Mao Shimada about her admiration for Mao Asada and how she feels about performing in a show with her for the first time

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Machine translation:
--The off-season is now, but in April you will be performing for the first time with your idol, Mao Asada, in "Stars on Ice."
"I've gotten autographs from her and gone to see ice shows when I was really little, but this is the first time I'm actually meeting her. I got her autograph when I was in second or third grade at elementary school, and I was practicing at a rink in Saitama when Asada was practicing on the rink next door. The people I was practicing with also went to get autographs, so I just blended in with them."
--What memories do you have of Asada's active days?
"I started watching her because of my mother (who was a fan of Asada's), and before I knew it, she became someone I looked up to. I don't remember if I watched the Sochi Olympics in real time, but I have vivid memories of her. I even imitated some of the choreography from 'I Got Rhythm,' and I really love 'Swan Lake,' which I used as a novice.
I love her smile that everyone loves, her ability to keep doing triple axels, and her beautiful skating that's like a ballerina skating on the ice. I need to first reach a level where I can look up to her, but I'd like to get as close as possible."
--How did you feel when you found out you'd be performing together?
"At first I was surprised and happy. She was someone I looked up to and watched on TV, so I was a little scared, or maybe even humbled."
--Is there anything you would like to ask Asada?
"What was her mindset when she kept using her big tricks? I would like to know why she continued to do them. There were times when I thought she could win if she stopped using them, but she always tried regardless, so I'm happy that I automatically feel like we're the same [in this regard], and I would like to ask her about that."
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Mao, Dai and Kana are working on a special collaboration number for SOI (it seems like Kana might be choreographing a duet, incorporating ice dance holds, for Mao and Dai - or maybe it's a pas de trois?

):
\ #StarsOnIce 2025/
SP collaboration number is here
Here's a sneak peek at it

The show will be held on April 5th (Sat) and 6th (Sun) in #Osaka

Let's all have fun in Osaka~

Tickets are on sale now
