Kazuki Tomono

[KiraraChin]

Needless to say I'm absolutely elated for Kazuki. Being 5th on his first GP assignment, the first GP of the season (when everyone is still a bit rusty, and with THAT line-up! Absolutely amazing!

Here's his FS protocol: https://twitter.com/Tomono_Infonet/status/1185709910014578688?s=19 (WTH j8!?)

And this is a good analysis of his strengths and weaknesses: https://twitter.com/bigfanofskating/status/1185711245728464896?s=19

In the FS, he was 2nd in jump BV behind Nathan. He was also 3rd in spins and steps behind only Nathan and Jason! BTW, he step sequence not only got level 4 but also +1.11 GOE! I guess his childhood nickname "The Prince of Steps" still applies

His issues were GOE deductions and very low PCS. The GOE was harsh (especially compared to some other skaters that get positive GOE even when the landing is rough), but not totally unfair... PCS though... He was absolutely ROBBED!

Sadly GOEs and PCS are the areas when politicking matters the most in the current system, and we know Kazuki isn't a Fed favourite so it's going to be an uphill battle for him. But hopefully his 5th place finish will show the Fed (and everyone else) that they can't write him off.

 

[Tsurara]

Now, Take that, Jackie! (Right, surimi?)
The owl has been watching...:dev3:

Anyways, I'm so happy, not with the results, but with his smiles and words at the interviews, although he sounded like he's having a sore throat. He, obviously, and finally, felt that he made an actual step forward to his goal as he said, and what caught me the most from his words (that I remember) was that he felt like he had been kinda bound by something (like a curse or his mental problem or w/e haunted him) for a while (especially the last 3 competitions) but he finally felt he was set free from that now at this competition. Of course he is not satisfied with his results, but he feels that he made a step forward and can now start advancing further! I could also see the strong will and vibe of "I ain't gonna fall!" from the screens and he survived and stayed strong even after some mistakes.
(Remind me if I forget, but I'll translate his words later if I get to find some videos.)

Arriba, lucky you! and thanks for the report on your interaction with him! (Hey, but remember, he loves good hamburgers too, and he's not exactly a restaurant type of guy! (unlike Shoma ) I'd say it isn't too hard to imagine he's gonna show up at a food court, but you got the right timing! I'm sure he was pleased to meet you, someone there who recognized him at once, too!) Did he have a sore throat when you talked to him too??? Or did he catch a cold or something after he got there?
Please let us hear how the whole thing (I mean his performance and the audience) was like as someone who watched it live there later when you're back and recover from the trip!!!

KiraraChin, thanks always for all the updates! (Would you please make a list of stuff that needs translations? lol)
I especially enjoyed that twitter art of Mills sensei and Tomono-kun doing the choreo work by the animater!

pianistliz, welcome aboard!

I can't believe I actually survived this weekend myself :hap85:
(I can't check twitter when I'm not at home as I don't have a twitter account)

 

[KiraraChin]

Now for some more positive things!
Kazuki was invited to the gala! YAY!
https://twitter.com/ShomaSocute/status/1185822383665344512?s=19
I'm excited to see "Freaks" again! I'm also happy he was scheduled to appear in the 2nd half, towards the end. I guess the organisers know he's gonna slay

Also, did you see even ISU thought he was cute https://twitter.com/KiraraChin/status/1185704337806364679?s=19

There was a fluff piece with him on Japanese TV too, where he compares FS to ramen
https://twitter.com/kokomadekokomo/status/1185787919165902849?s=19
https://twitter.com/Minato_hose/status/1185795461547872256?s=19

 

[KiraraChin]

Hi everyone! So the gala was a lot of fun

Kazuki participated in the Men group number, in which he got to... twerk...
https://twitter.com/Summer29child/status/1186029710100201472?s=19

He also got to be a magician's assistant! His reaction was the cutest thing ever! I think he was so shook that he ended up making mistakes in the EX. It was still a great performance!
https://youtu.be/u7gwC3tEVEE

 

[KiraraChin]

I'd never heard of him before this weekend, but gosh he was amazing! And his free skate is definitely one of my favorites this season!!!

Welcome to the Kazuki fandom pianistliz! Please don't hesitate to post here and/or ask any questions!

Just... please get rid of the shaven hair, Kazuki, pretty please? Looks like a Han Yan immitation, and so doesn't become Kazuki. Justice for Kazuki's hair!

I'm also not keen on the hairstyle he's using for the free. Actually what I think looks best is his hair without any styling, like at practice. His natural hair is really beautiful and shiny! I keep thinking he should do a shampoo ad

KiraraChin, thanks always for all the updates! (Would you please make a list of stuff that needs translations? lol)
I especially enjoyed that twitter art of Mills sensei and Tomono-kun doing the choreo work by the animater!

pianistliz, welcome aboard!

I can't believe I actually survived this weekend myself :hap85:
(I can't check twitter when I'm not at home as I don't have a twitter account)

You're very welcome, Tsurara! Sorry most of the links I post are from Twitter, I thought you could open the links with a browser, even on your phone?

Thank you so much for your report! I noticed he coughed a bit when he finished FS, so it's likely he had a bit of a cold...

As for translations, it would be great if you could translate his post SP interview:
https://twitter.com/main120312031/status/1185452037334425601?s=19
https://twitter.com/main120312031/status/1185452452906033152?s=19

Also the Japanese TV fluff piece:
https://twitter.com/Minato_hose/status/1185795461547872256?s=19

And his post EX interview!
https://twitter.com/nwcgold2019/status/1186243882004049920?s=19

Thanks, Tsurara-san!

 

[Giu]

Just... please get rid of the shaven hair, Kazuki, pretty please? Looks like a Han Yan immitation, and so doesn't become Kazuki. Justice for Kazuki's hair!

Ahah I totally agree with you and Kirara! I have been waiting patiently for him to make his hair to grow again, but he seems to like it like that :noshake:

Also my mum, who isn't a Kazuki or figure skating fan at all, yesterday complained about his new haircut cause she remembers Kazuki's beautiful long hair from last year

Should we start a petition to preserve his natural hair?

 

[surimi]

Now, Take that, Jackie! (Right, surimi?)

Eh, what? Sorry I'm feeling dense today and didn't get it?

 

[KiraraChin]

Kazuki went to Cirque du Soleil after SkAm! I really love seeing him smile
https://www.instagram.com/p/B34YncPjQX0/

Here's some pics from the gala. You can see his flowy and shiny hair in all his glory
https://twitter.com/BluecosmosH/status/1186057156757471232?s=19
https://twitter.com/nekodaifuku1/status/1186058008876351493?s=19
https://twitter.com/mromron_58/status/1186320987291172865?s=19
https://twitter.com/ashanizer/status/1186113067731443713?s=19
https://twitter.com/takeyo55098794/status/1186158596297412613?s=19
https://twitter.com/_es_mq/status/1186082437714939904?s=19
https://twitter.com/mm_1719au/status/1186079904418283520?s=19
https://twitter.com/mm_1719au/status/1186076424580395008?s=19
https://www.instagram.com/p/B335xZyJIfJ/?igshid=88k6cfolyfil
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3351LKprfZ/?igshid=1gb9bcfpt6o11
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3354AwJ_Y3/?igshid=1rjbk39gqwb1g
https://www.instagram.com/p/B336I_nJ-iM/?igshid=1onerep65qgib

Ahah I totally agree with you and Kirara! I have been waiting patiently for him to make his hair to grow again, but he seems to like it like that :noshake:

Also my mum, who isn't a Kazuki or figure skating fan at all, yesterday complained about his new haircut cause she remembers Kazuki's beautiful long hair from last year

Should we start a petition to preserve his natural hair?

I actually don't mind his hair a bit shorter like now, I just like to see it flowing naturally with no gel or anything of the sort
I understand what he's trying to do with his slick Moulin Rouge hairstyle, but it doesn't flatter him very much IMO.
On a positive note, I'm glad his perm phase is over

Eh, what? Sorry I'm feeling dense today and didn't get it?

I think it's because Jackie predicted Kazuki would finish in 11th, while you predicted 6th, which was way more accurate

 

[moonstruck]

Kazuki's free skate is so good this season, I don't even really like Moulin Rouge programs, but his can be my exception The audience at SkAm totally fell in love with him as well. Hopefully this promising start can be a sign for more good things to come his way this season!!

 

[KiraraChin]

Right?
I absolutely love Kazuki's energy on the free, he's so intense and fiery!

Check out some more amazing pics from Kazuki's free at SkAm!
https://twitter.com/marinco_fs/status/1186388850551050240?s=19
https://twitter.com/marinco_fs/status/1186388723082022912?s=19
https://twitter.com/marinco_fs/status/1186388801884573696?s=19
https://twitter.com/marinco_fs/status/1186388961859530757?s=19

BTW, The Skating lesson released their latest episode about Skate America, and they mentioned Kazuki:
https://youtu.be/lxZNumue5NI (from 1:47:40). I will transcribe at some point (most likely over the weekend), but just to sum up:
Although they make some catty comments about his music choice and overall packaging ("Daisuke 2008"), they basically repeat what they said after Lombardia: they believe in Kazuki's potential, they said he can be a great star in Japanese skating if he gets consistency and Dave Lease even calls him "my beloved son" This makes me really happy as so many people (incl some FS commentators) understimate his potential and talent.

 

[Tsurara]

@surimi, don't worry too much, but as KiraraChin said. One of your previous posts said you predicted him to be in top 6.

Kazuki gained a lot of new fans today, I bet! The crowd loved him. Great skate for Kazuki, a seasons best. I am hopefull that this will only get better and better! He is so special!

Kazuki's free skate is so good this season, I don't even really like Moulin Rouge programs, but his can be my exception The audience at SkAm totally fell in love with him as well. Hopefully this promising start can be a sign for more good things to come his way this season!!

Love hearing these!!! Gimme more please!!!

As for translations, it would be great if you could translate his post SP interview:
https://twitter.com/main120312031/status/1185452037334425601?s=19
https://twitter.com/main120312031/status/1185452452906033152?s=19

Also the Japanese TV fluff piece:
https://twitter.com/Minato_hose/status/1185795461547872256?s=19

And his post EX interview!
https://twitter.com/nwcgold2019/status/1186243882004049920?s=19

I'll do the TV fluff one later. I just found some on ytube today for those interviews (and Oda-kun's commentary) so I'm posting them later.

As for "Japanese hair"... well, it may look all black and shiny to you, but not all have it the same way... I mean, some have natural shiny straight black (or brown-ish black) like you all appreciate (basically what we call, "sara-sara hair"), some have thick and not complete straight but with some natural wave/curl (not good one) that makes it very hard to fix... Mine is the latter. I suspect Tomono-kun has rather thick and hard-to-fix type of hair, which explains why he (or whoever did his hair) tried a two-blocks style so it won't explode on a humid/rainy day. This type of hair is not completely straight and it takes some time, skills and/or efforts (with a good brush and hair dryer) to have it straight and shiny (like the one he had on gala, I think someone helped him with it before the magic show). If my suspicion is correct, good news is that he wouldn't go bald easily, but he probably has a hard time fixing it every morning if left just natural, and usually easier to fix it with some perms and/or gels.
Anyways, I'm sure he's currently on the quest of finding the best hairstyle for himself, so don't be too hard on him, please!

ETA:
I don't mind twitter links, KiraraChin, don't worry about it! It's just that they don't allow me to browse it from smartphones without making an account/be logged in, so I can't check them when I'm not home, but I can after I come back home and am on my pc.

 

[Tsurara]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHZr9ZGnJGQ

Oda's commentary:
He (Tomono) challenged a tough layout of 2 quad jumps in short. In 6-min warm-up, it looked like he was struggling with jumps a bit, but I think he wrapped it up quite well (considering his struggles at warm-up). The very first 4T, I'm afraid it looked a bit under-rotated to me. Yeah, it's underrotated, and he added a double toe, but only the 4T will be counted for the score, and then will get negative GOE from there. This 4S too (not good for TES), it's rotated fully and he landed it, but his landing posture was not perfect, so I'm afraid it'll get a negative GOE. 3A as well, he usually has one with a positive GOE of +3, but here I'm afraid he won't with this 3A and may suffer a bit on TES overall. So, even though it looks like he managed jumps, I'm afraid that his TES scores might be a bit... struggling one.
(Oda also praised the choreo having an originality during the program.)
(I heard Hiraike sensei at K&C saying "kore saiaku/this, the worst" for one of his combination spins, not sure exactly what he was referring to when he said that, but I think Tomono-kun wasn't sitting properly (position too high) in one of his sit-spins and got level 3 and V mark, so possibly that one?)

After SP Interview

- First of all, this year's GPS has just started. Looking back, how was it overall with short?
Well, I was very nervous, but compared to the last 3 or so competitions, I managed to wrap it up somehow, and it feels like I made one step forward. The score was far from satisfying. The jump, that combination jump, I (didn't mean to but) toed with my left foot (and couldn't stop it), I knew that I shouldn't have, I knew I'd lose points for losing a combo by adding a double (to the 4T). I have to learn to cool out and be calm. I knew I wouldn't be getting those points, so that's that. But, yes, it feels like I made a step forward, I could perform with a good expression on my face, and now, I'd like to start focusing on free tomorrow.
- Regarding what you said, one step forward, what made you feel that way?
Well, I had been feeling very weak/discouraged to compete for a while, and, what is it, like, I was feeling less worried (this time), or, how should I put it, it's been long since the last time I was being my usual self to perform (a program)... Right now, rather than being concerned about the score, I'm just so pleased with the fact that I could smile in my own performance after a long time. I'm not satisfied with the content (of my performance) at all, and it's nothing to be satisfied with and I shouldn't be, but I want to take this one step forward positively. And now, for free, I would like to bring out what I've done.
- Let me ask one more, you're having 2 different quads this season, how about that?
Well, due to small mistakes, like those I had in this competition too, and such, you don't always get enough points even when you have 2 quads. So, I have to seek each one's quality, otherwise end up only with having risks. That's the most difficult part, I think. But, for me, trying these tough layouts now will help me get a weapon in the future, I believe. Really, I've accumulated so many mistakes and failures in the past, so I'm not giving up, I just need to place feet flat sound to advance step by step positively in a calm manner.
- I'm sure you had a positive feeling today, give us one last word (thought or message) for tomorrow.
I'd like to take a leap of faith and be myself to perform tomorrow, too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awkQQ9Pr_iM

Oda's commentary:
The first 4T-3T was very beautiful. The GOE should be positive 2 to 3 worth, it was that good, I think. The rotational axis was very tight (? narrow?) and it looked very beautiful. As for 4S, I'm afraid he had a bit too much strain on his shoulders. And this 3A, it looked to me like he dragged and lingered the strain (that he had for 4S, onto this 3A). He is usually very good at 3As, so I'm sure he can fix that right away. Here, he added a 3T after the second 3A, I think it was well-done, really, gambatta.

After FS Interview

- So the first GPS is over. How does it feel?
There were quite a few small mistakes, but I'm really glad that I can feel I'm advancing forward one by one, step by step, and I can feel positively. The score was not yet there at all, far from my ideal one, but I believe I'm growing little by little. I'd like to aim higher for the next one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZL7wBIpx-IY

After EX Interview

(First question wasn't shown)
As it's an exhibition, the best fruit from it is that I had a fun skating it.
- This competition really has become something like a turning point for you, I think. Now that you look back at it, what do you think?
I'm so pleased that I can finish it with the way I wanted the most, to finish it after performing in ex. It's really flattering that I was allowed to perform it in this order, and for the competition itself too, it was great. I mean, I could do a lot better, but my feeling-wise, it pushed me to make a step forward, so that was really something. I gained a lot in this competition.
- There aren't much time until the next one, Russian Cup. What do you want it to be like?
Including exhibition (laugh) I want to do and finish everything perfectly. I want to be myself and do my own performance, and then the results should follow, I think. So, first of all, I want to keep a strong will to show my performances to everyone, seek results when training/practicing, and keep on working hard/gambaru every day.

 

[KiraraChin]

I'll do the TV fluff one later. I just found some on ytube today for those interviews (and Oda-kun's commentary) so I'm posting them later.

As for "Japanese hair"... well, it may look all black and shiny to you, but not all have it the same way... I mean, some have natural shiny straight black (or brown-ish black) like you all appreciate (basically what we call, "sara-sara hair"), some have thick and not complete straight but with some natural wave/curl (not good one) that makes it very hard to fix... Mine is the latter. I suspect Tomono-kun has rather thick and hard-to-fix type of hair, which explains why he (or whoever did his hair) tried a two-blocks style so it won't explode on a humid/rainy day. This type of hair is not completely straight and it takes some time, skills and/or efforts (with a good brush and hair dryer) to have it straight and shiny (like the one he had on gala, I think someone helped him with it before the magic show). If my suspicion is correct, good news is that he wouldn't go bald easily, but he probably has a hard time fixing it every morning if left just natural, and usually easier to fix it with some perms and/or gels.
Anyways, I'm sure he's currently on the quest of finding the best hairstyle for himself, so don't be too hard on him, please!

ETA:
I don't mind twitter links, KiraraChin, don't worry about it! It's just that they don't allow me to browse it from smartphones without making an account/be logged in, so I can't check them when I'm not home, but I can after I come back home and am on my pc.

Thank you so much for the translations, Tsurara-san!
It's just so nice to see him finally speaking positively after a performance :sad21: I really do hope that he uses his experience at SkAm to build up his confidence for CoR. It would be great to have another 5th place finish or higher! I believe he can do it!

Thank you as well for your explanation re: the Japanese hair! I think whomever fixes his hair for practices and EX does a great job, because it looks so flowy and shiny! I don't mind the SP hairstyle too much, it's just the free's 'slick' hairstyle that I think doesn't agree with him. But, as you said, he's still experimenting!

About the Twitter links, I didn't know that you had to sign in when opening the links on mobile! I tend to post Twitter links as it's the social network I use the most, I hope it's not too much trouble for everyone...

 

[KiraraChin]

BTW, did you guys see Kazuki's IG story from a couple of days ago: https://imgur.com/a/hOy0qOs
I'm not sure but it seems it's about him going back to university?
Can I just say as someone who lives in grey and rainy England... I'm really jealous of the weather in this story :sad4:

I keep running into more amazing pics from SkAm! :luv17:
Check out 'Flying Kazuki'! https://www.instagram.com/p/B38fxRPJFEq/
Also these pics from the SP and FS:
https://twitter.com/derpyeon/status/1187217917882093569
https://twitter.com/derpyeon/status/1187232741147971590
https://twitter.com/_es_mq/status/1187286361075699712 (I love the sass in the second picture!)

 

[KiraraChin]

As promised, the transcript of TSL's comments after Skate America (sorry it took me so long).

Jonathan: But oh my gosh, Tomono!
Dave: My son. My beloved son.
J: You called it. Now, the short programme doesn't really do it for me, but he had some really beautiful moments, in the free especially.
D: Now, the aesthetic for the long really reminds of... as if Misha Ge wanted to revise the 'hack and sack' era of Daisuke Takahashi, when we had like the velvet onesies with the multi-colour and the crap in the front, like what is going on, and that slick back hair like we are covered in dried vomit according to Adam's book, Gucci cologne dripping everywhere... That is a real look to it, it needed the fshhh (makes moves like MR stsq) footwork sequence coming out of nowhere and, by the way...
(they go on a tangent about Nathan's footwork)
D: But Kazuki Tomono, the only thing there... The music edit is horrible, how it goes in between songs, it's just random and rough, but... I love that he... That Kazuki might be sitting at home and thinking: 'You know, today is that day... that I will do Moulin Rouge. I will give it MY point of view'. As if it hadn't been done to death. (laugh)
J: 'You know what the word is missing? MY interpretation of this tired piece in skating' (laugh)
D: Right, right after... 'Today... I will be Tessa Virtue, and I would like to think...' (both laugh)
J: Amazing. Amazing. Rock the tour, or whatever...
D: He was 'Rocking the rink'* with his performance...
J: Rocking the Rink!
D: Giving you Takahashi 2008, alright, it was everything. He can be such a star. I do feel like both him and Eunsoo are missing some kind of older drunk male Russian figure to really bang on the boards with guards and...
J: To lock in the checks, you know, when they're landing. Yeah.
D: In the discipline and consistency, you know. I think if they both keep... I think if Tomono keeps the set content, he can be such a star in Japan. Because, let's be honest, Shoma Uno, you never know how his jumping passes will go. We are on a ride with that free leg.
J: I know.
D: If this boy can get a little bit more consistent and aggressive, he is the real deal. He has the whole package, the whole look, the audience loves him, the judges love him, he has like a sweet quality to the whole skating. He's like a Jason Brown with jumps, OK? He is really... the whole deal.
J: Yeah, he has some really special extensions and things coming his way, yeah.
D: I think he is... He's beloved.

*Rock the Rink is the name of Virtue/Moir series of shows

As you can see, in true TSL fashion, some really catty comments And I'm really not sure if the judges really love Kazuki
But I think it's really nice that they really recognise and appreciate Kazuki's talent. You see so many people (incl commentators) being dismissive of Kazuki, but you can see that despite all the cattiness, TSL really believe in him and his potential, and I appreciate that.

 

[Tsurara]

Also the Japanese TV fluff piece:
https://twitter.com/Minato_hose/status/1185795461547872256?s=19

Actually, the one you retweeted is probably the best translation of what he said.
https://twitter.com/kokomadekokomo/status/1185787919165902849
Just to add, he first hesitated, laughing, to reply back to this question, what he thinks ramen and figure skating have in common. It might have taken him a little bit of time (apparently edited, but not too long anyways, I'm sure) and he proudly came up with his answer with a smile and "Yoshi! (sneak edit: Yes, I did it!)". It's a talent Japanese comedians/entertainers need, to give such a silly question a meaning to make it interesting somehow to entertain viewers, and he did it well lol I'm proud of him and so are many Kansai people, I bet! The last half is the same old "enthusiasm" or resolution kind of thing media feel they have to ask every time, and it's all a repetition to me, like, focusing on every single element, doing things one by one and the results will follow, and that kind of stuff.
Except that in this one here on Instagram video,
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3zK-2FpppW/
He said something a little bit new (to me): he's staking his life for his performance, make the best of each moment to gambaru. I think he did! and he will again in Russia! (The board says "今を頑張る/Ima wo gambaru/Gambaru for the present")

BTW, did you guys see Kazuki's IG story from a couple of days ago: https://imgur.com/a/hOy0qOs
I'm not sure but it seems it's about him going back to university?

Yep, he described his campus walking as "圧倒的平和/absolute peace". I was surprised that he was back in Japan and on campus in such a short time afterward! Hopefully he's enjoyed spending time with his friends again, talking about his photos and everything, with his university life (kinda back to normal life for him?) He's already a 3rd year student now, meaning he only has a year and a half left as a university student, ...if he is planning to graduate without taking a break, that is.

As promised, the transcript of TSL's comments after Skate America (sorry it took me so long).

Thank you so much for this, KiraraChin! I think I got about 80% of it, but it hardly made sense to me - not like it makes a perfect sense now either (ha ha) but I get it that they enjoyed that somewhat tacky and stereotypical(?) masculine feel (as we say Otoko-kusai, smells like men) presented by him for the performance. Even though I saw many people in GS forums went "meh" with his choice when it was mentioned and I bet these guys weren't sold with the idea either, yet they still find his performance impressive this much. That is really something. (FYI, many Japanese fans didn't seem to mind his program being one of the top warhorses even before watching one, and many love his short too. Maybe fs fans outside Japan are more conservative than I expect?)

Just two things to them, the music cut isn't just random, you'll have to watch the film or read the story to get it, I think. The weirdness I originally had felt when I first heard the music is kinda disappearing for me, maybe I'm growing to love that edit with his performance, or perhaps Misha sneakingly ninja-edited the piece a bit or he changed the timing very slightly to start moving his arms when the slow part starts? I don't know what it is, or if it's just me, but it now sounds very fitting to me for some reason. Or I'm just getting more biased
And another... I just hope Morozov's fans and Jason Brown's fans don't get offended for what they said :noshake: Such a hyperbole and what makes some people find "not my cup of tea", I guess...maybe... Considering how much they love Daisuke Takahashi, giving him Daisuke 2008 is a huge compliment that came from them too, but they should have saved it for Nam.
(For all it's worth, Tomono-kun's trying to be Scott in MR!!!)

Btw, Asahi Shimbun's Ohnishi-san again did a great article (behind paywall, yet again)
https://digital.asahi.com/articles/ASMBR24
It's such a beautiful article, and I'll work on it on Wednesday, hopefully.

 

[KiraraChin]

Many thanks for your translations, Tsurara-san!
The little videos look even cuter now that you translated the context :
I agree it's amazing he went back to university in such a short space of time! He seems to be such a good student, I wonder if he will do a (post)graduate course after finishing his degree!

BTW, did you guys see his latest instastory? It was a picture of a really nice pair of boots with the word 'care'? I wonder if he polished it himself... :shocked:

Thank you so much for this, KiraraChin! I think I got about 80% of it, but it hardly made sense to me - not like it makes a perfect sense now either (ha ha) but I get it that they enjoyed that somewhat tacky and stereotypical(?) masculine feel (as we say Otoko-kusai, smells like men) presented by him for the performance.

LOL yeah, TSL ramble a lot and they like to do these sort of catty/negative comments about skaters (that's why they put people off).
In this case, though, I think they joke about the 'outdated' packaging and music choice, but I do think they (especially Dave) really like Kazuki and believe in his potential. So for me those comments are just 'TSL being TSL' rather than something to be taken seriously

Btw, Asahi Shimbun's Ohnishi-san again did a great article (behind paywall, yet again)
https://digital.asahi.com/articles/ASMBR24
It's such a beautiful article, and I'll work on it on Wednesday, hopefully.

Yaaaaassss, can't wait!

 

[Tsurara]

(For all it's worth, Tomono-kun's trying to be Scott in MR!!!)

My own post, buuuut, let me take that back.
After all, no matter what he does, he is Tomono Kazuki and nobody else

I agree it's amazing he went back to university in such a short space of time! He seems to be such a good student, I wonder if he will do a (post)graduate course after finishing his degree!

BTW, did you guys see his latest instastory? It was a picture of a really nice pair of boots with the word 'care'? I wonder if he polished it himself... :shocked:

As a matter of fact, he did mention about staying at school, taking a post graduate course as one of his options in the below article by another voluntary circle of Doshisha students (Just seen it being tweeted by fans yesterday)
https://www.orisomu.site/introduce/tomono.html
But he also said that he couldn't really decide anything yet as he's too occupied with his current work for his skater career still ongoing for the moment. (meaning, possibly he's considering that option for after-retirement like Machida-kun?)

As for his latest IG story, yes, I agree, he probably meant he's taken care of/polished them himself.

Lastly, again for the heads up on TSL, KiraraChin!

I'll post the translation to Asahi article later this evening.

 

[KiraraChin]

As a matter of fact, he did mention about staying at school, taking a post graduate course as one of his options in the below article by another voluntary circle of Doshisha students (Just seen it being tweeted by fans yesterday)
https://www.orisomu.site/introduce/tomono.html
But he also said that he couldn't really decide anything yet as he's too occupied with his current work for his skater career still ongoing for the moment. (meaning, possibly he's considering that option for after-retirement like Machida-kun?)

As for his latest IG story, yes, I agree, he probably meant he's taken care of/polished them himself.

Lastly, again for the heads up on TSL, KiraraChin!

I'll post the translation to Asahi article later this evening.

Ooohhh thanks! :luv17: I love that he's so down to Earth re: his own career/studies, and wow great job on the shoes!
Can't wait for the Asahi article!

BTW, I know I already posted millions of Skate America pictures but I really liked these pics of Kazuki and Boyang at SkAm gala: https://twitter.com/anya3Lz3Lo/status/1187350195366850560/photo/1 they were having so much fun!
and check out this video of the Men group number from a different angle... You can tell Kazuki and Boyang are the best party boys
https://twitter.com/fuguesque/status/1186242185286561792

 

[Tsurara]

https://digital.asahi.com/articles/ASMBR24K1MBRPTQP006.html
(Sorry, I think I had failed posting the right URL earlier!)

Kazuki Tomono, looking different from a year ago: Experiences he gained from his first GPS overseas
(Note: His 'first' GPS held overseas, as his very first GPS was NHK Trophy in Japan, as a substitute for Dice M.)

October 25, 2019

Seeing his positive attitude, I was honestly surprised how one can change this much after a single year.

Kazuki Tomono (Doshisha Univ) placed 5th in total in Men's discipline at the first round of GPS, Skate America. Prefacing his remark by saying, "It was never a satisfying result," he still had a beaming face. (I) checked up on his (current) thoughts: different now from the last season when he looked rather unconfident.

All in all, a lot of smiles he showed us throughout the event. Even after a mistake, he always came up with positive words.

Starting with the practice before the competition day, he successfully landed quads, one after another. "My condition is really great. I just need to believe in my skating to get it done," he said in a strong attitude. In SP on 20th, he made mistakes including the combination jump with 4T, and ended up placing 8th. Yet, he said, "After a really long time, I was finally able to have a real laugh/smile in a competition from the bottom of my heart. The result is not there yet, but I'm satisfied with what I did."

And Free. He landed a successful clean combination jump of 4T-3T at the start of the program, and earned the highest level 4s with all his spins and steps. He did make a mistake of 'hand' with 4S, but he said, "I could do it all as I hoped. I hadn't felt this way for a very long time. It gave me a step forward." Despite he finished the competition at 5th in total, he had been totally bright till the last moment.

Perhaps he was a different person a year ago.
　
It was his first GPS hosted outside Japan for Tomono to be assigned to represent Japan at Skate Canada. The result was 9th in total. Beside Shoma Uno (Toyota) who achieved the back-to-back title, he was acting somewhat unconfident. I still remember him getting lost inside the venue, asking "which way was it?" in an intimidated manner back then. At the interview right after the competition, he responded with his eyes downcast and came up with all negative words like "the pressure to represent Japan..." and "I'm not yet a top level skater to compete internationally."

So what changed him to be so positive after a year?

"I'm not sure, but maybe, in a positive way, I've gone off the scale or something...? (As for the last season) I felt I had to get results and ended up being driven by my programs, failing to bring out my own advantages. There had always been a feeling of my own absence." In regard to this competition, however, he continued, "Finally I could finish it feeling like it was 'I' who performed and made an appearance at the competition. First time in ages I'm feeling this way. That made me real happy above all else."

He knows it's a competition to win or lose. "I've been competing trying to win a medal, but it may not be a good idea for my temperament nature to focus too much on it (winning) in competition, I'm afraid. By focusing on the skating (performance) that I want to do during the competition, it made me feel a lot easier. And that moment, my body felt so light. So, I could perform as I wanted to."

Taijin Hiraike, who's been coaching him since he was little, said, "He is going through an experience one by one. He had silly mistakes too, but the fruit was his (quad) toe-loop. He is a plug-along type. He does not suddenly improve overnight." Koshiro Shimada, who officially moved up to Senior this season and placed 10th in total at Skate America, said, "I'm glad to have Kazuki-kun here with me for my GPS debut. It made me feel really comfortable. He treated me well both as a good senpai and a good friend," explaining he's one to turn to/lean on.

He climbed up to 5th at Skate America, from 9th in total of the last season (as Skate Canada for the first GPS result). From the step-up he may have gained something not obvious from just numbers alone. Tomono states with certainty that he's definitely improved since last year. His next entry is CoR, the 5th round of GPS in Russia. I'm sure he's going to show us his growth even further. (By F. Ohnishi, Las Vegas)​