Shoma Uno: 2014-2024

[Arriba627]

I remember last year at U.S. Figure Skating Classic, Shoma had different costumes - sparkly green for the short and red (almost deep V for the long). I can picture someone sitting at a sewing machine right now making the deep V's for this season. I'll say purple for the SP and red for the LP.

And after listening to the 2 songs for the LP, I am really anxious to hear what arrangements they will use of Hora del Cero and Balada para un Loco. I can see crazy, wonderful footwork for Cero, and I guess I just can't picture the ballad...But then, we don't have to wait too much longer to see, I guess!

So happy to hear Johnny got such a warm reception from his Japanese fans. Moonlight Sonata is so beautiful, and I can only imagine him skating his heart out to the accompaniment of a wonderful pianist. And such BEAUTIFUL flowers he received.

I have my tickets already for our 2017 Nationals in January. Yes, I AM a crazy person. If everyone stays healthy, the battle for the two spots for the men is going to be phenomenal. People are already saying things like it will be a dog fight, the competition will be a barn burner, it will be a blood bath, etc. Very nerve racking for the competitors and very exciting for the fans!

Maybe Miyamoto has a thing for Shoma! No doubt he would have to choreograph something with sexy steps in it for him. To me, he's just a squishy child (as someone described him here!)

 

[hamaguri]

I remember last year at U.S. Figure Skating Classic, Shoma had different costumes - sparkly green for the short and red (almost deep V for the long). I can picture someone sitting at a sewing machine right now making the deep V's for this season. I'll say purple for the SP and red for the LP.

And after listening to the 2 songs for the LP, I am really anxious to hear what arrangements they will use of Hora del Cero and Balada para un Loco. I can see crazy, wonderful footwork for Cero, and I guess I just can't picture the ballad...But then, we don't have to wait too much longer to see, I guess!

So happy to hear Johnny got such a warm reception from his Japanese fans. Moonlight Sonata is so beautiful, and I can only imagine him skating his heart out to the accompaniment of a wonderful pianist. And such BEAUTIFUL flowers he received.

I have my tickets already for our 2017 Nationals in January. Yes, I AM a crazy person. If everyone stays healthy, the battle for the two spots for the men is going to be phenomenal. People are already saying things like it will be a dog fight, the competition will be a barn burner, it will be a blood bath, etc. Very nerve racking for the competitors and very exciting for the fans!

Maybe Miyamoto has a thing for Shoma! No doubt he would have to choreograph something with sexy steps in it for him. To me, he's just a squishy child (as someone described him here!)

The music you listened is this? Hora del Cero and Balada para un Loco ? There are some guess about the music arrangement. Yes, the steps of Hora del feel so cool. I love his arm and arm movements in his steps. Further, about Balada I wonder if he will use vocal. Now vocal music is allowed unlike Daisuke’s era.

I feel like FS is quite a challenge for him. Shoma has showed his deep love and respect with Dai, and has been sometimes called small Daisuke. Now he choose one of his great works. It is inevitable for people to have some image with this piece and compare him with Dai. He may get any confidence in his own world, his own color. Or it is just a strategy of team yamada, and shoma may follow it without much thought! Shoma seems to be a skater who doesn’t have strong taste or will about his programs or so.

Mikaboo said Shoma'd watched Stephane and Johnny during the shows, though he had not watched the performances except Dai before, I found it so delightful. I call stephane as Rudolf Nureyev in figure skating field (Of course, I don’t watch Nureyev live, but I can’t help but compare him to that magnificent Nureyev). Further, Johnny…oh, I can’t fully express my impression with Johnny… my last year’s post about his live. When you see skaters on ice, you can see their life histories. You can see how they bravely have tackled difficult situations in their lives. I knew it to see Johnny and Plushy. Shoma is still young, and he will have many experiences from now. I don’t know what he received from Johnny, but I hope it was not just his techniques or expressions, but something deep in his heart.

You have a ticket of Nationals 2017? Lucky you! It must be an exciting competition and I’m sure you can see some memorable performances (US Nationals have many masterpieces like works of Jeremy.) Further, this year, 4CC is held on Korea as pre-Olympics (the venue doesnt seem the same as Olympics’s though.) Thus many skaters must want to go to 4CC also. Nationals will be a blood bath or so… Of course, worlds 2017 is the competition where the number of spots at Olympics is determined. This whole season will be hard. I can’t cease to be worried about the skater’s health.

Miyamoto has deep preference with Dai, so he must want to work with Shoma! Actually, I’m interested in a coreo for shoma done by a male choreographer. New attraction of him may be seen. For me, shoma is a child off ice, but only while skating on the ice, he’s like an adult.

 

[Arriba627]

The music you listened is this? Hora del Cero and Balada para un Loco ? There are some guess about the music arrangement. Yes, the steps of Hora del feel so cool. I love his arm and arm movements in his steps. Further, about Balada I wonder if he will use vocal. Now vocal music is allowed unlike Daisuke’s era.

I feel like FS is quite a challenge for him. Shoma has showed his deep love and respect with Dai, and has been sometimes called small Daisuke. Now he choose one of his great works. It is inevitable for people to have some image with this piece and compare him with Dai. He may get any confidence in his own world, his own color. Or it is just a strategy of team yamada, and shoma may follow it without much thought! Shoma seems to be a skater who doesn’t have strong taste or will about his programs or so.

Mikaboo said Shoma'd watched Stephane and Johnny during the shows, though he had not watched the performances except Dai before, I found it so delightful. I call stephane as Rudolf Nureyev in figure skating field (Of course, I don’t watch Nureyev live, but I can’t help but compare him to that magnificent Nureyev). Further, Johnny…oh, I can’t fully express my impression with Johnny… my last year’s post about his live. When you see skaters on ice, you can see their life histories. You can see how they bravely have tackled difficult situations in their lives. I knew it to see Johnny and Plushy. Shoma is still young, and he will have many experiences from now. I don’t know what he received from Johnny, but I hope it was not just his techniques or expressions, but something deep in his heart.

You have a ticket of Nationals 2017? Lucky you! It must be an exciting competition and I’m sure you can see some memorable performances (US Nationals have many masterpieces like works of Jeremy.) Further, this year, 4CC is held on Korea as pre-Olympics (the venue doesnt seem the same as Olympics’s though.) Thus many skaters must want to go to 4CC also. Nationals will be a blood bath or so… Of course, worlds 2017 is the competition where the number of spots at Olympics is determined. This whole season will be hard. I can’t cease to be worried about the skater’s health.

Miyamoto has deep preference with Dai, so he must want to work with Shoma! Actually, I’m interested in a coreo for shoma done by a male choreographer. New attraction of him may be seen. For me, shoma is a child off ice, but only while skating on the ice, he’s like an adult.

Yes, that is the music I was listening to. I am so anxious to see the new programs, and I really can't imagine what to expect. I was looking at a summary of Dai's programs and saw a few tangos, but not the exact ones as Shoma's. Also I had no idea Dai had used so many different choreographers - more than 10. Maybe next Shoma can try Kenji, although I would prefer he go to Canada for a few weeks and maybe work with Shae Lynne. But like you say, it might be good for him to work with a male choreographer. I worry that some egos at Team Yamada are going to get in the way of Shoma's development and fulfillment of his potential. It also worries me that we don't hear anything about a jump coach - although I know they don't have to tell the fans anything. I wonder if he still takes ballet class.

I worry for the skaters' health too - so many injuries from all the quad jumping and some of the positions that require flexibility (like the Biellmann). The men and the pairs seem to be getting so many injuries.

Very nice video of Johnny doing You Raise Me Up. He is really skating with his heart and soul...We had so much fun last year at Skate America watching Johnny do the TV broadcast. Our seats were very near him. We enjoyed checking out his interesting (?) clothes...The fight for Olympic spots feels like it is already starting, so this will be a really exciting year.

Stephane does remind me of Nureyev. I saw Nureyev live in Sleeping Beauty, but not until he was quite a bit older and his abilities had started to deteriorate. I saw Baryshnikov in his prime, and you can really see the correlation with ballet and skating. Mills really talked a lot about that in that wonderful interview he did. By the way, I listened to that whole interview, and it was great!

 

[Arriba627]

:hslap: ah! It was the Nats in 2013-14 season, so should have been in December 2013. Anyway, here are his performances there : SP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dioh03vjJfI FS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUFub6vvKOU

I don't know what possessed me to watch these performances again today, but I enjoyed them again as much as I did in March when you first posted them! He is amazing. Thx again for posting!

 

[hamaguri]

Yes, that is the music I was listening to. I am so anxious to see the new programs, and I really can't imagine what to expect. I was looking at a summary of Dai's programs and saw a few tangos, but not the exact ones as Shoma's. Also I had no idea Dai had used so many different choreographers - more than 10. Maybe next Shoma can try Kenji, although I would prefer he go to Canada for a few weeks and maybe work with Shae Lynne. But like you say, it might be good for him to work with a male choreographer. I worry that some egos at Team Yamada are going to get in the way of Shoma's development and fulfillment of his potential. It also worries me that we don't hear anything about a jump coach - although I know they don't have to tell the fans anything. I wonder if he still takes ballet class.

I worry for the skaters' health too - so many injuries from all the quad jumping and some of the positions that require flexibility (like the Biellmann). The men and the pairs seem to be getting so many injuries.

Very nice video of Johnny doing You Raise Me Up. He is really skating with his heart and soul...We had so much fun last year at Skate America watching Johnny do the TV broadcast. Our seats were very near him. We enjoyed checking out his interesting (?) clothes...The fight for Olympic spots feels like it is already starting, so this will be a really exciting year.

Stephane does remind me of Nureyev. I saw Nureyev live in Sleeping Beauty, but not until he was quite a bit older and his abilities had started to deteriorate. I saw Baryshnikov in his prime, and you can really see the correlation with ballet and skating. Mills really talked a lot about that in that wonderful interview he did. By the way, I listened to that whole interview, and it was great!

I think the reason why Shoma never goes to abroad is due to his character. It’s certain that it isn’t at all difficult to do so to see his teammate like Kanako. She worked with foreign choreographers since her younger days. Shae seems to do the coreo for Wakaba for the first time this season.

You saw Johnny in skate America at close distance . It must be fun to watch his clothes! When he comes to Japan, he often goes shopping from his SNS.
Talking of Johnny and flower, it seems a routine his fans present him a flower wreath at shows like this . I have watched him put on a wreath at finale of a show. I personally love and enjoy his costumes.

You saw Nureyev live? Wonderful. Yes, it’s a pity his performances at his old days showed the decline clearly, but I envy you saw him live.
You listened to that interview of Mills? Baryshnikov was an innovative person in figure skating field.
Eta: This morning i had the first part of Mills interview and realized how it would be fruitful to work with such a person listening to his talk about his students like Kwan, Tatsuki or so. Provably, Shoma may need some time before he desires working with new people.

Further, I sometimes mind Shoma's posture. Most of Japanese skaters usually doesn’t have ballet lessons. You know, Tatsuki, Jason, Plushy, they all have beautiful positions strike poses while skating. If shoma improves himself with this part, his performance would look more refined. I definitely want him to focus on it together with jump lessons.

 

[Arriba627]

I think the reason why Shoma never goes to abroad is due to his character. It’s certain that it isn’t at all difficult to do so to see his teammate like Kanako. She worked with foreign choreographers since her younger days. Shae seems to do the coreo for Wakaba for the first time this season.

You saw Johnny in skate America at close distance . It must be fun to watch his clothes! When he comes to Japan, he often goes shopping from his SNS.
Talking of Johnny and flower, it seems a routine his fans present him a flower wreath at shows like this . I have watched him put on a wreath at finale of a show. I personally love and enjoy his costumes.

You saw Nureyev live? Wonderful. Yes, it’s a pity his performances at his old days showed the decline clearly, but I envy you saw him live.
You listened to that interview of Mills? Baryshnikov was an innovative person in figure skating field.
Eta: This morning i had the first part of Mills interview and realized how it would be fruitful to work with such a person listening to his talk about his students like Kwan, Tatsuki or so. Provably, Shoma may need some time before he desires working with new people.

Further, I sometimes mind Shoma's posture. Most of Japanese skaters usually doesn’t have ballet lessons. You know, Tatsuki, Jason, Plushy, they all have beautiful positions strike poses while skating. If shoma improves himself with this part, his performance would look more refined. I definitely want him to focus on it together with jump lessons.

I am laughing about what I wrote yesterday, because I worry too much! I think Shoma's coaches (and parents?) will figure out what's best for him for now. And when the time is right, he'll get some other choreographers, I'm sure. I know he was studying ballet for awhile. I think he already has beautiful carriage, and it will hopefully keep improving with time.

The Mills interview was fascinating. I was only going to listen to part of it but couldn't resist hearing the entire thing...Baryshnikov is a Russian ballet dancer who defected to the West and was amazing. There were always debates about who was better - Nureyev or Baryshnikov. I saw B. when he was in his 20's and at the "top of his game" as we say. I don't hear too much about him now and doubt that he dances much now.

Just watched the movie "Ladies in Lavender", the movie which contains Shoma's new short program music. Beautiful movie, and I love the music playing throughout...Please keep us updated on your Ice Nagoya ticket. I'm so excited for you!

 

[ioanna]

Phillip Mills taught Tatsuki ballet class, Tatsuki needs to start a ballet school for everyone in Team Japan.

 

[Arriba627]

Phillip Mills taught Tatsuki ballet class, Tatsuki needs to start a ballet school for everyone in Team Japan.

That's not a bad idea! The correlation between the two is definitely there. I remember seeing a video of Shoma in a ballet class, but I can't remember if that was recently or awhile ago. It can never hurt!

 

[ioanna]

That's not a bad idea! The correlation between the two is definitely there. I remember seeing a video of Shoma in a ballet class, but I can't remember if that was recently or awhile ago. It can never hurt!

You just have to look at the way they're standing and spot the difference
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CjdkZfmUUAA-tEL.jpg

 

[Arriba627]

You just have to look at the way they're standing and spot the difference
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CjdkZfmUUAA-tEL.jpg

Ha! This looks like me standing next to my ballet dancer friend! But always trying to stay positive - I just LOVE this picture of Shoma! He looks very relaxed and is actually smiling a relaxed and real smile. I have to believe these shows are a really great experience for him. Plus the fact that he is getting a chance to see some of the retired skaters is a great opportunity for him.

 

[hamaguri]

Phillip Mills taught Tatsuki ballet class, Tatsuki needs to start a ballet school for everyone in Team Japan.

Ballet class is so nice! I’d love him to teach Japanese skaters his experience. Tatsuki must have gotten so many things from those who worked with him like Mills.

I am laughing about what I wrote yesterday, because I worry too much! I think Shoma's coaches (and parents?) will figure out what's best for him for now. And when the time is right, he'll get some other choreographers, I'm sure. I know he was studying ballet for awhile. I think he already has beautiful carriage, and it will hopefully keep improving with time.

The Mills interview was fascinating. I was only going to listen to part of it but couldn't resist hearing the entire thing...Baryshnikov is a Russian ballet dancer who defected to the West and was amazing. There were always debates about who was better - Nureyev or Baryshnikov. I saw B. when he was in his 20's and at the "top of his game" as we say. I don't hear too much about him now and doubt that he dances much now.

Just watched the movie "Ladies in Lavender", the movie which contains Shoma's new short program music. Beautiful movie, and I love the music playing throughout...Please keep us updated on your Ice Nagoya ticket. I'm so excited for you!

Oh, I know your feelings. I and my friend talked about his coaching environment at Nationals 2014 where he got 2nd with phenomenal performance although he was still junior. She said in the current environment, there must be a ceiling. The current team is good at teaching children, but not adult skaters. Actually Mao was raised in the team and left and i don’t think there was any obstacle about it. It was a smooth movement. At any rate, something may happen if the right time comes as you say! Shoma himself said, the progress in the last year was beyond his expectation. Now he’s top5 in the ranking, but he may not used to it (yuzu moved to TCC 2 years before Olympics after getting bronze at Worlds 2012 to win). he has plenty of future if he has a long career like Dai. If he wants to go into another world or work together with someone, it will be the right time.

Thanks! Ballet looks beautiful, but needs much physical strength like figure skating. The term when a dancer can be in the top shape is too short. Such magical moment to watch Baryshnikov live is in your heart as precious memory. That’s wonderful. Whether it is any stage or concert or figure skating or sport game, seeing those moments live is treasure of our lives.

This summer Im going to any one of FaOI and THE ICE. As I said before, I didnt plan to THE ICE. But when I heard about Jason, I came to want to go there definitely. Further, THE ICE has Patrick. I’ve never seen him skating live. Many Japanese figure skating fans admire his skating skill to get astonished at it when they see him live. He sometimes comes to japan for shows for the past two years, and seems enjoy the time. Further, THE ICE is very fun also for audience. The video of dance lesson of M/C is uploaded before show and audience see it in advance and practice the dance and at the show they dance together. Anyway, all depends on my economics.
If I may go any shows, I will share my report!

While discussing, the day of FaOI Sapporo is coming! I’m sure from about Tuesday, local TV is beginning to air the news of shows. I don’t know if anyone upload a video of locul news, but at any rate, we can catch any image of him! Finally, "Ladies in Lavender"program will be disclosed (per to my guess that he'll do SP this time.)

 

[Arriba627]

Ok, so the Skate America web site is up and running today. Dare I hope that the people in the video are the ones being invited?! :shocked: www.2016skateamerica.com

 

[Arriba627]

Hamaguri, You have an exciting summer coming up, I think! We will be looking for your reports and living through your experiences.

 

[hamaguri]

Hamaguri, You have an exciting summer coming up, I think! We will be looking for your reports and living through your experiences.

Thanks! summer show season is wonderful time for skating fans! Every show has many photos and videos of skaters and tons of twitters reporting from a venue! Sharing them with our GS members make it more fun.

Ok, so the Skate America web site is up and running today. Dare I hope that the people in the video are the ones being invited?! :shocked: www.2016skateamerica.com

The skaters invited this year must be one of your biggest concerns this June.

 

[Arriba627]

Thanks! summer show season is wonderful time for skating fans! Every show has many photos and videos of skaters and tons of twitters reporting from a venue! Sharing them with our GS members make it more fun.



The skaters invited this year must be one of your biggest concerns this June.

When I saw Shoma in the advertisement video, of course right away I was thinking "Hmmm - could it be possible?!" The only other event I could do would be Skate Canada - the other 4 would really be out of the question. I would just love to be in that meeting in New York and hear how they decide who goes to what event. I wonder if it is like United Nations negotiations!

Thank you for taking the time to write your thoughts on Shoma's coaching situation and progress. It is so interesting to read your insights.

 

[mikaboo]

When I saw Shoma in the advertisement video, of course right away I was thinking "Hmmm - could it be possible?!" The only other event I could do would be Skate Canada - the other 4 would really be out of the question. I would just love to be in that meeting in New York and hear how they decide who goes to what event. I wonder if it is like United Nations negotiations!

Me too! I want to be a fly on the wall for these ISU meetings. Same for JSF meetings when they decide on who to send to 4CC and Worlds
Whether Shoma is sent to Skate America or not, I envy you for going! I'm sure there'll be many great skaters there. I'm afraid I can't get excited about NHK Trophy since it's in Sapporo this year (too far away, too expensive and too cold!) plus there's very little chance of me being able to get tickets anyway. I'm hoping to go to Nationals in Osaka but again, getting tickets will be a problem plus I may have some family obligations to do this Christmas... I definitely want to go to Nationals before some of the TJ veterans retire but there are only 2 more opportunities left until PyeongChang Olys


hamaguri, I hope you do get to go to The ICE. Seeing Jason and Patrick live should be a beautiful experience :agree:

 

[hamaguri]

Thanks mikaboo and Arriba!

When I saw Shoma in the advertisement video, of course right away I was thinking "Hmmm - could it be possible?!" The only other event I could do would be Skate Canada - the other 4 would really be out of the question. I would just love to be in that meeting in New York and hear how they decide who goes to what event. I wonder if it is like United Nations negotiations!
.

Me too! I want to be a fly on the wall for these ISU meetings. Same for JSF meetings when they decide on who to send to 4CC and Worlds
Whether Shoma is sent to Skate America or not, I envy you for going! I'm sure there'll be many great skaters there. I'm afraid I can't get excited about NHK Trophy since it's in Sapporo this year (too far away, too expensive and too cold!) plus there's very little chance of me being able to get tickets anyway. I'm hoping to go to Nationals in Osaka but again, getting tickets will be a problem plus I may have some family obligations to do this Christmas... I definitely want to go to Nationals before some of the TJ veterans retire but there are only 2 more opportunities left until PyeongChang Olys

I didn’t know the ISU meeting is held in New York. Many speculations and schemes and interests must be behind the curtain.

Mikaboo, I also feel sorry for the Japanese competitions. About this year, NHK cup is held in Sapporo so far away, too high, and Nationals is in Osaka in busiest time as usual…of course, the biggest problem is that crazy ticket battles.
As for Nationals, I have much complaint about the broadcast of Fuji TV. They air latter groups only. They should broadcast all skaters. :dev2:

 

[mikaboo]

Mikaboo, I also feel sorry for the Japanese competitions. About this year, NHK cup is held in Sapporo so far away, too high, and Nationals is in Osaka in busiest time as usual…of course, the biggest problem is that crazy ticket battles.
As for Nationals, I have much complaint about the broadcast of Fuji TV. They air latter groups only. They should broadcast all skaters. :dev2:

I know I'm asking for too much but I wish Fuji TV could livestream the groups they aren't broadcasting on TV, or why not use one of their BS channels?
There are many skaters I know the names of, the faces of, what music they're using but have never seen them skate Then they retire before I even have a chance. Hopefully, Nationals in 2017 will be held at a large venue like Saitama Super Arena.

 

[SuzyQ]

Thanks mikaboo and Arriba!




I didn’t know the ISU meeting is held in New York. Many speculations and schemes and interests must be behind the curtain.

Mikaboo, I also feel sorry for the Japanese competitions. About this year, NHK cup is held in Sapporo so far away, too high, and Nationals is in Osaka in busiest time as usual…of course, the biggest problem is that crazy ticket battles.
As for Nationals, I have much complaint about the broadcast of Fuji TV. They air latter groups only. They should broadcast all skaters. :dev2:

I know what you feel. We cannot see the Nationals live even in Japan either. Fuji TV has BS and CS channels as well. I'm sure they can arrange the broadcasting schedule, as figure skating is now very popular comparing to before.

Do you remember that some years ago, they aired "Figure Skating Quiz Show" while the competition was actually proceeding, before the live program? I rushed from work to see the live program, and my husband who was at home earlier said, "You don't have to so rush. It's now in the midst of a quiz show "

I got so mad shouting, "It's now in the midst of the competition !!!" :ddevil: It was nothing but a bad joke.

Full of complaints on the net at that time as well as to the TV station, and it seems they no longer have such a courage to air the same kind of show again :rofl2:

But still it is ridiculous we cannot see the full competition of our Nationals live.

Sorry, a bit off-topic. I just remembered how I was infuriated.

 

[Arriba627]

I know I'm asking for too much but I wish Fuji TV could livestream the groups they aren't broadcasting on TV, or why not use one of their BS channels?
There are many skaters I know the names of, the faces of, what music they're using but have never seen them skate Then they retire before I even have a chance. Hopefully, Nationals in 2017 will be held at a large venue like Saitama Super Arena.

It sounds like you have the same frustration with TV coverage as we do in the US. And sometimes even when they show a lot of the skating, the TV commentators never stop talking - many times so much that it's impossible to hear the music! I think it's easier to get tickets for us, but that's not necessarily a good thing, since it just means skating is less popular than it used to be!

Please skating Gods, invite my favorites to SA (especially you-know-who !) They have to already know. They just like to torture us!