Kazuki Tomono | Page 156 | Golden Skate

Kazuki Tomono


🧡カプリコーン🧡
@1227_capricorn
·
4h

Translated from Japanese by
Ichiki-kun in the dance battle final strongly felt his determination, "I'm gonna be the pinnacle!" The figure that appealed to the customers while running through the link was shining. The result was runner-up, but I think this experience towards the big one will lead to future games. It was a lot of fun to support Kazuki-kun
🥰
 
Kazuki’s friend (two years ahead of him in college) Mr. Keiichiro Sasahara has edited Kazuki’s new SP video.
 
Kazuki’s friend (two years ahead of him in college) Mr. Keiichiro Sasahara has edited Kazuki’s new SP video.
Ohhhhh thank you! I hadn't appreciated it was Sasahara-senpai who did it! That makes it extra cool.

Sorry for the above but Capricorn said that Kazuki was the runner up in the dance battle?
Yes, sorry my mistake! Kazuki posted the result of the dance battle on IG: https://www.instagram.com/p/CgtCCphvQzp/
 
Kazuki’s friend (two years ahead of him in college) Mr. Keiichiro Sasahara has edited Kazuki’s new SP video.
So good!
 
Non-no Web Interview with Kazuki, vol. 4 https://nonno.hpplus.jp/article/89961/01/
It's been shared already and everyone knows the content, but for what it's worth, I translated it since the article is very informative.

Choreographing a New Program and Practicing at the Cricket Club

-- The last time we spoke to you was in April after the World Championships. You seemed busy then, but your schedule for July seems to be even more demanding.

Yes, July is a busy month for me, with a lot of ice shows and senior training camps, so thankfully I have very little time between shows. (Laughs.) But performing in shows makes me better and inspires me. It's also fun to go to the countryside.
I am especially happy to be invited to perform in "THE ICE" because I never thought I would be able to join such a distinguished group of performers. It's almost the first time for me to go around the country like a solid tour, so I'm really looking forward to it.
-- As you mentioned in the recent report in this series, I would like to ask you to tell us more about your choreography and practice overseas in May. First of all, how was it choreographing with Misha Ge face-to-face for the first time in a long time?

I am glad that we were able to work together without compromising details, because face-to-face, we could exchange opinions right away.
For example, when creating a program, it was difficult to find a balance between what I wanted to focus on and making the program suitable for competition. We kept an objective eye on each other as we worked, saying things like, "Maybe this is too much," and "But it's important to make it appealing," and so on.

I am glad that we were able to work together without compromising details, because face-to-face, we could exchange opinions right away.
For example, when creating a program, it was difficult to find a balance between what I wanted to focus on and making the program suitable for competition. We kept an objective eye on each other as we worked, saying things like, "Maybe this is too much," and "But it's important to make it appealing," and so on.

If we got too excited and emotional while creating the program, we would end up with a "What the heck is this?" when we finished the program. The short was especially hard and demanding, but we had a lot of fun while working on it, with high spirit and excitement, so we had to keep in mind to keep our cool and discuss things at times.

-- You said that you not only communicated with each other during choreography, but also talked a lot about your views on skating and other deep topics. You are always modest, but I believe your English skills have been improved even more?

No, I don't speak English. If anything, I feel like I understood better in the past (laughs).
I use words that I know and gestures, and I can get by with having the other person read my thoughts.
Actually, because of my parent's work, I have had many opportunities to come into contact with English since I was a child, so I am good at grasping nuances and listening. The rest is compensated for by my communication skills (laughs)!
-- I didn't know that! What was your most memorable experience about being coached at the Cricket Club in Canada?

I was able to go to the Cricket Club through Misha's connection, and he really took good care of me every day.
I had Tracy Wilson for skating, Paige Aistrop for spins, and Brian Orser for jumps and overall.
In the first part of the day, I practiced jumps, and in the second part of the day, I worked on a lot of skating skills, and finally, I did spins to finish the day. I was really surprised because I didn't expect such a thorough lesson.

I was able to go to the Cricket Club through Misha's connection, and he really took good care of me every day.
I had Tracy Wilson for skating, Paige Aistrop for spins, and Brian Orser for jumps and overall.

In the first part of the day, I practiced jumps, and in the second part of the day, I worked on a lot of skating skills, and finally, I did spins to finish the day. I was really surprised because I didn't expect such a thorough lesson.
They never said "You are not good at this," but taught me the process of how to get better while taking advantage of my own style. They taught me the mindset of a top skater, how to approach practice, and how to take the timing of jumps in my current style, rather than changing the way I jumped. I was also taught exercises in the Cricket Club way so that I could practice the steps by myself.
I was especially impressed by the exercises because I could understand how they were created and what they were for, which I had been doing by watching videos and imitating them. By using my whole body, I can shift my weight in a flowing way, which gives me a sense of freedom in my gliding, and I can glide very comfortably.

I feel like I have received "teaching material" filled with the Cricket Club's methods, so the rest is up to me. I hope to practice more and incorporate it into my skating.

- to be cont'd -
 
Last edited:
Non-no Web Interview with Kazuki, vol. 4 https://nonno.hpplus.jp/article/89961/01/
It's been shared already and everyone knows the content, but for what it's worth, I translated it since the article is very informative.

Choreographing a New Program and Practicing at the Cricket Club

-- The last time we spoke to you was in April after the World Championships. You seemed busy then, but your schedule for July seems to be even more demanding.

Yes, July is a busy month for me, with a lot of ice shows and senior training camps, so thankfully I have very little time between shows. (Laughs.) But performing in shows makes me better and inspires me. It's also fun to go to the countryside.
I am especially happy to be invited to perform in "THE ICE" because I never thought I would be able to join such a distinguished group of performers. It's almost the first time for me to go around the country like a solid tour, so I'm really looking forward to it.
-- As you mentioned in the recent report in this series, I would like to ask you to tell us more about your choreography and practice overseas in May. First of all, how was it choreographing with Misha Ge face-to-face for the first time in a long time?

I am glad that we were able to work together without compromising details, because face-to-face, we could exchange opinions right away.
For example, when creating a program, it was difficult to find a balance between what I wanted to focus on and making the program suitable for competition. We kept an objective eye on each other as we worked, saying things like, "Maybe this is too much," and "But it's important to make it appealing," and so on.

I am glad that we were able to work together without compromising details, because face-to-face, we could exchange opinions right away.
For example, when creating a program, it was difficult to find a balance between what I wanted to focus on and making the program suitable for competition. We kept an objective eye on each other as we worked, saying things like, "Maybe this is too much," and "But it's important to make it appealing," and so on.

If we got too excited and emotional while creating the program, we would end up with a "What the heck is this?" when we finished the program. The short was especially hard and demanding, but we had a lot of fun while working on it, with high spirit and excitement, so we had to keep in mind to keep our cool and discuss things at times.

-- You said that you not only communicated with each other during choreography, but also talked a lot about your views on skating and other deep topics. You are always modest, but I believe your English skills have been improved even more?

No, I don't speak English. If anything, I feel like I understood better in the past (laughs).
I use words that I know and gestures, and I can get by with having the other person read my thoughts.
Actually, because of my parent's work, I have had many opportunities to come into contact with English since I was a child, so I am good at grasping nuances and listening. The rest is compensated for by my communication skills (laughs)!
-- I didn't know that! What was your most memorable experience about being coached at the Cricket Club in Canada?

I was able to go to the Cricket Club through Misha's connection, and he really took good care of me every day.
I had Tracy Wilson for skating, Paige Aistrop for spins, and Brian Orser for jumps and overall.
In the first part of the day, I practiced jumps, and in the second part of the day, I worked on a lot of skating skills, and finally, I did spins to finish the day. I was really surprised because I didn't expect such a thorough lesson.

I was able to go to the Cricket Club through Misha's connection, and he really took good care of me every day.
I had Tracy Wilson for skating, Paige Aistrop for spins, and Brian Orser for jumps and overall.

In the first part of the day, I practiced jumps, and in the second part of the day, I worked on a lot of skating skills, and finally, I did spins to finish the day. I was really surprised because I didn't expect such a thorough lesson.
They never said "You are not good at this," but taught me the process of how to get better while taking advantage of my own style. They taught me the mindset of a top skater, how to approach practice, and how to take the timing of jumps in my current style, rather than changing the way I jumped. I was also taught exercises in the Cricket Club way so that I could practice the steps by myself.
I was especially impressed by the exercises because I could understand how they were created and what they were for, which I had been doing by watching videos and imitating them. By using my whole body, I can shift my weight in a flowing way, which gives me a sense of freedom in my gliding, and I can glide very comfortably.

I feel like I have received "teaching material" filled with the Cricket Club's methods, so the rest is up to me. I hope to practice more and incorporate it into my skating.

- to be cont'd -
Thank you!!
 
Thank you so much @rRainbow 🥰 🥰 🥰
There's so much nuance I hadn't picked up when I read using Google Translate. I hadn't appreciated the TCC guys have given him materials to practice at home! I'm now looking forward to see how this is going to affect his skating overall.

Meanwhile, Kazuki continues to have fun!


 
Kazuki tweeted about this "Big raise" from Google translate..Is this a Q and A? ty..https://eq.shueisha.co.jp/app/enq/nonno_open/enquete/kazukitomono/form1/ "Carefree consultation room"..
 
Non-no Web Interview with Kazuki, vol. 4 https://nonno.hpplus.jp/article/89961/01/
It's been shared already and everyone knows the content, but for what it's worth, I translated it since the article is very informative.

Choreographing a New Program and Practicing at the Cricket Club

-- The last time we spoke to you was in April after the World Championships. You seemed busy then, but your schedule for July seems to be even more demanding.

Yes, July is a busy month for me, with a lot of ice shows and senior training camps, so thankfully I have very little time between shows. (Laughs.) But performing in shows makes me better and inspires me. It's also fun to go to the countryside.
I am especially happy to be invited to perform in "THE ICE" because I never thought I would be able to join such a distinguished group of performers. It's almost the first time for me to go around the country like a solid tour, so I'm really looking forward to it.
-- As you mentioned in the recent report in this series, I would like to ask you to tell us more about your choreography and practice overseas in May. First of all, how was it choreographing with Misha Ge face-to-face for the first time in a long time?

I am glad that we were able to work together without compromising details, because face-to-face, we could exchange opinions right away.
For example, when creating a program, it was difficult to find a balance between what I wanted to focus on and making the program suitable for competition. We kept an objective eye on each other as we worked, saying things like, "Maybe this is too much," and "But it's important to make it appealing," and so on.

I am glad that we were able to work together without compromising details, because face-to-face, we could exchange opinions right away.
For example, when creating a program, it was difficult to find a balance between what I wanted to focus on and making the program suitable for competition. We kept an objective eye on each other as we worked, saying things like, "Maybe this is too much," and "But it's important to make it appealing," and so on.

If we got too excited and emotional while creating the program, we would end up with a "What the heck is this?" when we finished the program. The short was especially hard and demanding, but we had a lot of fun while working on it, with high spirit and excitement, so we had to keep in mind to keep our cool and discuss things at times.

-- You said that you not only communicated with each other during choreography, but also talked a lot about your views on skating and other deep topics. You are always modest, but I believe your English skills have been improved even more?

No, I don't speak English. If anything, I feel like I understood better in the past (laughs).
I use words that I know and gestures, and I can get by with having the other person read my thoughts.
Actually, because of my parent's work, I have had many opportunities to come into contact with English since I was a child, so I am good at grasping nuances and listening. The rest is compensated for by my communication skills (laughs)!
-- I didn't know that! What was your most memorable experience about being coached at the Cricket Club in Canada?

I was able to go to the Cricket Club through Misha's connection, and he really took good care of me every day.
I had Tracy Wilson for skating, Paige Aistrop for spins, and Brian Orser for jumps and overall.
In the first part of the day, I practiced jumps, and in the second part of the day, I worked on a lot of skating skills, and finally, I did spins to finish the day. I was really surprised because I didn't expect such a thorough lesson.

I was able to go to the Cricket Club through Misha's connection, and he really took good care of me every day.
I had Tracy Wilson for skating, Paige Aistrop for spins, and Brian Orser for jumps and overall.

In the first part of the day, I practiced jumps, and in the second part of the day, I worked on a lot of skating skills, and finally, I did spins to finish the day. I was really surprised because I didn't expect such a thorough lesson.
They never said "You are not good at this," but taught me the process of how to get better while taking advantage of my own style. They taught me the mindset of a top skater, how to approach practice, and how to take the timing of jumps in my current style, rather than changing the way I jumped. I was also taught exercises in the Cricket Club way so that I could practice the steps by myself.
I was especially impressed by the exercises because I could understand how they were created and what they were for, which I had been doing by watching videos and imitating them. By using my whole body, I can shift my weight in a flowing way, which gives me a sense of freedom in my gliding, and I can glide very comfortably.

I feel like I have received "teaching material" filled with the Cricket Club's methods, so the rest is up to me. I hope to practice more and incorporate it into my skating.

- to be cont'd -
Arigatou gozaimasu :pray::) I actually did not know any of the content. This is my first time reading a translation of what he said. Well he seems to speak a little English. I wonder if he would want to keep learning? I think he would be very good at it.
 
Translation part 2

The short program is a “program that doesn't allow any loose ends because it's my own style.”

-- In the new short program you presented the other day, I got the impression that the intensity and the "effortless feel" coexist well.
In the first half of "Happy Jazz," I think I was able to bring out a sense of "coziness" by loosening up effectively.
This time, I was focusing on how to dance naturally even in the midst of an intense program. In the past, I used to just keep pushing and pushing, but now I have a much better understanding of how to put in and cut back on my energy. Now that I have established my own way of thinking about what makes my performance captivating, I think it is reflected in my program as well.
This season's theme for me is "something that is uniquely me, but I have never done before," and I think that "uniquely me" is surprisingly difficult to define.
If the program has a new impression, I can be helped by its freshness, but when it comes to something that is uniquely me, there is no room for sloppiness. If I don't work hard to make it my own, it will end up being just a "typical (Tomono) program".
This time, the tempo is fast-paced, so if I slow down a little, it becomes a hot mess. It's fun, but it's also the hardest and most difficult thing I've ever done, because I'm actually doing something extremely difficult.
That's why I want to show my growth in this program that is uniquely my own.
-- So you dared to set a hurdle for your growth. There are many impressive choreographies throughout the program, what do you want people to see in particular?
I guess it is the dance part before the triple Axel, since I have not danced that much before the jump in my previous programs.
It was difficult for me to build up the excitement to the max, and then to refocus and jump. I'm a little bit, or maybe a lot, worried about jumping in perfect sync with the up-tempo music since I get almost carried away by the music, but I have to get used to it from now on.
My current level of perfection is about 15%. I need to bring it up to the level where I can compete, and I feel more determined now that I performed it for the first time at "Dreams on Ice." It was like, "It's finally started.
-Is the moment of the first performance still special?
Yes, it is. I get really nervous every time I perform in the "Dreams on Ice," and I pay a lot of attention to the audience's reaction.
I watch the audience very carefully, so I can see how many people are applauding or standing up after the performance. When there is a big reaction, it makes all the difference, and I am always concerned about whether the audience is enjoying the performance.
-- Your attitude of valuing the viewer's reaction is what makes Tomono senshu's skating so appealing, isn't it? Your costume of orange shirt and suspenders was also fresh.
The costume is not yet finished, I am thinking of experimenting with more subdued colors and so on. I will keep the suspenders!

"I'm going to challenge myself with a classic piece for the free skate, and for the gala, I'm going to rock and push myself out of my shell!"

-- Please tell us about your free skate program, which will be unveiled at "THE ICE".
For Free skate, I will do an operetta, "Die Fledermaus" Overture.
We had talked about doing a classical piece next, and Misha chose it for me.
It is a famous piece that has been performed by many skaters in the past, but it is comical and has a slightly different taste from the previous programs.
The costume is a tuxedo-like style with the image of a conductor.
-- What will your jump content be like?
I have to increase the type of jumps, so I would like to include the quad loop. Also, I would like to practice Axel-Axel jumps.
But first of all, I'm focusing on improving the quality of my jumps, so for the time being, I'm going to keep the same composition as before (3 quad jumps in 2 types), and then adapt to the new rules.
-- I am also interested in your gala, which you said "the wackiest program ever."
I have teamed up with Misao Sato sensei for the first time in a long time for the exhibition, with a hard rock piece.
This time, the short, free skate, and gala are all crazy, but if anything, the gala is probably the most insane.
The song is "WHAT'S MY NAME?" by world-famous guitarist MIYAVI, which I always wanted to do.
It's a very cool program with a masculine style, which is a bit like coming out of my shell from the nice boy persona I used to be.
The style is true punk, and I wear a leather jacket with lots of studs. I also colored my hair red with wax, and I wanted to make a mess in a good way, to the point where people would say, " Huh, who's ......? (laughs).
I don't want to do something half-baked since I am allowed to do it, and I want to do it with great respect for the music.

- to be cont'd -
 
Last part:

New Season with a Fresh Start

-- I was wondering if you have changed your skating boots recently?
Yes, I am trying out "Tobiha" boots, which Takahiko Kozuka-kun has been involved in the project, and I think I will use them this season for the time being.

Since the boots are still under development, I think this is the first time these boots have been publicly shown, but I am the type of person who would rather try anything than being picky!
As they are made with carbon fiber, they are light and resilient, and give me a strange gliding feel that I have never experienced before. To be honest, I am not fully used to them, and sometimes my jumps get too wild, but I feel that they are easy to jump with, so I think my jumps will improve if I learn to use them more effectively.
-- With new boots and a new affiliation, this will be a season of fresh start for you.
Yes, my contract with Central Sports has just expired, and I am now back at my former club, Uenoshiba Skating Club.
For about 4 years after the 2018 World Championships, Central Sports really helped me a lot until the end, and without their support, I would not have been able to grow so much, and I would not have been able to continue skating in the first place. I truly believe that I am lucky to have had the opportunity to cross paths with them, and that I am lucky to have had their support.
From now on, they will support me by providing me with training facilities, etc., so I will have to aim even higher so that I can repay them someday.
Currently, I do not have a new affiliation or anything decided at all, I am still in the process of searching for one. It's not easy because there is always an element of luck.
That is my main concern at the moment, and it is hard to compete while feeling uneasy.
As for the current situation, I am getting by with the money I earn for various works being offered, but I want to eliminate financial concerns as much as possible.

So I am looking for sponsors to support me. I am still willing to continue skating. I would be very grateful for your support.

The Uenoshiba Skating Club was the club I belonged to before I entered high school, and the rink there is where I started skating. The rink is closed, but the club is still active.

So, until I find a new affiliation, I will try to give back, and do my best at this club where I started skating, my roots.
-- With your new title as a championship medalist, how do you feel about the new season?

Not much has changed, I just thought I would do all I could to get ready for the next one.
But when they called out "2nd place at 4CC, 6th place at Worlds" before my performance at "Dreams on Ice," I was a bit moved to hear my biggest accomplishments to date echoing in the hall.
I thought it was already in the past, but there was something different about it.
At the same time, my heart skipped a beat, and I felt I had to give a performance that would live up to it. I thought that I had to go beyond these results, and that I wanted to "win" the championships next time.
-- This season, you have the All-Japan Championships in Osaka, your hometown, and the World Championships in Japan coming up.

Yes, my main goal is to represent Japan at the World Championships this season and win a big medal (not a small medal) there. I'm just working hard to achieve that goal.
-- Your Grand Prix Series assignment will be announced soon.
Where will it be? I would like to go to the NHK Cup, the food there is so good (laughs).

I love Japanese cuisine, so it's tough for me to eat foreign meals all the time. ...... I cannot help but have a strong desire to eat Japanese food.
-- Finland, which has been chosen as an alternative site, is famous for its saunas. ......
Oh yeah, it is Finland that they decided on!
I really want to go to a Finnish sauna!!!

It's my dream to go to Finland, so ...... I may not be able to go to a sauna this time, but I'd love to experience the authentic one someday. Wow, I wanna go to Finland so bad. I'm dying to go there ......!!! I wish I could go......!!!
-- By the time this interview is published, the assignments may have been announced. I hope you'll tell us all about your experiences in each country in this series!

-End of vol. 4 -
 
Last edited:
Kazuki tweeted about this "Big raise" from Google translate..Is this a Q and A? ty..https://eq.shueisha.co.jp/app/enq/nonno_open/enquete/kazukitomono/form1/ "Carefree consultation room"..
Yes, here is the tweet from nonno

From what I understand, there is a form so readers can express their concerns about matters of everyday life (friendship, career, family etc), and Kazuki will give advice according to his worldview! It's like he's an agony aunt 😄

@rRainbow Thank you so much again for the translation! It's so nice to see him focusing so much on self-expression, this is not a criticism on anyone but it's a refreshing change of tone considering the other Japanese guys seem pretty focused on doing extra quads. I guess perhaps that's something that comes with age and a bit more maturity, now he and Shoma are the 'grandpas' of the field 😆
 
Last part:

New Season with a Fresh Start

-- I was wondering if you have changed your skating boots recently?
Yes, I am trying out "Tobiha" boots, which Takahiko Kozuka-kun has been involved in the project, and I think I will use them this season for the time being.

Since the boots are still under development, I think this is the first time these boots have been publicly shown, but I am the type of person who would rather try anything than being picky!
As they are made with carbon fiber, they are light and resilient, and give me a strange gliding feel that I have never experienced before. To be honest, I am not fully used to them, and sometimes my jumps get too wild, but I feel that they are easy to jump with, so I think my jumps will improve if I learn to use them more effectively.
-- With new boots and a new affiliation, this will be a season of fresh start for you.
Yes, my contract with Central Sports has just expired, and I am now back at my former club, Uenoshiba Skating Club.
For about 4 years after the 2018 World Championships, Central Sports really helped me a lot until the end, and without their support, I would not have been able to grow so much, and I would not have been able to continue skating in the first place. I truly believe that I am lucky to have had the opportunity to cross paths with them, and that I am lucky to have had their support.
From now on, they will support me by providing me with training facilities, etc., so I will have to aim even higher so that I can repay them someday.
Currently, I do not have a new affiliation or anything decided at all, I am still in the process of searching for one. It's not easy because there is always an element of luck.
That is my main concern at the moment, and it is hard to compete while feeling uneasy.
As for the current situation, I am getting by with the money I earn for various works being offered, but I want to eliminate financial concerns as much as possible.

So I am looking for sponsors to support me. I am still willing to continue skating. I would be very grateful for your support.

The Uenoshiba Skating Club was the club I belonged to before I entered high school, and the rink there is where I started skating. The rink is closed, but the club is still active.

So, until I find a new affiliation, I will try to give back, and do my best at this club where I started skating, my roots.
-- With your new title as a championship medalist, how do you feel about the new season?

Not much has changed, I just thought I would do all I could to get ready for the next one.
But when they called out "2nd place at 4CC, 6th place at Worlds" before my performance at "Dreams on Ice," I was a bit moved to hear my biggest accomplishments to date echoing in the hall.
I thought it was already in the past, but there was something different about it.
At the same time, my heart skipped a beat, and I felt I had to give a performance that would live up to it. I thought that I had to go beyond these results, and that I wanted to "win" the championships next time.
-- This season, you have the All-Japan Championships in Osaka, your hometown, and the World Championships in Japan coming up.

Yes, my main goal is to represent Japan at the World Championships this season and win a big medal (not a small medal) there. I'm just working hard to achieve that goal.
-- Your Grand Prix Series assignment will be announced soon.
Where will it be? I would like to go to the NHK Cup, the food there is so good (laughs).

I love Japanese cuisine, so it's tough for me to eat foreign meals all the time. ...... I cannot help but have a strong desire to eat Japanese food.
-- Finland, which has been chosen as an alternative site, is famous for its saunas. ......
Oh yeah, it is Finland that they decided on!
I really want to go to a Finnish sauna!!!

It's my dream to go to Finland, so ...... I may not be able to go to a sauna this time, but I'd love to experience the authentic one someday. Wow, I wanna go to Finland so bad. I'm dying to go there ......!!! I wish I could go......!!!
-- By the time this interview is published, the assignments may have been announced. I hope you'll tell us all about your experiences in each country in this series!

-End of vol. 4 -
TY so very much!
 
Yes, here is the tweet from nonno

From what I understand, there is a form so readers can express their concerns about matters of everyday life (friendship, career, family etc), and Kazuki will give advice according to his worldview! It's like he's an agony aunt 😄

@rRainbow Thank you so much again for the translation! It's so nice to see him focusing so much on self-expression, this is not a criticism on anyone but it's a refreshing change of tone considering the other Japanese guys seem pretty focused on doing extra quads. I guess perhaps that's something that comes with age and a bit more maturity, now he and Shoma are the 'grandpas' of the field 😆

I submitted a question to him completely in Japanese. I really hope he’ll see it and respond. I wonder if all the questions and answers will be in another article?
 
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