I read it too.. It's so beautiful that it almost made me cry
Yuzuru Hanyu: 2016-17 Season
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Do you mind summarizing it? It must have been a wonderful interview!
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It looks like the Shae Lynn interview is from World Figure Skating Extra magazine, the fan that tweeted this also tearing.
Yuzu and China ice dance team. Another fanboy that bought a Phiten necklace which he posted in his weibo account before. And he lift up Yuzu in previous banquet
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Yuzu and Shuzo
Yuzu and China ice dance team. Another fanboy that bought a Phiten necklace which he posted in his weibo account before. And he lift up Yuzu in previous banquet
.Yuzu and Shuzo
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Aw... I wonder what it is. Shae-Lynn is always so fond of Yuzuru, I hope there will be someone who could translate and share it :luv17:
SHAE-LYNN BOURNE INTERVIEW (SOURCE: 栗将軍_羽生党 TRANSLATED BY: cherryncy - Golden Skate)
PLEASE PROVIDE CREDITS IF YOU REPOST IT TO ANOTHER PLATFORM
What do you think of the performance of Yuzuru?
Shae-Lynn: I have only watched the videos because I could not attend due to work. Although there is quite a difference between watching it live and on screen, I am really satisfied. I am really happy that the LP ranks first, especially when it's still first half of the season, probably because of the attention paid to the presentation of elements. He is aiming really high this season. Because the programme has 4 quads, I think it still takes some time to put the elements, story and emotions together.
Did he discuss with you over the choice of music?
Shae: I think this is a song which Yuzu wholeheartedly wants to skate to. He has decided to use this song at the beginning of the choreography, and brought this song to me. He has a past with this song: this is the theme song for 1998 Nagano Paralympics and he told me that was the time he began skating. Therefore, I think that this is a meaningful song to him. As for me, when I heard of his words, I tried to link his story to the theme of Hope & Legacy. All his life experiences from the moment he stepped on the ice. I want to exhibit all these elements in the programme. What is in his mind as an athlete? Yuzuru has achieved the dream of an athlete -- Olympics Gold medalist. But now he is chasing after a new dream. Believe in oneself, overcome all challenges, never stop going forward regardless of circumstances. This is what I want to express.
When listening to this song by Joe Hisaishi, how do you interpret the song?
Shae: I think that it is a beautiful song, with emotions unique to Japanese culture. While it is classical, its Japanese characteristics shine. Needless to say, it is a song to which he can connect himself to. In the process of choreographing, I also tried to feel his story. When he first met the ice, when he first learnt skating, the amazement when he touches the surface, that wonderful feeling to skate on ice...I think he is full of curiosity. The beginning of the programme is about "understanding the ice", expressing his discovery in a very tranquil manner. As he learns about the ice, he begins to release himself. The real journey begins. The fluctuations of emotions like a roller coaster (?) is expressed through foot work. like a wave. Approaching the end of the programme, the emotions are shared with the audience. (?)
How do you guys communicate in the process
Shae: We shared our thoughts and feelings openly. This is the third season that we work with each other. Thanks to the time spent together, the comunication and trust between us strengthen. The first day of choreography is probably more about communications than to skate. We discussed things such as how he feels, what he feels and how to express these feelings. As we talk, we resonate with each other. Not everyone can do this, but he can, he can understand emotions, and express that to his audience. Like last season, he takes some time in the beginning. He needs time to recover from his injuries, so i think a lot of things may be a bit late in this season.. But all it matters is how to peak your condition. I think at this point, his jumps are very complete. The rest is to practise the details in between elements.
Do you think that his interpretation improves due to what happens in the recovery period?
Shae: Exactly. Through experience, he grows and matures. He needs to slow down his pace for everything due to the injury, but this also gives him time to feel. To a certain extent I think that it is developed towards the right direction. You can review you life from a different angle, with a completely new perspective. and this makes the product created by us more in-depth than before. When your emotions become more in-depth, the programme is more profound and appealing. In fact, we spent some practice time together after the programme is done. This is the first time we try to practice together off ice. I showed the moves to him one by one, and he repeats. I feel very blissful, intrigued and excited to watch him to do so. I believe this is a great experience for him as well. He should have a better understand the quality of his movements and how to control his body. That was the time he still could not jump, but he managed to focus on the programme itself. He is very satisfied with the rewards of this practice as well. I am very lucky to observe him as a dancer on the ground. Through this experience, and finding back his jumps, I think he combines the two and is now on a new level.
This is the third season you cooperated with Yuzuru. Look back, what do you think about Phantom 2014-2015 and SEIMEI 2015-2016?
Shae: He always has deep thoughts and feelings for musics. As you all know, at first the coach Brian Orser sent me an email, saying "I hope Yuzuru can skate to your programme". Yuzuru wanted to skate to POTO at that time, but to be honest, I have seen so many skaters performing this song. I hesitated, but I wanted to fulfil his dream. When we began the choreography work, I am very surprised that he is so full of emotions; he cares for other, he always cares for others in his heart. He is very clear what he is skating for, what kind of performance he wants to show his fans. We only had four days to work on the choreo at that time, but I was truly moved by how he wanted to challenge himself with his best efforts. The process was smooth at that time, but looking back, we work much better now. We exchange our thoughts and opinions thoroughly now, and as time passed, I can understand Yuzuru's personal things. (?)
He found the song for SEIMEI but we worked together for choreography and combination. The instant I listen to this song, the image of the work pops up in my brain immediately. He also had what he wanted to achieve and actively participated in the process, so we communicate candidly. It is also very interesting to learn Japanese culture. I think this experience and feeling also help in Hope & Legacy. As the season progress, I was full of emotional thoughts to see him turning SEIMEI into his own character. He was not acting, he himself is the character, he exists as the character. Last season in NHK trophy, you can understand his control and confidence because he is the ruler of the match. I am touched to see how he integrates into the programme.
SEIMEI is now the highest scoring programme in the world
Shae: There is a lot to plan and prepare, but everything comes together as "1" for Yuzuru. A thorough preparation, best physical and mental condition, jumps that no one else could jump...he pushes the level of figure skating to another level. A lot of skaters, coaches and audiences are inspired by his performance. What a gift to figure skating. And this is what Yuzuru is best at: he can provoke your emotions deep inside, and give others to power to improve. Seeing his performance, a lot of the skates now aim higher. I am really moved by his contributions to figure skating. Hope & Legacy is a programme that is capable of this as well. This programme is he himself. Yuzuru is hope, Yuzuru is legacy Yuzuru Hanyu as an athlete that is always moving forward, that never gives up, that have faith……He is someone that a younger skater will look up to, and pass his legacy to the next generation. I believe his name will be engraved in history, and leave behind a legend.
The Story of Hope and Legacy - any advice for the audience when appreciating the performance?
Shae: You can observe a lot from the beginning. The first scene, when Yuzuru steps out with reaching hands, it represents his first encounter with the ice. Imagination unfolds - probably it's his eventual goal to be at the Olympics. He reaches out his hands with hope, but he can't catch it. He retracts his hands. And then it's a series of step sequence "No pain, no gain. Alright, I need to step on the ice, and work hard" This is how a young Yuzuru meets with the ice. Imagine a curious little yuzuru with eyes wide open. He enjoys the wind that blows on him with every step forward, he loves the feeling of sliding.
As the programme continues, there will be moments of struggle and moments of joy. After the circular foot work, Yuzuru places his hand in front of himself and looks through his fingers. This represents how yuzuru sees his reflection in the mirror. He finds his reflection. A lot of times, you are your own biggest criticizer. He doesn't like his reflection. With fear and horror, with excessive strictness, he sees his imperfections. But then, he shakes it off, breaks the mirror and leaves. He wants to move forward. He doesn't allow him to spoil himself. He trusts his ability to move forward.
After the 4th quad, he places his hands in front of his chest, feeling the heart beat and the voice of his heart. He reaches the stage of facing his own emotions. This year, because of injury, he had the opportunity to face his inner self and feel the movement of the body. This is a new perspective, that is not only about focusing on skating, but also to feel your life as a whole and release your emotions... As if wings are grown, he will fly, fly to sky. The world is wonderful, the world is beautiful. Learn about yourself, learn what is freedom. Erase all your fear and doubts. The fact that you are living, living your life, be yourself...Feel the happiness.
The last scene is not very successful in SC (laughs) But it will be shown to everyone in the coming competitions. In fact, it returns back to the opening, where he reaches his hands and grabs tightly. He grabs victory and dream, but he doesn't want to have them all to himself. He spreads his arms, opens his heart, and wants to share hope and inspiration to the entire world. The last scene is for everyone who appreciates his performance. Yuzuru really wants to thank everyone. He doesn't just want to skate beautifully himself, he wants to achieve much more with his skating. To share with people around him, to everyone at the stadium and to everyone in front of the television. It is a great message: no sports can exist without audience. Yuzuru hopes that the audience becomes part of him, and he wants to share with everyone all of these. This is the actual story of Hope & Legacy.
What a wonderful story. Yuzuru is a gift to this sports.
Shae: He has a beautiful heart, with gratefulness to everyone and respect to ice. Such beautiful emotions are put into the performance with his own hands. As someone who offers him a bit of help and establishes a relationship with his skating, I am very honoured. I hope I can get on ice with him again, to help him further improve on his programme. Let's all look forward to NHK.
(This is a beautiful interview and beautifully written. I hope someone more capable could do a better translation than this
Yuzu is an angel. I'm gonna watch H&L again!)
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- Sep 10, 2014
OK, the interview was taken before NHK, so Shae Lynn said that during the SC performance Yuzuru was focused on his big elements, so he didn't pull off the choreography as it was conceived, especially closer to the end. It'll take some time to combine the technical content and the narrative.
Yuzuru wanted to skate to Hisaishi's music since it has a special relevance to him - it was made the same year as Yuzu started to skate. So Shae Lynn's idea was that the programme depicts the evolution of Yuzuru the skater from the first step he takes on ice, the Olympic dream he tries to catch in the air right away and his path towards his dream through his triumphs and troubles and self-doubt to the achievement of his dream - the final gesture in which he catches his star and then immediately shares it with the audience. Shae Lynn goes through the whole programme analysing it.
The injury this spring and summer made Yuzu a more mature person, with a sublter understanding of what has to be done, and his not being able to jump for a while allowed him to concentrate on choreography and the meaning of the movements more. Shae Lynn and he also practised outside the ice. They also reached a far greater degree of mutual understanding.
She also talks about the two previous programs they made - POTO and Seimei. Seimei was interesting since it gave her a chance to get to know Japanese culture and it was interesting to see Yuzu own the character - as she sees it, he didn't play the character, he became Seimei and was able to hold the stadium in his palm. So she sounded happy about working on another programme with a subtle Japanese flavour.
She says he's a beautiful person, full of gratitude to people and respect to the ice - he tries to deliver these feelings to his audience. She was happy to be of help to him in this.
I'll leave mine intact - just because I'm too lazy to wipe it out!
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- Mar 4, 2014
This interview is so precious, I shed a couple of tears which is so unlike me, lol. I even doubted for a moment if Japanese editors made some parts more colorful, but it's undoubtedly Shae-Lynn and her pure love for this kid. Her speech is majestic. She was was blessed to work with him and he was blessed to work with her. Yuzuru has this rare and beautiful quality of connecting to any person, he can create a deep relationship and understanding, as it seems, with almost everyone. And people understand his sincere nature and his approach to FS as to his real life and take inspiration from him. I hope he can work with many choreographers in the future or maybe he could become one, who knows.
This program is probably one of the most important programs for him now, it's so close to his heart. I'm thankful to Shae-Lynn for trying to understand him from the inside and taking a genuine interest in him as a person.
And one important thing is... All this program explanation reminded me of one episode at NHK. Before the medal ceremony Yuzuru was talking to one Japanese woman, maybe a coach or judge. He was saying in Japanese something like "This program is originally my own..." and then camera switched to Keiji, probably operator payed respect to Yuzu and his private talk. But I'm curious what he meant there.
This program is probably one of the most important programs for him now, it's so close to his heart. I'm thankful to Shae-Lynn for trying to understand him from the inside and taking a genuine interest in him as a person.
And one important thing is... All this program explanation reminded me of one episode at NHK. Before the medal ceremony Yuzuru was talking to one Japanese woman, maybe a coach or judge. He was saying in Japanese something like "This program is originally my own..." and then camera switched to Keiji, probably operator payed respect to Yuzu and his private talk. But I'm curious what he meant there.
Hi everyone! It has been a long time since I posted last time, but just wanted to say, you guys are amazing and thank you all for sharing the information and translations!!! Shae Lynn's interview - I have been wanting to read this interview and what a wonderful interview! Thank you so much guys xxxx
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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- Nov 29, 2015
Thank you all for bringing this wonderful interview to us :luv17:
Ah what words. And this is why I so selfishly do not want him to leave after PC. It is so rare that sport in general gets such a figure that is so incredible that it advances the sport by the combination of not just what they achieve but how that inspires athletes, and of course fans as well, that I want to keep him with us for as long as possible. Wonderful, wonderful, true words.
Ah what words. And this is why I so selfishly do not want him to leave after PC. It is so rare that sport in general gets such a figure that is so incredible that it advances the sport by the combination of not just what they achieve but how that inspires athletes, and of course fans as well, that I want to keep him with us for as long as possible. Wonderful, wonderful, true words.
When you fall you pretty much loose all your momentum. In beginning figure skating, when you have momentum, many moves just fall into the place. And sometimes when you do a program enough times, your muscle memory takes over. But once you loose your momentum, it's like starting all over again at a place you are not that familiar with.
But I'm not sure for skaters at Yuzu's level, how big of a impact is a fall on stamina. He seems to be able to utilize the momentum from the fall to get back on his edge.
The Story of Hope and Legacy - any advice for the audience when appreciating the performance?
Shae: You can observe so much from the beginning. The first scene, Yuzuru steps out, with reaching hands, it represents his first encounter with the ice. Imagination unfolds - probably it's his eventual goal to be at the Olympics. He reaches out his hands with hope, but he can't catch it. He retractshis hands. And then it's a series of step sequence "No pain, no gain. Alright, I need to step on the ice, and work hard" This is how a young Yuzuru meets with the ice. Imagine a curious little yuzuru with eyes wide open. He enjoys the wind that blows on him with every step forward, he loves the feeling of sliding.
As the programme continues, there will be moments of struggle and moments of joy. After the circular foot work, Yuzuru places his hand in front of himself and looking through his fingers. This represents how yuzuru sees his reflection in the mirror. He finds his reflection. A lot of times, you are your own biggest criticizer. He doesn't like his reflection. With fear and horror, with excess strictness, he sees his imperfections. But then, he shakes it off, breaks the mirror and leaves. He wants to move forward. He doesn't allow him to spoil himself. He trusts his ability to move forward.
After the 4th quad, he places his hands in front of his chest, feeling the heart beat and the voice of his heart. He reaches the stage of facing his own emotions. This year, because of injury, he had the opportunity to face his inner self and feel the movement of the body. This is a new perspective, that is not just about focusing on skating, but to feel your life as a whole and release your emotions... As if wings are grown, he will fly, fly to the sky. The world is wonderful, the world is beautiful. Learn about yourself, learn what is freedom. Erase all your fear and doubts. The fact that you are living, living your life, be yourself...Feel the happiness.
The last scene is not very successful in SC (laughs) But it will be shown to everyone in the coming competitions. In fact, it returns to the opening, where he reaches his hands and grabs tighly. He grabs victory and dream, but he doesn't want to have them all to himself. He spreads his arms, opens his heart, and wants to share hope and inspiration to the entire world. The last scene, is for everyone who appreciates his performance. Yuzuru really wants to thank everyone. He doesn't just want to skate beautifully himself, he wants to achieve much more with his skating. To share with people around him, to everyone there and to everyone in front of the television. It is a great message: no sports can exist without audience. Yuzuru hopes that the audience becomes part of him, and he wants to share with everyone all of these. This is the actual story of Hope & Legacy.
What a wonderful story. Yuzuru is a gift to this sports.
Shae: He has a beautiful heart, with gratefulness to everyone, to ice. Such beautiful emotions are put into the performance with his own hands. As someone who offers him a bit of help and establishes a relationship with his skating, I am very honoured. I hope there is one day I can get on ice with him again, to help him further improve on his programme. Let's all look forward to NHK.
(This is a beautiful interview and beautifully written. I hope someone more capable could do a better translation than this
I have added the last part of the interview. excuse my grammatical errors because I'm too lazy to correct!
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Thank you so much, it's a great translation, it carries across her emotion so well :luv17:
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Thank you so much to cherryncy and Fayruza for taking time to share the translation and summary of this beautiful, emotional and inspiring interview. I'm crying now 
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- Nov 29, 2015
While we were having a nice time here, the Chinese fans were up with pitchforks.
The ISU official weibo account posted a tweet that questioned Yuzuru's 4Lo, calling it under-rotated, which the judges unjustly ignored which caused him to score over 100. The fans then complained in droves and the thing was deleted and the ISU apologized. Good grief, the things they allow, very unprofessional. But go Chinese fans!
The ISU official weibo account posted a tweet that questioned Yuzuru's 4Lo, calling it under-rotated, which the judges unjustly ignored which caused him to score over 100. The fans then complained in droves and the thing was deleted and the ISU apologized. Good grief, the things they allow, very unprofessional. But go Chinese fans!
The weibo was deleted within a couple of minutes when the account holder realised it was false information. But still, this is very unprofessional of them. Even if it is true, I don't think that ISU is in the right position to post this. Not to mention that quad is not at all under-rotated. Just really, really dumb.
As much as i think that ISU is terribly wrong in this case, sometimes the Chinese Yuzu fans scare me to death because they act like a tiger mum defending their kitten. (kitten sounds right
) I guess I can understand their reaction this time though, given the hostile relationships between different skaters' fans there.
As much as i think that ISU is terribly wrong in this case, sometimes the Chinese Yuzu fans scare me to death because they act like a tiger mum defending their kitten. (kitten sounds right
) I guess I can understand their reaction this time though, given the hostile relationships between different skaters' fans there.
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- Jun 21, 2014
I just watched the TSL recap with Sandra Bezic that was posted here and I highly disagree with this year being the "Quad Year" for men with less focus on program components; the olympic preparation yes but I don't think this season is especially quad focused. If this is based on Yuzuru's 4 quads I don't think it makes sense because he's been adding difficulty in his programs every year basically not just this one and I think H&L is actually his most balanced program between presentation (his hands are great!) and technnical difficulty (some would arguee because Seimei but I prefer H&L; just compare his poise in this program to any LP pre-Seimei; even Seimei in my opinion). If it's based on Boyang I also don't see it because he actually improved leaps and bounds in PCS department (you go Spiderboi) and kept the same layout; Patrick's been adding 4S yes, but it was about time, he just needs to it if he wants to be competitive, and his programs especially his LP are gorgeous this year so I don't see anything being sacrificed for the quads. Javier, well, is being Javier; kept the content. Nathan's been quad-crazy since he descended upon earth except when he's injured, which is hopefully was very often. Shoma had his second half quad last season. I actually see an upward trend in tech that has been going on all of this quad and the one before.
also, what is this fixation about Yuzuru looking down; it isn't even that noticeable to me at least. I can see it but not much, am I dead a*s blind?
Her comments about Yuzuru's sense of theatre is spot on though, especially this season but also last one and sometimes even before; he's been doing some very deep bows to the audience; and acting like such a star in a good way, not a condescending one. He always seemed like he was going into the stage when he goes into the ice; there's no "here, i'm doing my job. it's done. clap for me. i'm outta here." which gets on my nerves sometimes with other skaters especially when they fail everything. Yuzuru could roll in the ice all the program that he will still knowledge the audience after. I think it has something to do with what Johnny said recently that Yuzuru doesn't fear failling at the spotlights, and that's why he keeps improved. Someone who doesn't try and that is afraid of failure will never improve.
also, what is this fixation about Yuzuru looking down; it isn't even that noticeable to me at least. I can see it but not much, am I dead a*s blind?
Her comments about Yuzuru's sense of theatre is spot on though, especially this season but also last one and sometimes even before; he's been doing some very deep bows to the audience; and acting like such a star in a good way, not a condescending one. He always seemed like he was going into the stage when he goes into the ice; there's no "here, i'm doing my job. it's done. clap for me. i'm outta here." which gets on my nerves sometimes with other skaters especially when they fail everything. Yuzuru could roll in the ice all the program that he will still knowledge the audience after. I think it has something to do with what Johnny said recently that Yuzuru doesn't fear failling at the spotlights, and that's why he keeps improved. Someone who doesn't try and that is afraid of failure will never improve.
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wait, what? So an official ISU account posted a message basically saying "hey everyone, just so you know: ISU judges sucks. Sincerely, the ISU." ?
:roll9: I didn't go to PR school or anything, but something about this seems off
I think it is not necessarily about Yuzuru. Almost everyone and their grandmas add a quad this year. Even those who doesn't have one in the past. Rippon, Brown and as you mentioned there is Patrick, Kolyada, Nathan etc. I think what she meant is that it is going to be more of a splatfest this season, because yes, if you fall, your performance gets disrupted and affected, and you will likely lessen some choreography and transition in order to afford the quad in your program. I noticed this from Chan too actually, he does reduce his transition compared to his past programs. Even Yuzuru's choreo for H/L is not in its full-form yet, as what Shae-Lynn has said in her interview. But you need time to get those quads out there so I don' think she means this as a bad thing.
Speaking of which, I think Yuzuru very rarely landed an UR jump. Most of his UR calls are where he fell, I think? Probably because he doesn't have enough airtime etc + his speed coming into his jump thus he gets rounded and falls when his jumps are not fully rotated.
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