Yuzuru Hanyu: 2013-14 Season

[cruzceleste]

I think the JSF subsidizes to some extent (I'm not sure exactly to what extent) Yuzuru's training in Canada; after all it was the JSF who initiated the move. But I'm sure Yuzuru and his family also incur considerable expenses for his skating. I don't know whether Yuzuru is now getting major endorsement deals like Mao (besides ANA and P & G) to help with that.

Isn´t he sponsor for some sore of food brand? (Ajinomoto I think). And sure that he must be getting calls, but as far as I can tell he doesn´t have a manager.

Any brand that start sponsor him will surely gets his money worth, the things is to get a brand that fit his image.

Looking at one of his recent interviews, It will be perfect that Sony (headphones) will pick him up. Chocolates will be a good idea too (he eats a lot of them). Kanako is sponsor by Adidas, it will be good if Adidas will take him too.

Arakawa is still sponsor by Yamaha Motos as far as I can tell, but I don´t see Yuzu riding a bike anytime soom.

 

[yay]

Hi Yay! (it rhymes ). This article was before Sochi but gives you a pretty good idea of the philosophy behind Brian Orser's training of Yuzuru. http://www.thestar.com/sports/sochi...strategy_for_yuzuru_hanyu_at_sochi_games.html

Yay and thank you, kind stranger!

(PW was an exception. His interpretation and his transitions looked very good there and the focus wasn’t on the jumps, but on the whole package)

To Silvia451,
PW program is a masterpiece. Timing of jumps, emphasis on music accents, perfectly choreographed and performed(I'm sure it was mentioned before but I'm a newbie here, so..). I can't picture it being any better, simply a bliss. The first time I saw it I was stunned after an axel and for the rest of the program :-}
I agree with you about R&J 2 and Wilson’s choreography(and yet, I like it far more than the first one, maybe I'm in the minority here, huh).
And damn,

I also thought about Lambiel as a choreographer for Yuzu. The two “The artist” programs for Denis in 2013 were one of the best I've ever seen.

I didn't know it was Lambiel!

He seems to keep talking about quads but actually he just answered the questions from the media which keeps asking about it IMO. I think he is considering to improve his expression side, not only his jumps.

Yups, I thought of that and hope it is so. After all, he's a Weir fan (and so am I ).

 

[roxella]

Same here:agree:
I trust mr. Orser and I also trust Yuzu. He's mature enough to know what he can do right now and what he shouldn't try.

Exactly my thoughts :agree: I trust Orser,but most of all I trust Yuzu and I think that he surly knows about what he is capable of doing for the moment And he also knows very well that his health is the most important if he wants to be a top skater for many years from now on. So,I don't think he will not do anything on his own...everything he does is supervised by his coaches.

I wonder if Yuzu knows how worried are his fans about him :

But of course,my opinion is that he needs to rest a little for the moment,too

And by the way,Silvia...I see you've changed your avatar...it's beautiful!

 

[cruzceleste]

I think P&G are part of the "JOC symbol athletes" deal.

Is not much about him having money problems, but he certanly deserve a little financial stability.

And if he gets sponsor we get more pictures . Like this http://adidas.jp/blog/20131222-21227.html or this https://www.flickr.com/photos/minami/356796298/

I also want Vera Wang to do his costum next year, sorry Johnny Weir I can´t have another year like this

Also wasn´t there an interview where he said that he will like to improeve his artistic side, and he wanted to made the jumps be part of the coreography? I think he should try a little Ice Dance (if I´m correct Jeremy Abbott, Daisuke and Mashida tried it) to improeve his edges and his interpretation. That´s the reason why I would love to see him doing something with Zoueva.

 

[Silvia451]

And by the way,Silvia...I see you've changed your avatar...it's beautiful!

Thank you! A new avatar for a perfect WC:yes:

 

[Kalina]

I think the JSF subsidizes to some extent (I'm not sure exactly to what extent) Yuzuru's training in Canada; after all it was the JSF who initiated the move. But I'm sure Yuzuru and his family also incur considerable expenses for his skating. I don't know whether Yuzuru is now getting major endorsement deals like Mao (besides ANA and P & G) to help with that.

The thing that worries me, and Nobunari Oda has recently spoken about this, is that Yuzuru as is his wont goes all-out in his exhibitions to give fans their money's worth. Just look at his 2014 Worlds where instead of just the last step sequence, he also did the middle part of his R&J1 program with that triple axel-triple toe combination. (Of course I am not complaining because he again moved me to tears with that performance.) I hope the doctor who was always with him during competitions is also there during his exhibitions.

For what it's worth, I've never read of him receiving special backing from the federation financially... besides what he already receives for being one of the top certified athletes, along with Daisuke, Mao etc. there is a list that comes out in April/May every year, but the amount they receive is not disclosed.
I remember he had some trouble in his first season in Canada because he had to go back and forth to Japan often, and of course plane tickets are expensive. Orser mentioned that it was because of school. But after that he became a Symbol Athlete of the Japanese Olympic Commitee (= they use his image, he gets a lot of funding, though I don't remember the exact amount) and he's also signed an affiliation contract with ANA which pays for all of his expenses. So his flights to competitions and to/from Canada/Japan, his training and all that it involves (coach, equipment, training facilities if he has to train in Japan, even costumes etc), everything is paid by ANA. Not to mention all of the money he makes every season from his medals.
All of this is to say that he definitely does not need to do shows to support his training anymore. He probably has to do them because he's the Olympic champion, he has to be there. Also, the post-Olympic period is the best for skating shows -- there is a great boom in popularity, and he's probably going to get a lot of money. I would take advantage of it as well, if I were him... as long as he takes it easy

ps. to cruzceleste: Yuzuru's coach, Tracy Wilson, is a former ice dancer and it's with her that he's been working on skating skills for the past couple of years.

 

[Hanmgse]

Yuzu is just a jumps lover but as cruzceleste posted, he knows that jumps aren't everything and he said he wants to focus also in the interpretation so I'm not worried. As some of you said we need to trust Orser and Yuzu :thumbsup:

 

[HanDomi]

I think he should try a little Ice Dance

He already have a partner from recent gala to dance with him, so why not ...

 

[channah]

They talk about Yuzuru's injuries.
Sorry, I haven't time to translate
Somebody please help

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1ktphs_0331-とくだね-ゆづ_sport?start=4

Hello SuzyQ
Don't have time for a full translation either but will put up this rough summary after watching the program....

<The show starts with them talking about Yuzuru and how he doesn't talk about his pain/injuries.
They show him wincing and holding his back as he climbs the stairs.
The reporter asks him right after he has finished his long program about his injury and he replies,
"It's not so bad. This has been a long season and I give thanks to my body for bringing me through it"
The people in the studio then go on to talk about how even with pain athletes can't take much medicine because of doping regulations. The former ice skater on the panel said that even when skaters are injured due to adrenaline whilst performing they don't feel the pain so much but as soon as they stop the pain rushes back. This is the reason for Yuzuru scrunching up his face in pain at the end of the LP.>


Just another example of his great spirit.
He never makes excuses and takes ownership of everything he does.

 

[roxella]

Hello SuzyQ
Don't have time for a full translation either but will put up this rough summary after watching the program....

<The show starts with them talking about Yuzuru and how he doesn't talk about his pain/injuries.
They show him wincing and holding his back as he climbs the stairs.
The reporter asks him right after he has finished his long program about his injury and he replies,
"It's not so bad. This has been a long season and I give thanks to my body for bringing me through it"
The people in the studio then go on to talk about how even with pain athletes can't take much medicine because of doping regulations. The former ice skater on the panel said that even when skaters are injured due to adrenaline whilst performing they don't feel the pain so much but as soon as they stop the pain rushes back. This is the reason for Yuzuru scrunching up his face in pain at the end of the LP.>


Just another example of his great spirit.
He never makes excuses and takes ownership of everything he does.

Thanks for the translation :agree:

 

[SuzyQ]

Hello SuzyQ
Don't have time for a full translation either but will put up this rough summary after watching the program....

<The show starts with them talking about Yuzuru and how he doesn't talk about his pain/injuries.
They show him wincing and holding his back as he climbs the stairs.
The reporter asks him right after he has finished his long program about his injury and he replies,
"It's not so bad. This has been a long season and I give thanks to my body for bringing me through it"
The people in the studio then go on to talk about how even with pain athletes can't take much medicine because of doping regulations. The former ice skater on the panel said that even when skaters are injured due to adrenaline whilst performing they don't feel the pain so much but as soon as they stop the pain rushes back. This is the reason for Yuzuru scrunching up his face in pain at the end of the LP.>


Just another example of his great spirit.
He never makes excuses and takes ownership of everything he does.

Thank you channah :yay:

He never makes excuses. But it makes us more worried !

I hope JSF should care about the skaters more, and stop them before they go too far. Because, basically athletes do not like to show their weakness.

One very amusing video for you. Italian TV commentators that Japanese figure skating fans love.
We always enjoy their comments on Nico Nico Douga through volunteer translation.
They are just enthusiastic fans of Yuzuru rather than commentators.
We all love these Italian Mammas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjzR-T1nIIE

 

[cruzceleste]

ps. to cruzceleste: Yuzuru's coach, Tracy Wilson, is a former ice dancer and it's with her that he's been working on skating skills for the past couple of years.

Thanks, I didn´t knew that.

BTW in Daisuke´s wikipedia page it saids that JOC athletes are paid 20 million yen per year. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daisuke_Takahashi#Public_life_and_endorsements

Maybe Yuzu will get a "raise" now that he is a Olympcis Champion.

 

[lbc2138]

Thank you channah once again for letting us Yuzu fans understand interviews and whatnot! So grateful

I can definitely speak on the adrenaline aspect. You're so focused and in the zone that you don't notice the pain until after everything is done. Adrenaline can be magical because it really is just willpower and I think Yuzu did that FP with all the willpower in the world, especially landing that 4 salchow.

In terms of the ice shows, I'm sure he's capitalizing on his popularity but even with expenses covered by ANA and other sponsorships, training with Orser and buying choreography from David Wilson isn't cheap (assuming he might use another piece from him next season). Let's just hope he stays strong and healthy during these ice shows and actually enjoys himself.

The main reason as to why I like the ice shows aren't really because of the individual exhibitions but the interactions between the skaters. What I would give to be friends with all of Team Japan and what the Tumblr fandom has dubbed honorary team Japan members (like Jeffrey Buttle, Meryl/Charlie, etc).

 

[Yuzusan]

Channah, or anyone else, when you have time, can you translate or just summarize what yuruzu said on this two videos that we have posted ? As you did before.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1kuzah_0331every_sport
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1kxmj0_140331-news23_sport

I failed to find any translations on Tumblr or others.

Otherwise, thanks to all comments and information that members brought (trying to explain the reason of his full-schedule), I start to understand his situation. A well-known ice skater needs a lot of money to continue to cover the distance and always being on the top + charities etc ..... But at the end, just him and his coach know what he is able to do. Plus, I think he needs to perform in front people, to give pleasure for them,for us and also for him .

Now, I'm waiting the Nagoya Figure Skating Festival, 3th April, to look his joyful face I hope we will find these videos easier.

Tokai Tokyo Securities Co., Ltd. presents Nagoya Figure Skating Festival
HP: http://event.chunichi.co.jp/figure/
Date: April 3, 2014
Venue: Nippon Gaishi Arena, Nagoya, Aichi
Line-up (as announced on March 12):
Yuzuru Hanyu, Tatsuki Machida, Takahiko Kozuka, Nobunari Oda, Takahito Mura, Mao Asada, Akiko Suzuki, Kanako Murakami, Miki Ando, Narumi Takahashi/Ryuichi Kihara, Aichi Novice and Junior skaters

 

[Pamigena]

Any brand that start sponsor him will surely gets his money worth, the things is to get a brand that fit his image.

Couldn't just Disney pay him for all that Pooh advertising? I think that would be a fair deal (they must have sold tons of that thing once it has caught on with yuzu fans)

 

[roxella]

Couldn't just Disney pay him for all that Pooh advertising? I think that would be a fair deal (they must have sold tons of that thing once it has caught on with yuzu fans)

You're so right! :agree: I guess I also have one in my toys collection form when I was a little child. Gotta find him and give him the right place in my room Now he is an Olympic and World Champion arty:arty:

 

[makaihime]

Thanks, I didn´t knew that.

BTW in Daisuke´s wikipedia page it saids that JOC athletes are paid 20 million yen per year. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daisuke_Takahashi#Public_life_and_endorsements

Maybe Yuzu will get a "raise" now that he is a Olympcis Champion.

That seems to be a pretty good pay considering the costs and fee's top-tiered skaters accumulate. Although Yuzuru probably has more expenses than others in Team Japan because he trains overseas. I hope he'll get snatch up some more endorsements, so that in the future, once he retires, he won't have to stress about his school fee's and living expenses. I want him to retire comfortably :yay:

 

[Ophelia]

One very amusing video for you. Italian TV commentators that Japanese figure skating fans love.
We always enjoy their comments on Nico Nico Douga through volunteer translation.
They are just enthusiastic fans of Yuzuru rather than commentators.
We all love these Italian Mammas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjzR-T1nIIE

Lol! The commentators sound totally rapturous over his performance. Total fangirls.

 

[jace93]

Thank you channah :yay:

He never makes excuses. But it makes us more worried !

I hope JSF should care about the skaters more, and stop them before they go too far. Because, basically athletes do not like to show their weakness.

One very amusing video for you. Italian TV commentators that Japanese figure skating fans love.
We always enjoy their comments on Nico Nico Douga through volunteer translation.
They are just enthusiastic fans of Yuzuru rather than commentators.
We all love these Italian Mammas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjzR-T1nIIE

As anItalian that has to listen to them every time he watches some figure skating on tv I must say that they can be VEEEERY annoyng, but yes agree that they are really heartwarming when they talk about yuzuru

 

[YesWay]

So,I don't think he will not do anything on his own...everything he does is supervised by this coaches.

Not to be alarmist, but some things are beyond anybody's control...!

Woops (at 0:27)
Near miss (at 5:20)

Anyone remember Midori Ito getting body slammed into the boards during a practice/warmup?!
Or Nan Song getting practically knocked out by Adam Rippon at CoC 2012?

PS. speaking of post-gala "extras", and Nan Song... Hanyu has been doing that stuff for years.
Here he is at 2011 CoC, egging on Nan Song to do a quad too.

Hanyu seems to get along very well with other skaters, he has an infectious playfulness - and this is a good example of that.