Kazuki Tomono
- Thread starter tsuyoboogie
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- Sep 12, 2021
Which gala?
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- Sep 12, 2021
Does anyone know where to watch the Kiss and Cry after his free skate? I’m sure it is difficult to watch but I still want to see it. On YouTube it cut right at the end of his performance.
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- Sep 12, 2021
You are so right. Kazuki has so much to offer in the field outside of competition.
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- Sep 12, 2021
I agree. Kazuki is a truely amazing skater for who he is and what he can do. He captured my heart. It will be exciting to see what he does next.On the one hand I’m sad for Kazuki, but on the other I am in agreement with what he said about a skater’s value not only depending on competitive results/the Olympics.
Talent alone, which Kazuki undoubtedly has in spades, doesn’t always translate into competitive success. There are so many contributing factors like the depth of the field at any given time, being there at the right time/luck, access to resources (financial, material, infrastructure), mental strength, injuries, having a support net and so on. In some rare cases all of the stars align and in many others they don’t.
What Kazuki does have, as you pointed out, and nobody can take from him is the love and admiration from so many, who recognize and appreciate his exceptional talent – not just as a fun entertainer (and I suppose that may be many people’s favourite side of him), but in my opinion also as one of the rare performers, who are able to convey nuance and complex emotion and tug at your heartstrings.
I’ve said this before (and I am referencing what you said in the competition thread): To me he is a real star regardless of his competitive results (which are very respectable as they are). I know that with his gifts – if he follows his heart – he will achieve many wonderful things beyond that. And while I also hope he keeps being involved with skating, I could see him expand his activities into other fields too. The journey definitely doesn’t end here.
Medalists on Ice
I have been looking for it as well..I watched live but I think that I blanked.Jackie Wong desctibed Kazuki's bursting into tears in Mr. Hirake's arms.
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- May 5, 2018
I know it's a bit late but just wanted to say, thank you so much for this comment. Truly. I actually cried reading it, because it conveys into words everything that I feel, and it's great to know I'm not alone in thinking these thingsOn the one hand I’m sad for Kazuki, but on the other I am in agreement with what he said about a skater’s value not only depending on competitive results/the Olympics.
Talent alone, which Kazuki undoubtedly has in spades, doesn’t always translate into competitive success. There are so many contributing factors like the depth of the field at any given time, being there at the right time/luck, access to resources (financial, material, infrastructure), mental strength, injuries, having a support net and so on. In some rare cases all of the stars align and in many others they don’t.
What Kazuki does have, as you pointed out, and nobody can take from him is the love and admiration from so many, who recognize and appreciate his exceptional talent – not just as a fun entertainer (and I suppose that may be many people’s favourite side of him
I’ve said this before (and I am referencing what you said in the competition thread): To me he is a real star regardless of his competitive results (which are very respectable as they are). I know that with his gifts – if he follows his heart – he will achieve many wonderful things beyond that. And while I also hope he keeps being involved with skating, I could see him expand his activities into other fields too. The journey definitely doesn’t end here.
NGL the first thing that I did after Kazuki's free skate was to catch up with the Kassouya 2026 thread
That's where his skating family is, and that's where I know he will be, if not this year, certainly in the years to come. I also hope he gets invited to Hyoen again 
Other than that, I find it so interesting that JSF felt the need to say that there was extensive discussion over the Men 3rd spot, with some expressing the view that Kazuki should be selected - they could have justified their choice without the need to disclose that. They also said something along the lines of 'we wanted the skaters to show their potential, we are sorry some skaters weren't selected', in a clear reference to Kazuki. Did they say this to appease Kazuki's massive fanbase? Or, were they trying to send a message to Kazuki himself, that he was close and shouldn't give up? Maybe a bit of both? It certainly makes me think...
On a different note, some cute shenanigans with Sota and Yuna at MOI:
I know it's a bit late but just wanted to say, thank you so much for this comment. Truly. I actually cried reading it, because it conveys into words everything that I feel, and it's great to know I'm not alone in thinking these things
NGL the first thing that I did after Kazuki's free skate was to catch up with the Kassouya 2026 thread
Other than that, I find it so interesting that JSF felt the need to say that there was extensive discussion over the Men 3rd spot, with some expressing the view that Kazuki should be selected - they could have justified their choice without the need to disclose that. They also said something along the lines of 'we wanted the skaters to show their potential, we are sorry some skaters weren't selected', in a clear reference to Kazuki. Did they say this to appease Kazuki's massive fanbase? Or, were they trying to send a message to Kazuki himself, that he was close and shouldn't give up? Maybe a bit of both? It certainly makes me think...
On a different note, some cute shenanigans with Sota and Yuna at MOI:
I just read this....." He also revealed that there were various opinions regarding the selection of the third athlete for the men's team. Some people favored Tomono because of his consistent scoring, but he explained, "We had many discussions about which of Miura and Tomono was most desirable as the starting athlete in order to win a medal, and that's how we ultimately made the selection." "
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- Aug 16, 2018
I don't find it surprising at all. At the end of the day, Kao and Kazuki entered Nationals virtually tied. We all saw the selection pool list and it was pretty obvious whoever did best at Nationals would get the third spot, because there is nothing else that would give one of them any advantage over the other. It makes sense that there would be arguments for Kazuki on that night, even if it's not quite convincing with the Nationals performance fresh in the mind.
I think JSF has known Kazuki for so long, and he has a pretty long history of helping Japan secure spots at Worlds. That adds to the human aspect of how they expressed their thoughts on him in the explanation. Maybe they had hoped for the best too, who knows. I just see it as respect and acknowledgement to one of their veterans who gave his best, came close, and missed it.
I really thought Kazuki had a chance.... I agree that it's the Olympics who will miss him and that the Olympics isn't everything for a skater... but still. I still don't know what to say.
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- May 5, 2018
Couple of cute updates from yesterday:
It's just fascinating to me that, as an institution, they are now like 'you were so close, we are sorry you didn't make it
' when they have underscored him for 10+ years LMAO. It makes me think of how much money and engagement they will lose when Kazuki retires. Small potatoes, surely, compared to the loss of Dai/Yuzu/Shoma, but perhaps not insignificant in the current context. Since Kazuki has huge appeal to normies, and in particular kids, they are already losing out financially by not taking him to the Olympics, even if the decision is justified.
As for Kazuki, I wanted him to go to the Olympics for the experience and because he said it was a personal goal. But, realistically, his chances of a medal would be slim and the sport is dead anyway. So I don't think missing out on it will affect his career as much, perhaps the main downside would be that having the 'Olympian' status would allow him to charge higher appearance fees. But, thinking of the things he already has:
- A huge fanbase who is well used to competitive disappointment lol Nobody is gonna leave him because he didn't make it to the Olympics, quite the opposite, fans tend to rally around him even more when he fails
- Good connections/friendships in the industry, and plenty of show invitations. He can also expand the Naniwa Figure Skating Festival event that he has ran successfully in the past two years
- An extensive range of merch, from different providers, that very often sell out in the blink of an eye
- Regular media gigs that he can now resume, both online and radio
- A home rink in which he's the star pupil and everyone's big brother - if he decides to start coaching/choreography, he can do so in a heartbeat
I actually think that perhaps the reason that Kao got it together for Nationals and Kazuki didn't is because Kao doesn't have all these things (yet?), so he probably felt that competitive success is the only way forward. Whereas Kazuki already built his own little empire regardless, and there are several open roads in front of him at this point. Sure, it'd be nice to see him at the Olympics, but he will be totally fine without it.
Just to be clear, I'm not surprised that the discussions took place, I'm surprised that they decided to reveal that these discussions took place, and even went as far as to state some opinions favoured Kazuki. They could have made a very clear cut argument in favour of Kao based on the fact that he hit more points in the criteria - that's a mathematical reality that no-one can deny. As for the human aspect, it could have been expressed privately.
It's just fascinating to me that, as an institution, they are now like 'you were so close, we are sorry you didn't make it
' when they have underscored him for 10+ years LMAO. It makes me think of how much money and engagement they will lose when Kazuki retires. Small potatoes, surely, compared to the loss of Dai/Yuzu/Shoma, but perhaps not insignificant in the current context. Since Kazuki has huge appeal to normies, and in particular kids, they are already losing out financially by not taking him to the Olympics, even if the decision is justified.As for Kazuki, I wanted him to go to the Olympics for the experience and because he said it was a personal goal. But, realistically, his chances of a medal would be slim and the sport is dead anyway. So I don't think missing out on it will affect his career as much, perhaps the main downside would be that having the 'Olympian' status would allow him to charge higher appearance fees. But, thinking of the things he already has:
- A huge fanbase who is well used to competitive disappointment lol Nobody is gonna leave him because he didn't make it to the Olympics, quite the opposite, fans tend to rally around him even more when he fails
- Good connections/friendships in the industry, and plenty of show invitations. He can also expand the Naniwa Figure Skating Festival event that he has ran successfully in the past two years
- An extensive range of merch, from different providers, that very often sell out in the blink of an eye
- Regular media gigs that he can now resume, both online and radio
- A home rink in which he's the star pupil and everyone's big brother - if he decides to start coaching/choreography, he can do so in a heartbeat
I actually think that perhaps the reason that Kao got it together for Nationals and Kazuki didn't is because Kao doesn't have all these things (yet?), so he probably felt that competitive success is the only way forward. Whereas Kazuki already built his own little empire regardless, and there are several open roads in front of him at this point. Sure, it'd be nice to see him at the Olympics, but he will be totally fine without it.
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- Aug 16, 2018
I did wonder since Skate America if as an individual and based on his history, Kazuki thought that what he has achieved competitively is already more than anything that he can imagine. Hence the difficulty in pushing for more.
I had... hoped, when I read his interviews before Nationals, that maybe... Kazuki would be able to push just a bit more, for his coach (Hiraike-sensei) and the chance to go to the Olympics with his coach together, if not for himself. There are people who are able to make that final push not for themselves as an individual, but for the sake of the people that they love. I suppose it was not meant to be, but some of his last interviews really made me hope for the two of them. Regardless of the results, they are a good team.
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- May 5, 2018
I don't think it was a lack of push or motivation. The issue with Kazuki is that he achieves his best results when he's not focused on the results
He was able to do so well in the previous two Olympic seasons because he knew he had no chance of making the team, so he was just focused on showcasing himself. However, you could see even back in 2021-22 that the moment a big result appeared achievable (Rostelecom 2021 gold, 4CC 2022 gold, Worlds 2022 podium), he would freak out and make mistakes in the free skate.The problem is, as an athlete, it's hard not to aim for results, especially when you can feel you're getting better and you see spots open in the field. So, it's a really tough conundrum for him and he should have worked on this with his therapist, but alas... Basically the therapist is the real villain of the story here, they were useless
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- Aug 16, 2018
What I hoped was... if he thinks "he" has no chance and if he does he'll freak out, maybe he can focus on someone else he loves instead of himself? Like... focus on doing his best for his coach since childhood and the chance to go to the Olympics together. His interviews after Skate America really gave that vibe... he was nearly back to his usual "well that can't be helped" but seems to be shaken emotionally when he saw his coach. But maybe it was too close to Nationals to immediately change his mindset.I don't think it was a lack of push or motivation. The issue with Kazuki is that he achieves his best results when he's not focused on the results
The problem is, as an athlete, it's hard not to aim for results, especially when you can feel you're getting better and you see spots open in the field. So, it's a really tough conundrum for him and he should have worked on this with his therapist, but alas... Basically the therapist is the real villain of the story here, they were...
It was really nice to see him at the gala with Sota and Koshiro as well as Yuna. I still feel a bit melancholic about it all but I'm sure Kazuki will do well in anything he chooses to do. He always does.
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友野一希、目指したミラノ五輪代表は補欠でも「幸せ」と言える理由「一生忘れることがない素敵な4年間」 | JBpress (ジェイビープレス)
ミラノ・コルティナオリンピックのフィギュアスケート日本代表の最終選考大会、全日本選手権が終わった。 代表の枠は、シングルの場合、男女各3。わずかな枚数を巡り、大舞台を目指す選手たち(1/2)
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- May 5, 2018
I think this it. Therapist bashing aside lol Kazuki confessed he's an intellectualiser who struggles to truly express his feelings - that little outburst he had with Hiraike-sensei after Skate America might have helped, but it was most likely a bit too little too late.
There's just SO MUCH emotional baggage there, stemming from earlier on in his career, the underscoring etc that he could have benefited from having that explosion earlier and then doing some extensive work on unpacking his emotions. But hindsight is 20/20 and, as an intellectualiser myself, I can't judge him
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- Aug 16, 2018
It's always a complex thing because he is alone and figure skating is an individual sport. I always thought there is really no "right" way to be an athlete, and I think Kazuki can only be the performer that he is because he is the person he is, with his vulnerabilities and emotional baggage. So it is a bit of a conundrum... he is who he is because of all that strength and weaknesses. We love his skating and programs because he can emote like that and to emote like that he has to be who he is.I think this it. Therapist bashing aside lol Kazuki confessed he's an intellectualiser who struggles to truly express his feelings - that little outburst he had with Hiraike-sensei after Skate America might have helped, but it was most likely a bit too little too late.
There's just SO MUCH emotional baggage there, stemming from earlier on in his career, the underscoring etc that he could have benefited from having that explosion earlier and then doing some extensive work on unpacking his emotions. But hindsight is 20/20 and, as an intellectualiser myself, I can't judge him
Writing this made me really go through what he did throughout the years and Kazuki really tried his best. Japan has been a field of beasts for so long, it has broken many men before him. To stay, and to grow as a skater, to be able to face the results... while I am sad about it, it really has been a pleasure to follow his journey.
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- Nov 12, 2013
Back from my Christmas holiday to check on the results... Good job, Kazuki!
TBH I'm astounded he's not going to WC... he (or Sota of course) would be the only reason for me to look into buying tickets. But I guess I'll be passing that event now. Instead, I'm looking forward to 4CC now, and hoping Kazuki has a blast! It's sad to hear him confirm he's likely to withdraw from competing internationally after that.
He has so much assignment potential right now, and IMO a lot of medal potential, too. After this season, with the biggest stress event of the last few years over, I do believe he could actually win a GP or a Challenger because he'd again be somewhere else mentally. But, it looks like he's beyond caring about that now, and instead intrigued by shows, working on his expression, and impressing the audience through what he's best at, which isn't easy to do with two 3A and 2-3 quads to perform.
To be honest, I hope he gives it one last season just because a) I selfishly want to see more of Kazuki (shows are usually geoblocked and/or paywalled, aren't they?), and b) I'm really intrigued by the thought of what skating just for fun would achieve for him. It did wonders for Nobunari, who was even able to place just below the podium at his -venerable for a singles skater- age.
I'll be keeping a close eye on this thread for more Kazuki news.
All the best in the new year to Kazuki!
I wonder if the ex-onsen club went to a sauna or dinner for Christmas. If I'd watched yesterday's Unlim, I would know no doubt; alas, I wasn't able to watch as my holiday whirlwind of activity only ended tonight 
TBH I'm astounded he's not going to WC... he (or Sota of course) would be the only reason for me to look into buying tickets. But I guess I'll be passing that event now. Instead, I'm looking forward to 4CC now, and hoping Kazuki has a blast! It's sad to hear him confirm he's likely to withdraw from competing internationally after that.
He has so much assignment potential right now, and IMO a lot of medal potential, too. After this season, with the biggest stress event of the last few years over, I do believe he could actually win a GP or a Challenger because he'd again be somewhere else mentally. But, it looks like he's beyond caring about that now, and instead intrigued by shows, working on his expression, and impressing the audience through what he's best at, which isn't easy to do with two 3A and 2-3 quads to perform.To be honest, I hope he gives it one last season just because a) I selfishly want to see more of Kazuki (shows are usually geoblocked and/or paywalled, aren't they?), and b) I'm really intrigued by the thought of what skating just for fun would achieve for him. It did wonders for Nobunari, who was even able to place just below the podium at his -venerable for a singles skater- age.
I'll be keeping a close eye on this thread for more Kazuki news.
All the best in the new year to Kazuki!
I wonder if the ex-onsen club went to a sauna or dinner for Christmas. If I'd watched yesterday's Unlim, I would know no doubt; alas, I wasn't able to watch as my holiday whirlwind of activity only ended tonight
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