This blog article talks about Keiji’s interview on May 17, 2017.
https://ameblo.jp/kuranari11/entry-12275841847.html
Although this is an old interview done two years ago, it’s an interesting read.
Par 1 of 2
https://sports.yahoo.co.jp/column/detail/201705150006-spnavi
Translation of interview part:
He became keenly aware of the difference between him and top skaters at the Worlds.
-- 16-17 season was the one he made a great progress.
It was the season that I had to train hard, and until the Olympics we had only two seasons left including this season. So I made a plan based on how long until the Olympics and was thinking like “I want to compete at this particular event. I want to achieve results here.” I think I was somehow able to participate in the competitions I wanted.
-- Please tell us about this season in terms of what was good and what was bad.
The good part was that I was somehow satisfied that I was able to do my skate at NHK Trophy, Japan Nationals, and Universiade (won 2nd). But I felt frustrated that I couldn’t do so well in the first half of the season and at the 4CC and the Worlds in the second half of the season as well.
-- What is the reason why you could not skate well at the 4CC and the Worlds?
About 4CC it was shortly after Universiade and my condition was a little bit not what I had expected. Although I was motivated I could not get back into top form and I went through one of the toughest times. But I am glad that I experienced such a back to back competition. About the Worlds the reason why I made mistakes in the short was I was too tense. Until I got on ice at the competition I was feeling fine. But the moment the music started I became more nervous than I had anticipated….. But in the FS although I failed in some jumps I was able to skate the rest of the program remaining calm. So, I experienced the good and the bad in many ways.
-- Having gone through the Grand Prix Series and the Worlds in what area did you feel most keely the difference between you and the world top skaters?
I noticed each skater had his own color. Figure skating competition is focusing more on jumps, but I could clearly see each skater’s strength, and I was fortunate to have seen many performances that moved the audience with some messages. I want to be able to do that myself from now on.
-- Whose performance left the strongest impression on you?
Jason Brown senshu (USA). Also Misha Ge senshu (Uzbekistan) inspired me to grow into a skater like him. I heard the news that he was going to retire, and I watched his performance thinking that it would be his last. He gave it all he got and finished, and I deeply felt it would be great if I could become a skater like him who could touch people’s heart so much by his expressive performance.
Aiming for the performance which tops “La traviata”
-- Rather than the skaters whose strengths are quad jumps, your ideal type of skaters are expressive performers such as Jason Brown and Misha Ge?
Of course I would like to be competitive in both. I want to join athletic jump battle, and in terms of expressive presentation, because figure skating has an artistic side I want to fascinate the audience.
-- Are you particular about your expression styles?
No, I am not very picky. When I listen to the program music for the first time I feel like “This is okay for now.” and go from there. I’ve never had any music that gave me a great first impression. But I often start to find the program interesting as it is coming together. I think I enjoy the process of how it is shaping up little by little.
-- Have you ever chosen the music yourself?
No. There were times when I picked exhibition music. But because the music for competition is the piece I have to skate to throughout the year and I also tend to use the same program for two seasons in a row, it is hard to find the music that I don’t get tired of. I suppose that if I skate to my favorite music I may grow tired of it mid-season [laughs]. The harder the music given to me, the more I spend time to think about it, and the more I enjoy the choreography process. Because I want to skate to the music which has potential for growth, I think it’s better to let my choreography sensei choose the music.
-- Was there a program that you found so-so, but you ended up loving it at the end?
After a change in my team Massimo Scali sensei choreographed my program for the first time and he gave me “La traviata.” (FS 14-15, 15-16) I started working on the program based on the overall impression of the music. However as I was using it for two consecutive seasons, it started to get more appreciated, and I felt its character and presence coming out. As a result I received high marks thanks to “La traviata” many times. Now I am aiming for a better performance than that.
-- Your SP “Spring in Buenos Aires” is in its second season. You have a new FS program this season, but how about next season?
I am planning to continue to use it next season. SP will be choreographed in June and we have not decided on the music yet. I leave it up to my sensei. Whatever is thrown at me, I’ll say “yes.” [laughs].
Nvm, he was fighting and delivered a solid performance despite some mistakes, and that's satisfying to see. His interactions with Yuzuru were also fun to watch, and the 3 Japanese boys keeping close to each other at the gala. Onwards to World Team Trophy now! 
