Sure, please go ahead. Many thanks for uploading the video.
Sota Yamamoto
- Thread starter surimi
- Start date
Sure, please go ahead. Many thanks for uploading the video.
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2019
Thank you so much! I will credit you
Update: the videos with english cc.. once again thank you so much
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBgC7ejwELHCk0LlsCovf4dqpeHofwWDN
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
I've discovered that a fan kindly translated Sota's Kiss & Cry magazine interview on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/tsubakindy/status/1143946273818419201
Many thanks!
What took me aback the most: Sota's confidence in saying he wants to podium at every competition. As long as he doesn't throw all caution to the wind, it sounds good. What I found the most relatable: Sota going for a walk to the seaside in the Netherlands. What I found the weirdest: the combination of rice, chicken and tartar sauce that his uni canteen seems to serve. I had no idea such a combination even existed. (it's probably easy to guess I don't eat Japanese food much)
As some fans have already shared elsewhere, there's going to be a meeting concerning Challengers on the 13th, so there's a chance we'll learn where Sota will be headed mid-month. Hoping for something in Europe but preferably not Lombardia.
https://twitter.com/tsubakindy/status/1143946273818419201
Many thanks!
What took me aback the most: Sota's confidence in saying he wants to podium at every competition. As long as he doesn't throw all caution to the wind, it sounds good. What I found the most relatable: Sota going for a walk to the seaside in the Netherlands. What I found the weirdest: the combination of rice, chicken and tartar sauce that his uni canteen seems to serve. I had no idea such a combination even existed. (it's probably easy to guess I don't eat Japanese food much)
As some fans have already shared elsewhere, there's going to be a meeting concerning Challengers on the 13th, so there's a chance we'll learn where Sota will be headed mid-month. Hoping for something in Europe but preferably not Lombardia.
Here’s a“Number Web” article entitled "Promising 19-year-old is entering 'Japanese men’s less crowded filed.' - Sota Yamamoto to compete at GP."
It is dated July 5, 2019 and about GPS this season. The first half mainly reports ladies’ deep field in Russia and Japan.
https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/839899
I translated only the second half (page 2-3) talking about Sota.
https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/839899?page=2
“A man of outstanding talents” who fought his injuries
Regarding men’s field, we are looking forward to watching the skaters who have been competing at the top level, but now I would like to talk about Sota Yamamoto.
Yamamoto is assigned to one event, NHK Trophy, which is the same as the last season, but this time it has a different significance to him.
While he was a junior, he was on the podium at Junior GP Finals and the Junior Worlds. In addition to his achievements, with his speedy, fluid skating, jumps and captivating performances, he had a bright future as “the one with immense talents” and was expected to be the top athlete in the next generation. However in February 2016 he broke his right ankle. Once he recovered from injury he fractured the inside of his right ankle. Having undergone three surgeries he was unable to compete for one and a half years. He had to withdraw from GP series competitions.
Coming back to a GPS event he made some jump mistakes but still felt happy.
He returned to skate during the17-18 season. He came back to the competition with a jump layout of single jumps only. Afterwards he gradually improved, and finally his long awaited wish came true, and he made his GP debut at the NHK Trophy last season.
He made some jump mistakes and finished 6th overall.
“I felt frustrated (kuyashii),” he said. And yet he was trying to build on his rehabilitation experience which gave him joy and challenge. “I am happy that I was given a chance to compete there, and I feel more determined not to make such mistakes,” he reflected.
After that in the free program at Japanese Nationals he successfully landed a quad toe loop for the first time since season 15-16. At Challenge Cup in February, he landed the quad in both short and free and won with a total score of 253.87, although the score was not officially recognized by ISU, breaking his own record by more than 20 points, and with the victory he ended his season.
Page 3
Yamamoto visited doctors all over Japan.
After his return to the ice, last season he impressed us that he made a comeback. This season he will be entering his second NHK Trophy. Compared to Japanese ladies, Japanese male skaters’ field is not so deep. For that reason I have high expectations of him, but considering what he went through in the past, I wish him a satisfying season.
After injury he went all over Japan to see doctors and specialists in the hospitals for treatment. Many times his heart must have felt like it’s going to break. Still, he came back.
How is he going to proceed towards NHK Trophy? How will he progress after that? This season he is one of the skaters who we should pay attention to.
It is dated July 5, 2019 and about GPS this season. The first half mainly reports ladies’ deep field in Russia and Japan.
https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/839899
I translated only the second half (page 2-3) talking about Sota.
https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/839899?page=2
“A man of outstanding talents” who fought his injuries
Regarding men’s field, we are looking forward to watching the skaters who have been competing at the top level, but now I would like to talk about Sota Yamamoto.
Yamamoto is assigned to one event, NHK Trophy, which is the same as the last season, but this time it has a different significance to him.
While he was a junior, he was on the podium at Junior GP Finals and the Junior Worlds. In addition to his achievements, with his speedy, fluid skating, jumps and captivating performances, he had a bright future as “the one with immense talents” and was expected to be the top athlete in the next generation. However in February 2016 he broke his right ankle. Once he recovered from injury he fractured the inside of his right ankle. Having undergone three surgeries he was unable to compete for one and a half years. He had to withdraw from GP series competitions.
Coming back to a GPS event he made some jump mistakes but still felt happy.
He returned to skate during the17-18 season. He came back to the competition with a jump layout of single jumps only. Afterwards he gradually improved, and finally his long awaited wish came true, and he made his GP debut at the NHK Trophy last season.
He made some jump mistakes and finished 6th overall.
“I felt frustrated (kuyashii),” he said. And yet he was trying to build on his rehabilitation experience which gave him joy and challenge. “I am happy that I was given a chance to compete there, and I feel more determined not to make such mistakes,” he reflected.
After that in the free program at Japanese Nationals he successfully landed a quad toe loop for the first time since season 15-16. At Challenge Cup in February, he landed the quad in both short and free and won with a total score of 253.87, although the score was not officially recognized by ISU, breaking his own record by more than 20 points, and with the victory he ended his season.
Page 3
Yamamoto visited doctors all over Japan.
After his return to the ice, last season he impressed us that he made a comeback. This season he will be entering his second NHK Trophy. Compared to Japanese ladies, Japanese male skaters’ field is not so deep. For that reason I have high expectations of him, but considering what he went through in the past, I wish him a satisfying season.
After injury he went all over Japan to see doctors and specialists in the hospitals for treatment. Many times his heart must have felt like it’s going to break. Still, he came back.
How is he going to proceed towards NHK Trophy? How will he progress after that? This season he is one of the skaters who we should pay attention to.
I haven't read the original article, so I'm not sure what this dish is supposed to be, but chicken with tartar sauce is one of the very popular dishes here in Japan, for quite some time, and the most famous one is called "チキン南蛮(chicken Namban)", breaded and fried sweet and sour chicken with tartar sauce on top, originally a local dish from Kyushu area. I'm sure your teacher can explain well to you what Namban dishes (or culture) are in your Japanese classes.
I'd guess he's talking about タルタル唐揚げ丼(Tartar-Karaage-don), a bowl of rice with fried chicken dipped in tartar on top. Just copy-paste the dish names in Japanese to google by image and you'll see what they're like.
Sorry for always going too off-track, but I can't help it
For the time being, I'm looking forward to the coming Figureskate TV by Fuji next week, very much.
http://www.bsfuji.tv/figuretv/pub/index.html
It's supposed to show him getting new choreo in America! (as well as Tomono-kun, ofc)
Sota’s segment of FSTV aired Jul. 12, 2019.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yFUTXv9hFgWMV2DtzWGQG8U4xVEkK8Yv/view?usp=sharing
Translation: (A=announcer, Y=Yaginuma, S=Sota, PC= Pasquale Camerlengo)
A: Sota Yamamoto made a great comeback with a victory at the Challenge Cup in February this year. We will report how he was building his new competition programs for the new season.
00:18
A: How do you feel about overseas choreography?
S: This is my first time and I am a bit concerned about it, but I am hoping I will have a good time and learn a lot.
00:30 Choreography took place in the city of Novi, suburb of Detroit. It is the first time for Mr. Pasquale Camerlengo to meet Yamamoto senshu.
00:41
PC: Nice to meet you. Hi, dear.
00:47
A: Speaking of Pasquale, I remember him teamed up with Daisuke Takahashi. His free program “La Strada” at Vancouver Olympics.
Y: Yeah, that was in 2010, huh.
A: Yes.
Y: It has been so long since that time.
Y: It was a wonderful program.
A: It’s still vividl in our memory, this opening.
Y: His steps, the way he moves his whole body and connects with the melody. They were wonderful.
A: Yes.
Y: Yeah.
01:20
A: This time he had a tight schedule since both the short and free programs will be choreographed in 5 days. After confirming where to put in jumps and spins the team started choreography right away. The music pieces had been picked by Yamamoto senshu himself beforehand.
Y: I get the impression that he is a choreographer that creates choreography paying attention to the melody. Every move looks stylish.
01:46
A: “East o Eden” became known as the music Tatsuki Mchida skated to at Sochi Olympics. It seems to be a good fit for Yamamoto senshu too.
Y: I agree.
02:38
A: The choreography itself was going well, but they spent more time working on his body movements, especially the detailed instructions were given to him on how to move his arms.
Y: It looks like more softness in his moves is expected.
02:58
PC:I see he is very stiff. You know, he is always like this. With the chin like this. Like this, normal. You have to be more relaxed. When you stand like me you don’t stand like this, “hi, nice to meet you.”You don’t do that. Do like this. The movements of the arm, it’s not just the arm. It’s to be like the body. You need to move from there.
03:32
A: Camerlengo was right. Right after he came back to his hotel, he reviews how to move his body, which he did not pay much attention to before.
S: My arms move the same way all the time, around here. I wonder if I should try a little different presentation such as working on my fingers.
A: We can see how fast Yamamoto senshu became motivated towards learning artistic presentation.
04:13
A: You can check with the video.
Y: You can review the video right away.
A: Yes, you can. And the choreography session kept going on.
04:24
A: New free program “In this Shirt.” It has many cool choreographic movements and Yamamoto senshu was working very hard.
Y: It looks cool.
A: Here we go. Please enjoy the step sequence.
04:42
[music]
05:44
A: Please pay attention to this new team.
05:49
PC: Sota and I learned a lot. It is good that he had an opportunity to come over to skate with us, and yes, indeed I realized that from the first day when he was like, really you know, like contracting completely all the muscles of the body. Now like he is more loose and you know, like he let it go more and that’s what is very very important and it is beautiful to watch. He is beautiful skating.
06:23
S: I feel like I was copying Mr. Pasquale rather than learning choreography. If I skate only with the same familiar and comfortable movements it will be the same old skate. I’m not good at presentation after all, and I would like to improve a little by little by copying him who is really good.
A: Yamamoto senshu is taking up the big challenge. What is the theme of your new season?
S: I would get flak for saying “timshel”? (t/n: Hebrew word in Steinbeck's East of Eden, there are many online references, one of which is here.https://www.oprah.com/oprahsbookclub/east-of-eden-timshel-mans-choice-between-good-and-evil) Ahahaha
A: You have to ask Machida-kun.
S: Ahahaha. After all I was 9th at last year’s Japanese Nationals. Even in Japan there are 8 skaters above me. Umm…I’d better get it together. Umm..That’s why next season I set my goal to work hard so that I can deliver perfect skate at the Japanese Nationals to be on the Team Japan. If I don’t seriously give my all, I won’t be able to get results. I am going all out.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yFUTXv9hFgWMV2DtzWGQG8U4xVEkK8Yv/view?usp=sharing
Translation: (A=announcer, Y=Yaginuma, S=Sota, PC= Pasquale Camerlengo)
A: Sota Yamamoto made a great comeback with a victory at the Challenge Cup in February this year. We will report how he was building his new competition programs for the new season.
00:18
A: How do you feel about overseas choreography?
S: This is my first time and I am a bit concerned about it, but I am hoping I will have a good time and learn a lot.
00:30 Choreography took place in the city of Novi, suburb of Detroit. It is the first time for Mr. Pasquale Camerlengo to meet Yamamoto senshu.
00:41
PC: Nice to meet you. Hi, dear.
00:47
A: Speaking of Pasquale, I remember him teamed up with Daisuke Takahashi. His free program “La Strada” at Vancouver Olympics.
Y: Yeah, that was in 2010, huh.
A: Yes.
Y: It has been so long since that time.
Y: It was a wonderful program.
A: It’s still vividl in our memory, this opening.
Y: His steps, the way he moves his whole body and connects with the melody. They were wonderful.
A: Yes.
Y: Yeah.
01:20
A: This time he had a tight schedule since both the short and free programs will be choreographed in 5 days. After confirming where to put in jumps and spins the team started choreography right away. The music pieces had been picked by Yamamoto senshu himself beforehand.
Y: I get the impression that he is a choreographer that creates choreography paying attention to the melody. Every move looks stylish.
01:46
A: “East o Eden” became known as the music Tatsuki Mchida skated to at Sochi Olympics. It seems to be a good fit for Yamamoto senshu too.
Y: I agree.
02:38
A: The choreography itself was going well, but they spent more time working on his body movements, especially the detailed instructions were given to him on how to move his arms.
Y: It looks like more softness in his moves is expected.
02:58
PC:I see he is very stiff. You know, he is always like this. With the chin like this. Like this, normal. You have to be more relaxed. When you stand like me you don’t stand like this, “hi, nice to meet you.”You don’t do that. Do like this. The movements of the arm, it’s not just the arm. It’s to be like the body. You need to move from there.
03:32
A: Camerlengo was right. Right after he came back to his hotel, he reviews how to move his body, which he did not pay much attention to before.
S: My arms move the same way all the time, around here. I wonder if I should try a little different presentation such as working on my fingers.
A: We can see how fast Yamamoto senshu became motivated towards learning artistic presentation.
04:13
A: You can check with the video.
Y: You can review the video right away.
A: Yes, you can. And the choreography session kept going on.
04:24
A: New free program “In this Shirt.” It has many cool choreographic movements and Yamamoto senshu was working very hard.
Y: It looks cool.
A: Here we go. Please enjoy the step sequence.
04:42
[music]
05:44
A: Please pay attention to this new team.
05:49
PC: Sota and I learned a lot. It is good that he had an opportunity to come over to skate with us, and yes, indeed I realized that from the first day when he was like, really you know, like contracting completely all the muscles of the body. Now like he is more loose and you know, like he let it go more and that’s what is very very important and it is beautiful to watch. He is beautiful skating.
06:23
S: I feel like I was copying Mr. Pasquale rather than learning choreography. If I skate only with the same familiar and comfortable movements it will be the same old skate. I’m not good at presentation after all, and I would like to improve a little by little by copying him who is really good.
A: Yamamoto senshu is taking up the big challenge. What is the theme of your new season?
S: I would get flak for saying “timshel”? (t/n: Hebrew word in Steinbeck's East of Eden, there are many online references, one of which is here.https://www.oprah.com/oprahsbookclub/east-of-eden-timshel-mans-choice-between-good-and-evil) Ahahaha
A: You have to ask Machida-kun.
S: Ahahaha. After all I was 9th at last year’s Japanese Nationals. Even in Japan there are 8 skaters above me. Umm…I’d better get it together. Umm..That’s why next season I set my goal to work hard so that I can deliver perfect skate at the Japanese Nationals to be on the Team Japan. If I don’t seriously give my all, I won’t be able to get results. I am going all out.
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
Thank you for sharing your translation with us, Rainbow! I seriously hope Sota's ankles survive next season O_O His layout in that video includes a 4T3T, and 4Sal. Incredible! He only debuted his 4T in December! I am not surprised he's putting all his strength into upping his game though with Kazuki going forthe 4loop, and Koshiro for the 4Lz. He has no choice but try. -_- TBH I'm more anxious about his 3A3T though, given how he doesn't seem to like 3A.
This article also confirms he's going to attempt the 4Sal: https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2019/07/15/kiji/20190715s00079000298000c.html
Google translate says he's not happy about his success rate with it yet, or?
The photos in that article seem to be from the traning camp at Chuukyou that is taking place over this extended weekend. There are more interesting photos there, including one where Sota is training alongside Shoma and Koshiro.
Go, Sota!
This article also confirms he's going to attempt the 4Sal: https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2019/07/15/kiji/20190715s00079000298000c.html
Google translate says he's not happy about his success rate with it yet, or?
The photos in that article seem to be from the traning camp at Chuukyou that is taking place over this extended weekend. There are more interesting photos there, including one where Sota is training alongside Shoma and Koshiro.
Go, Sota!
Here's a tweet translating Sota's 4S plan in the article. https://twitter.com/Iron_Klaus/status/1150672958643421184
He is trying to increase the success rate of 4S.
Main points of an online news article dated July 15.
https://www.chunichi.co.jp/chuspo/article/figure/news/CK2019071502100043.html
• Sota is planning to add 4S in his programs. “I am doing better than ever after injury. Before, I was not able to land the 4S.”
• In his free he plans to implement two 4T and a 4S.
• Last paragraph is translated in this tweet.
https://twitter.com/Iron_Klaus/status/1151118688923336706
"I have been able to train and I'm not worried. Last year, there were times when I could only skate for 1 hour a day. I am skating 3-4 hours now." There are 3 bolts in his right ankle still. "When I train the bolts become very hot. I do take care of my ankle."
https://www.chunichi.co.jp/chuspo/article/figure/news/CK2019071502100043.html
• Sota is planning to add 4S in his programs. “I am doing better than ever after injury. Before, I was not able to land the 4S.”
• In his free he plans to implement two 4T and a 4S.
• Last paragraph is translated in this tweet.
https://twitter.com/Iron_Klaus/status/1151118688923336706
"I have been able to train and I'm not worried. Last year, there were times when I could only skate for 1 hour a day. I am skating 3-4 hours now." There are 3 bolts in his right ankle still. "When I train the bolts become very hot. I do take care of my ankle."
This is the FSTV video clip about Sota in Detroit, but the music is muted. With muted music we can now hear Sota explain how he chose his music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=577qF0W-ZCc&feature=youtu.be
Sota talks about music selection process of “East of Eden” and “In This Shirt.”
1:34
I search music on YouTube all the time. “East of Eden” has been used by some skaters, but it’s not the main reason why I picked this music. I was listening to many music pieces on YouTube and came across “East of Eden” and I genuinely liked it, so there is no special reason for picking it. I felt it would suit me.
4:16
It seems this music (In This Shirt) was used in a movie. Was it a Spanish movie? I guess it was a soundtrack of that movie. The music gives a vibe that I never experienced in my programs and I love it. I feel a little mature vibe in it, so if I practice hard and perfect the program, I will be able to deliver a cool performance, I hope. Umm…I will do my best do a great skate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=577qF0W-ZCc&feature=youtu.be
Sota talks about music selection process of “East of Eden” and “In This Shirt.”
1:34
I search music on YouTube all the time. “East of Eden” has been used by some skaters, but it’s not the main reason why I picked this music. I was listening to many music pieces on YouTube and came across “East of Eden” and I genuinely liked it, so there is no special reason for picking it. I felt it would suit me.
4:16
It seems this music (In This Shirt) was used in a movie. Was it a Spanish movie? I guess it was a soundtrack of that movie. The music gives a vibe that I never experienced in my programs and I love it. I feel a little mature vibe in it, so if I practice hard and perfect the program, I will be able to deliver a cool performance, I hope. Umm…I will do my best do a great skate.
KISS&CRY interview with Sota at Senior Summer Camp:
https://www.tvguide.or.jp/feature/kissandcry/20190719/01.html
Translation:
― How did you spend your off-season?
S: I went overseas (Detroit, USA) for a week for choreography. I have been spending more on-ice practice time to complete it.
― Tell us about your new programs.
S: Both programs are choreographed by Pasquale Camerlengo. The short is “East of Eden” and free is “In This Shirt.” I always search music on YouTube [laughs]. I bring up a suggestion to my coaches asking “Do you think this is good?” These two pieces went through that process [laughs].
― What do you feel are the appeals of your new programs?
S: Both short and free programs showcase my skating and edge works. Actually the free music does not have many ups and downs and it is hard to skate to it, but I can show off my jumps and skating skills. Also when the music builds up in the last half I have a step sequence, so I would like to bring about the programs where I can showcase my steps.
― Why did you get drawn to the music pieces of your new programs?
S: “East of Eden” for the short is very magnificent music and I want to skate to it to give that vibe. In the free if I can skate to the music beautifully, I hope to be able to deliver a really cool and mature program. But so far my performance is still somewhat flat, so I would like to be more expressive.
― You feel your skating is improving?
S: I wonder [laughs]. I will do my best to improve it.
― Tell us about your jump layout.
S: I’m working hard now to add the 4S in both short and free.
― How is the success rate of your 4T?
S: Good in practice…[bitter laughs] I should add it in the program.
― At 2019 Challenge Cup you landed a very high quality 4T.
S: Yes, but at that time I jumped only one 4T and it was the opening jump, so I was able to focus on it. However now I jump 4S and 4T, so I tend to make mistakes. I am practicing to be able to execute all the jumps.
― How is the success rate of your 4S?
S: Worse than 4T. Since there are times I land it clean, I want to raise the success rate of it so that I can add it to the program.
― This is going to be your big season after your return from serious injuries. How do you approach conditioning and training this new season?
S: I have been training a lot more than last season. I have been able to train enough so that I am not worried.
― Do you still have bolts in your ankle?
S: Yes, they are still there. These are embedded and headless, or what can I say, they don’t have the head to turn the screw with. They are the type of bolts that don’t need to be removed.
― Do they get cold when it is cold?
― I’m not sure whether the bolts is the cause, but there are times I feel heat [bitter laughs]. When I train too much I feel the area around the bolts heating up. I ice the area to take care of it. I am able to train much better now and I am fine.
― How big are the bolts in centimeters?
S: I did not see them outside my body…There are 3 inside. I don’t know the thickness.
― How do they help you?
S: My ankle bones came apart so they inserted 3 bolts sideways and at an angle to hold the bones together.
― How much have you recovered? Have you regained what you lost?
S: I’m better than before injury, because I could not do the 4S before. Now I need to train hard so that I can do this in competition.
― How much more do you train now?
S: Last year there are times I could only train one hour a day. But these days sometimes I can train up to 3 to 4 hours. At this summer camp I could skate a lot, and I am doing fine.
― What is your goal for 19-20 season?
S: I skated terrible at last year’s Japanese Nationals so this year I want to do my best to get on the podium at the Japanese Nationals so that I can go to the Worlds.
https://www.tvguide.or.jp/feature/kissandcry/20190719/01.html
Translation:
― How did you spend your off-season?
S: I went overseas (Detroit, USA) for a week for choreography. I have been spending more on-ice practice time to complete it.
― Tell us about your new programs.
S: Both programs are choreographed by Pasquale Camerlengo. The short is “East of Eden” and free is “In This Shirt.” I always search music on YouTube [laughs]. I bring up a suggestion to my coaches asking “Do you think this is good?” These two pieces went through that process [laughs].
― What do you feel are the appeals of your new programs?
S: Both short and free programs showcase my skating and edge works. Actually the free music does not have many ups and downs and it is hard to skate to it, but I can show off my jumps and skating skills. Also when the music builds up in the last half I have a step sequence, so I would like to bring about the programs where I can showcase my steps.
― Why did you get drawn to the music pieces of your new programs?
S: “East of Eden” for the short is very magnificent music and I want to skate to it to give that vibe. In the free if I can skate to the music beautifully, I hope to be able to deliver a really cool and mature program. But so far my performance is still somewhat flat, so I would like to be more expressive.
― You feel your skating is improving?
S: I wonder [laughs]. I will do my best to improve it.
― Tell us about your jump layout.
S: I’m working hard now to add the 4S in both short and free.
― How is the success rate of your 4T?
S: Good in practice…[bitter laughs] I should add it in the program.
― At 2019 Challenge Cup you landed a very high quality 4T.
S: Yes, but at that time I jumped only one 4T and it was the opening jump, so I was able to focus on it. However now I jump 4S and 4T, so I tend to make mistakes. I am practicing to be able to execute all the jumps.
― How is the success rate of your 4S?
S: Worse than 4T. Since there are times I land it clean, I want to raise the success rate of it so that I can add it to the program.
― This is going to be your big season after your return from serious injuries. How do you approach conditioning and training this new season?
S: I have been training a lot more than last season. I have been able to train enough so that I am not worried.
― Do you still have bolts in your ankle?
S: Yes, they are still there. These are embedded and headless, or what can I say, they don’t have the head to turn the screw with. They are the type of bolts that don’t need to be removed.
― Do they get cold when it is cold?
― I’m not sure whether the bolts is the cause, but there are times I feel heat [bitter laughs]. When I train too much I feel the area around the bolts heating up. I ice the area to take care of it. I am able to train much better now and I am fine.
― How big are the bolts in centimeters?
S: I did not see them outside my body…There are 3 inside. I don’t know the thickness.
― How do they help you?
S: My ankle bones came apart so they inserted 3 bolts sideways and at an angle to hold the bones together.
― How much have you recovered? Have you regained what you lost?
S: I’m better than before injury, because I could not do the 4S before. Now I need to train hard so that I can do this in competition.
― How much more do you train now?
S: Last year there are times I could only train one hour a day. But these days sometimes I can train up to 3 to 4 hours. At this summer camp I could skate a lot, and I am doing fine.
― What is your goal for 19-20 season?
S: I skated terrible at last year’s Japanese Nationals so this year I want to do my best to get on the podium at the Japanese Nationals so that I can go to the Worlds.
TokaiWalkers tweet on an interview with Sota: https://twitter.com/TokaiWalkers/status/1153210325291786240
You can order this magazine issue by clicking this: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B07SZGT1GN
Translation of the Interview:
Since junior days Sota Yamamoto was expected to be Yuzuru Hanyu’s successor.
He suffered from injury one after another and was forced to rest for recovery for a long time. He won the Challenge Cup in the Netherlands in February this year. This highly talented skater is now a second year student of Chukyo University and is going into the great new season.
--When you returned to competitions you were saying “I’m happy just to be able to skate. Everything feels fresh.” It’s been a year and a half since that time. Do you feel differently now?
S: How I felt before injury started to come back to me. I am not pushing myself too hard now, but those who can achieve results are the ones who are pushing themselves beyond their limits …It’s hard to find how hard I should push myself. After all, I want to get good results, and I will keep doing my best.
--What are the results that you aim for?
S: At the Japanese Nationals I would like to deliver good performances so that I can get on the podium and get selected to be on Team Japan. In order to achieve that, I am trying to add 4S in the programs.
--Have you set the Olympics as your goal?
S: It is my goal. Last season I felt like I could not comment on it yet, but now I think I’d better say that in my daily training.
--Is participating in the Olympics your goal? Or winning a medal there?
S: Let me see. Taking part in the Olympics was certainly my goal before. But if my goal is the third spot on the team to compete in the Olympics, I won’t even be able to get the third spot. Unless I aim for the top spot I won’t even be able to make the team. I need to work hard aiming high.
--Tell us about your daily student life off-ice.
S: Instead of regular clothes like this today I usually wear sweat shirt and pants. I have to train skating and it is a little hassle to change clothes. I am a second year student now and I am more settled into school. I have kohai (younger students) now and I am enjoying school life.
--What are your hobbies?
S: I always have a hard time answering this question. I have nothing worth mentioning. On the home page of Japan Skating Federation, supported athletes’ hobbies are listed, and I wrote down “eating meals” [laughs].
--Huh? Isn’t it what you do in your daily life?
S: Yes, it is a part of my daily routine [laughs]. Also taking a long bath? I could not think of anything else [laughs].
(t/n: On JSF website Sota’s hobbies are listed as “enjoying music/movies, walking around & taking a bath.” “Eating” did not make the cut.)
You can order this magazine issue by clicking this: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B07SZGT1GN
Translation of the Interview:
Since junior days Sota Yamamoto was expected to be Yuzuru Hanyu’s successor.
He suffered from injury one after another and was forced to rest for recovery for a long time. He won the Challenge Cup in the Netherlands in February this year. This highly talented skater is now a second year student of Chukyo University and is going into the great new season.
--When you returned to competitions you were saying “I’m happy just to be able to skate. Everything feels fresh.” It’s been a year and a half since that time. Do you feel differently now?
S: How I felt before injury started to come back to me. I am not pushing myself too hard now, but those who can achieve results are the ones who are pushing themselves beyond their limits …It’s hard to find how hard I should push myself. After all, I want to get good results, and I will keep doing my best.
--What are the results that you aim for?
S: At the Japanese Nationals I would like to deliver good performances so that I can get on the podium and get selected to be on Team Japan. In order to achieve that, I am trying to add 4S in the programs.
--Have you set the Olympics as your goal?
S: It is my goal. Last season I felt like I could not comment on it yet, but now I think I’d better say that in my daily training.
--Is participating in the Olympics your goal? Or winning a medal there?
S: Let me see. Taking part in the Olympics was certainly my goal before. But if my goal is the third spot on the team to compete in the Olympics, I won’t even be able to get the third spot. Unless I aim for the top spot I won’t even be able to make the team. I need to work hard aiming high.
--Tell us about your daily student life off-ice.
S: Instead of regular clothes like this today I usually wear sweat shirt and pants. I have to train skating and it is a little hassle to change clothes. I am a second year student now and I am more settled into school. I have kohai (younger students) now and I am enjoying school life.
--What are your hobbies?
S: I always have a hard time answering this question. I have nothing worth mentioning. On the home page of Japan Skating Federation, supported athletes’ hobbies are listed, and I wrote down “eating meals” [laughs].
--Huh? Isn’t it what you do in your daily life?
S: Yes, it is a part of my daily routine [laughs]. Also taking a long bath? I could not think of anything else [laughs].
(t/n: On JSF website Sota’s hobbies are listed as “enjoying music/movies, walking around & taking a bath.” “Eating” did not make the cut.)
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
^ many thanks for sharing the translations, Rainbow! Sota has such nice simple hobbies, who wouldn't like him? 
Walking, eating, hot baths... I bet we can add 'sleeping', 'meeting friends', 'watching skating videos/ watching other skaters perform', and 'listening for skating music on YT'. Oh, and has he informed us yet that he really really likes skating? 
... he's made to be a great coach. I hope he knows that.
Walking, eating, hot baths... I bet we can add 'sleeping', 'meeting friends', 'watching skating videos/ watching other skaters perform', and 'listening for skating music on YT'. Oh, and has he informed us yet that he really really likes skating? ... he's made to be a great coach. I hope he knows that.
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
yay, Sota in Europe again! Finalnd is quite expensive, but I hope I can go. 
Plus, I've never seen Shoma live yet since he WD from Challenge Cup!
I am so happy about Sota, that he got into the A category as he deserves, and that he got two prestigious challengers! Go, Sota, stay healthy and show us what you can do!
Now, if Kazuki and Sota could go together to Nepela in the next few seasons, it would be a dream come true... maybe if I think about it often enough, I'll make it happen
Plus, I've never seen Shoma live yet since he WD from Challenge Cup!
I am so happy about Sota, that he got into the A category as he deserves, and that he got two prestigious challengers! Go, Sota, stay healthy and show us what you can do!
Now, if Kazuki and Sota could go together to Nepela in the next few seasons, it would be a dream come true... maybe if I think about it often enough, I'll make it happen
- Joined
- May 5, 2018
Now, if Kazuki and Sota could go together to Nepela in the next few seasons, it would be a dream come true... maybe if I think about it often enough, I'll make it happen
Joining the praying circle for this to happen!
I'm really happy for Sota in being promoted to Category A, getting two CS assignments and generally feeling a lot better physically.
I just worry that they're trying to rush things. I get he's very anxious to 'catch up' but there are still three long seasons to Beijing, it's better if he paces himself carefully. I hope him and his team know what they're doing!
Sota’s competition schedule so far: He is exempt from Chubu Regionals due to USC entry.
8/9～12 Gensan Summer Cup (Ootsu, Japan) - domestic event
9/17～22 US Classic (Salt Lake City, USA)
10/11～13 Finlandia (Espoo, Finland)
11/1～4 Western Sectionals (Ootsu, Japan)
11/22～24 NHKTrophy (Sapporo, Japan)
12/18～22 Japanese Nationals (Tokyo Japan)
8/9～12 Gensan Summer Cup (Ootsu, Japan) - domestic event
9/17～22 US Classic (Salt Lake City, USA)
10/11～13 Finlandia (Espoo, Finland)
11/1～4 Western Sectionals (Ootsu, Japan)
11/22～24 NHKTrophy (Sapporo, Japan)
12/18～22 Japanese Nationals (Tokyo Japan)
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2014
- Country
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He's gonna be a busy guy! Oh, I see he has U.S. Classic. That's a rough one because of the high altitude. Usually the skaters are huffing and puffing and running out of gas by the end of their FS. Most of them are still working on their stamina at that point too. He'll do fine though. I wish him the best!
Congrats to him on the Category A. Well deserved!
Congrats to him on the Category A. Well deserved!
