- Joined
- May 5, 2018
Cross-posting from Kazuki's Fan fest 
Sota Yamamoto
- Thread starter surimi
- Start date
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
A new Chunichi article about the Nagoya festival (January 4), featuring Sota:
https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/995145
Sota's part doesn't really say much, just what he hopes to improve at Nationals. Other than Sota, it features the other main stars of the festival: Kaori, Rino and Kagiyama.
Here's what Sota's segment says:
In an interview before the GP series, I asked Yamamoto, "Are you good at spins?" Because they are beautiful and have won the highest level 4 in many competitions. The answer he gave was, "I want to be able to get more points, not just win the level."
He placed third at last year's All Japan Championships. Seeking further progress, she is working on stabilizing her jumps and training the elements that will bring out high points. "Even if I make mistakes, I want to aim for as many points as possible." She not only performs jumps, but also spins and steps, one by one with care. A "refined" performance, which is the theme of this season, will open the door to the top.
Last Thursday was the day Sota's Unlim talkshow took place. This tweet has some info on what was discussed (Finlandia, sauna, and what Sota and others were up to in their free time, plus unrelated talk from fan questions):
https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/995145
Sota's part doesn't really say much, just what he hopes to improve at Nationals. Other than Sota, it features the other main stars of the festival: Kaori, Rino and Kagiyama.
Here's what Sota's segment says:
In an interview before the GP series, I asked Yamamoto, "Are you good at spins?" Because they are beautiful and have won the highest level 4 in many competitions. The answer he gave was, "I want to be able to get more points, not just win the level."
He placed third at last year's All Japan Championships. Seeking further progress, she is working on stabilizing her jumps and training the elements that will bring out high points. "Even if I make mistakes, I want to aim for as many points as possible." She not only performs jumps, but also spins and steps, one by one with care. A "refined" performance, which is the theme of this season, will open the door to the top.
Last Thursday was the day Sota's Unlim talkshow took place. This tweet has some info on what was discussed (Finlandia, sauna, and what Sota and others were up to in their free time, plus unrelated talk from fan questions):
- Joined
- May 5, 2018
Sota appeared on Fuji TV's countdown - like his friend Kazuki, it seems like he has a new jacket with sponsors' logos
Men No. 22.
#Yamamoto Sota
.
24/Chukyo University
He has overcome many hardships.
Unyielding skater
.
Last year he finally broke through the ‘All-Japan barrier’
.
Still, ‘the past is the past’ and his eyes are always looking forward.
What I'm aiming for in the second half of the free skate this season
.
explosive expression, as if my soul is going out.
Theme of this season
NEW Sota II
I will show my unprecedented appearance at the All-Japan held in my hometown Osaka
.
Men No. 22.
#Yamamoto Sota
.24/Chukyo University
He has overcome many hardships.
Unyielding skater
.Last year he finally broke through the ‘All-Japan barrier’
.Still, ‘the past is the past’ and his eyes are always looking forward.
What I'm aiming for in the second half of the free skate this season
. explosive expression, as if my soul is going out.Theme of this season
NEW Sota III will show my unprecedented appearance at the All-Japan held in my hometown Osaka
.
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
Tomorrow is the first day of Nationals! I had a hectic two-or-so weeks, which kept me from posting and replying not just on GS... but there's no way I won't pop in here now, and wish Sota a successful competition Good luck, Sota! 
I hope he's healthy, and can step on the path leading to his Olympic dream. I'll keep my fingers crossed for a top 4 placement. The podium would be fantastic of course, but let's wait and see.
In photos, he looks tired, but I hope he has had a fruitful time practicing, and can stay calm and challenge for the podium. Preferably, without the 4F that he keeps talking of (check out the second article for more...). Nationals is just too important to risk like that, so I hope he reconsiders, or that his 4F talk is just PR strategy.
There have been two articles about Sota recently:
- 4 Years - quotes (autotranslated):
It's been about a year since then. In early December, during the Grand Prix (GP) Final in France, Yamamoto was seen practicing silently at the Chukyo University rink. He was carefully checking his quadruple and triple axel jumps in preparation for the All Japan Championships, which begin on December 20th.
n May, two-time Olympic medalist Shoma Uno retired from active competition. His big back was something I had followed closely since I was a first-year junior high school student who had moved from Osaka to Nagoya.
[...]
"I often practiced with Shoma at the Chukyo University rink, and we were able to get good practice in and out of each other. I got energy from Shoma through practice, so it's a little sad that he's gone, a presence that was so natural to me. But now I'm being stimulated by training with (Kagiyama) Yuma, and I think this is a really good environment."
[...]
Although he got off to a good start, he struggled in the GP series. He competed in two competitions, Skate Canada and Finland, but his jumps were lackluster and he finished fourth in both competitions. He missed out on advancing to the GP Final for the first time in two years.
It was frustrating. But he quickly looked forward. "It was like I had time to reflect on myself, or maybe I was able to let go of something. I was able to quickly switch my mindset and focus on practicing for the All Japan Championships."
Looking back, he was in a similar situation last season. He wasn't able to perform to his satisfaction in the GP series and missed out on the finals. He then rallied and made it onto the podium at the All Japan Championships.
"The days leading up to the All Japan Championships were extremely tough, but I was able to devote each day to practicing properly, so I feel like all the hard work wasn't in vain. I finally felt like it was worth it. I was very happy to be able to perform flawless short and free programs at the All Japan Championships, so I hope to be able to show what I have been practicing hard for at the All Japan Championships this year as well. I want to vent my frustration at the GP, and I want to give it my all so that I can move up even just 1mm."
[...]
"The level of the Japanese athletes is high, but I would like to keep up with them, and although it won't be an upset, I would like to perform in a way that makes people think, 'Wow, he can do it!' As I look towards the Olympics, first of all I want to show at this season's All Japan Championships that 'I can still do it.'"
- News Goo (from Chunichi?): Sota Yamamoto: "A podium is a must" - Fighting spirit for All Japan Championships: "I hope I can keep attacking without setting any limits"
[...]
Now that Shoma Uno, who won the championship six times, has retired, there are many strong contenders, but the man who has overcome repeated injuries will continue to skate aggressively and aim to win the tournament in the preseason for the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Olympics.
Attack. And rise to the top. The normally cool and intelligent Yamamoto is burning with fighting spirit ahead of his 11th All Japan Championship.
"Instead of defending, I'm starting to feel like I want to attack. It's unusual even for me... I'd like to attack without setting any limits. A podium finish is a must. I'd like to show what I've been practicing to the best of my ability."
[...]
This season, she won the first Challenger Series Nebelhorn Trophy (Germany) with a personal best score of 183.72 points in the free skating. However, she placed fourth in both Grand Prix (GP) series competitions. She lacked confidence before the competition, and felt incomplete after the competition. "I should have maximized my ability and level before the competition." A feeling of reflection welled up inside her.
He doesn't want to have a bitter experience. He has been practicing hard enough to be able to say "I might be in good shape" for this competition, and is considering incorporating a big jump. Quadruple flip. The base score of 11.00 points is higher than the quadruple jumps he has jumped so far, such as the Salchow and the Toe Loop. He plans to incorporate it at the beginning of his free program. If he lands it, it will give him momentum for the rest of his skating.
"I'm getting to the point where I'm seriously thinking, 'I might be able to do it.' If I maintain the status quo, I'll have no future. One thing that will make people think, 'I can do something,' at my age is to increase the variety of quadruple jumps."
This time, the event will be held in Osaka. For Yamamoto, who is from Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture, performing in his hometown is also a source of excitement. "I want to go in with a strong will to hang on to the top. I'm going to go with the spirit of the danjiri." He will win the fierce battle by recreating the fist pump he showed many times during his performance last year.
- also, Sota has been to a concert of Aimyon, his favorite singer, recently, and posted this cute IG post saying 'Aimyon is the best!' ^ ^ Look how happy he looks!
www.instagram.com
Good luck, Sota! I hope he's healthy, and can step on the path leading to his Olympic dream. I'll keep my fingers crossed for a top 4 placement. The podium would be fantastic of course, but let's wait and see.In photos, he looks tired, but I hope he has had a fruitful time practicing, and can stay calm and challenge for the podium. Preferably, without the 4F that he keeps talking of (check out the second article for more...). Nationals is just too important to risk like that, so I hope he reconsiders, or that his 4F talk is just PR strategy.
There have been two articles about Sota recently:
- 4 Years - quotes (autotranslated):
It's been about a year since then. In early December, during the Grand Prix (GP) Final in France, Yamamoto was seen practicing silently at the Chukyo University rink. He was carefully checking his quadruple and triple axel jumps in preparation for the All Japan Championships, which begin on December 20th.
n May, two-time Olympic medalist Shoma Uno retired from active competition. His big back was something I had followed closely since I was a first-year junior high school student who had moved from Osaka to Nagoya.
[...]
"I often practiced with Shoma at the Chukyo University rink, and we were able to get good practice in and out of each other. I got energy from Shoma through practice, so it's a little sad that he's gone, a presence that was so natural to me. But now I'm being stimulated by training with (Kagiyama) Yuma, and I think this is a really good environment."
[...]
Although he got off to a good start, he struggled in the GP series. He competed in two competitions, Skate Canada and Finland, but his jumps were lackluster and he finished fourth in both competitions. He missed out on advancing to the GP Final for the first time in two years.
It was frustrating. But he quickly looked forward. "It was like I had time to reflect on myself, or maybe I was able to let go of something. I was able to quickly switch my mindset and focus on practicing for the All Japan Championships."
Looking back, he was in a similar situation last season. He wasn't able to perform to his satisfaction in the GP series and missed out on the finals. He then rallied and made it onto the podium at the All Japan Championships.
"The days leading up to the All Japan Championships were extremely tough, but I was able to devote each day to practicing properly, so I feel like all the hard work wasn't in vain. I finally felt like it was worth it. I was very happy to be able to perform flawless short and free programs at the All Japan Championships, so I hope to be able to show what I have been practicing hard for at the All Japan Championships this year as well. I want to vent my frustration at the GP, and I want to give it my all so that I can move up even just 1mm."
[...]
"The level of the Japanese athletes is high, but I would like to keep up with them, and although it won't be an upset, I would like to perform in a way that makes people think, 'Wow, he can do it!' As I look towards the Olympics, first of all I want to show at this season's All Japan Championships that 'I can still do it.'"
- News Goo (from Chunichi?): Sota Yamamoto: "A podium is a must" - Fighting spirit for All Japan Championships: "I hope I can keep attacking without setting any limits"
[...]
Now that Shoma Uno, who won the championship six times, has retired, there are many strong contenders, but the man who has overcome repeated injuries will continue to skate aggressively and aim to win the tournament in the preseason for the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Olympics.
Attack. And rise to the top. The normally cool and intelligent Yamamoto is burning with fighting spirit ahead of his 11th All Japan Championship.
"Instead of defending, I'm starting to feel like I want to attack. It's unusual even for me... I'd like to attack without setting any limits. A podium finish is a must. I'd like to show what I've been practicing to the best of my ability."
[...]
This season, she won the first Challenger Series Nebelhorn Trophy (Germany) with a personal best score of 183.72 points in the free skating. However, she placed fourth in both Grand Prix (GP) series competitions. She lacked confidence before the competition, and felt incomplete after the competition. "I should have maximized my ability and level before the competition." A feeling of reflection welled up inside her.
He doesn't want to have a bitter experience. He has been practicing hard enough to be able to say "I might be in good shape" for this competition, and is considering incorporating a big jump. Quadruple flip. The base score of 11.00 points is higher than the quadruple jumps he has jumped so far, such as the Salchow and the Toe Loop. He plans to incorporate it at the beginning of his free program. If he lands it, it will give him momentum for the rest of his skating.
"I'm getting to the point where I'm seriously thinking, 'I might be able to do it.' If I maintain the status quo, I'll have no future. One thing that will make people think, 'I can do something,' at my age is to increase the variety of quadruple jumps."
This time, the event will be held in Osaka. For Yamamoto, who is from Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture, performing in his hometown is also a source of excitement. "I want to go in with a strong will to hang on to the top. I'm going to go with the spirit of the danjiri." He will win the fierce battle by recreating the fist pump he showed many times during his performance last year.
- also, Sota has been to a concert of Aimyon, his favorite singer, recently, and posted this cute IG post saying 'Aimyon is the best!' ^ ^ Look how happy he looks!
山本草太/Sota Yamamoto on Instagram: "あいみょん最高でした！"
sota0110 on December 15, 2024: "あいみょん最高でした！".
www.instagram.com
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
Sota is currently 7th, with 9 points between him and the podium. 80 is not a bad score for a program with a 3S, and a 3A fall. I hope he has a better skate tomorrow, and above all, he needs to show grit and nerves of steel 
A super top competitive skater needs those, otherwise they'll eternally jump up and down in terms of results. Good luck! He really deserves a chance at a new season best, but he won't get it unless he climbs a few places. 4th would still be good, 5th, not so much, so, all fingers crossed!
I do think this SP does Sota no service, and the sooner he leaves Richaud and his quirky abstractions behind, the happier I'll be. He's not going to hit 100 with a program like that, Sota's fast and precise skating notwithstanding. Perhaps I'm not the only one who feels it's a poor fit for Sota, and won't help him, no matter how clean he goes. I hope he has a better program next season, and this mismatch is in no way a good attack weapon in the intense fights for podiums.
Also, Sota is my #1 favorite, but he has a tendency to have not so great practices followed by great programs, and great practices followed by mistake-ridden programs. This was the latter case, as his previous practice was flawless. In that sense, I am not surprised by today's result.
It doesn't help his mindset to know he is under a miscroscope so to speak, as last year's bronze medalist. He's the type of skater that pressure often gets to.
I hope Sota fights back with all his might tomorrow, even if he doesn't make the podium.
His SB chances and closeness to the top 3 are hopefully sufficient motivation, and the FS is beautiful when he hits the jumps.
A super top competitive skater needs those, otherwise they'll eternally jump up and down in terms of results. Good luck! He really deserves a chance at a new season best, but he won't get it unless he climbs a few places. 4th would still be good, 5th, not so much, so, all fingers crossed!I do think this SP does Sota no service, and the sooner he leaves Richaud and his quirky abstractions behind, the happier I'll be. He's not going to hit 100 with a program like that, Sota's fast and precise skating notwithstanding. Perhaps I'm not the only one who feels it's a poor fit for Sota, and won't help him, no matter how clean he goes. I hope he has a better program next season, and this mismatch is in no way a good attack weapon in the intense fights for podiums.
Also, Sota is my #1 favorite, but he has a tendency to have not so great practices followed by great programs, and great practices followed by mistake-ridden programs. This was the latter case, as his previous practice was flawless. In that sense, I am not surprised by today's result.
It doesn't help his mindset to know he is under a miscroscope so to speak, as last year's bronze medalist. He's the type of skater that pressure often gets to.
I hope Sota fights back with all his might tomorrow, even if he doesn't make the podium.
His SB chances and closeness to the top 3 are hopefully sufficient motivation, and the FS is beautiful when he hits the jumps.
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2019
I'm so sad for Sota Yamamoto, he must feel so low! These All-Japan Nationals have been a "splat fest" overall, and particularly for "deserving skaters", but he was the most unlucky, and with how went his Grand Prix season I'm afraid that he's not going to get a spot for Worlds, not even for Four Continents. And there's little hope of another international competition. 
Here's his Free Skating:
www.bilibili.com
And here's his Short Program:
www.bilibili.com
Here's his Free Skating:
Sota YAMAMOTO （山本草太） (JPN)2024四大洲花样滑冰锦标赛男单自由滑饭拍_哔哩哔哩_bilibili
Sota YAMAMOTO （山本草太） (JPN)2024四大洲花样滑冰锦标赛男单自由滑饭拍（点全屏观看可以调清晰度）《 Exogenesis Symphony Part3 》by Muse, Matt Bellamy, 视频播放量 45、弹幕量 0、点赞数 0、投硬币枚数 0、收藏人数 0、转发人数 0, 视频作者 shuiliuwuji, 作者简介 ，相关视频：Sota YAMAMOTO （山本草太） (JPN) 2024四大洲花样滑冰锦标赛男单短节目饭拍，Junhwan CHA（车俊焕）（KOR）2024四大洲花样滑冰锦标赛男单短节目饭拍，Mikhail...
www.bilibili.com
And here's his Short Program:
Sota YAMAMOTO （山本草太） (JPN) 2024四大洲花样滑冰锦标赛男单短节目饭拍_哔哩哔哩_bilibili
Sota YAMAMOTO （山本草太） (JPN)2024四大洲花样滑冰锦标赛男单短节目饭拍（点全屏观看可以调清晰度）《 Chameleon 》 by Maynard Ferguson, Herbie Hancock, Bennie Maupin, Harvey Mason, Paul Jackson, 视频播放量 69、弹幕量 0、点赞数 1、投硬币枚数 0、收藏人数 0、转发人数 0, 视频作者 shuiliuwuji, 作者简介 ，相关视频：SofiaTitova(拿铁)转籍首秀短节目第一名，2024亚美尼亚花滑锦标赛！，Junhwan...
www.bilibili.com
- Joined
- May 5, 2018
Just wanted to leave a message of support for Sota (as if he was reading this lol). JNats this year was devastating, but he still has a good chance of making at least the 4CC team based on his SB/WS 
So, upwards and onwards, Sota!
So, upwards and onwards, Sota!
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
I like your optimism, but he won't. His season has gone downward, while some of those who placed above him here were hosed by JSF earlier this year (Tatsuya and Kazuki), and JSF will (and should) want to reward them. I'm afraid this is how it ends for him for 2024/5. If he gets a spring B event, I'll be glad. Same for if he gets a Challenger in the fall. He might get the Universiade if one of the others is unwell, but IIRC, Shun and Kao are going, and they'll likely want it to get in a better mood after Nationals, and to boost their confidence before WC.Just wanted to leave a message of support for Sota (as if he was reading this lol). JNats this year was devastating, but he still has a good chance of making at least the 4CC team based on his SB/WS
- Joined
- May 5, 2018
But JSF already showed that they are considering SBs/WS much more now than in the past. Sota fulfills several criteria, especially for 4CC. Maybe national placements don't matter as much anymore, especially in the context of other contenders also making mistakes?
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
Well, I hope you are right, and that they really place some importance on SB and WS. That would be great of course, but I don't really expect much compassion or fairness from JSF anymore, hence I'd be glad if he gets a B event and a Challenger. If they at least started to allow skaters to compete in small ISU events for their own money, like most Feds do, instead of just picking a select few for an ever-decreasing handful of competitions. The stress the limited opportunities create in some of their skaters, especially some Olympic hopefuls in the pre-Olympic season, was IMO very palpable this year.
- Joined
- May 5, 2018
Glad that Sota got an international assignment, and it seems like a pretty cool event! Does anyone know if he can get a SB or ISU points at this tournament?
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
That would be great, but I doubt it. Sounds like a non-ISU event to me, it's not even on GS competitions subforum, unless I'm blind. I really want him to be sent somewhere he could get some actual points that could be of use to him in WS. Like, great, so he got *something*, JSF is not dropping him completely; but where he'll keep dropping until the end of the season is the ISU WS, as I feared. Unless he gets sent to an ISU competition and skates well enough to get points there. So no big help, then, this one. Especially with next year's GP series in mind, because alternates lists are based on WS mostly, aren't they. Have the real B competitions been announced yet?
Last edited:
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2018
From the promotional materials, it claims to be a competition where skaters can improve their personal bests and collect ranking points, so hopefully it's true. Nothing in the technical guideline. It will be a limited to 12 skater/teams competitions, no exhibitions is scheduled.
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
Thanks! I hope it's true, and Sota has one more chance at a new SB and more WS points. Hopefully he'll take the chance
I consider this a last minute Christmas gift to Sota after his huge disappointment last week, a competition to work toward instead of having to practice with a bleak outlook towards the rest of the season.Merry Christmas to all Sota fans!
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
Hooray, Sota is back on Twitter and Instagram 
He had an Unlim talkshow meeting today with his contributing fans. I read they sent him a gift, and although Nationals was also mentioned, the atmosphere was rather cheerful and party-like. From what I've gleaned, Sota had champagne and a cheesecake, showed his fans his new FS costume, talked of his childhood Christmas holidays and of his admiration for Aimyon (a J-pop celebrity), and tried on a few seasonal accessories:
As a proud owner of two cats, he also showed off his stylish mug:
He's going to the competition in Italy with Hana Yoshida, who kindly translated for him at Nebelhorn Trophy.
I hope he has a good outing there, and at the Nagoya Festival.
Wishing him a refreshing rest of the year, and a calm, confident start of 2025.
He had an Unlim talkshow meeting today with his contributing fans. I read they sent him a gift, and although Nationals was also mentioned, the atmosphere was rather cheerful and party-like. From what I've gleaned, Sota had champagne and a cheesecake, showed his fans his new FS costume, talked of his childhood Christmas holidays and of his admiration for Aimyon (a J-pop celebrity), and tried on a few seasonal accessories:As a proud owner of two cats, he also showed off his stylish mug:
He's going to the competition in Italy with Hana Yoshida, who kindly translated for him at Nebelhorn Trophy.
I hope he has a good outing there, and at the Nagoya Festival.
Wishing him a refreshing rest of the year, and a calm, confident start of 2025.
- Joined
- May 5, 2018
As a fellow proud owner of two cats, I want this mug
I read that Sota said in his latest fan meeting that he and Kazuki have matching perfume, and whenever he wears the perfume he feels Kazuki's presence, even if they are not together... Their friendship is so pure, I can't
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
Does anyone here have an IG account? I wonder who Sota went out with for New Year's Eve. Here's his IG: https://www.instagram.com/sota0110/ , and here's a photo from Twitter:
It seems to have been a boy party again
I wonder if Sota joined the rest of the onsen club boys?
And here's Sota's New Year's greeting:
A happy, successful, and health-filled new year to Sota and his fans!
It seems to have been a boy party again
I wonder if Sota joined the rest of the onsen club boys?And here's Sota's New Year's greeting:
A happy, successful, and health-filled new year to Sota and his fans!
- Joined
- May 5, 2018
Does anyone here have an IG account? I wonder who Sota went out with for New Year's Eve. Here's his IG: https://www.instagram.com/sota0110/ , and here's a photo from Twitter:
It seems to have been a boy party again
Yep, Sota went to Kobe Sauna! IIRC they did that last year too
- Joined
- May 5, 2018
It's the start of work!
And the annual New Year's gift
from Sota to his fans.
The
was too difficult, so it's 
and S!
And the annual New Year's gift
from Sota to his fans.The
was too difficult, so it's and S!
