Last part of the translation of an excerpt from an interview by QA 2020 shared on this
blog :
--When you were little, you used to make a hideout and had fun with it.
S: Ahaha [laughter]. At that time, after the practice was over, I brought in cardboard boxes and desks with other boys to build a secret base and we all played with it.
O: Uh-huh [laughter].
S: We got scolded a lot by both sensei and the office staff [laughs]. (omitted)
--(To Onishi) You mentioned earlier that you want to observe Yamamoto senshu closely, but what are you mainly looking at?
O: First of all, it's about physical fitness. He’s steadily building stamina, but I don't think he is in a state where he can put a sufficient load on his body yet. Well, he has enough physical strength as a skater, but I want him to push hard and train for maximum body strength so that he can withstand the practice. If you suddenly increase the load, you may get injured, so I am currently helping him build up his basic physical strength.
S: I often feel a lack of physical strength. Sensei says, "Run for 20 minutes before practice, then do sit-ups, back extensions, and push-ups before getting on the ice." When I go through two 1-hour practice sessions in a row after the workout, I cannot keep up at all [laughter]. That’s when I know I still have lots to do.
O: Ahaha [laughter].
S: Still, I think if I stick to that menu, small things will add up to make a big difference in competition. So I have to keep trying.
O: However, I think it will take some time. Even if he works on various things in a hurry, he won’t be able to produce good results immediately. So I'm planning to take the careful and steady approach. You are slowly but surely progressing to a higher level, aren’t you?
S: Yes [laughter]
O: Of course, I also have challenges. I coached him when he was little, but then I have to figure out the best way to make up for the eight-year blank period, so I also need some time.
--Looking back (on Yamamoto senshu) at that time, what are your thoughts?
O: (Omitted) I’ve noticed since he was little that he was a kid who has a great athleticism. Also, Sota wasn't particular about things in a good way, and when I said to him, "Do this," he was the type who would continue to do it forever. Instead of thinking "Why should I do it?" or "How long should I do it?" he would do what he was told to do, so I thought "This kid will be good at skating." I guess he loved figure skating from that time. He was always smiling when he skated.
S: Ahaha [laughter].
O: He was a kid who was skating with a smile on his face even when he was going through hard training. He likes skating that much, so I think he'll be a better skater if his physical and mental strengths improve. I'm really looking forward to it.
--How did you feel about Yamamoto senshu after he left Onishi sensei?
O: (omitted) When I heard from someone that he was seriously injured, I wanted him to recover fully no matter how long it might take. I am so glad that he is back to normal. When I saw Sota advancing to Western Sectionals and to the Nationals, I felt deeply moved. I was happy to know that he was back. (Omitted)
S: (Omitted) Hearing this has made me feel that I must do my best for sensei as well.
O: (Omitted)
--What are your future goals for Onishi sensei and Yamamoto senshu?
O: I’ll go with him wherever he wants to go. If he says "Olympics", I'll do my best to guide him there.
S: O: (Omitted)
--At the Chubu Regionals in September, you both went to the competition for the first time in a while.
S: (Omitted) During the warm-up and after the 6-minute warmup, he stayed with me all the time and instructed me to "do this kind of stretching" and "do this jump." I think it helped ease my tension and I was able to perform in the right frame of mind.
O: (Omitted) He had a fine look on his face showing his clear mind without hesitation. I was watching him thinking, "He has become quite manly."
--In the interview after the performance, you told us that you did not remember what sensei had told you, but what did sensei say when you sent him off?
O: Ahaha [laughter]. That kind of tension is also necessary. I said "Do as usual" or "Do as you practiced," didn’t I?
S: I used to psych myself up by saying to myself, "Okay, here I go!" before I started performing, but Onishi sensei said, "Relax" and "Take it easy," and I was able to perform in a good mental state at the Chubu Regionals.
--Lastly, Mr. Onishi, please give a word to Yamamoto senshu.
O: (Omitted) I want you to feel that this is your home rink. You are definitely moving up, so let's do our best together with confidence!
S: Yes! (Omitted)
-- The end
He has that warrior look about him, too ... usually. ^ ^
She thinks he's changing his base, and so do I. It looks like Shenlong would like Sota back in Nagoya, but if I were to guess, I'd say he is waiting for Hayashi to be back in Nishinomiya... but let's wait and see. Finally there's at least a partial confirmation!
Got to say she's right!
... Hayashi? Higuchi&Yamada? surely not Hamada? Howa team would be 
but knowing Sota, he wants top boys around, and Ryuju's leaving, and possibly Tatsuya too...).
It takes place in April, 22nd through 25th. I'm very happy. Let's hope he has fun and forgets about his disappointments from the ending season. Onward and forward! It's an honor too - I mean, there's Shoma, Mai, Rika K, Kaori, Shun and other successful skaters. So it looks like the Fed still sees potential in Sota, despite his recent struggles. Yay ^ ^
- it seems there's US Classic now? (actually there are two entries, but I don't know how to view them without an account =_= )
And here I thought Sota wasn't good with words 
In such a mental state, it's not good to be on your own. I am hoping he is waiting for Hayashi, or has contacted another experienced coach in the meantime.
