Kazuki Tomono | Page 245 | Golden Skate

Kazuki Tomono

Thank you for sharing, it's a shame it's behind a paywall but I've read from a Japanese mutual that he explains his reasoning behind his choice of choreographers, he wanted to work with both of them.

Now that the shock of a non-Misha season has passed, I am more at peace with those choices. I think the music will suit him well - of course it depends on the quality of the choreo and how well it suits the music. Interesting he is working with two women, and both programmes with music from black artists. We love an open-minded king 😍

I saw some interesting comments from fans - one of them saying he is looking like he is ready for the season (!), and others calling on JSF to invite him to the Olympic training camp based on what he showed in this training camp. Other fans commented how he, alongside Kaori, were the 'mood-makers' and took a position of leadership as the oldest in the camp. A fan commented how, although DOI was amazing, they missed Kazuki, he brings a different energy when he is around.

Another thing: It seems JSF is now selling 'Team Japan' support towels, and who was personally leading the sales alongside Kaori, Sota and Kao? Yep. He even advised on the design, suggesting adding a skating boot on it. JSF really don't deserve him...
 
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Thank you for sharing, it's a shame it's behind a paywall but I've read from a Japanese mutual that he explains his reasoning behind his choice of choreographers, he wanted to work with both of them.

Now that the shock of a non-Misha season has passed, I am more at peace with those choices. I think the music will suit him well - of course it depends on the quality of the choreo and how well it suits the music. Interesting he is working with two women, and both programmes with music from black artists. We love an open-minded king 😍

I saw some interesting comments from fans - one of them saying he is looking like he is ready for the season (!), and others calling on JSF to invite him to the Olympic training camp based on what he showed in this training camp. Other fans commented how he, alongside Kaori, were the 'mood-makers' and took a position of leadership as the oldest in the camp. A fan commented how, although DOI was amazing, they missed Kazuki, he brings a different energy when he is around.

Another thing: It seems JSF is now selling 'Team Japan' support towels, and who was personally leading the sales alongside Kaori, Sota and Kao? Yep. He even advised on the design, suggesting adding a skating boot on it. JSF really don't deserve him...
Your last sentence..total agreement..
 
Kazuki gets yet another radio gig! The man is unstoppable!
Figure skater Kazuki Tomono on FM Osaka's "Daiichi Juken Group presents Curry Naru Step! Broadcasting and public recording event to be held!
"Daiichi Juken Group presents Curry Naru Step‼" on FM Osaka to celebrate the launch of retort curry "TOMONO CURRY" under the supervision of figure skater Kazuki Tomono, which the company supports through CSR activities. The programme will be broadcast on FM Osaka.

Kazuki Tomono, a figure skater from Sakai City, Osaka, is an athlete with whom Daiichi Sumiken Group has a seasonal partner contract from 2023. As we offer healthy curry as part of our INOVE+ management service and Tomono's winning meal is curry, we have decided to launch a retort curry 'TOMONO CURRY' under Tomono's supervision. The product is the first commemorative product produced by INOVE+ and will go on sale from noon on Tuesday 20 August.

To celebrate the release of TOMONO CURRY, a special programme will be broadcast on FM Osaka every Friday from 19:30 on Friday 2 August for one month only. A public recording event has also been scheduled to coincide with the start of the programme broadcast. TOMONO CURRY", supervised by Tomono, will go on sale on 20 August, as curry is Tomono's winning meal in his competitive life. The product will be available for purchase and Kazuki Tomono himself will hand over the product at an open recording and handover event. Fifty listeners who apply for this event will be selected by drawing, please check the details on the FM Osaka website and apply.

On the day of the event, you can have your photo taken when Tomono players hand over the goods (only when he hands them over yourself).

Summary of the programme
Title: 'Daiichi Sumiken Group presents Curry Naru Step!
Broadcast date and time: Friday 2 August - Friday 30 August 2024, every Friday from 19:30-20:00 *5 broadcasts in total
Cast: Kazuki Tomono (figure skater), Shota Shimono (FM Osaka DJ)
Outline of the public recording event].
Title: "Daiichi Sumiken Group presents Curry Naru Step! Open recording event and TOMONO CURRY handover event
Date and time: 25 August (Sun), 2024 14:00-16:00 (planned)
Venue: Certain locations in Osaka City * Winners will be notified in due course.
Application period: 10:00 Monday 8 July - 23:59 Thursday 25 July 2024
Detailed URL: https://www.fmosaka.net/_ct/17705926 *To apply, please click here.
*For questions about the event, please use the enquiry form on the FM Osaka application page.

(DeepL translation)
 
Nothing major to report today, so sharing these pics from the Team Japan training camp that I forgot to share before:



Also, One Piece on Ice website announcement lists his name just after Shoma's: https://one-piece.com/news/67387/index.html
Which really shows he has good name recognition, despite not playing one of the main roles 🥹
Also, that event he is doing with Kosho and Yuto on 28 July is sold out... Impressive, as it had capacity for 400 people!
 
Thank you for sharing, it's a shame it's behind a paywall but I've read from a Japanese mutual that he explains his reasoning behind his choice of choreographers, he wanted to work with both of them.

Now that the shock of a non-Misha season has passed, I am more at peace with those choices. I think the music will suit him well - of course it depends on the quality of the choreo and how well it suits the music. Interesting he is working with two women, and both programmes with music from black artists. We love an open-minded king 😍

I saw some interesting comments from fans - one of them saying he is looking like he is ready for the season (!), and others calling on JSF to invite him to the Olympic training camp based on what he showed in this training camp. Other fans commented how he, alongside Kaori, were the 'mood-makers' and took a position of leadership as the oldest in the camp. A fan commented how, although DOI was amazing, they missed Kazuki, he brings a different energy when he is around.

Another thing: It seems JSF is now selling 'Team Japan' support towels, and who was personally leading the sales alongside Kaori, Sota and Kao? Yep. He even advised on the design, suggesting adding a skating boot on it. JSF really don't deserve him...
I have a lot of checking up to do for Kazuki on here. Wow. I'm sure Misha will be cheering him on and on as always. After all he and Kazuki are friends. I'm excited to see what the costumes and his makeup will look like if he decides to wear makeup. Honestly though, he looks just as handsome without the makeup. Boy he is a busy bee!
 
Nothing major to report today, so sharing these pics from the Team Japan training camp that I forgot to share before:



Also, One Piece on Ice website announcement lists his name just after Shoma's: https://one-piece.com/news/67387/index.html
Which really shows he has good name recognition, despite not playing one of the main roles 🥹
Also, that event he is doing with Kosho and Yuto on 28 July is sold out... Impressive, as it had capacity for 400 people!

Awesome! He looks so gentle in those photos.
 
Yesterday, non-no released another part of the Kazuki/Dai-chan joint interview, this time they were talking about their experience at Kassouya. Really interesting!
From the July/August issue of #nonno, now on sale, we bring you a conversation between #Daisuke Takahashi and #Kazuki Tomono.
This time, they talk about their joint struggle and the bond that was born in "Kassouya". A retrospective talk between the chairperson, Mr Takahashi, and Mr Tomono, who supported him. The conception, the reason for the tears shed after the first performance, the rain direction of "Halston", the scene where the two faced each other, etc...



Meanwhile, lucky Japanese fans started receiving their non-no acrylic stands :love2:
 
Colantotte will be selling acrylic stands at the ice, featuring Kazuki!


Cute fan illustration:


Today, Sports Graphic number magazine 1100th edition was published, and despite being a commemorative football edition, it features an interview with Kazuki: https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/862150
Fans who read the interview said it was only one page, but the info was well condensed and summarised all of Kazuki's objectives really well. In any case, it's amazing to see him featured in a 'regular' sports magazine (as opposed to a figure skating one).
 
Daiichi Juken are teasing another announcement 👀


Yesterday, they published a thread about how the chose the Tomono curry manufacturer:

Here's the machine translation, very interesting:
It was really difficult to find a manufacturer for TOMONO CURRY. Sometimes our conditions didn't match, and sometimes we didn't get a reply to our inquiries, so around November 2023, I was feeling depressed and didn't think that the retort curry supervised by Tomono-kun would become a reality.

Then, I happened to come across "Versailles* Curry (Butter Chicken)" at home, a parting gift given to me by a friend when I moved to the Kansai region. I tried it and found that it was very tasty and that it was made from good ingredients such as cumin and garam masala, and I became interested in the manufacturer, Canyon Spice.

At the same time, I received a call from a packaging company for instant curry, which I had mistakenly contacted, thinking they were a curry manufacturer. They understood my situation and told me they already do business with most curry manufacturers, so I told them I was interested in Canyon Spice.

Canyon was kind enough to connect me to the All Japan Championships at the end of the year. During the 6-minute practice session at the All Japan Championships, I was thinking, "If I request a quote now, will I receive it by the new year?"
I am truly grateful that the product was completed thanks to the kindness of so many people.


Note from me, The Rose of Versailles (Versailles no Bara), is an absolutely iconic manga from the 70s, published in several countries, had many adaptations, and has been referenced multiple times in other works. I'm very impressed with Canyon Spice for being able to manufacture a Rose of Versailles product, that's no mean feat.
 
Daiichi Juken are teasing another announcement 👀


Yesterday, they published a thread about how the chose the Tomono curry manufacturer:

Here's the machine translation, very interesting:
It was really difficult to find a manufacturer for TOMONO CURRY. Sometimes our conditions didn't match, and sometimes we didn't get a reply to our inquiries, so around November 2023, I was feeling depressed and didn't think that the retort curry supervised by Tomono-kun would become a reality.

Then, I happened to come across "Versailles* Curry (Butter Chicken)" at home, a parting gift given to me by a friend when I moved to the Kansai region. I tried it and found that it was very tasty and that it was made from good ingredients such as cumin and garam masala, and I became interested in the manufacturer, Canyon Spice.

At the same time, I received a call from a packaging company for instant curry, which I had mistakenly contacted, thinking they were a curry manufacturer. They understood my situation and told me they already do business with most curry manufacturers, so I told them I was interested in Canyon Spice.

Canyon was kind enough to connect me to the All Japan Championships at the end of the year. During the 6-minute practice session at the All Japan Championships, I was thinking, "If I request a quote now, will I receive it by the new year?"
I am truly grateful that the product was completed thanks to the kindness of so many people.


Note from me, The Rose of Versailles (Versailles no Bara), is an absolutely iconic manga from the 70s, published in several countries, had many adaptations, and has been referenced multiple times in other works. I'm very impressed with Canyon Spice for being able to manufacture a Rose of Versailles product, that's no mean feat.

In France, this anime was named Lady Oscar and it's still a hit, so I imagine that the licence mustn't be that easy to get.
I loved it by the way, it was one of the few "non-historian" yet balanced renditions of the times, a bit like Stefan Zweig's Marie-Antoinette.
 
World Figure Skating magazine announced they will hold an event again with Kazuki this year:


OK, I officially lost it. This is event happening in Ginza. GINZA! One of the most luxurious and expensive neighbourhoods in the world. Not only that, but there will be two events, on a Sunday, in the tail end of the Obon festival period (when a lot of Japanese people travel, visit their hometown, etc).

If you remember, last year's World Figure Skating talkshow happened on a regular Monday night, and still sold out in a matter of minutes! So the expectations for this event must be huge, considering the change of location and timing.

On this note, I should issue a mea culpa. I was feeling really down after Kazuki didn't have a championship assignment last season. In many ways, I still am - the downgrade in funding, the fact he wasn't invited to DOI or the Olympic training camp confirmed my suspicions re: what might happen to him competitively 😔

But I also thought we wouldn't see much of him in the off-season. Because that's what happens, right? Those who do well competitively tend to get more show opportunities, and the fact that Kazuki did so many shows in the 2023 off-season was a direct reflection of his good performance in the previous season.

However, I was wrong. It's true he did fewer shows this season, but he still did big ones - SOI, Hyoen and FaOI, and still has OPOI to go. But, more than that, he's also doing more fan events - HD Flower event in Sakai, Mainichi online event, FM Osaka 'curry handover' event, and now this WFS magazine event in Ginza. He's also done more 'grassroots' events such as the Kyoto Figure Skating Festival, Skating class in Nikko, Ovision arena and Kurashiki anniversaries etc, in addition to his ventures on the radio.

What does that mean? To start with, these events are less physically demanding than ice shows, which allows him to focus more on his competitive training. But also, it's almost like he's cutting the middle man? Fans are able to see him and his skating at a lower price, and he is able to put his personal touch in many of these events, which wouldn't happen in big ice shows. On top of that, he also increased the range of merch he's selling, with acrylic stands and a retort curry, which many think is a first for a figure skater.

Even if you think purely from a business/marketing perspective, the way he managed not only to remain very popular, but actually increase his profile regardless of competitive results and/or appearances in a lot of ice shows is astonishing, especially considering he's not affiliated to a marketing agency. It's a result not only of a lot of personal charisma, but also good networking and, above all, a relationship of trust and a lot of love between him and his fanbase. We might not the biggest, but we are certainly well fed 💝
 
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Someone gifted this article (thanks @kwanette for the heads up), available to read until tomorrow (15 Jul). Here's a DeepL translation: https://www.nikkansports.com/premium/sports/figure/news/202407070000082.html

-How do you feel about your current situation?

Tomono:
During the off-season, I participate in various shows, and after this training camp I feel like I'm going into the season at once (sensation). This camp also switched me on and made me realise that the season is about to start again. It's not often that we all get together to practise together, so it was a great stimulus. I am the oldest this time, but last year I felt quite tired, but this year I am very energetic and I am jumping a lot. There were a lot of shows, but I was able to move my body really well, and I was able to create a new programme, which made me feel that I'm looking forward to the season.

-What is the name of the song, the choreographer and the theme?

Tomono:
I don't know what to say about the name of the song (for the short programme)... I don't know. The choreographer is Shailene Bourne. I'm using two songs: one called 'Chuguet' and the second half is called 'Muana Pot'. The free piece is choreographed by Laurie Nicol, and the song was sent to me just recently... I think it's already been finalised, but it's John Batiste's Butterfly, and Movement Eleven is the middle part, and the second half is I Need You, which has a jazz feel to it. Last year I changed my mood 180 degrees, but this year I'm back with two new choreographers and a programme that has a few new elements, but also brings out the best of me. The free skate will be choreographed from now on, but I think both the short and free skate will be like that.

-What are your goals for this season?

Tomono:
After the tremendous All-Japan Championships last season, I have a clear idea of where I stand now and what I need to work on. I want to strengthen my jumps and show my presence this season that I can compete in this Japanese men's competition, and most of all, I want to be a member of the World Championships team, so that I can win medals in all competitions. I want to train for the Olympics, not just to win medals, but to be number one. I hope I can change something in myself. I think that is my goal for this season.

-The choreography has changed from Misha Ge.

Tomono:
It was a simple dream, and one of the things I wanted to see was what kind of person I would be when I asked Shane-Lynn Bourne and Lori Nicol, who had been my dream, to help me grow and perfect the skating I developed with Misha. I would like to experience the path that every top athlete goes through, or something like that for me. My other goal for this season is to change something, so I want to try new things more and more. This is the season before the Olympics, so I hope to come out of my shell.


-Do you notice anything new in the choreography?

Tomono:
I'm just beginning with Lori, but the choreographer has really changed Shae's movements and the way she choreographs everything (compared to the past), and after working with Misha for so many years, it's really a fresh feeling to face skating anew. It's exciting and it's really been a dream of mine for many years. If I was skating, I wanted to work with these two choreographers one day, and I didn't imagine myself going down so many highways in the past. I'm happy that I've finally grown up to the point where I can make such a request, and I'm wondering what kind of expansion I'll get by adding new things and new choreography when I've completed myself. I think I'm looking for new changes because I'm confident that I can handle it.
 
A good overview of Kazuki's agenda - I wonder when he'll get his free choreographed? Hopefully soon...


Meanwhile, ice dancer Masaya Morita mentioned his admiration for Kazuki in an interview: https://www.nikkansports.com/premium/sports/figure/news/202407110000481.html

At the same time, he also began to admire Kazuki Tomono, who was five years his senior.

Particularly captivating was the free "West Side Story" from the 2017-18 season. At the age of 19 at the time, Tomono stood on the World Championships stage and had already expressed his own unique view of the world.

'When I saw Tomono's performance, I thought 'wow' and 'cool'. I watched the footage over and over again. His jumps were big, his body was moving, I thought this is the kind of skating I want to do. Above all, it was cool to see him skating like he was having fun."
 
Someone gifted this article (thanks @kwanette for the heads up), available to read until tomorrow (15 Jul). Here's a DeepL translation: https://www.nikkansports.com/premium/sports/figure/news/202407070000082.html

-How do you feel about your current situation?

Tomono:
During the off-season, I participate in various shows, and after this training camp I feel like I'm going into the season at once (sensation). This camp also switched me on and made me realise that the season is about to start again. It's not often that we all get together to practise together, so it was a great stimulus. I am the oldest this time, but last year I felt quite tired, but this year I am very energetic and I am jumping a lot. There were a lot of shows, but I was able to move my body really well, and I was able to create a new programme, which made me feel that I'm looking forward to the season.

-What is the name of the song, the choreographer and the theme?

Tomono:
I don't know what to say about the name of the song (for the short programme)... I don't know. The choreographer is Shailene Bourne. I'm using two songs: one called 'Chuguet' and the second half is called 'Muana Pot'. The free piece is choreographed by Laurie Nicol, and the song was sent to me just recently... I think it's already been finalised, but it's John Batiste's Butterfly, and Movement Eleven is the middle part, and the second half is I Need You, which has a jazz feel to it. Last year I changed my mood 180 degrees, but this year I'm back with two new choreographers and a programme that has a few new elements, but also brings out the best of me. The free skate will be choreographed from now on, but I think both the short and free skate will be like that.

-What are your goals for this season?

Tomono:
After the tremendous All-Japan Championships last season, I have a clear idea of where I stand now and what I need to work on. I want to strengthen my jumps and show my presence this season that I can compete in this Japanese men's competition, and most of all, I want to be a member of the World Championships team, so that I can win medals in all competitions. I want to train for the Olympics, not just to win medals, but to be number one. I hope I can change something in myself. I think that is my goal for this season.

-The choreography has changed from Misha Ge.

Tomono:
It was a simple dream, and one of the things I wanted to see was what kind of person I would be when I asked Shane-Lynn Bourne and Lori Nicol, who had been my dream, to help me grow and perfect the skating I developed with Misha. I would like to experience the path that every top athlete goes through, or something like that for me. My other goal for this season is to change something, so I want to try new things more and more. This is the season before the Olympics, so I hope to come out of my shell.


-Do you notice anything new in the choreography?

Tomono:
I'm just beginning with Lori, but the choreographer has really changed Shae's movements and the way she choreographs everything (compared to the past), and after working with Misha for so many years, it's really a fresh feeling to face skating anew. It's exciting and it's really been a dream of mine for many years. If I was skating, I wanted to work with these two choreographers one day, and I didn't imagine myself going down so many highways in the past. I'm happy that I've finally grown up to the point where I can make such a request, and I'm wondering what kind of expansion I'll get by adding new things and new choreography when I've completed myself. I think I'm looking for new changes because I'm confident that I can handle it.
Ty for posting!
 
Non-no published another bit of the joint Kazuki/Dai-chan interview, this time about what kind of shows they'd like to do in the future:


I've been enjoying everything I've read from this interview, but this bit in particular is very endearing 🥹 I really recommend everyone to read it, even with the machine translation, we can see that the tone of the conversation is very warm. I felt really touched when Dai-chan said that he'd like to see a 'Kassouya' with Kazuki's sensibility. I really want to see it too!

Meanwhile, remember the calendar I posted here a few days ago? The super busy calendar, with activities pretty much every weekend from late July-early Sep? Kazuki really had a look at that calendar and said: 'nah, I can fit in one more event' :palmf:



Honestly, what is he thinking? First of all, when is he going to choreograph his free? Is he really going to compete with his free as soon as it's choreographed LMAO Also, if he was already doing Summer Cup, why do Kinoshita as well, where he'll be facing his biggest competitors - Sota, Kao and Shun - who already had their programmes choreographed for a while? Sounds... completely, utterly, absolutely insane :drama:
 
I've been enjoying everything I've read from this interview, but this bit in particular is very endearing 🥹 I really recommend everyone to read it, even with the machine translation, we can see that the tone of the conversation is very warm. I felt really touched when Dai-chan said that he'd like to see a 'Kassouya' with Kazuki's sensibility. I really want to see it too!

Me three, I'm sure he'd come up with some unique ideas! :love: I love that “Kassouya” is intended to be a collective, a brand in its own right not tied to a specific chairperson, so that different persons can take over and bring their personalities in. That is what makes this concept so innovative imo. I can totally see Kazuki being the creative lead for a while and then passing the baton on to someone else, just the way he inherited it from Dai. In this way, young talents can be promoted and encouraged to develop their skills/try their hand at different roles associated with the production of ice shows. It considerably expands the options for post competitive careers.



Thank you for sharing, it's a shame it's behind a paywall but I've read from a Japanese mutual that he explains his reasoning behind his choice of choreographers, he wanted to work with both of them.

Now that the shock of a non-Misha season has passed, I am more at peace with those choices. I think the music will suit him well - of course it depends on the quality of the choreo and how well it suits the music. Interesting he is working with two women, and both programmes with music from black artists. We love an open-minded king 😍

Misha and Kazuki are a wonderful match, but I’m happy about Kazuki choosing to work with two different choreographers this season. I’ve always been a fan of skaters working with as many different people as possible as it helps them broadening their horizens and discover new sides of themselves. Kazuki is one of the most versatile skaters out there, I have no doubt that he will adapt naturally to the new input he receives from Shae-Lynn and Lori. I’m particularly happy about him working with Shae-Lynn as she is so, so good with many different skaters. She is someone, who truly analyses the strengths of her clients and comes up with unique concepts for them. The music she has chosen for Kazuki is quite unusual in the context of skating, so it will help him stand out. And if there’s someone, who can make percussive music work, it is Kazuki. I'm really looking forward to seeing his new SP! :hap10:
 
Misha and Kazuki are a wonderful match, but I’m happy about Kazuki choosing to work with two different choreographers this season. I’ve always been a fan of skaters working with as many different people as possible as it helps them broadening their horizens and discover new sides of themselves. Kazuki is one of the most versatile skaters out there, I have no doubt that he will adapt naturally to the new input he receives from Shae-Lynn and Lori. I’m particularly happy about him working with Shae-Lynn as she is so, so good with many different skaters. She is someone, who truly analyses the strengths of her clients and comes up with unique concepts for them. The music she has chosen for Kazuki is quite unusual in the context of skating, so it will help him stand out. And if there’s someone, who can make percussive music work, it is Kazuki. I'm really looking forward to seeing his new SP! :hap10:
You're right, I was shocked initially but I agree broadening his horizons will be a good thing for him - both Shae and Lori picked good music for him, that's a great start. My only concern is that Kazuki has said he tends to do better when he feels comfortable with the choreography and he's able to add his own personal touch to it. In that sense, Misha would be a safer choice since they are used to working together. I guess I need to trust Kazuki to be able to communicate well with Shae and Lori!

Thank you for sharing! It's great to see him looking so relaxed, to the point of falling asleep on the job lol
The place looks stunning, and it's cool they let him try the women's section!
 
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