Kazuki Tomono

[KiraraChin]

Kazuki's Mainichi column has been updated, continuing the series about his memorable programmes, this time about Moulin Rouge: https://mainichi.jp/articles/20240727/k00/00m/050/135000c

Meanwhile, we got a couple of curry updates

Daiichi Juken wrote that they are distributing the curry to the ones involved:


and FM Osaka advertises Kazuki's curry corner - the first edition will be this Friday, 2 Aug

 

[KiraraChin]

Happy August, everyone! Here's how this month looks on Kazuki's calendar:


Yesterday there was a mix of jubilation and sadness across the Japanese fandom:


There were not a lot of tickets available, so those who got it were pretty happy, and those who didn't were pretty sad lol
If only they knew how hard it is to be an international fan

Daiichi Jukken thanked everyone, and said they were happy to receive many applications. They also announced today they're expanding into the hotel/accomodation business - I'm glad their business seems to be doing well!

 

[KiraraChin]

A little glimpse of Kazuki's SP (no music) in this video, at 2:49, and then a gorgeous 3A at 3:20


Meanwhile, today is the debut of Kazuki's 'curry nary step' corner on FM Osaka. Daiichi Juken posted this picture from when they had a curry tasting at FM Osaka:

 

[KiraraChin]

and here's Kazuki at FM Osaka! That's a cute sign of 'Welcome' for him

 

[KiraraChin]

Kazuki skates soon at the Kinoshita Trophy! Good luck!

Meanwhile, his debut on FM Osaka yesterday was a success! Fans were surprised that he wasn't just a guest, but a co-host, and was speaking from the very beginning. He said he was nervous, but sounded very clear and fluent - a natural! Fans said that the 30m passed like a flash, it was really fun.

Some pictures of him and his co-host Shota Shimono

 

[synesthesia]

Haha GN means Group Number! They each performed their new programmes, and also a group number (not clear but likely choreographed by Kazuki himself.

I'm SO surprised Kazuki debuted his new free, and have so many questions... Did he go to Canada, was Lori in Japan, or did they do it virtually? In any case, he described his new free as 'Kazuki Tomono's full size lunchbox' LMAO, as it contains all the characteristics of his skating. It makes me happy that he feels this programme is very 'him', despite the fact that it's the first time he works with Lori, and Lori is also working with so many Japanese skaters this season.

As for the SP, he performed part of it as an encore, and said it's very 'Shae'. He revealed that initially they had decided on a different song, but when they heard 'Tschegue' on the ice, they felt like 'this is it!' and changed last minute.

Apart from that, the event also featured a skating class, and some fans that arrived early got to see Kazuki practising. They said that Kazuki's jumps are looking even more beautiful, and he landed 3A, 4T, 4S and 4T3T with ease, although he didn't include all the jumps in the free.

Here's a short snippet of Kazuki's new free (that twizzle!), group number and some pictures, from Hiraike-sensei IG:

[...]

One thing that got my attention is that the stands were full, which is particularly impressive considering that The Ice Aichi is also happening today. It really shows that it's not really rocket science: if you offer a high-quality event focusing on skating for an affordable price, people will come! I can't help but think that, in this sense, this event channelled the spirit of Kassouya, and in fact I also saw that some Dai fans also attended this event as a way of supporting the Kassouya boys, which made me very happy

Thank you for the explanation. (I should have been able to figure that out myself. )

Also thank you so much for all of the info about Kazuki's new programs and the Figure Skating Festival - it sounds like this was a fun event for everyone involved!

I'm looking forward to seeing Kazuki's programs in full soon!

______________________​

Cross-posting from Dai's fan fest - Dai and Kazuki fan-art, inspired by their joint non-no photoshoot :

 

[surimi]

Good luck, Kazuki! Nail the free!

 

[KiraraChin]

​

Cross-posting from Dai's fan fest - Dai and Kazuki fan-art, inspired by their joint non-no photoshoot :

Thank you so much for sharing this! What a beautiful illustration

The Figure Skating Festival seemed to have been super fun indeed. Apparently Kazuki said he would like to do it again next year, to which Kosho replied 'Let's aim for the Tokyo Dome next'

Welp, if I could summarise Kazuki's Kinoshita Trophy participation, it would be:


First, the SP, in which he effectively missed the two jumping passes (BTW thank you so much for sharing @tsuyoboogie )

Kazuki Tomono 2024 Kinoshita Trophy SP.mp4

drive.google.com

I'm not gonna even share the protocol because the scores are beyond ridiculous but, whilst the programme is obviously still very raw, I can see the vision... I have my doubts if the judges are gonna like it, because they are narrow-minded and conservative, but I think it'll be a huuuuuge crowd pleaser and he will become even more popular with it

As for the FS, I read that, not only was a hot mess jump wise, but he actually submitted the wrong music Rather, the music was right, but the music cuts weren't, which made him go WTF!? in the middle of the performance, and rush his elements in the second half, just to have a completely different song playing and then he had to ad-lib So, for all intents and purposes, he hasn't debuted his actual FS yet...

Still, I hope this is a wake-up call for him. He might be doing well in practice, but he's clearly very far from being competition-ready, so he needs to get his act together. Let's see what happens next week at the Summer Cup...

 

[KiraraChin]

Kazuki FS video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12nx5AF6-OfNO84gfaPWSUWbe_OGa5mV_/view (thank you again @tsuyoboogie for posting it )

He clearly knew something was off since the beginning, but his confused face in the middle of the skate made me laugh (sorry, Kazuki!). Poor guy. It really wasn't a good skate at all, and for the first time I think the score was fair.

I gotta say, what I saw from the choreography didn't inspire me, I still think it've been better to stick with Misha, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt until I can see the full thing and better performed.

Meanwhile, some updates from yesterday:

 

[kwanette]

Kazuki FS video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12nx5AF6-OfNO84gfaPWSUWbe_OGa5mV_/view (thank you again @tsuyoboogie for posting it )

He clearly knew something was off since the beginning, but his confused face in the middle of the skate made me laugh (sorry, Kazuki!). Poor guy. It really wasn't a good skate at all, and for the first time I think the score was fair.

I gotta say, what I saw from the choreography didn't inspire me, I still think it've been better to stick with Misha, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt until I can see the full thing and better performed.

Meanwhile, some updates from yesterday:

TY for the FS video..Not sure how I feel at this point. Time will tell.

 

[kwanette]

I watched it a second time..When did he work w Lori? In Canada? In Japan? Zoom? He never really posted much about the process. I wish that I knew what he was saying in the k/c.

 

[surimi]

Guys, I'll be taking a short break from here until more is known about Sota's condition. I just can't bring myself to feel joy following skating, not even my favorite Kazuki, and to comment when there's total silence on Sota's WD from Kinoshita, and me and other fans are super anxious because it doesn't bode well at all. Thanks for your understanding, and please spare a thought for Kazuki's best FS friend's health. Please let it be nothing serious.

 

[kwanette]

Guys, I'll be taking a short break from here until more is known about Sota's condition. I just can't bring myself to feel joy following skating, not even my favorite Kazuki, and to comment when there's total silence on Sota's WD from Kinoshita, and me and other fans are super anxious because it doesn't bode well at all. Thanks for your understanding, and please spare a thought for Kazuki's best FS friend's health. Please let it be nothing serious.

I did not realize that Sota was injured. I thought maybe it was a Kao situation.

 

[KiraraChin]

I watched it a second time..When did he work w Lori? In Canada? In Japan? Zoom? He never really posted much about the process. I wish that I knew what he was saying in the k/c.

We don't know but, if I were to bet, it was probably via zoom Lori choreographed at least half of Team Japan programmes this season... I wonder if she had some sort of deal with the fed, a 'Buy 1 get one free' situation

As for what he said in the K&C, basically he was confused about what happened the music, he said he had only one CD and then someone else said he must have burnt the demo version to the CD to which he answered that might be it and was basically kicking himself. Hiraike-sensei said to him it was his own fault, and there was no excuse, but he was laughing whilst fixing Kazuki's hair lol

Guys, I'll be taking a short break from here until more is known about Sota's condition. I just can't bring myself to feel joy following skating, not even my favorite Kazuki, and to comment when there's total silence on Sota's WD from Kinoshita, and me and other fans are super anxious because it doesn't bode well at all. Thanks for your understanding, and please spare a thought for Kazuki's best FS friend's health. Please let it be nothing serious.

Thank you for letting us know I'm hoping we hear from Sota soon, hopefully it wasn't anything serious and he'll be able to enjoy his training camp experience in Italy

I did not realize that Sota was injured. I thought maybe it was a Kao situation.

We don't know yet, we only know that he WD from Kinoshita last minute and hasn't given any explanation or posted anything on social media. Fans are understandably anxious because of his history of injuries, but fingers crossed it was nothing serious and we will hear from him soon.

 

[surimi]

Thanks, Kirara!

I did not realize that Sota was injured. I thought maybe it was a Kao situation.

That's not likely, unfortunately. His program must have been finished as he encouraged his fans to watch him on the stream just a few days before Kinoshita. He was definitely planning on competing. And since he's been amazingly communicative with his fans in the recent months and years, it's not like him to be silent after the WD, either. Something must have happened, and I feel we'd have heard from him if it was something trivial like a cold or damaged costumes. That's why I'm so anxious, especially with the 4F in the mix that I know he's been practising. If he's not injured, I'll be so, so happy. It would be so nice to compare the two Lori choreos this season - Sota's and Kazuki's.

 

[kwanette]

We don't know but, if I were to bet, it was probably via zoom Lori choreographed at least half of Team Japan programmes this season... I wonder if she had some sort of deal with the fed, a 'Buy 1 get one free' situation

As for what he said in the K&C, basically he was confused about what happened the music, he said he had only one CD and then someone else said he must have burnt the demo version to the CD to which he answered that might be it and was basically kicking himself. Hiraike-sensei said to him it was his own fault, and there was no excuse, but he was laughing whilst fixing Kazuki's hair lol


Thank you for letting us know I'm hoping we hear from Sota soon, hopefully it wasn't anything serious and he'll be able to enjoy his training camp experience in Italy


We don't know yet, we only know that he WD from Kinoshita last minute and hasn't given any explanation or posted anything on social media. Fans are understandably anxious because of his history of injuries, but fingers crossed it was nothing serious and we will hear from him soon.

Re Lori..I think Kazuki would make his decision at this point in his career.Perhaps he will tell more in a Nonno article. Also, I love Mr. Hirake.

 

[KiraraChin]

Re Lori..I think Kazuki would make his decision at this point in his career.Perhaps he will tell more in a Nonno article. Also, I love Mr. Hirake.

Oh yeah. I'm not saying he didn't make his own decision, but maybe affordable price was a factor in his decision if she charged choreography by bulk lol Anyway, this is just speculation on my part, please don't take it seriously

In fact, today is the first Tuesday of the month so Kazuki's Smile+ radio corner was broadcast, this time the radio host lady went to Osaka to talk to him in person!

Once again, I love that all organisations that get involved with Kazuki end up going above and beyond for him. Working with him must really be a joy It seems that this time he talked about his 2024-25 programmes. According to a mutual, he said 'SP is rhythm, FS is narrative', he confirmed that the SP will have an African-inspired colourful and flashy costume lol and that he wanted to celebrate his own skating life in the FS.

Meanwhile, the lucky fans attending the TOMONO Party in Ginza will also be able to buy new Kazuki merch! He'll be selling a Tomono t-shirt, gloves and super cute acrylic charms! These items will be only sold at the event, there will be no online sales.

 

[Figskater23]

Happy August, everyone! Here's how this month looks on Kazuki's calendar:


Yesterday there was a mix of jubilation and sadness across the Japanese fandom:


There were not a lot of tickets available, so those who got it were pretty happy, and those who didn't were pretty sad lol
If only they knew how hard it is to be an international fan

Daiichi Jukken thanked everyone, and said they were happy to receive many applications. They also announced today they're expanding into the hotel/accomodation business - I'm glad their business seems to be doing well!

I love that look on his face in the picture on the right for his calendar the best between the two. So handsome.

 

[synesthesia]

The Figure Skating Festival seemed to have been super fun indeed. Apparently Kazuki said he would like to do it again next year, to which Kosho replied 'Let's aim for the Tokyo Dome next'

Haha, gotta love Kosho!

First, the SP, in which he effectively missed the two jumping passes (BTW thank you so much for sharing @tsuyoboogie )

Kazuki Tomono 2024 Kinoshita Trophy SP.mp4

drive.google.com

I'm not gonna even share the protocol because the scores are beyond ridiculous but, whilst the programme is obviously still very raw, I can see the vision... I have my doubts if the judges are gonna like it, because they are narrow-minded and conservative, but I think it'll be a huuuuuge crowd pleaser and he will become even more popular with it

I can already say that I love Kazuki’s SP, I don't even care about the botched jumps. As expected, it's quite different and plays to Kazuki's strengths. I agree that it's sure to become a crowd favourite, regardless of how it will be evaluated in competition. The longer I'm a FS fan, the less I care about the scores. (I do hope Kazuki somehow makes the Milan Olympic team, though. He’d more than deserve it after saving Team Japan’s Worlds spots not once but twice in the past.) I particularly like all of the transitional choreo from after the Flying Camel spin onwards and of course the banger step sequence! I just know that Kazuki will bring the house down as soon as he has grown fully comfortable with the program!

Kazuki FS video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12nx5AF6-OfNO84gfaPWSUWbe_OGa5mV_/view (thank you again @tsuyoboogie for posting it )

He clearly knew something was off since the beginning, but his confused face in the middle of the skate made me laugh (sorry, Kazuki!). Poor guy. It really wasn't a good skate at all, and for the first time I think the score was fair.

I gotta say, what I saw from the choreography didn't inspire me, I still think it've been better to stick with Misha, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt until I can see the full thing and better performed.

It's difficult to judge his FS at this stage. I think the choreography itself isn’t too bad, but I'm not a big fan of the music selection. At least I wouldn't have combined these particular songs - to me the program seems a bit disjointed. But this impression is probably also due to the fact that this wasn't the final music cut, so I'll reserve judgement until we've seen the intended version. That being said, Kazuki tried to make the best of the situation and sold the program as much as possible - I think that's one of the aspects that separates good from great skaters (or performers in general).

This wasn’t a high stakes competition, just a warm-up with a very limited field of competitors on domestic level, so I don’t think this result will negatively impact the way judges are going perceive Kazuki going forward this season. Onwards and upwards!

 

[Figskater23]

Did Kazuki ever talk about how he got out of his head when learning new skills and to not be afraid? I’ve been struggling with crossovers forward and backward for over 2 years as an adult skater and the new skills I’m learning with one foot on the ice and jumping have me completely in my head. If I am in the harness or holding on to something I’m ok but without it I’m a nervous wreck. It’s hard to trust myself with these skills. I wish Kazuki could give some advice. He did say once don’t fight the ice.