Kazuki Tomono

[KiraraChin]

The other thing. Remember how during the rehearsal, Daisuke led one group and Kazuki the other?

This wasn't just for practising purposes, it seems that during the opening group number, the skaters are actually divided in two groups, one led by Daisuke, and one led by Kazuki. So Kazuki is literally Daisuke's counterpart, and during the choreography they have moments of 'confrontation' which are insanely cool.

I think any male skater would be wary of being 'eaten alive' by Daisuke's enormous charisma and presence on the ice in a direct comparison, but Kazuki stands his ground and manages to match Daisuke's movements really well. That's incredible!

I saw some fans saying that Kazuki is the 'Wakagashira', and when I looked up the term, I had to laugh because it's a Yakuza term for the second-in-command lol

 

[synesthesia]

The other thing. Remember how during the rehearsal, Daisuke led one group and Kazuki the other?

This wasn't just for practising purposes, it seems that during the opening group number, the skaters are actually divided in two groups, one led by Daisuke, and one led by Kazuki. So Kazuki is literally Daisuke's counterpart, and during the choreography they have moments of 'confrontation' which are insanely cool.

I think any male skater would be wary of being 'eaten alive' by Daisuke's enormous charisma and presence on the ice in a direct comparison, but Kazuki stands his ground and manages to match Daisuke's movements really well. That's incredible!

I saw some fans saying that Kazuki is the 'Wakagashira', and when I looked up the term, I had to laugh because it's a Yakuza term for the second-in-command lol

I spat out my coffee at the yakuza reference! (I can see what they mean, though.)

Just found this decent quality video of the entire sequence:

 

[Figskater23]

Kassouya is here!

Kazuki looking super cool at the opening (everyone looked very cool)


and here's Halston under the spotlight... So beautiful I almost cried, I can only imagine for people that were there, what a treat

I wish I could have been there. It looks amazing! I wish the videos and images could be higher quality like other past shows but I understand it was taken off of phones. Does anyone know why professional cameras didn’t record it? Can foreign fans order a hoodie online?

 

[TallyT]

Does anyone know why professional cameras didn’t record it?

As I understand it, they were keeping the budget pretty down? - and good camerawork costs. If it's successful enough, the next one may get an offer from a TV station to cover it.

At least there are the fancams, most Japanese shows don't have any.

 

[rabidline]

The Flamenco number leading up to Daisuke's solo turned out to be a Kazuki/Sota duet today, because Sena had to withdraw from the show due to poor health. Love them together, and with this wide angle it looks so cinematic!



On Kassouya's relentless scheduling (3 shows x 75 minutes a day is really amazing IMO, but it's also insane), I'm really glad that Kazuki had experiences with doing more than one shows a day already with Prince Ice World and The ICE... His stamina definitely came in handy here, he's doing his program and almost everything and filling for the sick members too. He's so reliable with the jumps too!

 

[KiraraChin]

Just found this decent quality video of the entire sequence:

Thank you so much for sharing this, so insanely cool
Here are some pics as well from the 'confrontation' between the Oyabun and the Wakagashira (Boss and Young Boss)

The Flamenco number leading up to Daisuke's solo turned out to be a Kazuki/Sota duet today, because Sena had to withdraw from the show due to poor health. Love them together, and with this wide angle it looks so cinematic!

WHOOOOOAAAAA where's @surimi to see this
What a shame that Sena got sick as well, but I'm glad we got to see this duet (sorry, Sena and Koshiro!)
I agree about Kazuki's stamina, and gotta praise Sota as well, who must be really tired after doing Kassouya straight after 4CC!
Here's the number form a different angle:

 

[rabidline]

As I understand it, they were keeping the budget pretty down? - and good camerawork costs. If it's successful enough, the next one may get an offer from a TV station to cover it.

At least there are the fancams, most Japanese shows don't have any.

It's not about camerawork and more about the licensing rights. If they "sell" their video rights to the TV stations, the fans won't be allowed to take videos and photos. And honestly with the cast being mostly skaters with no international titles, the broadcast by the TV station will likely be limited/region-blocked and also paid.

The purpose of this show is to introduce ice shows as entertainment options to people who have never watched ice shows before especially in Fukuoka, and seeing how it's full every single show (3 shows a day), the fan videos and photos did their work in spreading the word about this ice show. But this isn't something that can be done with just one set of shows, I hope they made back enough to continue this series. It's a great platform for Japanese skaters who we don't usually see in ice shows to express themselves together like this.

In my observation, there are many people in Japan who don't watch TV every day but are active in social media, so allowing fancams and photos is a good trial run to attract new and local audience who can immediately purchase tickets (and additional tickets) when their interest is piqued.

 

[KiraraChin]

Apart from that, I'd like to share these beautiful clips of Halston... The first one in particular sent shivers down my spine, as it looks like he's alone in the venue. Just breathtaking!

 

[Magill]

It's not about camerawork and more about the licensing rights. If they "sell" their video rights to the TV stations, the fans won't be allowed to take videos and photos. And honestly with the cast being mostly skaters with no international titles, the broadcast by the TV station will likely be limited/region-blocked and also paid.

The purpose of this show is to introduce ice shows as entertainment options to people who have never watched ice shows before especially in Fukuoka, and seeing how it's full every single show (3 shows a day), the fan videos and photos did their work in spreading the word about this ice show. But this isn't something that can be done with just one set of shows, I hope they made back enough to continue this series. It's a great platform for Japanese skaters who we don't usually see in ice shows to express themselves together like this.

In my observation, there are many people in Japan who don't watch TV every day but are active in social media, so allowing fancams and photos is a good trial run to attract new and local audience who can immediately purchase tickets (and additional tickets) when their interest is piqued.

I don't think camerawork is necessarily connected to licencing, these are two different beasts. If you sell licence to a TV station, they send the crew in and the fancams are forbidden, true. But if you employ a professional cameramen yourself, it does not ban fancams at all, it just gives you a decent quality recording which you own and can share yourself, and use for whatever purpose you wish, including promotion and archiving. So these are not mutually exclusive things. I understand they went for a different model, for whatever reason, budgetary or not.
Sorry for OT !

 

[rabidline]

I don't think camerawork is necessarily connected to licencing, these are two different beasts. If you sell licence to a TV station, they send the crew in and the fancams are forbidden, true. But if you employ a professional cameramen yourself, it does not ban fancams at all, it just gives you a decent quality recording which you own and can share yourself, and use for whatever purpose you wish, including promotion and archiving. So these are not mutually exclusive things. I understand they went for a different model, for whatever reason, budgetary or not.
Sorry for OT !

Who said they don't have cameras on their own? Maybe keep an eye for DVD sales or delayed broadcast...

There is already the documentary of their making movie of Kassouya to be streamed at EPlus from March 1-10:

滑走屋 ～Making Documentary Film～のチケット、イベント、配信情報 - イープラス

滑走屋 ～Making Documentary Film～(カッソウヤメイキングドキュメンタリーフィルム)のイベント情報をご紹介！イベントのチケット情報3件や関連画像、動画、記事など、滑走屋 ～Making Documentary Film～の様々な情報コンテンツをお届けします。

eplus.jp

I just think allowing the fans to record videos and take photos works well to spread the word of the show and attract people who are around / in the area, but haven't bought the tickets yet because they're not sure of what they will get. Which is what this show wants- not to just attract the hardcore fans who will travel to Fukuoka, but also the people already at Fukuoka but had no idea an ice show is happening or is not sure about whether they want to see an ice show. Normal people who never have watched ice shows before (and yeah, somehow they exist in Japan, I know).

 

[KiraraChin]

I don't think camerawork is necessarily connected to licencing, these are two different beasts. If you sell licence to a TV station, they send the crew in and the fancams are forbidden, true. But if you employ a professional cameramen yourself, it does not ban fancams at all, it just gives you a decent quality recording which you own and can share yourself, and use for whatever purpose you wish, including promotion and archiving. So these are not mutually exclusive things. I understand they went for a different model, for whatever reason, budgetary or not.
Sorry for OT !

Before the show, Kassouya issued the following guidelines for attendees:
Photography of all performances is permitted for this performance.
Videos and still images can only be taken with smartphones and mobile phones.
Please refrain from taking pictures with anything other than smartphones or mobile phones.

This is just my speculation, but I imagine they wanted to prevent the use of professional cameras because someone could use it to profiteer off the show without permission (easier to sell a high-quality picture/video than something off a smartphone).

ETA: Guys, sorry, but can we please take the discussion about Kassouya's cameras/lack of cameras somewhere else, does Kassouya have its own thread, or maybe Daisuke Takahashi's Fan Fest since he's the producer? It's unlikely that Kazuki was involved in these decisions, and I worry about Kazuki content being buried in his own fan fest

 

[rabidline]

In case anyone is still doubting the camerawork quality Kassouya has... look at their preview video. Gorgeously done and fits perfectly with its aesthetic. Honestly I have to give it to Daisuke, his shows look distinctly Japanese but also ready for international expansion- both Hyoen and this. They always look gorgeous and modern and can appeal to general audiences.

 

[rabidline]

This is just my speculation, but I imagine they wanted to prevent the use of professional cameras because someone could use it to profiteer off the show without permission (easier to sell a high-quality picture/video than something off a smartphone).

Yes, correct! And also professional cameras are bigger and are likely to annoy the audience around them too, which would take away from the whole experience.

 

[Magill]

I only meant if they don't have professional cameras, it is not because of the licencing rights which was the explanation offered, that's all.
If it turns out they have them, great for them. Sorry for OT, it was not me who started it, I am just bowing out of it

 

[Figskater23]

Will anyone watch the documentary of the making of the show? I bet Kazuki was a lot of fun behind the scenes. I want to see it so bad! But I won’t be able to since it looks like anyone who watches it has to have a subscription to the channel that is streaming it. I wish it could be easier for international fans to view things. If the show continues in the future and I hope it does, Kazuki will be leader again I’m sure. Those that filmed him up close were so lucky. Does anyone know what the dance was with the skater sitting in the chair and everyone else moving in to her in the beginning? I liked seeing Kazuki in the front as leader. You could see a smile on his face.

 

[Figskater23]

Before the show, Kassouya issued the following guidelines for attendees:
Photography of all performances is permitted for this performance.
Videos and still images can only be taken with smartphones and mobile phones.
Please refrain from taking pictures with anything other than smartphones or mobile phones.

This is just my speculation, but I imagine they wanted to prevent the use of professional cameras because someone could use it to profiteer off the show without permission (easier to sell a high-quality picture/video than something off a smartphone).

ETA: Guys, sorry, but can we please take the discussion about Kassouya's cameras/lack of cameras somewhere else, does Kassouya have its own thread, or maybe Daisuke Takahashi's Fan Fest since he's the producer? It's unlikely that Kazuki was involved in these decisions, and I worry about Kazuki content being buried in his own fan fest

Oh I see. It’s cool fans could video Kazuki.

 

[synesthesia]

Can foreign fans order a hoodie online?

According to fan reports all of the merchandise, except for the stickers and the programme brochure, was already sold out on the 2nd day. Keep an eye on fskating.net. If they restock any of the items, it's likely they will be sold there: https://fskating.net/products/list_goods.php?category_id=3

To order from their shop you'll need a proxy service like cdjapan or Japan rabitt (or any other proxy of your choice). I've ordered from fskating.net via cdjapan a couple of times without any problems. (Just be warned- it's mighty expensive! )

Who said they don't have cameras on their own? Maybe keep an eye for DVD sales or delayed broadcast...

I think it depends on wether Daisuke wants to take Kassouya to other Japanese cities. At least I've seen a lot of fans, who couldn't attend the Fukuoka shows, request this. If there will be other tour stops then I think the possibility increases they'll have the last stop filmed for tv.

If it's successful enough, the next one may get an offer from a TV station to cover it.

I don't think there was a lack of interest from tv stations. Fuji tv, ntv, TBS as well as several local tv stations were happy to promote Kassouya. All of Daisuke's other shows so far, withou exception, have been broadcasted either live or on delay (not to mention the many rebroadcasts - sometimes in different versions with different camera angles - and the cinema screenings for Hyoen 2019 and 2021). As rabidline and also KiraraChin said in Dai's fan fest, it's a clever pr strategy to do it this way to find a potential new audience/tap into a new market. Seeing that over 9 performances they had about 20.000 customers and the show got rave audience reviews, I'd definitely rate it a success!

Will anyone watch the documentary of the making of the show? I bet Kazuki was a lot of fun behind the scenes. I want to see it so bad! But I won’t be able to since it looks like anyone who watches it has to have a subscription to the channel that is streaming it.

I tried since they distributed many exclusive KanaDai documentaries, but it's virtually impossible for non-Japanese people to register with eplus (unless you find a way to acquire a Japanese mobile phone number).

Does anyone know what the dance was with the skater sitting in the chair and everyone else moving in to her in the beginning?

This one? ("Cut my fingers off" by Ethan Bortnick)




Here are parts of the number filmed from different angles:

https://twitter.com/23238ffm/status/1756336250347487297

https://twitter.com/kpakpakpa/status/1756950464669856095

https://twitter.com/evitoyagi/status/1756166214139912523

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

This is another cool video of Habanera with a focus on Kazuki - even though he only joined the number from day 2, he got the part down pat :

 

[KiraraChin]

Kassouya is over, and Kazuki must be really, really tired but he seems very happy. Several fans who were at the last show yesterday said that Kazuki was in tears in the finale and many remarked about the release of emotion he must have felt, not only as a member of the cast but as the show's second-in-command with a lot of responsibility.

He posted on Instagram today:


He also reposted this IG story from a famous influencer:


Also, this bit from an interview with Elck Itsumo, author of Shounen Jump's manga 'Two on Ice'

Q: Are there any skaters you are currently keeping an eye on?

I have been following the entertainment from Kazuki Tomono. The first time I paid attention to him was at the World Championships held in Saitama last year. I was watching it there, and the excitement of the choreostep in the free skate was amazing! It is one of the wonderful things of Figure Skating that there are athletes who can excite the audience in a different way from the score, and he is the embodiment of the entertainment value of Figure Skating.

In "One Piece on Ice," Tomono's performance as Koza was so sharp that it caught my attention. He makes figure skating interesting in a way that even people who are not familiar with skating can easily understand. I respect him as an entertainer, and I think that is important in manga as well.

高橋大輔の『道』に感動　フィギュアスケート漫画『ツーオンアイス』逸茂エルクが尊敬する選手たち (3ページ目)

『ツーオンアイス』逸茂エルク インタビュー後編（全２回）　２月２日にコミックス第１巻が発売された、週刊少年ジャンプで連載中の『ツーオンアイス』。フィギュアスケートのペア競技を丁寧に描いている漫画家・逸茂エルクさんにインタビュー。後編では、…

sportiva.shueisha.co.jp

 

[KiraraChin]

Two more things I want to share. First, this cool fan cam of the opening number:


Also, this Halston clip taken from the upper stands. From every angle, Halston is absolutely gorgeous!

 

[kwanette]

I have a question..Wasthe Habenara supposed to be Sena, Sota and Koshiro..or did I misunderstand? Kazuki was amazing in that and in everything,,And..he was crying? Awww