Mao Asada | Page 157 | Golden Skate

Mao Asada

Hi Mao fans, I don't post very often in Mao's thread but I wanted to share a video I shot of her first FS run-through in Boston (where she omitted the jumps). The beginning has some odd cuts since I was running low on battery and recording had stopped part-way, but most of the run-through is uninterrupted. I have a video of the entire practice session that I'll be uploading later.
 
kiches said:
Hi Mao fans, I don't post very often in Mao's thread but I wanted to share a video I shot of her first FS run-through in Boston (where she omitted the jumps). The beginning has some odd cuts since I was running low on battery and recording had stopped part-way, but most of the run-through is uninterrupted. I have a video of the entire practice session that I'll be uploading later.
Click to expand...

Beautiful!! :thank:
 
http://imgur.com/TJjQwvT
Sorry if this picture has already been posted, but I was watching an old mini documentary of Daisuke Murakami and saw this picture. They trained together for a short time in 2006 and Dice said that Mao trained 6 hours every day and he lost to her in that aspect. As you already know, Mao and her mom inspired Dice to represent Japan. It's amazing to see that Mao's passion for skating has inspired not only her fans but fellow skaters too.
 
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x43nk50

A television program called Close-Up Today did a special on Mao aired 11th April. Interesting bit was the fact that after her free program at Worlds, twitter exploded with comments about Mao's performance, and many of them mentioned Mao's smile---e.g., I cried with pleasure, seeing Mao smile. So the question was posed, what makes so Mao special? Why is she more than just an athlete for the Japanese public?

I don't think the show provided conclusive answers to this question, but the guest speaker of the show said that the public adores her because she represents a kind of stability that contemporary life can no longer provide for us. I think they were kind of suggesting that she represents universal value or meaning in an age where universalism is no possible.

Anyway, another interesting bit was where the show mentioned that it is often men who watch Mao's performance and tear up, so alot of men are able to access their emotions through watching Mao.

Finally the guest speaker said that she (formerly he) wished that Mao would stop trying to skate for others but only skate for her enjoyment.

Oh, and the show also mentioned that Mao has learnt to train differently, think differently, and compete differently because she is older and has to think about not exhausting herself out.
 
 
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kiches said:
Hi Mao fans, I don't post very often in Mao's thread but I wanted to share a video I shot of her first FS run-through in Boston (where she omitted the jumps). The beginning has some odd cuts since I was running low on battery and recording had stopped part-way, but most of the run-through is uninterrupted. I have a video of the entire practice session that I'll be uploading later.
Click to expand...

Yayyy!! :D
 
http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/sports/list/201604/CK2016041302000138.html

I don't have time to translate the article, but it is interesting. Alot of it is repeated information, but the part that is new/interesting:



　－グランプリ（ＧＰ）シリーズ初戦となった昨年十一月の中国杯で優勝後、不振に陥り、苦しい戦いが続いた。

今季は苦しいうちには入らなかった。今までたくさん苦しいことを乗り越えてきた。どんなことが起きても大丈夫だと思っている。試合が目の前にくると難しく考えてしまい、満足に滑れないこともあったけど、それはちっちゃな悩みなので。

Q. After winning China Cup in November last year, you fell into a slump and had difficult competitions?

This season didn't even count as being difficult. I have overcome many difficulties in my life. I am confident that I'll be okay no matter what happens. There were times when I found myself thinking too much in the face of competition and could not skate satisfactorily, but that's just a minor problem, really.

:laugh:
 
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hurrah said:
http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/sports/list/201604/CK2016041302000138.html

I don't have time to translate the article, but it is interesting. Alot of it is repeated information, but the part that is new/interesting:



　－グランプリ（ＧＰ）シリーズ初戦となった昨年十一月の中国杯で優勝後、不振に陥り、苦しい戦いが続いた。

今季は苦しいうちには入らなかった。今までたくさん苦しいことを乗り越えてきた。どんなことが起きても大丈夫だと思っている。試合が目の前にくると難しく考えてしまい、満足に滑れないこともあったけど、それはちっちゃな悩みなので。

Q. After winning China Cup in November last year, you fell into a slump and had difficult competitions?

This season didn't even count as being difficult. I have overcome many difficulties in my life. I am confident that I'll be okay no matter what happens. There were times when I found myself thinking too much in the face of competition and could not skate satisfactorily, but that's an issue of no consequence, really.

:laugh:
Click to expand...

I love her!! real inspiration for me
 
hurrah said:
http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/sports/list/201604/CK2016041302000138.html

I don't have time to translate the article, but it is interesting. Alot of it is repeated information, but the part that is new/interesting:



　－グランプリ（ＧＰ）シリーズ初戦となった昨年十一月の中国杯で優勝後、不振に陥り、苦しい戦いが続いた。

今季は苦しいうちには入らなかった。今までたくさん苦しいことを乗り越えてきた。どんなことが起きても大丈夫だと思っている。試合が目の前にくると難しく考えてしまい、満足に滑れないこともあったけど、それはちっちゃな悩みなので。

Q. After winning China Cup in November last year, you fell into a slump and had difficult competitions?

This season didn't even count as being difficult. I have overcome many difficulties in my life. I am confident that I'll be okay no matter what happens. There were times when I found myself thinking too much in the face of competition and could not skate satisfactorily, but that's an issue of no consequence, really.

:laugh:
Click to expand...

She is Mao Asada. I knew it :yes: Our Samurai Mao :party2:
 
hurrah said:
http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/sports/list/201604/CK2016041302000138.html

I don't have time to translate the article, but it is interesting. Alot of it is repeated information, but the part that is new/interesting:



　－グランプリ（ＧＰ）シリーズ初戦となった昨年十一月の中国杯で優勝後、不振に陥り、苦しい戦いが続いた。

今季は苦しいうちには入らなかった。今までたくさん苦しいことを乗り越えてきた。どんなことが起きても大丈夫だと思っている。試合が目の前にくると難しく考えてしまい、満足に滑れないこともあったけど、それはちっちゃな悩みなので。

Q. After winning China Cup in November last year, you fell into a slump and had difficult competitions?

This season didn't even count as being difficult. I have overcome many difficulties in my life. I am confident that I'll be okay no matter what happens. There were times when I found myself thinking too much in the face of competition and could not skate satisfactorily, but that's an issue of no consequence, really.

:laugh:
Click to expand...

I love this answer! She's been through so much and has overcome so many challenges in the past. She'll continue to overcome :2thumbs: That's why she's one of my absolute favorites
 
I'm slowly going through all my Worlds videos and photos and here's video of Mao's clean SP run-through during practice. I was actually surprised she didn't go back to the original layout she had at the start of the season, but I wouldn't be surprised if she brings a triple-triple back for the SP next season.
 
Here are some photos of Mao’s SP at the worlds. She is really charming and lively in these photos :rock:


http://40.media.tumblr.com/346b5e7c8513e0b4892b90499c7ecb94/tumblr_o4xjvcatwe1uf9g8fo1_1280.jpg

http://40.media.tumblr.com/0407863c306046a3aeb4228616ee81f4/tumblr_o4xiwuikvs1uf9g8fo1_1280.jpg

http://36.media.tumblr.com/09915d0376d506fb0174126bb3f1efef/tumblr_o4xiywNDry1uf9g8fo1_500.jpg

http://41.media.tumblr.com/7532c4d918be8efc887434fbcc1083be/tumblr_o4y82wtAG71uf9g8fo1_1280.jpg

http://40.media.tumblr.com/9040952521b511ef768dcd678e3e5022/tumblr_o5elno6TmT1uf9g8fo1_1280.jpg


http://40.media.tumblr.com/38bb308da262e5d5d7fecb295762272d/tumblr_o5ixtrxUgC1uf9g8fo1_1280.jpg

http://41.media.tumblr.com/c41b9eb2f6868a86e93c6b20f7460c2d/tumblr_o5ixtfbiO41uf9g8fo1_1280.jpg

http://36.media.tumblr.com/3b40ca3fe507b7bb9189ce223aef3613/tumblr_o5lobt3ddy1uf9g8fo1_1280.jpg

http://40.media.tumblr.com/e77cd85995383efb53e350023e12abc7/tumblr_o4ygy0XRqU1uf9g8fo1_400.jpg

http://40.media.tumblr.com/7b01ef038cc92117067165ea7862e278/tumblr_o4y80okmCo1uf9g8fo1_400.jpg


http://40.media.tumblr.com/fd511e76f785260335caf8702f8469e7/tumblr_o4y82dnclr1uf9g8fo1_400.jpg

http://41.media.tumblr.com/31a4b6ebcffdd8dd52f731bfd19a74e4/tumblr_o5eln6P3EQ1uf9g8fo1_540.jpg

http://41.media.tumblr.com/90e48cc6408a6acec997c425d7e900bf/tumblr_o4xjk4CmVv1uf9g8fo1_1280.jpg

http://41.media.tumblr.com/5df950242c7211b4f9812f2c8c36fbe0/tumblr_o4xixpnJMq1uf9g8fo1_500.jpg

http://41.media.tumblr.com/82a7636b652e52ac68177c78d81733a3/tumblr_o4y81qD2nB1uf9g8fo1_400.jpg


http://41.media.tumblr.com/9c787d3985513360f5b317489508eb2c/tumblr_o4y8upJIT41uf9g8fo1_400.jpg

http://40.media.tumblr.com/ef5b698e61e831ab230ec41c4698f1bf/tumblr_o4xiyhMbtb1uf9g8fo1_1280.jpg

http://40.media.tumblr.com/63c4c643ce0c6899d897d5fb2d57d2f0/tumblr_o4xiy1n3vt1uf9g8fo1_1280.jpg

http://40.media.tumblr.com/8b16cb3d4a8d35c3f0808f8b135a7dff/tumblr_o4xj7rwkpI1uf9g8fo1_1280.jpg
 
Here are some marvelous photos of Mao from Medame Butterfly at Worlds, a truly magnificent performance. Mao has a video with around 307,960 views. This is a lot more than any other video of any other performance at Worlds in any event. It shows that Mao has moved peoples' hearts and souls yet again, and to me this is far more important that a mere empirical score, which is far too deflated anyway. The fact that Mao continues to skate with such blatantly deflated scores shows how genuine and intrinsic her love for skating truly is. I admire and adore her so much for this.

http://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2016/04/GettyImages-518793854.jpg

https://41.media.tumblr.com/a00d8e1eafce7b90ae0964505407e6ef/tumblr_o52cuqmZqh1qc5l9co1_1280.jpg

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uws4wbD5XHA/maxresdefault.jpg showing a score in tech that was more accurate than what Mao ended up with


Other photos of Mao's Madame Butterfly: http://c8.alamy.com/comp/F3B65E/sai...3rd-oct-2015-mao-asada-jpn-october-F3B65E.jpg


From Sochi LP

http://c8.alamy.com/comp/EB0HXE/mao...-skating-free-skate-at-the-olympic-EB0HXE.jpg
 
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It is such an inspiration that Mao is determined on her journey to her third Olympics, this is why I love her so much, now I can follow her career for another 2 years~ Yaaaay:yahoo:
 
I found this incredible video of Mao's Madame Butterfly freeskate several rows back from one end. The sensation of gliding and floating on a pillowy cloud is so profound in this eyewitness account of the performance with each jump and step a feathery flight that touches the surface of the ice with the nimble elegance of a swan lighting as it dances on the surface tension of a pond. Then, there is the reaching for unattainable expectation in the pirouettes that spin and twist through the wheel of fate in the step sequence. The culmination is the freedom of release in the spread eagle. It is like eavesdropping on a personal expression of the soul translated through the refined grace of consummate ballet combined with a penetrating depth of emotion. A wellspring of tears flooded my eyes overwhelmed by the expression of something so sublime.


http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x41os6y_20160402-浅田真央-world-2016-fs-観客席ver_sport
 
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Has anyone posted this yet? Anyways, there's an adorable behind the scenes video of Mao, Daisuke, Nobunari, and Akiko during the Stars On Ice Japan tour where they chat in a car before eating beef and talking together. It's kind of nostalgic because they all competed in Vancouver together. They also discuss Mao being the oldest one competing at 2016 Worlds (which I still can't believe!) It's funny, Nobunari asks Mao whether she talks to younger skaters and she answers something along the lines of "Yeah... But you know, it's okay if I don't" in a playful way :laugh:

It's nice to see them all having a good time! The comeback season must've been incredibly stressful but Mao really looks relaxed and happy with her old friends. My Japanese is very rusty, so if anyone wants to translate funny moments, please do :) They played a fun name game at the end of the video that was very funny to watch!

Nobunari oda also posted a cute behind the scenes pic of the old Team Japan gang at Stars On Ice Japan. Definitely made me feel nostalgic :)
 
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I'll try to translate the rest of it but it won't be 100% accurate so Japanese speakers feel free to correct.

When they get to the restaurant:

Nobu: Mao-chan look! Meat! Meat meat meat!
Everyone at the table: It looks delicious!

Nobu: Where did you stay in America?
Dai: New York
Mao: Welcome back!! I was so happy when you came back!!
Dai says something in the lines of "Where I am now (Japan, in their company) I enjoy it better than my time in America"

1 year ago when the four of them had a meal together and were discussing Mao's future perspectives
Mao: Enough Olympics for me
Then they show Mao from an event last month when she said she would like to make the Olympics her goal. At the table Mao says she thinks that in a way she always had the desire to compete at the Olympics again and she had been thinking about it.

Quiz time
Nobu: Who is the goofiest among the four of us?
Mao: Nobu
Everyone else: Mao
Mao, looking around: As expected huh (...) Everyone laughs a lot (at her antics) but I get the feeling like they have a worried expression like they're thinking "is she stupid". In my EX program when I'm putting lipstick on I forget about the mirror.

Nobu: Who gets scared the easiest among the four of us?
Akiko: Nobu
Everyone else (including Dai himself): Dai
Nobu: Eh? Why did you choose yourself?
Dai: Because I'm scared of a lot of things (then he gives examples of what he's scared of)
Nobu: Then Mao why did you choose him?
Mao: Well in general he looks really cool and gutsy and manly (then she says something about his face that I don't quite understand, the idea is probably that his face is giving him away even though he has a "cool" and "manly" appearance).
 
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