Kazuki Tomono

[kwanette]

Yes we do! We already know the music and choreographer for his new SP (Cody Fry's 'Underground', choreo by Jeff Buttle), and he said he thinks he'll be ready to debut it at DOI

As for his FS, I think it's likely he already chose the music but it hasn't been choreographed yet. We already know his new FS will be choreographed by Misha Ge again and they haven't been together since Worlds

Now, after FaOI and before DOI, Kazuki has a break of about 3 weeks and half - his biggest stretch of time off in the whole of the off-season So, I think it's likely he will go to California soon to be with Misha and choreograph his new FS. Given the timeline, I think debuting the new FS at DOI will be too soon, so maybe we will see his new FS at The Ice in late July.

The biggest mystery for me is the EX. At this point, having an iconic EX is basically part of Kazuki's 'brand' and personally something that I look forwarding to seeing as much as a new SP and FS. He said before he was looking for music for a new EX but it's clear he hasn't had a new one choreographed yet. As 'Tsumugi' by DAPUMP has been such a big success at FaOI, will he keep it as his EX for the season? Will that be allowed, or will this fall into FaOI copyright? Will he want to do that? So many questions

Meanwhile, here's a cute Kazuki and Sota message to fans on the last day of FaOI:

So Kazuki is free now? I cannot keep up with him..

 

[KiraraChin]

So Kazuki is free now? I cannot keep up with him..

Technically yes, but only for about three weeks or so lol. His next Ice show is Dreams on Ice, that starts on 30 Jun

 

[kwanette]

Technically yes, but only for about three weeks or so lol. His next Ice show is Dreams on Ice, that starts on 30 Jun

Hopefully he is packing for California..and will be stopping at In and Out Burger! Misha always posts a lot..

 

[KiraraChin]

Guys, check out this non-no IG reel with footage of Kazuki at the Tsuchiya Kaban factory: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtGVuKNg3gV/
He looks really happy, it's so so cute

There were a couple of IG updates yesterday:

 

[KiraraChin]

Also check out these beautiful illustrations inspired by 'Tsumugi':

 

[KiraraChin]

 

[KiraraChin]

While Kazuki is hopefully enjoying a well-deserved rest, Tsuchiya Kaban tweeted about non-no's IG reel showing his visiting their workshop:

 

[KiraraChin]

JSports broadcast today the full version of the 'onsen' club fan meeting held in April: https://www.jsports.co.jp/skate/fanmeeting/

 

[KiraraChin]

Broadcast alert!

Saturday, 17 June: TV Asahi will broadcast an 'omnibus' edition of WTT, with unreleased footage of team Japan: https://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/ch/contents/sports/0161/

Wednesday, 28 June: Mainichi will host an online event with Kazuki! https://mainichi.jp/articles/20230609/hrc/00m/040/001000d

 

[Figskater23]

Perhaps it is obvious but I still can’t help but wonder, does Kazuki fully know about the support and love from fans overseas? I remember a while back in an article he said he was shocked by the international fan support. Also how big would you say his fan base is? In my eyes Kazuki has so much. His artistry, compassion, strength, and gentleness is so strong and wonderful. What’s not to love?

 

[KiraraChin]

Perhaps it is obvious but I still can’t help but wonder, does Kazuki fully know about the support and love from fans overseas? I remember a while back in an article he said he was shocked by the international fan support. Also how big would you say his fan base is? In my eyes Kazuki has so much. His artistry, compassion, strength, and gentleness is so strong and wonderful. What’s not to love?

I agree. I don't think he knows how much he is loved by fans overseas

I also think many international fans like him, even if they're not super fans like us, they still like his skating and his performances. I think the fact that he's inconsistent sadly play a factor in why some people 'forget' about him at times, and then when he does well they're like 'oh yeah I like this skater'. OR, someone starts liking him because of one event he did well (e.g. Worlds), but when he starts to struggle they feel frustrated because they don't understand he is a 'two steps forward, one step backwars' type of skater. That happens a lot as well. But I think overall he is well-liked!

Meanwhile, there was another FaOI broadcast yesterday and once again lots of praise for him, and especially his 'Tsumugi' EX. Someone also uploaded a clip of him and Sota talking about how happy they were for being at FaOI and how much they respect Yuruzu.

 

[Figskater23]

If you could say something to Kazuki right now in 2023 what would it be? I would tell him that I respect him so much and that I get a lot of inspiration for my skating from him. I have done many facial expressions and skating moves that he has done on the ice and every time I do, I always smile and laugh because I’m having so much fun. There is no other skater like him and I hope he realizes how special he is. If I could met him in person, I would tell him this and much more.

 

[KiraraChin]

If you could say something to Kazuki right now in 2023 what would it be? I would tell him that I respect him so much and that I get a lot of inspiration for my skating from him. I have done many facial expressions and skating moves that he has done on the ice and every time I do, I always smile and laugh because I’m having so much fun. There is no other skater like him and I hope he realizes how special he is. If I could met him in person, I would tell him this and much more.

That's so sweet! I don't think I'd be able to say anything, I'd be too nervous

 

[DizzyFrenchie]

I agree. I don't think he knows how much he is loved by fans overseas

I also think many international fans like him, even if they're not super fans like us, they still like his skating and his performances. I think the fact that he's inconsistent sadly play a factor in why some people 'forget' about him at times, and then when he does well they're like 'oh yeah I like this skater'. OR, someone starts liking him because of one event he did well (e.g. Worlds), but when he starts to struggle they feel frustrated because they don't understand he is a 'two steps forward, one step backwars' type of skater. That happens a lot as well. But I think overall he is well-liked!

Meanwhile, there was another FaOI broadcast yesterday and once again lots of praise for him, and especially his 'Tsumugi' EX. Someone also uploaded a clip of him and Sota talking about how happy they were for being at FaOI and how much they respect Yuruzu.

I would think that if his "inconsistency" might deter some Japanese fans, who would have somehow nationalistic motivations on top of pure skating appreciation, it is unlikely to be a criteria for worldwide fans?

 

[KiraraChin]

I would think that if his "inconsistency" might deter some Japanese fans, who would have somehow nationalistic motivations on top of pure skating appreciation, it is unlikely to be a criteria for worldwide fans?

Hmm I don't know. Maybe it's just a Twitter thing, but I do see people who seem to enjoy his skating, but they get annoyed by the fact that he can't deliver results/clean skates all the time (some have clearly said so).

I gotta admit, being a Kazuki fan is an exercise of patience, because his development has been relatively slow and non-linear, and as he says himself, he makes people nervous at times when he skaters For me it's worth it, because I have faith in him, but other people don't really have the same patience/faith and would rather stan skaters who produce more consistent results.

 

[kwanette]

Hmm I don't know. Maybe it's just a Twitter thing, but I do see people who seem to enjoy his skating, but they get annoyed by the fact that he can't deliver results/clean skates all the time (some have clearly said so).

I gotta admit, being a Kazuki fan is an exercise of patience, because his development has been relatively slow and non-linear, and as he says himself, he makes people nervous at times when he skaters For me it's worth it, because I have faith in him, but other people don't really have the same patience/faith and would rather stan skaters who produce more consistent results.

Kazuki brings me joy..I love skaters who make me "feel" something. He does..

 

[kwanette]

Kazuki is in LA for the week per his Insta Story! https://www.instagram.com/stories/k0515ki/3124599987234030803/

 

[Figskater23]

That's so sweet! I don't think I'd be able to say anything, I'd be too nervous

Oh you don’t have to be nervous around Kazuki. He’s a normal guy. Just bow if you saw him, smile, say hello and tell him what you want him to know. Fun fact I’ve met a figure skater who actually skated with him in the past. She was very nice and said that all the Japanese figure skaters are so kind and wonderful.

 

[Figskater23]

Hmm I don't know. Maybe it's just a Twitter thing, but I do see people who seem to enjoy his skating, but they get annoyed by the fact that he can't deliver results/clean skates all the time (some have clearly said so).

I gotta admit, being a Kazuki fan is an exercise of patience, because his development has been relatively slow and non-linear, and as he says himself, he makes people nervous at times when he skaters For me it's worth it, because I have faith in him, but other people don't really have the same patience/faith and would rather stan skaters who produce more consistent results.

I’ve only known about Kazuki since early 2021 so I still don’t know all that fans have heard and seen about him. In the 2 years that I have known about him, yes he is building himself up to get better and better. I was told by a coach that every skater goes at his or her own pace. Even the smallest steps forward are a big victory. Kazuki will continue to shine in his skating this I just know. No skater is perfect no matter how good he or she is because mistakes happen and bodies change as you age. Kazuki can still do it. I really think he can make it to the next Olympics. Being an alternate for Team Japan in 2022 was huge even if he wasn’t allowed to go because of restrictions. No matter what happens, I’ll always love and support him.

 

[KiraraChin]

Yay for Kazuki in LA! Hope he has a wonderful and productive week with Misha

I also feel a lot of joy watching Kazuki and following his shenanigans off-ice has been extremely fun, too. However, as someone who's been following him closely since March 2018, I can't deny there's been some difficult moments.

The 2018-19 season, for example, was extremely difficult. In theory, he should have done well following Milan 2018, but there was so much on his plate: Misha joined his coaching team and introduced a lot of changes, the return of Daisuke Takahashi to competition (who instantly stole his thunder), and the pressure he put on himself to prove Milan's results 'weren't a fluke'. This led to some heartbreaking results such as 4CC 2019, when we saw him fighting tears of frustration in the K&C

The first half of 2019-20 was also difficult, as it took some time to adapt to a two-quad layout. Competition after competition he struggled, and many thought he should give up and go back to his previous layout. 2020-21 was also a difficult season, as not only him but many Japanese men struggled with the changes brought by the pandemic and the fact that the federation had made clear, by way of scoring and politicking, they had already chosen Yuma Kagiyama for the Olympic team.

Of course, it's precisely because I know he has overcome so much already, that I have complete faith he can overcome whatever struggle comes his way now. However, I can also see how some people might be put off by the emotional rollercoaster and would rather get attached to someone that they perceive to be more consistent. I feel sorry for these people and I think they're missing out on so much, but c'est la vie.