Shoma Uno: 2014-2024

[Latremu]

Yey!! Fantasy on Ice Makuhari on May 27! I'm awaiting new pictures and videos. According to the brochure, Shoma will be in it.

https://item.ticketcamp.net/fantasy-on-ice-tickets/event-364899/35893766/?ref=tw_ticket_new&v=18

Those tickets are expensive! 35000 yen/ticket?? If I'm not mistaken, that's like $350! Well, I'm sure it's worth it, with all the great skaters performing in the show.

 

[Verit]

Hello! I’ve been away from the thread for a while. I promised new photos from Worlds before and finally, they’re here! There's not much (unfortunately, no empty seats for the FS closer and no open practice either), but still: https://www.flickr.com/photos/asveri/sets/72157683984029996
It's the FS + a little bit from the Victory Ceremony after, so enjoy some Loco!

These were precisely my feelings when I watched that GPF! Yuzuru had obviously a cracking and devastating skate there, but Shoma had something else that was somehow more... humane, I guess. He hooked me there with his cantilever. :eking: TAT's comments helped a lot, too -- she adores him, and calls him all kinds of silly pet names like 'a little one', 'a cutie', 'a sweetheart' and so on.

Oh, yay, someone else who can appreciate TAT's comments about Shoma I love to watch him with her commentary. She always invents new pet names for him. ("Малышатина" is my absolute favourite, tho, esp. since she calls him that on a regular basis.)

The diversity is what makes figure skating so unique and exciting! It's not an assembly line where everyone fits a certain mold/needs to converge to a certain standard. Personally I'm also not a fan of the distinction into artistically vs. technically inclined skaters as there are so many shades in between. Overall well-roundedness obviously helps to reach the top, but in my view it's rather impossible to be the best at everything, especially in terms of artistry, which can't be measured on a scale (even if the judging system implies it). Every skater obviously has their individual strengths and aspects they still can improve on. Not every FS fan will be attracted by the same qualities either. Some prefer the athletic, others the asthetic aspects. And then of course everyone has their own concept of "appealing artistry". The preferences of the fanbase are just as diverse as the athletes' approaches to the sport!

Meanwhile Shoma will continue to stay on his own path in pursuit of nearing his version of an ideal skater. His way of compartmentalizing his goals should help him in this journey. He doesn't seem to be striving for some holy grail (as in wanting to win a certain title/amount of titles, be the first to achieve sth.), but to be adjusting his objectives along the way with each conquered milestone. A good approach to make sure to stay motivated for a long time to come. I'm having a good laugh when I read that people think his ultimate goal is to catch up with/beat (a) certain rival(s) when Shoma has clearly stated he's eyeing a long career, ultimately wanting to become a skater who leaves lasting impressions in people's hearts. Imo it's a more rewarding goal to have than merely aiming at accolades and titles. Aspiring to become a better artist will always give him many sources to draw inspiration from. There's no ultimate benchmark, so I'm not concerned his drive will be exhausted soon. While Shoma knows he needs to work on his technical weaknesses to be competitive with the top dogs and does this constantly to his best ability, he also seems to to be aware that there's much more to skating than that. :yes:

So well-put. Thank you!

I really loved finding out that Shoma tends to watch other skaters at the competitions what seems like... pretty much all the time. It just adds another facet to his personality. Very interesting. He seems to really enjoy figure skating as a sport not just he competes in, but one to watch. That's kinda heartwarming tbh.
And he seems to really excel the more competitions (and shows) he does. I feel like competitions put him in a special mood that's kinda hard to achieve in practice. I've been rewatching all his performances of LiL and writing up my impressions (a la that wonderful post on tumblr about Loco). It's amazing how much he grows into the music and lets it flow through him and direct him. I'm getting more and more excited about the new season! Especially after that video of Shoma's Winter from daphenaxa. A great version of the music you used (now I also hope Shoma will use it). I'm imagining the step sequences and they give me chills already.

 

[MaiKatze]

What does Малышатина mean, verit? We mentioned you somewhere in this thread when you were gone, you were missed!

Your photos are ace, thanks for sharing!

 

[Zhafiraiha]

Yes, will add something about the Japan Open & WTT...Whoa! I never noticed the "What's the question again?" thing. Could he possibly be studying English in his spare time?! That would definitely be something to add to the list. I know he had said he knew he needed to learn more English. Hmmm. :scratch3:

That video was the cutest, I'm so excited to hear Shoma answers questions in English next season or at least show up in Shibsibs vlogs and say something in English!

 

[Verit]

What does Малышатина mean, verit? We mentioned you somewhere in this thread when you were gone, you were missed!

Your photos are ace, thanks for sharing!

Oh wow, thank you! Ahaha, yeah, that was me, my tumblr handle is the same.

That's a really hard one to explain. So basically, the root of the word is like "baby" or "little one" — that is, "малыш". It can be a pet name or just a word for a baby. But the suffix "-атина" is what adds something really particular to it, there's something... cool, and adds something... praising? impressed? It's both cute and hilarious, and I've never really heard that word before.

Btw, don't remember if I linked it here, but I wrote some words about the difference in Shoma and Yuzu's musicality here.
Also, Shoma laughing at GPF 2015 Victory Ceremony plus Yuzu laughing at him.

 

[MaiKatze]

Oh wow, thank you! Ahaha, yeah, that was me, my tumblr handle is the same.

That's a really hard one to explain. So basically, the root of the word is like "baby" or "little one" — that is, "малыш". It can be a pet name or just a word for a baby. But the suffix "-атина" is what adds something really particular to it, there's something... cool, and adds something... praising? impressed? It's both cute and hilarious, and I've never really heard that word before.

Btw, don't remember if I linked it here, but I wrote some words about the difference in Shoma and Yuzu's musicality here.
Also, Shoma laughing at GPF 2015 Victory Ceremony plus Yuzu laughing at him.

I'm kind of fascinated by they russian language and wonder if it's hard to study, perhaps I should start with the characters.......watching 'The Americans' unfortunately only helps marginally.

That look on Yuzuru's face at GPF is priceless. Like, 'do well, little one, I'm cheering for you'

Sometimes people forget that Shoma got his quad and his 3A only in 2014, that he got the Flip this season AND added the Loop. He's ONLY in his second senior season. He's still SO young and has so much potential to get better, still!

 

[Hronop]

That's a really hard one to explain. So basically, the root of the word is like "baby" or "little one" — that is, "малыш". It can be a pet name or just a word for a baby. But the suffix "-атина" is what adds something really particular to it, there's something... cool, and adds something... praising? impressed? It's both cute and hilarious, and I've never really heard that word before.

Малышатина is indeed a weird neologism which is hard to explain: usually this suffix -атин(а)/-ятин(а) is used when referring to the meat of those animals whose names are in the root of the word; in which case малышатина would be 'the meat of a baby'. Aargh... Alternatively, this suffix is sometimes used to emphasize the state of being that person/inanimate object mentioned in the root. That would certainly make much more sense: малышатина as 'the state of being little' (I would add to that: the cuteness of being little). Anyway, TAT's comments are always so kind. She loves him, and makes it quite clear in her comments.

I remember how she forgot to switch off the microphone at the GPF 2016 (SP), and from that point when Shoma had a horrific fall and up to the end of his program, she was only panting and grunting heavily, and saying 'oh/ah/alas' (and thanks to the microphone being on, we all heard it!), and was clearly so sorry for his fall. That 'comment' spoke volumes about her attitude.

 

[Henni147]

Btw, don't remember if I linked it here, but I wrote some words about the difference in Shoma and Yuzu's musicality here.

I totally agree with you. Both have that gift to merge perfectly with the music - just in a different way. I admire Shoma for his talent to do a stunning performance to everything - no matter how weird or unusual it is. He's skating and suddenly I'm in love with the music

 

[Verit]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9eLUaGcmrk

I don't have any idea who's the person behind this video, but I think it's an amazing overview of the 2016-7 season. Very nicely made.

Thank you so much for this rec, omg. I got so hooked on this video, I've been rewatching it for two days straight. So energetic, and so well-made, and it makes me feel for Shoma SO MUCH (and I thought more wasn't possible...). Really reccomend to anyone who hasn't seen it yet!

 

[4everchan]

oh!!!! where was I? i missed the video! loves it!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[xeyra]

Shoma is not only doing all of FaOI, DOI and PIW, and coming to the USA for a show too, he is now joining The Ice as well. Shoma, when will you sleep!???

 

[MaiKatze]

Shoma is not only doing all of FaOI, DOI and PIW, and coming to the USA for a show too, he is now joining The Ice as well. Shoma, when will you sleep!???

I think doing these shows is like his job in a way. And honestly it seems less exhausting than competing in Europe with the jet lag and stuff - it's also training, honing your performance and skating skills. I hope that Arriba can give us a bit of info when he's in the US.

 

[Arriba627]

www.instagram.com/p/BUaxcfEBsRn/

Time is getting closer! I have a ticket for both the 1 pm and 6 pm shows. I have a feeling we'll be seeing the 4B's EX (belly-button-boxer-briefs) This Town. He is not scheduled to do any group opening or closing numbers, so most likely he'll just be on the ice a short time. So no Shoma versus choreography numbers! It's still worth going though, and I'm hoping he'll be in the lobby afterwards so I can get a few photos...Don't know what the situation will be with watching him train. We'll see.

 

[skatefan22]

Has this video be posted here? Fantastic fanmade video of Shoma summing up his last season:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9eLUaGcmrk

btw, I love the background music which is La gloire à mes genoux.

 

[Bel]

Hello everyone!

I am a new Shoma fan. When I searched more information on him I found this place. This is such a lovely and encouraging place that I had to join in on the fun!

I first found out about Shoma during the Worlds in Boston. I thought he showed a lot of potential and his movement on ice was very good but obviously it wasn’t his best performance. He reminded me of Daisuke which is a good thing. Then I honestly forgot about him until the Worlds this year in Helsinki. I was fortunate to attend live and it was awesome!! I hadn’t watched GP series so I didn’t know how much he had achieved. The men’s short was incredible and I thought that it couldn’t get better. And then Shoma skated and it was probably the best skate I have ever seen Technical elements were so difficult but what affected me the most was his presence. The smoothness in his movement, the expression, the atmosphere he created and arms, the arms! I love his arm movements. Even his fingertips are doing the choreography. I and people around me were already standing before the program had ended . To quote our friends from B.ESP - Yeah, it was that good. By the way, thank you for directing me to watch the B.ESP. boys videos. They are hilarious!

 

[skatefan22]

Shoma is not only doing all of FaOI, DOI and PIW, and coming to the USA for a show too, he is now joining The Ice as well. Shoma, when will you sleep!???

I am always amazed by this boy's strategy. While others are trying to make their pre-Olympic-season ice shows less packed, our boy just adopts a full attack mode. I love it. I love his attitude and his physical strength. Keep this up. I trust Shoma and can't wait for his Olympic debut!!!

 

[Arriba627]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos Verit. Between your photos and the ones posted by Yes Way in other threads, you guys are inspiring me to get a better quality camera! Really enjoyed your thoughts on Shoma's musicality....Welcome to Bel. So happy you re-discovered Shoma and that you had a chance to see him in Helsinki. His programs were magical and electrifying! I loved the way people were already applauding when he went into his final spin for both programs. Yes, the B.ESP boys are special. They were so cute at the 2015 GP Final when they said "Wasn't he utterly brilliant?!" Of course I have some other favorite remarks of theirs, but I've sworn that I wouldn't say them again for the 20th time!

Regarding ice shows, last summer I think Shoma did 33 ice shows. I know for sure it was more than 30. And I agree with MaiKatze, it really is his job. I think during the shows he is actually on the ice less than if he were doing his usual 4-5 hour daily practices, and that might be a good thing. Plus he gets to watch a lot of other skaters. I am wondering if he will debut his short program at this first group of ice shows. I think I remember him saying that, but it seems really soon. I guess we'll know soon enough.

His life is pretty much skate, practice, eat, sleep, compete, wash, rinse, repeat! :luv17: Maybe once in awhile training camps, commitments to the federation, some commercial endeavors. And I think there's a reason he doesn't know his clothes size, his schedule, doesn't care about that gorgeous head of hair (and falls asleep in the stylist's chair!!!!), doesn't care about money. Other than some time he spends playing games, his whole life is really skating. I don't know how he does it, but he seems to thrive on it! I think we are in for a lot of excitement in 2017-2018.

 

[surimi]

Welcome, Bel!
And wow, that is a lot of shows. But I guess Shoma's team know what they are doing, and if this is the best strategy for the new season, so be it. The strength and guts this young guy must have, to have such a packed schedule in such an important season!

 

[MaiKatze]

His life is pretty much skate, practice, eat, sleep, compete, wash, rinse, repeat! :luv17: Maybe once in awhile training camps, commitments to the federation, some commercial endeavors. And I think there's a reason he doesn't know his clothes size, his schedule, doesn't care about that gorgeous head of hair (and falls asleep in the stylist's chair!!!!), supposedly doesn't care about money. Other than some time he spends playing games, his whole life is really skating. I don't know how he does it, but he seems to thrive on it! I think we are in for a lot of excitement in 2017-2018.

I wonder how a normal university life as a student is even possible in this sport. I mean, you only have a short time span anyway where you can be at the top. And this falls together with the time where you study or find your first job. I know that in Japan companies often take on athletes whose time in the company is reduced while they compete, so it's probably the same with uni. They don't expect the same attendance and performance from Shoma at his university, as they know how time consuming his training is.

I'm so exited that we might get a report or first glimpse of his new programs soon. Yay!

And welcome, Bel. We are a friendly bunch of Shoma Fans and it's always such a joy to see new users supporting him. And it sounds like he's incredible live! I haven't had the pleasure to see him compete but don't doubt it'll be a revelation when I do!

 

[Bel]

Thank you for all the welcomes! I hope that everyone gets to see him live someday. Is really is a treat.

Arriba, I know what you mean. I enjoy very much when they talk about his various assets. Also the laughing!

It’s been a while since the Worlds but I thought you might enjoy reading what Finnish commentators said about Shoma’s sp during the Worlds. Unfortunately the fs video isn’t up anymore so I can’t translate that. Here we have commenting Jere (male sport journalist) and Kiira Korpi (former skater). It also kind of features Tatiana Tarasova.

J: And then we have the next Japanese. Shoma Uno 19 yrs old. Almost has the same status in Japan as Yuzuru Hanyu and the arena quiets down. Uno also has 2 quadruple jumps in this program. Quadruple flip and quadruple toe loop.

K: Japanese audience is getting a treat. 2 of their favourites are skating one after the other in this “hot group” (I don’t know what it is called in English but refers to the last group). Shoma Uno starts his program with a great clean quadruple flip. Then we go to the combination that also is successful and wonderful! Quadruple toe loop and triple toe loop. We are truly cherished with awesome programs here in the arena. Shoma Uno has named one of his favourite athletes or a role model to be Daisuke Takahashi the former master skater from Japan and sometimes Daisuke comes to mind when I watch Shoma’s movement and his expression. From fast speed and straight from spread eagle (don’t know what she says because she squeals with excitement) a great triple axel and afterwards also great slides and transitions that are continued straight to the step sequence. And Shoma Uno has totally awesome overall movements and a great transition straight to this last pirouette.

J: And more treats to the Japanese people (my add: and to all of us!), Shoma Uno! Oh boy, even the legend Tatiana Tarasova sitting in the Russian commentating seats next to us is clapping to something first time during the competition. She also liked what she saw. Shoma Uno, the 19 yrs virtuoso is in top shape. He got over 300 points the first time this spring in Luxemburg. It isn’t an official competition of the ISU so it wasn’t counted as Shoma’s best score but is says that Uno is in great shape as did this program that we just saw. Quadruple flip and quadruple toe loop in a combination.

K: Yes, this was… we went from Yuzuru Hanyu’s rock atmosphere to this kind of delicate lyrical atmosphere. Here is the quadruple flip, the landing has quite round edge but is clean. Here we see, the landing is clean. And here we have quadruple toe loop and a triple toe loop. He looks so natural when he skates and very overall use of body and dance like quality in his skating. Triple axel was great with the spread eagle in and out.

J: In last year’s Worlds Uno was still maybe on a study trip, the first time then and placement was seventh. But this season has proven that Shoma Uno is definitely one of the favourites to win a medal in this competition. He also can do the quadruple loop like Yuzuru Hanyu besides the flip and toe loop seen in this competition. (They talk about Yuzuru’s scores and why they were so low) But now scores for Uno. 104! 104,86! Without doubt his personal best and without doubt the scores for 1 number and with a big margin. Now we go already 6 points ahead of Boyang Jin and almost the same ahead of Yuzuru Hanyu. Fairly big difference when you think about Saturday’s free skate.

Generally, they seemed very excited about him. I am very excited about the new programs for next season, especially Winter. That step sequence is going to be awesome! :hap85: I hope that he debuts an early version of it in ice shows.