled because no one wants to tell them no, whereas Yuzu wouldn't be where he is if he was coddled or spoiled or had personality issues...

 

[YuzusHydroblade]

Well, not all of them, right? Also, I think some child stars don't have a support group the way Yuzu does, and are surrounded by people who are fake and/or trying to use them...
Whereas Yuzu is lucky to have grounded parents and family, coach, support team, etc....

Also, there's probably selection bias, because a lot of child stars are spoiled because no one wants to tell them no, whereas Yuzu wouldn't be where he is if he was coddled or spoiled or had personality issues...

Still i think that trying to mantain something like that all the time... How is he able to handle it O_O

 

[Lysambre]

Then what is it that sets him apart from, say, child stars? They grew up with a camera in their faces too, or the children of famous people who are now grown up. We do see them break down every now and then, why is he different? It just gives me more things to wonder about

Children stars, unlike Yuzu, don't have to master anything about them to start with. He's been mastering his body to near perfection, and along with it, his mind.

Also, my guess is that the people surrounding him are actually thinking of his well being first and foremost, thus protecting him and supporting him. While children stars are just being used like tools by nearly everyone surrounding them, very little support, no protection. Makes a huge difference.

(just saw that Narcissa answered along the same line )

 

[Yatagarasu]

Child stars, if we are talking about the entertainment world, have really difficult lives. Not to get into things that aren't skating related but even with an ever-present family, a grounded, stable one that will help, it is still difficult. It's ... not a nice place.

___
Anyway, I don't think the journalist was disappointed. I think he was writing a media analysis of a sorts, which personally I found very, very interesting because someone like Hanyu is a challenge considering he doesn't hit the usual 'media beats' that fit the format of that show. It then presents a challenge to the director to alter the formula but that is almost never done. Too risky, too demanding and possibly, not even allowed.

 

[YuzusHydroblade]

Child stars, if we are talking about the entertainment world, have really difficult lives. Not to get into things that aren't skating related but even with an ever-present family, a grounded, stable one that will help, it is still difficult. It's ... not a nice place.

___
Anyway, I don't think the journalist was disappointed. I think he was writing a media analysis of a sorts, which personally I found very, very interesting because someone like Hanyu is a challenge considering he doesn't hit the usual 'media beats' that fit the format of that show. It then presents a challenge to the director to alter the formula but that is almost never done. Too risky, too demanding and possibly, not even allowed.

Yep, sounds like Yuzuru looks like he keeps pushing things to their limits even outside of skating

 

[Lysambre]

Child stars, if we are talking about the entertainment world, have really difficult lives. Not to get into things that aren't skating related but even with an ever-present family, a grounded, stable one that will help, it is still difficult. It's ... not a nice place.

___
Anyway, I don't think the journalist was disappointed. I think he was writing a media analysis of a sorts, which personally I found very, very interesting because someone like Hanyu is a challenge considering he doesn't hit the usual 'media beats' that fit the format of that show. It then presents a challenge to the director to alter the formula but that is almost never done. Too risky, too demanding and possibly, not even allowed.

I do think there was some disappointement in what he was saying.

But that said, I found his analysis super interesting too, it was a wonderful read, and very nice to see that at least some journalists, are realising that they cannot put Yuzu in the same pretty little boxes that they use for most other famous people.

To me it just means that after breaking World records and after breaking the ISU notation system, he once again exceeded expectation and he broke the mold some people were trying to make him fit into. One more reason to love him as far as I'm concerned .

 

[teeannroo]

I won't be able to watch his SP live because I have lessons (though we might be doing something other than lessons last period so I might be able to watch it) but I'll definitely try to tune in to his LP.

For the short program, I'll be depending on this thread for info!

 

[gladiolusc]

Child stars, if we are talking about the entertainment world, have really difficult lives. Not to get into things that aren't skating related but even with an ever-present family, a grounded, stable one that will help, it is still difficult. It's ... not a nice place.

___
Anyway, I don't think the journalist was disappointed. I think he was writing a media analysis of a sorts, which personally I found very, very interesting because someone like Hanyu is a challenge considering he doesn't hit the usual 'media beats' that fit the format of that show. It then presents a challenge to the director to alter the formula but that is almost never done. Too risky, too demanding and possibly, not even allowed.

This, this. You all know I'm grumpy about SA2 ^_^, but Hanyu is indeed a challenge. The way he fails to fit into a regular documentary format to appeal to the emotional, but is himself so articulate and clear, is really interesting. I think SA2 misrepresented him to a large degree, in order to fit him into a storyline. A more intimate representation like Jounetsu Tairiku however, lacked the initial impact of something being revealed because Yuzuru is so on point that it doesn't feel like the documentary revealed a "gap". And all of this even though the things Hanyu does and the things that happen to him are quite dramatic Quite a puzzle

The way I read it, the author was mildly disappointed in the delivery of Jounetsu Tairiku, but realized that Yuzuru was actually saying really profound things that left him thinking a lot (and that really reverberated with his fans because see all the talk in twitter). So he became interested in why the delivery fell flat.

 

[wookchub]

I truly love reading through this thread! Such good humour, but also I'm so grateful for your generous translations!

Regarding that journalist, I found it a fascinating read as it's something I think a lot of fans have noticed; just where does Yuzuru's wisdom/thought come from? Whether it's the case that he is so very used to the media and so very well prepared, we may never know...I do think he's exceptional at self-reflection though. To say he doesn't try to overcome his pain, that he's weak - I'm sure these are all thoughts he has become familiar with through the harder times of his life (and he's had his fair share of those times). Maybe it's not so much that he's prepared for these questions from the media, but that he's asked them of himself so much and found these answers for himself

Either way what a wonderful read!

 

[xeyra]

I'm just going to drop this absolutely hilarious thing. I know people avoid fanfic like the plague but this is different. It's about the war between Yuzu's 4Lo and 4S, told from the quads POV. It's amazing.

 

[gladiolusc]

I'm just going to drop this absolutely hilarious thing. I know people avoid fanfic like the plague but this is different. It's about the war between Yuzu's 4Lo and 4S, told from the quads POV. It's amazing.

And omg, yes thanks for this. I did just giggle in the middle of a mass group meeting and gave away that I wasn't paying attention.... but that's another issue!

 

[mcq]

Child stars, if we are talking about the entertainment world, have really difficult lives. Not to get into things that aren't skating related but even with an ever-present family, a grounded, stable one that will help, it is still difficult. It's ... not a nice place.

___
Anyway, I don't think the journalist was disappointed. I think he was writing a media analysis of a sorts, which personally I found very, very interesting because someone like Hanyu is a challenge considering he doesn't hit the usual 'media beats' that fit the format of that show. It then presents a challenge to the director to alter the formula but that is almost never done. Too risky, too demanding and possibly, not even allowed.

I think it is interesting too. Not just the article and its content but how the article's impression differ from person to person.
What I get from reading it was, at first, s/he is underwhelmed when watching the docu because s/he thought s/he would see a different side of Hanyu. Then she began to analyze, why? Came to a conclusion that what yuzu showed in the docu was not that much different from what he had been showing in public all this time. Then concluded that maybe this kind of format and construction of documentary is not going to fit with someone like him (or vice versa).

Anyway, Yuzuru is an athlete. Though his life is in the spotlight, it is still not in the same level compared to celebrities and idols in Japan, imo, and most of his media time is during competition and ice shows. He can still keep his private life (due to staying in Canada, partially, maybe). But even when he is in Sendai, he still manage to live privately. It is not like paparazzi is on his tail or something. So I think he is still in a good condition in that sense?

 

[gladiolusc]

I think it is interesting too. Not just the article and its content but how the article's impression differ from person to person.
What I get from reading it was, at first, s/he is underwhelmed when watching the docu because s/he thought s/he would see a different side of Hanyu. Then she began to analyze, why? Came to a conclusion that what yuzu showed in the docu was not that much different from what he had been showing in public all this time. Then concluded that maybe this kind of format and construction of documentary is not going to fit with someone like him (or vice versa).

Anyway, Yuzuru is an athlete. Though his life is in the spotlight, it is still not in the same level compared to celebrities and idols in Japan, imo, and most of his media time is during competition and ice shows. He can still keep his private life (due to staying in Canada, partially, maybe). But even when he is in Sendai, he still manage to live privately. It is not like paparazzi is on his tail or something. So I think he is still in a good condition in that sense?

It's amazing and lovely that he does this Ninja space kitten forever. I'll laugh forever about how he somehow ended up in Sendai while we were all eagerly tracking flights from Toronto to Seoul without anyone of us realizing. Pulled that off with aplomb!!

 

[xeyra]

It's amazing and lovely that he does this Ninja space kitten forever. I'll laugh forever about how he somehow ended up in Sendai while we were all eagerly tracking flights from Toronto to Seoul without anyone of us realizing. Pulled that off with aplomb!!

Maybe it's that Japanese media is less intrusive outside of certain circumstances (competitions). Just recently Shoma did a ninja too, ending up in Japan after CdP without anyone being the wiser he'd gone back there, only realizing when he was about to leave back to Europe again. Or maybe the both of them have developed some secret ninja skills that allows them to travel back to Japan incognito.

 

[mcq]

It's amazing and lovely that he does this Ninja space kitten forever. I'll laugh forever about how he somehow ended up in Sendai while we were all eagerly tracking flights from Toronto to Seoul without anyone of us realizing. Pulled that off with aplomb!!

Yes! What a time!
He stressed multiple times that he is an athlete and not a tv personality/celebrity. Thus I am inclined to think that all the media that he did was because of obligation moreso than his other main job? I think if he had a choice and if it is not necessary and if it is possible, he would prefer to lay low from the media hype (just like what he is doing). Hence we got the ninjaing and the no-news-dry-period from him. I meant, he does not even have any social media account

Maybe it's that Japanese media is less intrusive outside of certain circumstances (competitions). Just recently Shoma did a ninja too, ending up in Japan after CdP without anyone being the wiser he'd gone back there, only realizing when he was about to leave back to Europe again. Or maybe the both of them have developed some secret ninja skills that allows them to travel back to Japan incognito.

Nope. Marin Honda got a lot of exposure, I think. Maybe much more so than Yuzuru at some point. Her sister is a child actress playing in a very famous drama reaching 40% rating, so even tidbits of things that she does like going to school etc is caught on camera. Her family has a lot of tv exposure too. I'd say Japanese media are mostly interested in Mao, Yuzuru and Marin but not so much with the others, judging from the amount and length of coverage they have.

 

[Altie]

I truly love reading through this thread! Such good humour, but also I'm so grateful for your generous translations!

Regarding that journalist, I found it a fascinating read as it's something I think a lot of fans have noticed; just where does Yuzuru's wisdom/thought come from? Whether it's the case that he is so very used to the media and so very well prepared, we may never know...I do think he's exceptional at self-reflection though. To say he doesn't try to overcome his pain, that he's weak - I'm sure these are all thoughts he has become familiar with through the harder times of his life (and he's had his fair share of those times). Maybe it's not so much that he's prepared for these questions from the media, but that he's asked them of himself so much and found these answers for himself

Either way what a wonderful read!

Yuzuru has said several times that his studies helped him in his life as an athlete... And I think he's studied sport's psychology, among other things, or am I wrong ?
That, and the fact that he wants to help other athletes going through difficult times, once his retired, make me think that he has a deep, sincere interest in this topic, and that he's probably prone to introspection.
I tend to think that, when he says things like "I'm going to train more", it's his media face speaking, it's sincere but his thoughts are much more profound than that. We know that he's been injured or ill but didn't tell anyone for a long time, and never complained... so he does have secrets.

However, when he speaks about how cruel efforts can be, about the fact that he's weak, that he's not humble, that he doesn't fight pain but embrace it... I feel he's really speaking his mind.

It's amazing and lovely that he does this Ninja space kitten forever. I'll laugh forever about how he somehow ended up in Sendai while we were all eagerly tracking flights from Toronto to Seoul without anyone of us realizing. Pulled that off with aplomb!!

Yes, but still he complained about how he couldn' live a normal life in Japan because of the paparazzi... Which is pretty sad, considering the fact that he lives his life in Canada as an exile
I also have the feeling that the questions he gets now are less intrusive than before. I wouldn't be surprised journalist have to sign a NDA now before interviewing him. But he can't do that with paps

 

[gladiolusc]

Nope. Marin Honda got a lot of exposure, I think. Maybe much more so than Yuzuru at some point. Her sister is a child actress playing in a very famous drama reaching 40% rating, so even tidbits of things that she does like going to school etc is caught on camera. Her family has a lot of tv exposure too. I'd say Japanese media are mostly interested in Mao, Yuzuru and Marin but not so much with the others, judging from the amount and length of coverage they have.

I'm aware that Marin and family are represented by Oscar Agency. Is Yuzuru represented by any agency? Brian and Javi are with IMG, but I don't think that's the case with Yuzuru. Curious