Kazuki Tomono

[synesthesia]

OPOI rehearsals have started:



Kazuki continues to be such a busy bee - he went straight from the Gensan Summer Cup to OPOI rehearsals!

Here's a livestream of the medal ceremony, sadly the meat has been replaced by a bag of other goods?
There was a hilarious exchange between Kazuki and Kosho:
Kazuki: Looks like it's the first time I get first place.
Kosho: Is the guy in the middle a Junior?
Kazuki: The two on the side have more dignity.

These two are like a comedy duo (maybe they'd consider this a career option after retirement?)

 

[KiraraChin]

OPOI rehearsals have started:



Kazuki continues to be such a busy bee - he went straight from the Gensan Summer Cup to OPOI rehearsals!

Thank you for sharing! Japanese fans were relieved to know he's already in the Kanto region ahead of his Ginza event on Sunday, as there's a typhoon alert for the Kansai region this weekend and planned disruptions on the Shinkansen. On the other hand, it's hard not to worry about his hectic schedule! As much as it's nice to see him doing so many things and events, he really needs to quiet down after OPOI and focus on his training

Meanwhile, Daiichi Juken Group launched two TOMONO curry spoons! One of them is called 'Saku' for easily breaking up large ingredients and the other is 'Hidari' for left-handed users. Fans were praising the thoughtfulness of releasing a spoon specifically designed for left-handed people! The spoons are produced by a company located in Tsubame-Sanjo that produces cutlery for the Nobel Prize banquet and other summits

 

[KiraraChin]

Lots of content today to update! First, a couple of things from yesterday:

Colantotte posted a message from Kazuki, and it seems he speaks about how to surpass yourself. His expression when he gets the box is so cute and funny


Then, World Figure Skating posted a news report from the Figure Skating Festival. It's so cool that a relatively small event gets press coverage, and their wording is so warm, not to mention nice pictures! I'm grateful


Also yesterday, some nice pictures from Kinoshita Trophy were posted here: https://www.ice-trace.com/portfolio-collections/無題のコレクション/シニア男子sp-友野一希　kazuki-tomono

 

[KiraraChin]

Now, updates from today! First, we have another episode of Kazuki's 'Curry Naru Step' radio show on FM Osaka. I forgot to say this, but his co-host Shota Shimano tweeted earlier in the week celebrating Kazuki's victory at the Summer Cup - again, someone who starts working with Kazuki and almost instantly gets invested in him



and now, Sauna Bros released a report from Kazuki's visit to Sauna Sun in Nagasaki. Do you know how 'demure' is trending now on TikTok? Kazuki is deffo NOT hoping on this trend, this time all the pictures are shirtless

 

[KiraraChin]

Another picture of Kazuki and Shimano-san at FM Osaka yesterday - It seems that Kazuki spoke about his school days and also living alone - he said he appreciates his mum a lot more now


Meanwhile, some pictures/info from the One Piece on Ice rehearsals have been released:


There's also this article in which he says:

今年は全員の振り付けまで？　ルフィ役宇野昌磨が「ワンピース・オン・アイス」にかける熱意 - フィギュア : 日刊スポーツ・プレミアム

9月に再演されるフィギュアスケートのアイスショー「ワンピース・オン・アイス～エピソード・オブ・アラバスタ～」の公開リハーサルが16日に千葉県内で公開されました。主人公ルフィ役を務める宇野昌磨さん（26）らが新たに追加されたスペシャルフィナーレの稽古に励み、昨夏以来1年ぶり、全キャスト再集結への意気込みを語りました。みなが「パワーアップした演技を」と期する公演は、9月7、8日に千葉・船橋のららアリーナ東京ベイで上演されます。（記事、写真ともに敬称略） - 日刊スポーツ新聞社のニュースサイト、ニッカンスポーツ・コム（nikkansports.com）。

www.nikkansports.com

-How do you feel now that you have started rehearsals again after a year since last year?

Tomono: I am very happy that the show is going to be performed again, because I was thinking that it has already been a year and that it would be a waste to end it after just one year. I'm very happy to be doing it again. I've developed a deeper love for the characters since the last time, and I hope I can express them even better. There are more jumps and more skating scenes, so I hope you can see that.

Is he... getting more 'screentime'?

 

[KiraraChin]

Is he... getting more 'screentime'?

non-no answered my question!!!



This is a fantastic report with lots of great info and pics! But just wanted to highlight this:

First of all, we have some good news for all the Koza fans across the country!
This time Koza is also appearing in the main visual, and in the new finale, his appearance scenes have been significantly increased, and he is expected to be a big star in both skating and jumping.

 

[KiraraChin]

Today was the TOMONO Party Party event (two events, actually) in Ginza, and as expected fans are very, very happy (and I'm very, very jealous lol). The main info is that he choreographed his FS in-person, he was in Canada in the week of 11 July! He didn't say anything before because he was saving it to show as a v-log at this event.

A fan kindly posted a long thread about the event, translation below. As always, I am always impressed about the amount of thought and care Kazuki puts on everything he does, it makes any price feels like it's well worth it because fans always get a lot for it!



We went to the first part of the event at 12:00 .
We were welcomed by a signed welcome board.
Ginza Lion Classic Hall, it was a nice place with wood and stained glass-like interior.

The whole room was decorated with balloons and other things, which was really elaborate.Upon entering, we were given a balloon and a salt tablet (not visible in the photo lol). We also received tickets and merchandise vouchers.

The event consists of
(1) Tomono-kun's appearance & greeting
2) Vlog (a kind of video diary) taken by Tomono-kun himself when he went to Canada to choreograph.
(3) Answers to questions asked in advance
(4) A day in the life of Tomono-kun Vlog, also filmed by Tomono-kun himself
(5) Taking two-shot photos
(6) Greeting by Tomono-kun → Exit

Both vlogs were very interesting!
In the Canadian choreography section, you really have to arrange everything yourself! I even drove the rental car myself.
In the arena where I choreographed, he said he was deeply moved to think that Mao and Yuma had practised here.

Even after choreographing, I practice at night, it's hard work.
Tomono-kun, I didn't have time to eat Tim Horton's in Canada... I want to try the honey cruller.
We'll talk about the choreography later.

There was also footage of Tomono putting on his skates at the rink in Canada, and he said himself that he puts on his shoes very fast He was tying his shoelaces as fast as Hanyu puts on his shoes. He's fast and his shoes last a long time, so he and Hanyu have a lot in common when it comes to shoes.

The questions that were adopted from the pre-solicited questions were: what parts of this season's programme would you like to see and what do you like the costumes to look like? Also, do you prefer dogs or cats? I don't know.
I don't remember exactly about the programme.

The costumes for the short program are colourful and stylish, while the free program is windy, with a butterfly pattern or atmosphere that is in the song title. Apparently, Lori's ideas are also included in the free skate costume. I've heard that from Kagiyama-kun, but does Lori have any specifications for the costumes?

Between cats and dogs, he's always been a cat lover, but recently he's also started to think dogs are cute. She met Star [Kosho] and Uno-kun's dogs in real life, and thought they were smart, showed emotions on their faces like humans, and were cute.

My daily vlog in Japan was a day where I had both training at the gym and practising at the rink, which I thought was hard. Even though I'm young and used to moving my body (which is a strange way of putting it), gym in the morning, two separate on-ice practices in the afternoon and finishing before 23:00... it was tough.

He also takes naps as part of his routine, which I thought he had to do to keep up. I thought it was great that he cooked his own lunch and had a properly balanced diet. For breakfast, he'd have oatmeal with an egg on it.

There are days when I don't train at the gym, so I don't do it every day on the same timetable as the Vlog, but it must be really hard for Tomono-kun, who has other jobs than skating in between. He's really thin in real life, and I'm impressed to think that he trains hard with that body.



This is the photo of us together. Thank you for giving me the opportunity, which may be a once in a lifetime opportunity, to take a photo with my favorite idol. As an older woman, you can see the difference in our builds, right? Tomono-kun's face is also really small.

TOMONO towel as a souvenir, a glove from the merchandising, an acrylic charm with a Happy Jazz costume motif
There was also a T-shirt and a charm of Die Fledermaus Overture, and I was happy that it was only 5,000 yen even if I bought all of them.
But I'm sorry I could only buy two of them because I was short of money.

 

[surimi]

That sounds like paradise for all Kazuki fans ^ ^ I'd have loved to be a fly on the wall there. So, Kazuki's warming up to dogs, though he still prefers cats, I agree there. I wonder what breed Kosho has. Oatmeal is a great choice for breakfast, and I'm glad to hear Kazuki enjoys cooking his own meals. It's fun and healthy, as long as one has the time and energy.

Perhaps a limited number of Kazuki merch can also be sold at competitions abroad, for those who don't want to order from Japan? Already having one Kazuki banner, I would personally vote for those soft Japanese mini towels, those are really practical, and also paper soap with a Kazuki cover. I'd buy that one in heaps. It's a total fantasy of course as I've never seen such an item as merch, but, for some reason it's really hard to come by where I live. Kazuki stickers would also be nice to have. What about other fans?

 

[kwanette]

So he did go to Canada w Lori..TY for all of the info!

 

[KiraraChin]

I wonder what breed Kosho has.

Kosho has poodles

Perhaps a limited number of Kazuki merch can also be sold at competitions abroad, for those who don't want to order from Japan? Already having one Kazuki banner, I would personally vote for those soft Japanese mini towels, those are really practical, and also paper soap with a Kazuki cover. I'd buy that one in heaps. It's a total fantasy of course as I've never seen such an item as merch, but, for some reason it's really hard to come by where I live. Kazuki stickers would also be nice to have. What about other fans?

Love your ideas! I'd like to have a TOMONO reusable water bottle, so I could take it with me to work and other places! Something practical that everyone can use!

Meanwhile, two pictures from yesterday! I'm glad his events were so successful, fans are still talking about how amazing it was, and how they feel so much closer to Kazuki now that they've seen the vlogs




Meanwhile, Daiichi Juken confirmed that TOMONO curry launches tomorrow at 12pm Japan time

 

[KiraraChin]

So... TOMONO CURRY was released today, alongside the TOMONO CURRY spoons and a curry plate... and everything was sold out within 30 minutes

Here's Kazuki promoting his curry - the package looks big!


Meanwhile, Kazuki will be participating in a special Hyoen talk in October:


It's so funny to me that ISU and JSF complain about figure skating being in crisis, when Kazuki is out there selling out pretty much everything he puts his name on. It's almost like... it's a skills issue

 

[KiraraChin]

Well... Kazuki put into words what everybody knew, but it still hurts to see it written
Asahi Shinbum article: https://digital.asahi.com/articles/ASS8N05JLS8NUTQP01LM.html?ptoken=01J5RWYVZ27V0T4GAJPDSYC5C0
"I think I'll be active for another year and a half" - Tomono Kazuki's thoughts on the Milan Olympics

The Summer Olympics are over. The next stop is the Milan Cortina d'Ampezzo Olympics in February 2026. Figure skater Kazuki Tomono (26) of the Uenoshiba Skating Club has strong hopes for the Olympics in Milan, Italy.

We asked him about his thoughts ahead of the start of the season.

--What was last season like for you?

"I think it was a season where I really felt I had grown. It's a shame that I didn't have a chance to compete in big competitions overseas."

"In particular, I was able to improve my personal best in the free skating at the All Japan Championships. Now, I have a clear idea of where I stand in Japan after giving it my all."

"I've gained confidence in the things I need to value, mainly my expression and skating. On the other hand, I've realized that as long as I'm competing, I need to improve my jumps."

--After the All Japan Championships, what did you talk about with Yamamoto Sota and the other skaters?

"Everyone did really well, so I thought, 'That was fun.' (But I think they're wondering if this tough battle will continue for two more times until the Olympics.)"

"I think everyone is desperate. It's scary. There are a lot of people coming from lower ranks too. I think that shows how high the level of skating in Japan is right now."

--Everyone is competing with each other.

"I won't give up either. I believe that I will be the one to win in the end. I think it's a great opportunity."

--"In the end," you mean the Olympics?

"Yes, that's right."

--In a previous interview with Asahi Shimbun, you said that before the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, "the Olympics weren't on my mind." Before the 2022 Beijing Olympics, you said, "It's definitely on my mind." What do you think the upcoming Olympics are?

"I still have a long way to go, but at the moment, this is the most important season for me. I also have fond memories of Milan. My skating life changed completely after I competed in the Milan World Championships (2018)."

--How has your life changed?

"I didn't have the financial means to continue skating at the top level. I thought I'd only skate until my fourth year of university. But after competing in the Milan World Championships, I got a sponsor and was able to continue."

I think my enjoyment of competing has also grown. The scale of the event was big, and there was pressure and tension. But I felt an incredible sense of satisfaction in performing to the best of my ability in that environment."

--In terms of distance to the Olympics, do you feel it's closer than Pyeongchang or Beijing?

"I think it's right in front of me, and it's the first time I've ever felt this strongly that I want to go. I continue skating in order to compete in the Olympics, so if I were to give that up, I don't think I'd need to practice so much."

--You're 26 now. What do you think about your physical condition?

"Surprisingly, I don't feel any decline at the moment. I think Yuzuru Hanyu retired at 27, but he's still getting better and better. Everyone reaches their peak. I've heard from (Canada's) Keegan (Messing) that, 'I was almost 30 when I competed in the Olympics.'"

--So you're not thinking about how long you'll be active?

"No, I think it's another year and a half. I'm doing it to compete in the Olympics. I don't think people can work hard unless they set a deadline. I'll keep going for another year and a half to get results. After I compete in the Olympics, I might think, 'Just one more year.'"

--Finally, please tell us again why you want to go to the Olympics.

"It's because I really want to go. I might be a little bit interested in being recognized by everyone, or wanting everyone to see me, but that's not the point. I just really want to go. I want to know about that world. Just a desire for knowledge. I just wonder what it would be like if I went." (Written by Uchida Akira)

 

[kwanette]

Well... Kazuki put into words what everybody knew, but it still hurts to see it written
Asahi Shinbum article: https://digital.asahi.com/articles/ASS8N05JLS8NUTQP01LM.html?ptoken=01J5RWYVZ27V0T4GAJPDSYC5C0
"I think I'll be active for another year and a half" - Tomono Kazuki's thoughts on the Milan Olympics

The Summer Olympics are over. The next stop is the Milan Cortina d'Ampezzo Olympics in February 2026. Figure skater Kazuki Tomono (26) of the Uenoshiba Skating Club has strong hopes for the Olympics in Milan, Italy.

We asked him about his thoughts ahead of the start of the season.

--What was last season like for you?

"I think it was a season where I really felt I had grown. It's a shame that I didn't have a chance to compete in big competitions overseas."

"In particular, I was able to improve my personal best in the free skating at the All Japan Championships. Now, I have a clear idea of where I stand in Japan after giving it my all."

"I've gained confidence in the things I need to value, mainly my expression and skating. On the other hand, I've realized that as long as I'm competing, I need to improve my jumps."

--After the All Japan Championships, what did you talk about with Yamamoto Sota and the other skaters?

"Everyone did really well, so I thought, 'That was fun.' (But I think they're wondering if this tough battle will continue for two more times until the Olympics.)"

"I think everyone is desperate. It's scary. There are a lot of people coming from lower ranks too. I think that shows how high the level of skating in Japan is right now."

--Everyone is competing with each other.

"I won't give up either. I believe that I will be the one to win in the end. I think it's a great opportunity."

--"In the end," you mean the Olympics?

"Yes, that's right."

--In a previous interview with Asahi Shimbun, you said that before the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, "the Olympics weren't on my mind." Before the 2022 Beijing Olympics, you said, "It's definitely on my mind." What do you think the upcoming Olympics are?

"I still have a long way to go, but at the moment, this is the most important season for me. I also have fond memories of Milan. My skating life changed completely after I competed in the Milan World Championships (2018)."

--How has your life changed?

"I didn't have the financial means to continue skating at the top level. I thought I'd only skate until my fourth year of university. But after competing in the Milan World Championships, I got a sponsor and was able to continue."

I think my enjoyment of competing has also grown. The scale of the event was big, and there was pressure and tension. But I felt an incredible sense of satisfaction in performing to the best of my ability in that environment."

--In terms of distance to the Olympics, do you feel it's closer than Pyeongchang or Beijing?

"I think it's right in front of me, and it's the first time I've ever felt this strongly that I want to go. I continue skating in order to compete in the Olympics, so if I were to give that up, I don't think I'd need to practice so much."

--You're 26 now. What do you think about your physical condition?

"Surprisingly, I don't feel any decline at the moment. I think Yuzuru Hanyu retired at 27, but he's still getting better and better. Everyone reaches their peak. I've heard from (Canada's) Keegan (Messing) that, 'I was almost 30 when I competed in the Olympics.'"

--So you're not thinking about how long you'll be active?

"No, I think it's another year and a half. I'm doing it to compete in the Olympics. I don't think people can work hard unless they set a deadline. I'll keep going for another year and a half to get results. After I compete in the Olympics, I might think, 'Just one more year.'"

--Finally, please tell us again why you want to go to the Olympics.

"It's because I really want to go. I might be a little bit interested in being recognized by everyone, or wanting everyone to see me, but that's not the point. I just really want to go. I want to know about that world. Just a desire for knowledge. I just wonder what it would be like if I went." (Written by Uchida Akira)

A boy who has brought us so much joy..I hope that his Olympic dream comes true.

 

[kwanette]

友野一希連載「2024-25シーズン最新インタビュー」

新シーズンの意気込みやプログラムの見どころ、オリンピックに向けた思いとは？新エキシビション情報も初公開。リンクでの練習の様子も

nonno.hpplus.jp

"Life is Beautiful" as the exhibition! and a second one by Kana..Great and long article!

 

[surimi]

Thank you for that article, Kirara. I hope Kazuki's career lasts longer than 1.5 more years He gives people so much joy, he'll be sorely missed one day. I cannot see anyone able to take his place, and not just in Japan. If the low PCS are a factor in his decision (or rather, high ones for people who are considerably weaker than him in PCS), then I hope the ones in charge of ISU wake up. You're just going to lose audience if skaters like Kazuki suggest they're being pushed toward retirement by their scores. He wouldn't be the first one, either.

 

[KiraraChin]

Thank you for that article, Kirara. I hope Kazuki's career lasts longer than 1.5 more years He gives people so much joy, he'll be sorely missed one day. I cannot see anyone able to take his place, and not just in Japan. If the low PCS are a factor in his decision (or rather, high ones for people who are considerably weaker than him in PCS), then I hope the ones in charge of ISU wake up. You're just going to lose audience if skaters like Kazuki suggest they're being pushed toward retirement by their scores. He wouldn't be the first one, either.

Absolutely, people change their minds about retirement, especially if they feel that they are getting results/recognition - Yuna Aoki last season was a good example. The question is whether JSF will allow these results to come for him, given that they seem set in who they want for the Olympic team

I must confess I am an emotional mess after reading yesterday's interviews... Of course, I knew it was coming. I understand that we need to be grateful because he originally intended to skate up until the end of university, and even after Beijing, his financial situation was uncertain, so if he indeed retires after Milan, he will have had a much longer career than anticipated.

I also appreciate his honesty and advance notice - it gives us the chance to process our feelings and make the most of the limited time we have whilst he's still competing.

Finally, competitive retirement doesn't mean we won't see him again, right? I am sure he will follow Dai's footsteps and will be having a fulfilling skating life participating in shows and other events. At least, this is what I hope for.

Still, why does it hurt so much? Damn

Meanwhile, he continues as busy as ever, he participated in Team Hiraike's training camp from 19-21 Aug


Fans are already receiving their TOMONO curry, this one bought 20 boxes! No wonder it sold out in 10 minutes lol

Everyone is giving rave reviews, saying the ingredients are chunky with great consistency, and the flavour is delicious. Many are saying they don't feel like they need to use the extra spice. So lucky! I wish I could try...

 

[KiraraChin]

A beautiful picture by non-no, and Paoz's version of it... Stunning!

 

[KiraraChin]

Today we have another episode of Kazuki's radio show on Osaka FM



and I just wanted to take a second to appreciate the packaging... we can see the amount of care put into this product

 

[KiraraChin]

Not a lot of news today, the fandom at the moment is just people posting pictures of delicious curry



Apparently yesterday's radio show was focused on his efforts in making a home. He also say he doesn't tend to remember people's faces well, but he remembers his fans' faces - bad news for shy people like me lol

 

[surimi]

Apparently yesterday's radio show was focused on his efforts in making a home. He also say he doesn't tend to remember people's faces well, but he remembers his fans' faces - bad news for shy people like me lol

Great, now I can't get 'To Build a Home' out of my head.
Guys, I stumbled upon this today, and thought I want something like this to be Kazuki's Olympic season program. This is exactly the laid-back style I'd say makes him shine: