Now we have the rest of AERA interview of Brian
https://dot.asahi.com/aera/2020031900017.html?page=1
──Yuzuru's jump layout of free program at 4CC consisted of 4 quads in 3 types.
Originally, the plan was to not include 4Lo. Of course, I don't think this jump configuration is his technical limit. The strategy was to consider that finishing without injury was more important than anything else. Nathan Chen (20) from the United States also reduced the number of quad to 4 in free program at 4CC.
──Yuzuru's 4Lz was revived this season.
He was injured in 2017, but since he has resumed training 4Lz this season, I can say that it has improved technically because he does it at higher quality than he did two years ago. I think he was scared when he restarted it, but he got over that stage. In the past, he could only do it on good days, but now he is on the stage that he can adjust to do it in any condition.
──How about 4A?
Yuzuru did it in front of everyone for the first time in the practice at GPF. Moreover, he watched for a chance that the coach was not there (laughs). When I heard the news, I was not surprised at all. That was possible if I thought about Yuzuru's character. He often holds “theater”, he tries new things even when his feelings are rising at the finale of the ice shows. But at that time, it was not a very good jump and it was a fall. I have an impression that 4A in the practice in Toronto is closer (to success).
──What does he need technically a little more (for 4A)?
The biggest task for him is that his 3A and 4A have to be slightly different in terms of the way he jumps. In other words, he has to learn and find tips as a different jump. His 3A has a large amount of floating time from jumping up to the start of rotation. An incredibly beautiful jump. But to make four and a half rotations, he has to start rotating as soon as he jumps up.
──How about him jumping bigger and extend the floating time?
It doesn't work like that. Yuzuru's 3A is a type of large jump, so he doesn't need any more height. If he attempts to raise the height depending on the muscle strength, the rotation will be delayed. All he needs to do is to start rotating quicker after jumping up. It is difficult due to slight difference in sense at take-off. If you start rotating early, you will not be able to keep the height or your posture will be distorted. He has been adjusting it little by little. Yuzuru already knows that "the answer is around here". There is the answer in his body, so we are at the stage that I don't need to speak out anymore.
──What is the strategy for his future games?
For Yuzuru, perfect performance with five quads is one goal, and he also wants to land 4A. However, what I stick to as a coach is the quality. Skaters want to play a "game" which they compete for the number of jumps. Especially when the rival, Chen, appears in front of you, you will want to do a lot of jumps. But the essence of figure skating is "quality, not number." Yuzuru has the ultimate beauty of "powerful but effortless skating," so taking advantage of himself is the strongest strategy. My mission is to keep saying, "Quality is more important" to the extent that he gets fed up with me.
──This is the 8th season in a team. What evolution has Hanyu achieved?
For me, Yuzuru remains the same as a 17-year-old boy who came to Toronto eight years ago. But in the last eight years, the eyes of outside have changed. He became a celebrity, has obligations to fulfill, and always wants to keep his fans happy. In other words, the sense of responsibility has changed. That's why we, as a home, value "same as usual" so that he doesn't forget the love for skating and he can enjoy it. Yuzuru turned 25 and became a skater everyone respects. There is the intrinsic beauty of skating, not just jumping. I want him to keep telling, "My skate is beautiful."
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