Happy Friday, everyone!
My friend messaged me about NowVoice yesterday but I just listened to Kazuki a couple of times to share with you, again in very rough translation.
- Change of plan, Kazuki is going to talk about the Worlds today instead of answering questions
- Just before the Worlds he won the Coup de Printemp cup. His performance was not great (actually almost worrying ahead of the Worlds) but he was really happy at his first ever win abroad regardless of the size of the event.
- At the Worlds, he achieved all he had practiced and all he wanted to deliver in SP, though there were still various points he could have improved to compete better with top skaters (such as axis of 4S, overturned 4T, L3 StSq, skating, spins).
FS didn't go well with most jumps failing. It was due to insufficient preparation and practice towards the Worlds, but he admits that he was not good enough after all. He learnt what he lacks from the experience though. It was invaluable that he was able to skate 4th in the final group at the Worlds, such a big step for him. He has been on a podium this season, but felt that a skater's attitude/ resolution makes a difference in the end, more so than technical skills. He aims to continue improving further with such attitude and go to the Worlds again, not as an alternate this time.
- He received a "Super-sub, go!!" call at Frankfurt airport when talking and laughing with all (other Japanese stakers I think). They explained the situation on the phone and asked if he would participate in the Worlds, to which he said yes. They asked him to keep it to himself until the formal announcement. However it must have been quite obvious to others, as he had been on a call crouching in the corner clearly in shock and returned quietly. It was probably the most shocking among his substitute calls in the past. He felt as if he was grabbed by his ankle and thrown back into the season and struggled to switch his mind that day. First he called Kao offering his sympathy. Kao confirmed his withdrawal and wished Kazuki good luck. He then realised that he really was going to the Worlds and was resolved. He was able to concentrate from the first practice the following day, thanks to his past experience.
He then recalled his sub history: Junior Worlds (the hardest as he was asked on the day of departure), NHK GP, 2018 Worlds, 4CC, then 2022 Worlds. He has never made an error in SP when he skated as alternate!
- He didn't have extra clothes for changing but found a coin washing machine later in Luxembourg. He didn't have his costumes for the gala either. The previous night, Fuji TV staff got him all the costumes at Uniqlo (I too saw the Uniqlo branch in Montpellier without knowing): shirt and trousers, a red tie and glasses. He bound the glasses with hair rubber so they won't drop in jumps. It was Daisuke's idea to use a red carry case instead of a briefcase, which turned out to be a success with colour matching with his tie despite no prior practice. He is truly thankful to everyone for their support to get through the Worlds and it made the experience even more memorable.
- Kazuki had a jumping competition together with Shoma and Yuma at ice shows in Japan (Prince Ice World) at the start of the season. The experience helped him improve quality of his quad jumps and made such a difference this season. He looks forward to another PIW appearance (though he has not been invited yet?) as he loves both giving and watching the performances.
It was so cool competing alongside with Shoma and Yuma at the Worlds. He was intensely watching them at the victory ceremony and wants to catch up with the two
Love these photos, love this gala, love Kazuki's entertaining skating.
I've noticed the suitcase has a 'sauna' label on it, lol! Can anyone decipher the word that's after 'sauna'? Looks like the first syllable is 'da', but I can't be sure.
The label is saunaboy サウナボーイ
Great to see the audience loving him so much. And thanks to everyone at the rink for their reports!
