Kanako Murakami | Page 36 | Golden Skate

Kanako Murakami

I know it's never really a good idea to watch TSL or listen to anything they have to say, but what was said about Kana in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bLeaTuquk8 (around 19:10) really appalled me. I can understand what they said about Carmen (though a bit too harsh, as always), but what was said starting at around 21:30 was totally uncalled for ("I was confused why she was competing here", "They must be getting good sponsor money to keep going in Japan"). I get the impression that Kana is doing it for her own satisfaction, but they totally dismiss her simply for her lack of technical content and questioned her validity as a skater. This irked me to no end, but I guess I've learned my lesson to steer clear of TSL :disapp:
 
^^I usually enjoy watching TSL. This was one of the snarkiest, most annoying programs ever. Between that and the fact that their microphones were bad, it was pretty awful. I felt like they had zero understanding of Kanako and since they had to come up with something to say about her, they just came up with the terrible sponsor comment. And I didn't listen so I could hear them babble on about Yuri on Ice. Do a whole separate hour since everyone likes it so much, if that's what you really want to talk about. :gaah:
 
Wow...TSL found a way to be even more unwatchable. Kind of ironic they knock Kana's technical ability when they seem to be short in that department themselves regarding editing, quality microphones, and discussion skills. :slink:
 
I still wonder why people still listen to TSL. Such horrible "reporter/blogger". Why they never question the same about Ashley during the darkest time of her career? :rolleye:
 
I keep saying that TSL are a bunk of morons only interested in stupid gossip. Just one more proof that I am right. :p
Kana still do competitions for herself, regardless of results. Lot of skaters in many countries do the same, but of course, TSL always ignore facts and prefer to bash left and right instead. Nothing new.
 
Idk what TSL is and who these people are, but even reading this forum Kanako seems like the antichrist for still daring to compete. I think it's a hard to fathom for some people that an athlete might just love the sport, even if they're not at the top, if they're not winning anymore. It's like a personal insult if someone doesn't bring the results anymore. Kanako has to live with the fact that she cannot compete with the top and even a lot of girls from her own country. And she does that just well, doesn't look as frustrated as others in a similar position, like Gracie Gold for example. Even if that's it for her in the skating world, I'd rather her be happy and irking so called experts than crying and letting the naysayers get to her self-esteem. She's honestly for me one of the most admirable athletes because of her wonderful character and attitude. Who cares if they project their own negativity on her? She's still a strong and positive person and someone to look up to.
 
TSL was just questioning about the sponsorship (which apparently they don't understand how it works in japan), not really judging her personally. They basically make those kind of comments to everyone, and to be honest nobody really cares about what TSL says.. it's just a youtube video so relax;)
 
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MaiKatze said:
Idk what TSL is and who these people are, but even reading this forum Kanako seems like the antichrist for still daring to compete. I think it's a hard to fathom for some people that an athlete might just love the sport, even if they're not at the top, if they're not winning anymore. It's like a personal insult if someone doesn't bring the results anymore. Kanako has to live with the fact that she cannot compete with the top and even a lot of girls from her own country. And she does that just well, doesn't look as frustrated as others in a similar position, like Gracie Gold for example. Even if that's it for her in the skating world, I'd rather her be happy and irking so called experts than crying and letting the naysayers get to her self-esteem. She's honestly for me one of the most admirable athletes because of her wonderful character and attitude. Who cares if they project their own negativity on her? She's still a strong and positive person and someone to look up to.
Click to expand...

I agree with you.
Honestly, I've enjoyed Kanako's and Mao's performances at Japanese Nationals more than anyone else's on the top spots, with all the ur's, missed jumps, falls, other technical weaknesses. They are a joy to watch because of their artistry, and as long as they compete bring lots of joy not only for themselves but for thousands of fans as well. I admire their dedication and motivation, and I personally love Kanako's ever-so-cheerful and fun personality.

Btw I haven't watched the TSL video yet, but fyi, the two persons behind TSL are Dave Lease, a journalist/blogger (worked at NBC during Olympics 2008) and Jennifer Kirk, retired American figure skater, World Junior Champion in 2000 and 4CC Champion in 2002.
 
Very nice article on Kanako in the Feb. issue of International Figure Skating Magazine. Here are just a few of the highlights:

She talks about the 2014 Olympics. Even though her Sochi performances were not her best, the process to get there and what she had to overcome gave her a sense of achievement. She wanted to skate at the Olympics, but more than that, she wanted to be able to go with Mao Asada and Akiko Suzuki. That gave her the motivation she needed. That experience was something she will take with her for the rest of her life...She had a hard time when Mao and Akiko left skating and felt very lonely. For awhile she wondered if she would be able to find the fire inside to train and compete any more.

"But they kept in touch and let me know they were cheering me on, so I was able to find my motivation again. We still go out for meals together and the three of us go on holidays in Japan. Daisuke T. and Nobu O. come too, so it is all the skaters of that generation. Our relationship goes beyond skating and we will be lifelong friends. I am so grateful to them all."

The article goes on to talk about her struggles of this past season and how for the first time in her career, she did not make the podium at any competition she was in...She is in her final year at Chukyo University and is scheduled to graduate in March. She is studying things like biomechanics and sports theory. She says it's difficult but she decided to major in the sports field. She also has to practice other sports.

"I was always told by my coach to become a skater that is beloved by those who watch figure skating. I was told that since I was small, and I believe it is really important. That is the biggest lesson I learned. My ideal skater is Carolina (Kostner)--she is a lovely person and a wonderful skater. You can see that character come through when she performs." Figure skating will still be an important part of Kanako's life when she is done competing. " I don't have any clear plans, but I do not want what I have done up until now to go to waste when I move on to the next phase of my life."
 
Arriba627 said:
Very nice article on Kanako in the Feb. issue of International Figure Skating Magazine. Here are just a few of the highlights:

She talks about the 2014 Olympics. Even though her Sochi performances were not her best, the process to get there and what she had to overcome gave her a sense of achievement. She wanted to skate at the Olympics, but more than that, she wanted to be able to go with Mao Asada and Akiko Suzuki. That gave her the motivation she needed. That experience was something she will take with her for the rest of her life...She had a hard time when Mao and Akiko left skating and felt very lonely. For awhile she wondered if she would be able to find the fire inside to train and compete any more.

"But they kept in touch and let me know they were cheering me on, so I was able to find my motivation again. We still go out for meals together and the three of us go on holidays in Japan. Daisuke T. and Nobu O. come too, so it is all the skaters of that generation. Our relationship goes beyond skating and we will be lifelong friends. I am so grateful to them all."

The article goes on to talk about her struggles of this past season and how for the first time in her career, she did not make the podium at any competition she was in...She is in her final year at Chukyo University and is scheduled to graduate in March. She is studying things like biomechanics and sports theory. She says it's difficult but she decided to major in the sports field. She also has to practice other sports.

"I was always told by my coach to become a skater that is beloved by those who watch figure skating. I was told that since I was small, and I believe it is really important. That is the biggest lesson I learned. My ideal skater is Carolina (Kostner)--she is a lovely person and a wonderful skater. You can see that character come through when she performs." Figure skating will still be an important part of Kanako's life when she is done competing. " I don't have any clear plans, but I do not want what I have done up until now to go to waste when I move on to the next phase of my life."
Click to expand...

Thank you for translating! I am moved by her bond with Mao, Akiko, Dai, and Nobu. Hope she hangs on till 2018.
 
Arriba627 said:
This could be interesting! :laugh: is it a dance show? Variety show? Can't quite tell. Would you be so kind as to post a video clip if possible? Thx. :thank:
Click to expand...

I guess it is a variety show. Guests will compete with hosts in various games. Will certainly post video links once I find them. :biggrin:

The program will be aired soon! I found one clip already (just a small cut: Kanako playing some funny games):
https://twitter.com/ma23__skt/status/837979917673345024
https://twitter.com/ma23__skt/status/837981457419124736

Daisuke playing dancing machine: https://twitter.com/purplearashi/status/837982181691576323

Kana, Dai, Nobu, Mai Y position：　https://twitter.com/yumikikuha/status/837996620004237315

I am sure the full program will be on youtube soon.
 
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Arriba627 said:
Very nice article on Kanako in the Feb. issue of International Figure Skating Magazine. Here are just a few of the highlights:
Click to expand...

I've only seen this now. Thanks so much for posting! I didn't know that Caro is her favourite/ideal skater. Great taste - I adore Caro! And Kana is absolutely lovely herself, skating- and personality-wise. :love:



skatefan22 said:
I am moved by her bond with Mao, Akiko, Dai, and Nobu. Hope she hangs on till 2018.
Click to expand...

Although most of them are retired now, old school Team Japan continues to make me teary eyed. (Fortunately mostly in a positive way. :)) I'm surprised Kana didn't mention Takahiko. I believe he's still part of the gang too - I seem to recall that he came along as well when all of them went on that "secret" vacation together last year. (Or was it the year before?)



skatefan22 said:
Hope she hangs on till 2018.
Click to expand...

Hope so too!



skatefan22 said:
I am sure the full program will be on youtube soon.
Click to expand...

I've been updating my twitter feed for hours like a madwoman! :laugh2:

Featuring Kana, this is all I could find so far (besides the clips you already linked to):

https://twitter.com/wElcOmeD8376/status/837990705108639744
https://twitter.com/wElcOmeD8376/status/837992311841660928



Reposting these from Dai's thread:

Two more pictures of our steely (dorky) gladiators :biggrin::
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C5-hH01VUAAOET0.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/GrgKWCT.jpg


That show reminds me a lot of Tokyo Friends Park from 2010.




Edit: Finally! TAIIKUKAI TV - Athletes vs Celebrities :hap10:

Part 1
Part 2
 
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Awww! Big congratulations to Kanako on her graduation! That's a wonderful accomplishment.:clap:
 
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