Sota Yamamoto
- Thread starter surimi
- Start date
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
Yes, and we did our best to cheer them on.
Good luck to both boys tomorrow, they are going to need it. Sota is such a fighter.Rainbow, if you are reading this, I haven't managed to meet the blogger lady yet, although I did my best to keep my Sota banner visible and walked all over the place. Pity. I saw a huge banner for him though, maybe it was hers. I cannot for some reason answer my emails on my phone so I'm using this thread.
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
Sota did at least two clean (as in, no falls or noticeable pops) three jump combos in practice, I didn't see any falls but I'm so worried about his foot as I saw him ask the staff for bags of ice as he was leaving. Is that normal for skaters to do?
Congratulations Sota! He won gold with PBs.
1. Sota Yamamoto 171.63 (91.93/79.70) overall 253.87
2. Yuma Kagiyama 139.05 (69.85/70.20) overall 218.02
http://kunstrijden.knsb.nl/2018-2019/20190221/CAT002RS.HTM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87FLmxSFh0Y
1. Sota Yamamoto 171.63 (91.93/79.70) overall 253.87
2. Yuma Kagiyama 139.05 (69.85/70.20) overall 218.02
http://kunstrijden.knsb.nl/2018-2019/20190221/CAT002RS.HTM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87FLmxSFh0Y
- Joined
- May 5, 2018
Congrats to Sota! What a score! 
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2012
I'm so happy to see the results...Sota worked so hard and so long to get back. It must have been one of the most difficult things imaginable. I'm just happy he's come this far and hope he can continue. 
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2006
How wonderful to see Sota healed from his injury and doing beautiful jumps, including a quad toe! This has got to be a huge boost for his confidence.
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2009
Sota is BACK! He looks so well trained and solid. Expression is better than ever.
He has competed so patiently and smart, since his devastating injury. If he keeps going like this, he could be looking at a podium finish at Japanese Nationals at the end of this year.
He has competed so patiently and smart, since his devastating injury. If he keeps going like this, he could be looking at a podium finish at Japanese Nationals at the end of this year.
Translation of Sota interview
https://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20190226-00000079-spnannex-spo
Sota Yamamoto (19=Chukyo University), who won men’s singles at the Challenge Cup (The Hague, Netherlands) returned to Narita Airport on February 26. Sota said, “For the first time in a while I was able to compete after having fully practiced. I am glad that I went all out so that I had no regret.”
“I have been trying to make every competition count, but many times I ended up feeling frustrated because I could not get good results. I am happy that at this competition I could show the results of my practice. I think I gained a little more confidence,” he said.
. . . “I finished this competition without any issues. Next season I will work hard to get results like this time. I want to compete on the bigger stages and achieve results. I need to bring my performance to a much higher level and master new techniques,” he said. In preparation for the next season he is planning to add another type of quad jump in addition to the current toe loop quad.
About how to spend the off season he said, “Music pieces are likely to change. Choreography will be put together around May. Until that time I need to keep training to maintain my physical strength. I want to try new things such as new moves if I think I can manage.” As to the music selection, “I haven’t decided yet. I’ll start searching for them. People around me are telling me that they want to see a ‘different side of me’ but…I don’t know about that yet,” he said with a bittersweet smile.
As for quad training he said “Before leaving for the Netherlands I increased the number of quad toe loop jumps in practice by my standard until the jump got seamlessly connected in the program. I also added one more jump. I focused myself and it worked out fine and I got results, so I will continue training like this.” He seems to have confidence in his progress.
https://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20190226-00000079-spnannex-spo
Sota Yamamoto (19=Chukyo University), who won men’s singles at the Challenge Cup (The Hague, Netherlands) returned to Narita Airport on February 26. Sota said, “For the first time in a while I was able to compete after having fully practiced. I am glad that I went all out so that I had no regret.”
“I have been trying to make every competition count, but many times I ended up feeling frustrated because I could not get good results. I am happy that at this competition I could show the results of my practice. I think I gained a little more confidence,” he said.
. . . “I finished this competition without any issues. Next season I will work hard to get results like this time. I want to compete on the bigger stages and achieve results. I need to bring my performance to a much higher level and master new techniques,” he said. In preparation for the next season he is planning to add another type of quad jump in addition to the current toe loop quad.
About how to spend the off season he said, “Music pieces are likely to change. Choreography will be put together around May. Until that time I need to keep training to maintain my physical strength. I want to try new things such as new moves if I think I can manage.” As to the music selection, “I haven’t decided yet. I’ll start searching for them. People around me are telling me that they want to see a ‘different side of me’ but…I don’t know about that yet,” he said with a bittersweet smile.
As for quad training he said “Before leaving for the Netherlands I increased the number of quad toe loop jumps in practice by my standard until the jump got seamlessly connected in the program. I also added one more jump. I focused myself and it worked out fine and I got results, so I will continue training like this.” He seems to have confidence in his progress.
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
Thank you so much for the translation, Rainbow!
Nonono, no 'different side' for now! Tackling new techniques and adding new jumps IMO requires the rest to be constant and safe, such as training environment and genre choice. We've seen how too many new things worked out for Zhenya and Kazuki. There are plenty of dramatic, musical and classical pieces he can bring to life, no need to branch out to become someone he isn't ready to be at this point, like an entertainer or someone who does modern music. Just no, I am entirely against what these 'people around him' want of him. Good for Sota not to give in to their wishes, and I hope it stays this way. He's always had great taste in music, and performed to unique pieces in his own unique way, and developed at his own pace. Kudos to Sota for holding his ground; stay strong!
btw @ Rainbow, if you find the time, can you also summarize or translate this brand new documentary on Sota? https://tr.twipple.jp/detail_movie/60/f06d7b.html It's interspersed with bits of new footage I haven't seen before.
Shelley might have been leaving on the same plane as Sota then! If so, I'm so jealous but at the same time very happy for her. Either way she has what she'd longed for now.
Nonono, no 'different side' for now! Tackling new techniques and adding new jumps IMO requires the rest to be constant and safe, such as training environment and genre choice. We've seen how too many new things worked out for Zhenya and Kazuki. There are plenty of dramatic, musical and classical pieces he can bring to life, no need to branch out to become someone he isn't ready to be at this point, like an entertainer or someone who does modern music. Just no, I am entirely against what these 'people around him' want of him. Good for Sota not to give in to their wishes, and I hope it stays this way. He's always had great taste in music, and performed to unique pieces in his own unique way, and developed at his own pace. Kudos to Sota for holding his ground; stay strong!
btw @ Rainbow, if you find the time, can you also summarize or translate this brand new documentary on Sota? https://tr.twipple.jp/detail_movie/60/f06d7b.html It's interspersed with bits of new footage I haven't seen before.
Shelley might have been leaving on the same plane as Sota then! If so, I'm so jealous but at the same time very happy for her. Either way she has what she'd longed for now.
Welcome back surimi!
I'll work on the translation of the video and will post it probably tomorrow. The video has many pieces that I haven't seen before. Thank you for finding this.
When you have time and after you are well rested, will you give us the report on CC, please? Anything is fine.
I'll work on the translation of the video and will post it probably tomorrow. The video has many pieces that I haven't seen before. Thank you for finding this.
When you have time and after you are well rested, will you give us the report on CC, please? Anything is fine.
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
I actually have a lot to say about Sota at Challenge Cup! But please bear with me through all of my ramblings as it's difficult to separate the Sota ones from all my other impressions, and I feel it's better to just lump it all together. I'm so happy I got to see him live and meet him again (my second time after Finlandia)!
But all in due order. I came to The Hague on Thursday evening along with my mum, a fellow Sota fan (I'm so lucky there's another like-minded person in my family!
). Firstly, my big thanks to the super-nice Winnie_20 of GS/PH for all advice and tips she's given me, and the merry company of her and her family and friends. I met them on Friday at the venue, and when the competitions were over, we went to dinner together. I suppose the absent-minded me somehow managed to lose my tickets there, because I couldn't find them the next day. The reason I am mentioning this is that I was amazed at the guys at the ticket office who let us in without any problems when I explained my situation to them and assured them I'd bring my all-event tickets the next day for sure (at that time, I was convinced I had left them at the hotel, and didn't have them dowlnoaded in my phone which mostly acted up internet-wise for the better part of my stay). You don't encounter such understanding often!
I was happy to see everyone I could, though I missed most of the pairs due to hastily re-writing a letter for Sota I wanted to put in the bag with a few small presents I had for him. Thanks to Rainbow's help, I included the kind words the British Eurosport commentators said about Sota's NHK performance, though I later realized I'd forgotten to include "lovely balletic style", one of the most fitting characteristics of Sota's skating.
I was worried how he would cope with skating first, but my worries were dispelled by his beautiful performance. I don't know what it was he adjusted about his jump technique, but his landings seem so soft and elegant, and if he falls, it doesn't look as hard and painful as before his injury. Dare I hope it means he's taking good care of his body and advancing step by step, doesn't rush and overburden his foot? Hopefully so!
I was lucky enough to choose a good seat near the KnC for both Men's SP and Men's free. Naturally, I brandished my Sota banner during both of his performances. (I brought a Czech one as well, but since our only skater WD, I didn't use it in the end) There were several in the venue, including a big one attached to the railing. I hope Sota's noticed how loved he is, not just by the Japanese audience but by Europeans as well. At least one young European girl took a photo with Sota right in front of me, and it seems she came near the KnC specifically for him. Also, after the event, I overheard several European people talking about him at a table in the cafeteria. It made me happy to see people start noticing him.
I got lucky again after the SP, when I was able to hand my present to Sota in person as he was leaving the KnC. I got his autograph as well as his coach's. It seemed to me that Naruse sensei recognized us, but I cannot be sure. She is a very kind lady, and it warms my heart to watch her interactions with her -at present- most successful charge. They make me think Sota is never going to leave Howa. I still remember how touched I was to see (on the stream) her wipe the blood off Sota's face at last year's Coupe du Printemps. But I digress.
The performance itself was very precise and focused, and Sota was skating with all his might. I think I personally prefer his Nagoya show skate because the movements were softer and more languid, hence better fitting this type of music. My mum, the fan of reading about old Japanese culture that she is, even joked the SP was 'a solo for a G string and a gunbai uchiwa'. Yes, Sota can seem that powerful and fierce on the ice. But to be fair, he didn't have to focus on such a difficult layout in Nagoya. Even without being able to tell jumps apart, I knew that the opening jump was a quad, because the writing's been on the wall for a while.
I will now be honest and say that compared to Sota, Shun's and Yuma's skating have a long way to go in my eyes, and I am not 'getting them' yet. I miss expression, musicality, innate elegance, and posture with them. And this time I am being fair, because I am comparing them to Sota at their age.
One note: like other Sota fans, I was taken aback to see the Anthem costume make an appearance in the SP. As soon as I saw it during the warmup, I started wondering if he was bringing back his last year's program. (Not that I would have minded, it was lovely) The reason for the costume change turned out to be that his usual 'Air' costume got damaged. I believe I was told it happened in practice and the tear was beyond repair, but please do not take my words for granted. I know that from a reliable source, but I am not sure I understood 100%.
The next day, I was able to meet Shelley, one of the few Japanese Sota-centric bloggers. It was also a merry meeting, and a very enjoyable long chat mostly revolving around Sota and skating. I learned that it is very difficult for Japanese fans to meet skaters live, due to hard-to-get tickets and security. I realized how lucky we Europeans are at smaller competitions like this one, having access to skaters (takes a bit of perseverance, but still) to get autographs and photos. I mean, I passed Mae Berenice several times and wished good luck to her, and coach Amodio was sitting on the stairs just a few meters away from us... I will now doubly cherish these competitions, knowing how some fans have it tough :/ If only the atmosphere could be this relaxed everywhere! Anyway, onwards with my report!
It was hard to concentrate on the men's free programs, knowing Sota was skating last. Again, such a difficult starting order for him - but maybe it worked like reverse psychology for him and fired him up instead of intimidating him? I did my best and cheered for everyone though. On several occasions, Sota was warming up by the boards just a few steps below us, and we tried not to look too much, and spoke in low voices not to disturb him (eventhough he couldn't hear us as he was wearing his earphones).
We were a bit worried about the state of his foot, having seen his practice earlier from afar (practices aren't accessible to public at this competition). He and Yuma were by far the last ones to leave the practice. After Yuma had left, Sota hovered around the entrance to the practice rink, and a few minutes later, we saw him return to the main rink carrying his belongings and a bag of ice. I guess that was for his foot, and hence my worry. His practice looked very good indeed otherwise, and eventhough the skaters were very far from us, we could immediately tell which one Sota was just based on his movements. I don't now mean the poses from his free, but rather his carriage. There's something very distinctive and aristocratic about his bearing, that makes you recognize him even from afar.
When his turn came, Sota was again so intense and focused, and to the hall's delight, performed the Nobunaga Concerto flawlessly. It was an impressive feat! At the end of his performance, you could see how exhausted he was. I guess it wasn't just the physical exertion, but jet lag as well, as we later saw him yawn discreetly on several occasions during Sunday's gala. Skaters are so tough!
I threw two roses to Sota after the free, and was happy to see him carry them to the KnC. I'd actually prepared two slips of paper beforehand to attach one of them to one of the roses: one contained congratulations if Sota has a great performance, and the other one said 'ganbatta, nevermind! Tomorrow's a new day!' in case the program doesn't go as planned. I was only too happy to tear up the latter one and use the congrats one!
But really, after the free program was my mum's moment to make an impact. As Sota was standing just a few steps below us, preparing to leave for the interview and the changing rooms, she mustered up courage to tentatively call 'Yamamoto senshu!' Too bad I was busy folding my banner and picking up my belongings, and only have my mum's description of what Sota's expression was like! I'd have loved to see. When he looked up and realized it was, oddly enough, a tall European lady who called out to him, she continued, to his utter astonishment, 'subarashii engi deshita!' It was a sentence she'd asked me months ago to teach her, just in case she'd ever need it. She longed to tell Sota how much she appreciates his skating. Having gone for it and said that, she swears he looked as taken aback "as if he was in a zoo and a polar bear suddenly turned to him and said 'hiya, howdy'" I hope we didn't frighten him, lol.
BTW, did you know, at least one of the last shouts of 'ganba!' in a male voice just before Sota's FS, was Yuma. I saw and heard him well, as he was standing close to us. Very nice of him!
Onward to Sunday! The time of my life continued, as both Japanese ladies medalled (though I really liked the Americans as well), and I managed, later on before and after the gala, to take photos with Rika and Wakaba, and get their autographs as well. Sota and other members of Team Japan were also looking on, sitting among the audience in the short sector. Earlier, I'd also taken a photo with Yuhana Yokoi. I felt bad I'd brought presents for Sota, Rika and Wakaba, but not for her, especially since one of the presents I gave Sota was marzipan veggies (don't ask, I just felt a silly need to make a fuki joke) and Yuhana would likely appreciate them more since she grows vegetables. Maybe he gave them to her! Next time, I won't forget to bring her some, as I really liked the way she skates.
But back to Sota. I was quite surprised how he was enjoying the skating battle despite his apparent exhaustion. I was again sitting near the segment where skaters were sitting, and could actually hear him sort of squeal with delight -something like 'yaay'- at one point as he was returning off the ice after one of the 'battles'. I was also astounded by how head-on he tackled this mock competition, as if it was a real one- he performed jumps and all. Wow. A well-deserved win. I even got to high five him and other skaters as they were doing laps around the rink. ^ ^
His gala felt kind of strange due to the no-energy-left last spin and the black clothes. I was hoping against all hope he'd bring back his Anthem costume, but it wasn't to be. Confession time, now I feel the necessity to study Japanese much more intensively: before the gala, I actually stumbled upon Sota who was standing alone in the busy cafeteria, and appeared to be waiting for someone to come for him. I tentatively approached him and asked him if it would be possible to take a photo with him after the gala (I still didn't have a photo at that point), and he said yes. He was so very slender and polite, those were my two main impressions. I tried to communicate to him how I loved his Anthem program, that it was the first program of his I saw and I became his fan watching it, so both the program and the costume have a special significance for me, which is why I'd love a photo after the gala. That was of course, before I discovered he was skating in black training clothes Maybe if my Japanese wasn't so poor and I'd been able to say all that in his own language, I'd have been sure he understood me. But having spoken in English, I wonder if he did!
In the end, I did manage to get that photo. Things looked bleak as after the gala, all skaters disappeared into the changing rooms, but then a kind lady staffer (who apparently wanted the hopeful and persistent cluster of mostly Japanese fans plus myself gone from the rink) told us that Team Japan skaters would come to the main entrance hall. They did! Well, at least Sota did. Shelley kindly took an isshoni-no shashin for me, the photo I'd hoped to get. And my eternal thanks also to Winnie, who was hovering there somewhere, ready with her camera, and took two more from the side! It was a precious moment, and I'm glad I got not just one, but three photos with Sota thanks to my new friends. *_*
I also told him he was my favorite skater, right after Hanyuu senshu, which is the truth. Again, I said that in English (I can say 'ichiban sukina senshu', but would struggle with the 'after', so I gave up). I wonder if he could understand me!
One more reason I am sharing this little happy moment of mine is that I'd like to share how kind Sota is. It's mostly mum who noticed, so this is what she had to say: There was quite a crowd of people (I'd say 90% were Japanese) waiting for Sota to take pictures with him and congratulate him in the entrance hall after the gala. He appeared surprised, happy, and maybe a little moved by how popular he is - this is what I also noticed myself. At one point, one of the senior members of Team Japan called out gently to Sota, to alert him they were leaving. But Sota kept on taking photos with fans and accepting their kind words, presents and congratulations. I really have the impression that while he wanted to obey the official, he felt sorry for the fans at the same time, and wanted to stay as long as possible, eventhough he was risking the official's annoyance. My photo was actually taken in a nick of time - only a couple of photos after me, the official passed him on the way out, called his name sharply, and Sota immediately followed. But I think another skater might not have done what Sota did for fans. He's truly admirable.
I hope to see him again next season, happy and healthy (cannot stress that enough! especially if he's planning to include another quad, and as I suspect, 3A combos). If he comes to Europe again, I'd love to come see him live, too. But we'll see.
*********
My deepest apologies to everyone reading this umm, essay. I don't envy you having to weed through all this ramble, Rainbow. But hopefully some of it is interesting or useful for fellow Sota fans. 4 pages of MS Word text, oh my... *facepalms, bows out*
But all in due order. I came to The Hague on Thursday evening along with my mum, a fellow Sota fan (I'm so lucky there's another like-minded person in my family!
). Firstly, my big thanks to the super-nice Winnie_20 of GS/PH for all advice and tips she's given me, and the merry company of her and her family and friends. I met them on Friday at the venue, and when the competitions were over, we went to dinner together. I suppose the absent-minded me somehow managed to lose my tickets there, because I couldn't find them the next day. The reason I am mentioning this is that I was amazed at the guys at the ticket office who let us in without any problems when I explained my situation to them and assured them I'd bring my all-event tickets the next day for sure (at that time, I was convinced I had left them at the hotel, and didn't have them dowlnoaded in my phone which mostly acted up internet-wise for the better part of my stay). You don't encounter such understanding often! I was happy to see everyone I could, though I missed most of the pairs due to hastily re-writing a letter for Sota I wanted to put in the bag with a few small presents I had for him. Thanks to Rainbow's help, I included the kind words the British Eurosport commentators said about Sota's NHK performance, though I later realized I'd forgotten to include "lovely balletic style", one of the most fitting characteristics of Sota's skating.
I was worried how he would cope with skating first, but my worries were dispelled by his beautiful performance. I don't know what it was he adjusted about his jump technique, but his landings seem so soft and elegant, and if he falls, it doesn't look as hard and painful as before his injury. Dare I hope it means he's taking good care of his body and advancing step by step, doesn't rush and overburden his foot? Hopefully so!
I was lucky enough to choose a good seat near the KnC for both Men's SP and Men's free. Naturally, I brandished my Sota banner during both of his performances. (I brought a Czech one as well, but since our only skater WD, I didn't use it in the end) There were several in the venue, including a big one attached to the railing. I hope Sota's noticed how loved he is, not just by the Japanese audience but by Europeans as well. At least one young European girl took a photo with Sota right in front of me, and it seems she came near the KnC specifically for him. Also, after the event, I overheard several European people talking about him at a table in the cafeteria. It made me happy to see people start noticing him.
I got lucky again after the SP, when I was able to hand my present to Sota in person as he was leaving the KnC. I got his autograph as well as his coach's. It seemed to me that Naruse sensei recognized us, but I cannot be sure. She is a very kind lady, and it warms my heart to watch her interactions with her -at present- most successful charge. They make me think Sota is never going to leave Howa. I still remember how touched I was to see (on the stream) her wipe the blood off Sota's face at last year's Coupe du Printemps. But I digress.
The performance itself was very precise and focused, and Sota was skating with all his might. I think I personally prefer his Nagoya show skate because the movements were softer and more languid, hence better fitting this type of music. My mum, the fan of reading about old Japanese culture that she is, even joked the SP was 'a solo for a G string and a gunbai uchiwa'.
Yes, Sota can seem that powerful and fierce on the ice. But to be fair, he didn't have to focus on such a difficult layout in Nagoya. Even without being able to tell jumps apart, I knew that the opening jump was a quad, because the writing's been on the wall for a while. I will now be honest and say that compared to Sota, Shun's and Yuma's skating have a long way to go in my eyes, and I am not 'getting them' yet. I miss expression, musicality, innate elegance, and posture with them. And this time I am being fair, because I am comparing them to Sota at their age.
One note: like other Sota fans, I was taken aback to see the Anthem costume make an appearance in the SP. As soon as I saw it during the warmup, I started wondering if he was bringing back his last year's program. (Not that I would have minded, it was lovely) The reason for the costume change turned out to be that his usual 'Air' costume got damaged. I believe I was told it happened in practice and the tear was beyond repair, but please do not take my words for granted. I know that from a reliable source, but I am not sure I understood 100%.
The next day, I was able to meet Shelley, one of the few Japanese Sota-centric bloggers. It was also a merry meeting, and a very enjoyable long chat mostly revolving around Sota and skating. I learned that it is very difficult for Japanese fans to meet skaters live, due to hard-to-get tickets and security. I realized how lucky we Europeans are at smaller competitions like this one, having access to skaters (takes a bit of perseverance, but still) to get autographs and photos. I mean, I passed Mae Berenice several times and wished good luck to her, and coach Amodio was sitting on the stairs just a few meters away from us... I will now doubly cherish these competitions, knowing how some fans have it tough :/ If only the atmosphere could be this relaxed everywhere! Anyway, onwards with my report!
It was hard to concentrate on the men's free programs, knowing Sota was skating last. Again, such a difficult starting order for him - but maybe it worked like reverse psychology for him and fired him up instead of intimidating him? I did my best and cheered for everyone though. On several occasions, Sota was warming up by the boards just a few steps below us, and we tried not to look too much, and spoke in low voices not to disturb him (eventhough he couldn't hear us as he was wearing his earphones).
We were a bit worried about the state of his foot, having seen his practice earlier from afar (practices aren't accessible to public at this competition). He and Yuma were by far the last ones to leave the practice. After Yuma had left, Sota hovered around the entrance to the practice rink, and a few minutes later, we saw him return to the main rink carrying his belongings and a bag of ice. I guess that was for his foot, and hence my worry. His practice looked very good indeed otherwise, and eventhough the skaters were very far from us, we could immediately tell which one Sota was just based on his movements. I don't now mean the poses from his free, but rather his carriage. There's something very distinctive and aristocratic about his bearing, that makes you recognize him even from afar.
When his turn came, Sota was again so intense and focused, and to the hall's delight, performed the Nobunaga Concerto flawlessly. It was an impressive feat! At the end of his performance, you could see how exhausted he was. I guess it wasn't just the physical exertion, but jet lag as well, as we later saw him yawn discreetly on several occasions during Sunday's gala. Skaters are so tough!
I threw two roses to Sota after the free, and was happy to see him carry them to the KnC. I'd actually prepared two slips of paper beforehand to attach one of them to one of the roses: one contained congratulations if Sota has a great performance, and the other one said 'ganbatta, nevermind! Tomorrow's a new day!' in case the program doesn't go as planned. I was only too happy to tear up the latter one and use the congrats one!
But really, after the free program was my mum's moment to make an impact.
As Sota was standing just a few steps below us, preparing to leave for the interview and the changing rooms, she mustered up courage to tentatively call 'Yamamoto senshu!' Too bad I was busy folding my banner and picking up my belongings, and only have my mum's description of what Sota's expression was like! I'd have loved to see. When he looked up and realized it was, oddly enough, a tall European lady who called out to him, she continued, to his utter astonishment, 'subarashii engi deshita!' It was a sentence she'd asked me months ago to teach her, just in case she'd ever need it. She longed to tell Sota how much she appreciates his skating. Having gone for it and said that, she swears he looked as taken aback "as if he was in a zoo and a polar bear suddenly turned to him and said 'hiya, howdy'" I hope we didn't frighten him, lol. BTW, did you know, at least one of the last shouts of 'ganba!' in a male voice just before Sota's FS, was Yuma. I saw and heard him well, as he was standing close to us. Very nice of him!
Onward to Sunday! The time of my life continued, as both Japanese ladies medalled (though I really liked the Americans as well), and I managed, later on before and after the gala, to take photos with Rika and Wakaba, and get their autographs as well. Sota and other members of Team Japan were also looking on, sitting among the audience in the short sector. Earlier, I'd also taken a photo with Yuhana Yokoi. I felt bad I'd brought presents for Sota, Rika and Wakaba, but not for her, especially since one of the presents I gave Sota was marzipan veggies (don't ask, I just felt a silly need to make a fuki joke) and Yuhana would likely appreciate them more since she grows vegetables. Maybe he gave them to her! Next time, I won't forget to bring her some, as I really liked the way she skates.
But back to Sota. I was quite surprised how he was enjoying the skating battle despite his apparent exhaustion. I was again sitting near the segment where skaters were sitting, and could actually hear him sort of squeal with delight -something like 'yaay'- at one point as he was returning off the ice after one of the 'battles'. I was also astounded by how head-on he tackled this mock competition, as if it was a real one- he performed jumps and all. Wow. A well-deserved win. I even got to high five him and other skaters as they were doing laps around the rink. ^ ^
His gala felt kind of strange due to the no-energy-left last spin and the black clothes. I was hoping against all hope he'd bring back his Anthem costume, but it wasn't to be. Confession time, now I feel the necessity to study Japanese much more intensively: before the gala, I actually stumbled upon Sota who was standing alone in the busy cafeteria, and appeared to be waiting for someone to come for him. I tentatively approached him and asked him if it would be possible to take a photo with him after the gala (I still didn't have a photo at that point), and he said yes. He was so very slender and polite, those were my two main impressions. I tried to communicate to him how I loved his Anthem program, that it was the first program of his I saw and I became his fan watching it, so both the program and the costume have a special significance for me, which is why I'd love a photo after the gala. That was of course, before I discovered he was skating in black training clothes
Maybe if my Japanese wasn't so poor and I'd been able to say all that in his own language, I'd have been sure he understood me. But having spoken in English, I wonder if he did!In the end, I did manage to get that photo. Things looked bleak as after the gala, all skaters disappeared into the changing rooms, but then a kind lady staffer (who apparently wanted the hopeful and persistent cluster of mostly Japanese fans plus myself gone from the rink) told us that Team Japan skaters would come to the main entrance hall. They did! Well, at least Sota did. Shelley kindly took an isshoni-no shashin for me, the photo I'd hoped to get. And my eternal thanks also to Winnie, who was hovering there somewhere, ready with her camera, and took two more from the side! It was a precious moment, and I'm glad I got not just one, but three photos with Sota thanks to my new friends. *_*
I also told him he was my favorite skater, right after Hanyuu senshu, which is the truth. Again, I said that in English (I can say 'ichiban sukina senshu', but would struggle with the 'after', so I gave up). I wonder if he could understand me!
One more reason I am sharing this little happy moment of mine is that I'd like to share how kind Sota is. It's mostly mum who noticed, so this is what she had to say: There was quite a crowd of people (I'd say 90% were Japanese) waiting for Sota to take pictures with him and congratulate him in the entrance hall after the gala. He appeared surprised, happy, and maybe a little moved by how popular he is - this is what I also noticed myself. At one point, one of the senior members of Team Japan called out gently to Sota, to alert him they were leaving. But Sota kept on taking photos with fans and accepting their kind words, presents and congratulations. I really have the impression that while he wanted to obey the official, he felt sorry for the fans at the same time, and wanted to stay as long as possible, eventhough he was risking the official's annoyance. My photo was actually taken in a nick of time - only a couple of photos after me, the official passed him on the way out, called his name sharply, and Sota immediately followed. But I think another skater might not have done what Sota did for fans. He's truly admirable.
I hope to see him again next season, happy and healthy (cannot stress that enough! especially if he's planning to include another quad, and as I suspect, 3A combos). If he comes to Europe again, I'd love to come see him live, too. But we'll see.
*********
My deepest apologies to everyone reading this umm, essay. I don't envy you having to weed through all this ramble, Rainbow. But hopefully some of it is interesting or useful for fellow Sota fans. 4 pages of MS Word text, oh my... *facepalms, bows out*
Thank you so much surimi for such a heartwarming report. You gave us so much information and I am glad you, your mom and other fans had a great time.
Now here is a translation of the video. It mostly rehashed the same old story with bits of new footage added, but I translated the whole thing anyway.
YT link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sctku9yxo8I&feature=youtu.be
On Sunday at Challenge Cup Rika Kihira marked six consecutive international wins. Actually at this event a Japanese male skater won with a comfortable margin, and together they swept men’s and ladies discipline.
Figure skating commentator Minoru Sano comments on this skater, “He is one of the promising Japanese skaters hoping to go to the next Beijing Olympics, and he has the big potential to become an ace.
0:34
He is Sota Yamamoto 19 who Minoru has high hopes for.
Sota: “I think I can give my performance this time 100 points (out of 100).”
However one and a half years ago Yamamoto senshu could only jump singles. After breaking bones twice he made an impressive comeback.
1:00
From Kishiwada city, Osaka, a first year student of Chukyo University, Yamamoto started skating at 5. He looks up to Yuzuru Hanyu.
1:11
He entered 2014 JGPF in Spain at age 14 with Shoma Uno senshu who is 2 years older.
Shoma: “My mental age is younger than he.”
Sota: “Ahahaha, No, that’s not true. He is my senior skater.”
Shoma: “Perhaps he is older. What he talks about...”
1:35
At this competition he skated his best. In SP the opening triple axel. After landing a jump with height and speed, he easily nailed combination jumps, and broke the record of junior SP with 76.14. Overall he finished 2nd after Uno who was 1st.
2:13
Also the next year at age 15 he nailed this beautiful quad jump at GPS.
Sota: “To jump a quad I struggle less than triple axel. I don’t feel anxiety or fear and I have fun jumping quad.” With gorgeous jumps he was called Hanyu II and was expected to be on the team Japan for 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.
2:51
Minoru: “Hnyu-kun, Shoma-kun, and the next would have been him. He himself must have been thinking like that and he was getting results as well.”
3:00
But in 2016 he fractured his right ankle which is vital for jump takeoff and landing. On top of that after 4 months he reinjured by overuse the right ankle which had started to heal, and was faced with a career ending crisis. His right ankle has visible surgery scars left when bolts were inserted.
3:37
Sota: “Skating is fun. Rehabilitation is tedious and demanding.” Every day he went through 3-hour rehabilitation session desperately holding back growing impatience. During the difficult time he came to the realization that,
3:56
“After all the only thing that matters to me is skating. I realized I love skating.”
4:03
After the injury a year and a half ago in September 2017 Yamamoto returned to the ice. But he jumped a single. This jump is again a single. All he could do was single jumps and the gorgeous skater once called Hanyu II was gone. But at that moment Yamamoto was on the ice with one thought in mind.
4:46
Sota: “With my current condition people around me has given up on me 100%. Totally. I would like to keep working hard making today’s experience as a starting point.”
5:02
Even at rock bottom he did not give up. This is where Yamamoto started to come back.
Sota Yamaoto 19 who has been trying to make a comeback after the career ending right foot bone fracture.
5:20
One and a half years ago he was competing with only single jumps although he used to be called a jump prodigy. Yamamoto had been working hard and he came back stunningly stronger at an international competition held Saturday last week.
5:37
His opening quad jump. A beautiful jump with high +GOE reminding us of him before injury. He landed a quad for the first time at an ISU sanctioned event. Next he landed a clean combo starting with a triple axel. He ended with a clenched fist. He made a complete comeback since the humiliating single jumps.
6:18
Sota: “I think my practice did not lie to me. I need to continue practice so that I can skate flawless programs.”
Summary of a commentator lady’s words about Sota’s “My practice did not lie to me.”
“During my competitive career I experienced so many setbacks and I felt that practice lied to me. Especially Sota faced devastating injuries after he had become a force to be reckoned with, so he must have felt betrayed by his efforts. But after hitting rock bottom he gradually climbed up to such a high level, and he now can say that practice did not lie. Behind his words I feel I could see his perseverance and strenuous efforts.”
Now here is a translation of the video. It mostly rehashed the same old story with bits of new footage added, but I translated the whole thing anyway.
YT link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sctku9yxo8I&feature=youtu.be
On Sunday at Challenge Cup Rika Kihira marked six consecutive international wins. Actually at this event a Japanese male skater won with a comfortable margin, and together they swept men’s and ladies discipline.
Figure skating commentator Minoru Sano comments on this skater, “He is one of the promising Japanese skaters hoping to go to the next Beijing Olympics, and he has the big potential to become an ace.
0:34
He is Sota Yamamoto 19 who Minoru has high hopes for.
Sota: “I think I can give my performance this time 100 points (out of 100).”
However one and a half years ago Yamamoto senshu could only jump singles. After breaking bones twice he made an impressive comeback.
1:00
From Kishiwada city, Osaka, a first year student of Chukyo University, Yamamoto started skating at 5. He looks up to Yuzuru Hanyu.
1:11
He entered 2014 JGPF in Spain at age 14 with Shoma Uno senshu who is 2 years older.
Shoma: “My mental age is younger than he.”
Sota: “Ahahaha, No, that’s not true. He is my senior skater.”
Shoma: “Perhaps he is older. What he talks about...”
1:35
At this competition he skated his best. In SP the opening triple axel. After landing a jump with height and speed, he easily nailed combination jumps, and broke the record of junior SP with 76.14. Overall he finished 2nd after Uno who was 1st.
2:13
Also the next year at age 15 he nailed this beautiful quad jump at GPS.
Sota: “To jump a quad I struggle less than triple axel. I don’t feel anxiety or fear and I have fun jumping quad.” With gorgeous jumps he was called Hanyu II and was expected to be on the team Japan for 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.
2:51
Minoru: “Hnyu-kun, Shoma-kun, and the next would have been him. He himself must have been thinking like that and he was getting results as well.”
3:00
But in 2016 he fractured his right ankle which is vital for jump takeoff and landing. On top of that after 4 months he reinjured by overuse the right ankle which had started to heal, and was faced with a career ending crisis. His right ankle has visible surgery scars left when bolts were inserted.
3:37
Sota: “Skating is fun. Rehabilitation is tedious and demanding.” Every day he went through 3-hour rehabilitation session desperately holding back growing impatience. During the difficult time he came to the realization that,
3:56
“After all the only thing that matters to me is skating. I realized I love skating.”
4:03
After the injury a year and a half ago in September 2017 Yamamoto returned to the ice. But he jumped a single. This jump is again a single. All he could do was single jumps and the gorgeous skater once called Hanyu II was gone. But at that moment Yamamoto was on the ice with one thought in mind.
4:46
Sota: “With my current condition people around me has given up on me 100%. Totally. I would like to keep working hard making today’s experience as a starting point.”
5:02
Even at rock bottom he did not give up. This is where Yamamoto started to come back.
Sota Yamaoto 19 who has been trying to make a comeback after the career ending right foot bone fracture.
5:20
One and a half years ago he was competing with only single jumps although he used to be called a jump prodigy. Yamamoto had been working hard and he came back stunningly stronger at an international competition held Saturday last week.
5:37
His opening quad jump. A beautiful jump with high +GOE reminding us of him before injury. He landed a quad for the first time at an ISU sanctioned event. Next he landed a clean combo starting with a triple axel. He ended with a clenched fist. He made a complete comeback since the humiliating single jumps.
6:18
Sota: “I think my practice did not lie to me. I need to continue practice so that I can skate flawless programs.”
Summary of a commentator lady’s words about Sota’s “My practice did not lie to me.”
“During my competitive career I experienced so many setbacks and I felt that practice lied to me. Especially Sota faced devastating injuries after he had become a force to be reckoned with, so he must have felt betrayed by his efforts. But after hitting rock bottom he gradually climbed up to such a high level, and he now can say that practice did not lie. Behind his words I feel I could see his perseverance and strenuous efforts.”
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
Thank you! I think they made (I am not objecting your translation!) the '100%' part more dramatic than it originally was? If I recall correctly, it was originally said people around him gave up on his Olympic chances, not on Sota himself. I hope they just took that remark out of context. I still don't see anything shameful about jumping singles. All skaters who start practicing again after an injury, have to start with them, no?
Can anyone please explain what exactly is meant by 'practice didn't lie'? I think I have seen similar constructions several times in translations from Japanese (especially something about Yuzuru's quote about efforts not lying). I guess it means something like successfully transferring to competition what one does in practice?
No he wasn't. He's been there all the time but the right moment had not yet come in Chuubu. :yes:
Can anyone please explain what exactly is meant by 'practice didn't lie'? I think I have seen similar constructions several times in translations from Japanese (especially something about Yuzuru's quote about efforts not lying). I guess it means something like successfully transferring to competition what one does in practice?
No he wasn't. He's been there all the time but the right moment had not yet come in Chuubu. :yes:
Thank you surimi for your feedback.
You are right about "100%". They took out the part of his goal of going to PC Olympics to make it sound like people lost hope for him. The whole program made his life looks like a roller coaster with the highest highs and lowest lows. What actually Sota said in an interview (in Oct. 2017 after Chubu regionals) was that his ultimate goal was winning gold at Olympics and people around him lost hope for that 100%, but he himself gave up 99.9% but he was very kuyashii 0.1%. I thought it was out of context but I had to translate what was said to show what was going on.
Yuzuru's famous quote "Efforts lie but do not go to waste." on TV is his view and statement to the viewer that the athletes who practiced the most do not always win, but they should not give up hope, or something like that. Sorry other people may come up with a better explanation.
On the other hand I think Sota's remark this time is more personal. He reflected on the moment and probably felt that after going through disappointing results this season he kept practicing and his hard work finally paid off and he was rewarded with a great score and a gold medal. So for him, at that moment, he could finally say "practice did not lie (to me)." I added "to me" because I thought he was only talking about himself at that moment and his words were not meant to be advice to other people unlike Yuzuru's quote. Does that make sense to you? Japanese language is vague and I add words sometimes to make the text clearer for the reader.
Hope someone can better explain.
You are right about "100%". They took out the part of his goal of going to PC Olympics to make it sound like people lost hope for him. The whole program made his life looks like a roller coaster with the highest highs and lowest lows. What actually Sota said in an interview (in Oct. 2017 after Chubu regionals) was that his ultimate goal was winning gold at Olympics and people around him lost hope for that 100%, but he himself gave up 99.9% but he was very kuyashii 0.1%. I thought it was out of context but I had to translate what was said to show what was going on.
Yuzuru's famous quote "Efforts lie but do not go to waste." on TV is his view and statement to the viewer that the athletes who practiced the most do not always win, but they should not give up hope, or something like that. Sorry other people may come up with a better explanation.
On the other hand I think Sota's remark this time is more personal. He reflected on the moment and probably felt that after going through disappointing results this season he kept practicing and his hard work finally paid off and he was rewarded with a great score and a gold medal. So for him, at that moment, he could finally say "practice did not lie (to me)." I added "to me" because I thought he was only talking about himself at that moment and his words were not meant to be advice to other people unlike Yuzuru's quote. Does that make sense to you? Japanese language is vague and I add words sometimes to make the text clearer for the reader.
Hope someone can better explain.
About Sota's jumping singles, I agree with surimi that there is nothing embarrassing or humiliating jumping singles. Sota's goal at Chubu was to enter it to advance to Western Sectionals and them to qualify for Japan Nationals. He took the first step in comeback and he did all he could at that time. To be honest I was a little annoyed by their portrayal of Sota's skate at Chubu. Japanese TV directors tend to exaggerate things a little to make their programs more dramatic and sensational, and I hope many viewers know that tendency already.
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
Thank you for the clarification, Rainbow!
Yes, Sota's career has been tumultous enough, no need to milk more drama out of it.
Sota is now #63 in the world rankings btw. Does anyone have an idea if his ranking and his CC score have any impact on his GP chances next season?
Yes, Sota's career has been tumultous enough, no need to milk more drama out of it.
Sota is now #63 in the world rankings btw. Does anyone have an idea if his ranking and his CC score have any impact on his GP chances next season?
