Tatsuki Machida

[Maria Victoria]

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2gb45z_町田樹の独特すぎるインタビューベスト３_sport
The 3 top interesting/baffling sound bytes given by Machida during his skating career.

Thanks for the link Newbiespectator. As any self-respecting Tatsuki fan, I am familiar with number 1 re timshel, but could you please translate for us the number 2 and 3 sound bytes?

I agree with ionap that it would be wonderful if a listing can be made of Tatsuki's top three skating moments. Maybe we should do it ourselves?

 

[Interspectator]

Thanks for the link Newbiespectator. As any self-respecting Tatsuki fan, I am familiar with number 1 re timshel, but could you please translate for us the number 2 and 3 sound bytes?

I agree with ionap that it would be wonderful if a listing can be made of Tatsuki's top three skating moments. Maybe we should do it ourselves?

I wish I could...but it's very difficult to accurately translate Machida's statements--and I don't want to get it wrong. I can get the general meaning, but some of the words he uses are quite difficult even for me...which is why they made it in to the top 3, of course.
Maybe someone who is good at translating Japanese to English can help us out?

 

[ioanna]

I don't think it's disrespectful or anything. He was a very unique figure in figure skating and one of the reasons for that was the way he answered interviews.
He said that he was promoting himself through his interviews. People certainly had never heard anyone speak like that before so they took notice. The show is focusing on the 'hidden side' of figure skating. Like the embarrassment felt by girls doing a spiral sequence, and Mao and Mai's home videos etc.

Except that's mostly what they've been doing all along, focusing on his quirkiness rather than his skating. Of course, a little bit of humor here and there is great. But in my humble opinion they've been overdoing it for too long and I noticed him starting to look uncomfortable at the latest press conferences where he was openly made fun of.

 

[ioanna]

Thanks for the link Newbiespectator. As any self-respecting Tatsuki fan, I am familiar with number 1 re timshel, but could you please translate for us the number 2 and 3 sound bytes?

I can't translate the quotes in the video but I translated other quotes of his on tumblr so maybe they fit here.

I’m a natural artist. I aim for the pure, artistic skating.”
***
“I’ll conceal myself within those transparent burning ethanol-like flames and pray vigilantly” (Nationals 2013)
***
"I have entwined and materialised the spirit of the firebird on my naked figure"
***
"I’d like to have the kind of mysterious and bewitchingly sexy expression Russian men have".
***
"It’s the Big Bang you know. My firebird flies up to the space."
***
"I’ve been on top of the Mexican pyramids and touched [something aluminium-like] for me to be able to start landing quads."
***
"Question: How would you describe your season?
Answer: Like the brackish water in an estuary.”
***
"From the stage of the blue skies, I want to offer everyone love through this program."
***
"I want to show my creations to all the audiences around the world"
***
"I want to have a great time so if you want to watch my programs turn off your phones."
***
"Tomorrow it’s Valentine’s Day right? I want to offer a reverse Valentine’s present through my performance." (Sochi 2014) (a/n: In Japan girls give boys presents on Valentine’s Day)
***
"[My motto is] - after the rain -. Overcoming setbacks in order to reach your dreams."
***
"Perhaps ‘Tatsuki Machida’ means tragedy?"

 

[Sandpiper]

I'm sorry, Tatsuki. I've been consumed by US/Canadian Nationals and then Europeans, and thus didn't keep up with this thread as much as I'd like... And now I'm with the intention of watching more videos, and instead I just walked into a bunch of WTH quotes. Gosh, I'm no better than those paparazzi journalists...

"I have entwined and materialised the spirit of the firebird on my naked figure"

:think:

"I’d like to have the kind of mysterious and bewitchingly sexy expression Russian men have".

So that explains the hair?

"I’ve been on top of the Mexican pyramids and touched [something aluminium-like] for me to be able to start landing quads."

Okay, USFSA, you know where to take your guys for the next field trip.

"Perhaps ‘Tatsuki Machida’ means tragedy?"

Oh no, don't say this...

 

[Crossover]

Thank you for the video and translations as well as the feedback to the resources. All artists, mostly musicians that I've adored are known for their unique personalities and characters, so I'm honestly glad to find his quirkiness. Yep, I would call him artist rather than athletic. Though I'm not sure I could correctly interpret his point of view toward himself and figure skating. However, how an intriguing character Tatsuki has, so I could never be bored with him. I hope Tatsuk keeps the Beethovenesque hairstyle.

Since the European Championships is over (except Ladies and some fun factors in Pairs...the general quality was not so impressive), I could make time to read this thread, but gave up after reading up to 5 pages, because there are loads of information that I had to catch up, it took a great time and effort to consume. So I decided to read the threads for Grand Prix series this season where Tatsuki participated. I finished up reading the men's events threads of the SA 2014. I wonder if it is okay to comment there 3 months after the event happened until the thread is archived. I've felt it necessary to respond to some people's opinion on his FP, Beethoven No.9 symphony that led me become a fan of him.

 

[ioanna]

I wonder if it is okay to comment there 3 months after the event happened until the thread is archived. I've felt it necessary to respond to some people's opinion on his FP, Beethoven No.9 symphony that led me become a fan of him.

I think you can comment in those threads if you want but since they're already old I don't think people will read them anymore. You can share your views on Symphony no 9 here, because people still read this thread.

 

[Crossover]

I think you can comment in those threads if you want but since they're already old I don't think people will read them anymore. You can share your views on Symphony no 9 here, because people still read this thread.

To be honest, I was not happy with some people's assessments on his style and presentation nevertheless many people praised his performances at the event. However, maybe leaving belated opinions there would be not worth it.

 

[ioanna]

To be honest, I was not happy with some people's assessments on his style and presentation nevertheless many people praised his performances at the event. However, maybe leaving belated opinions there would be not worth it.

Ah, the GP threads this season were nothing compared to the World Championship threads where believe it or not very, very few people bothered to actually praise his performance there. Having watched the men's event at the European Championship myself, it's mind blowing how people still found something to complain about Tatsuki's amazing performance at the World Championship. But that's how it went and I think some of the members here spent way too much time criticizing him instead of accepting different opinions and moving on. So in hindsight, it's really not worth it to reply to the comments you may have seen.

 

[Maria Victoria]

I can't translate the quotes in the video but I translated other quotes of his on tumblr so maybe they fit here.

Thanks ionap. He really does say the "darndest things," doesn't he? As I have posted before, I would love to have a long conversation with him just to hear his thoughts. Certainly a unique individual and I think a very sensitive one.

Re the Russian quote, I would say Tatsuki with his dramatic and balletic style certainly fits the Russian school.

 

[ioanna]

Thanks ionap. He really does say the "darndest things," doesn't he? As I have posted before, I would love to have a long conversation with him just to hear his thoughts. Certainly a unique individual and I think a very sensitive one.

His interviews are one of the things I'm going to miss most about him. In a TV report last year before the Sochi Olympics they showed his small apartment and he had a bookcase next to his table. I remember noticing one of the shelves had a lot of Hegel books. He spends his time reading and reading and I'd always love to listen or read what he has to say. He's a very intelligent and knowledgeable man.

 

[Crossover]

Ah, the GP threads this season were nothing compared to the World Championship threads where believe it or not very, very few people bothered to actually praise his performance there. Having watched the men's event at the European Championship myself, it's mind blowing how people still found something to complain about Tatsuki's amazing performance at the World Championship. But that's how it went and I think some of the members here spent way too much time criticizing him instead of accepting different opinions and moving on. So in hindsight, it's really not worth it to reply to the comments you may have seen.

Alright, I'm gonna just stay on as a happy person bewitched by the beauty of Tatsuki's skating rather bother about naysayers' undue critics. When I first saw his Ode to Joy FP, I was instantly reminded of Gustav Klimt's Beethoven frieze in Vienna whose artworks are famous for decorative and allegorical paintings. Klimt was influenced by Japanese printmaking, so it was fun for me to find some connections between a mysterious Japanese figure skater's Beethoven and Klimt. I thought his blue outfit with the elaborated belt and ornaments could be also influenced by the frieze or Klimt's characteristic curvy lines in his paintings. As a long time classical music lover myself, I was so amazed by his ambitious approach to the majestic music. Aside from Tatsuki, IIRC Brian Joubert was the only adventurous skater with the demanding music, but his program is ...not enough for me to become his fan although I had never been any male skater's fan. Some said the music is too overwhelming for him to handle in this sport with his balletic style. However, I thought his movements in the program are rather modern dance, not ballet. I'm gonna add more if I have a time.

 

[ioanna]

When I first saw his Ode to Joy FP, I was instantly reminded of Gustav Klimt's Beethoven frieze in Vienna whose artworks are famous for decorative and allegorical paintings. Klimt was influenced by Japanese printmaking, so it was fun for me to find some connection between a mysterious Japanese figure skater's Beethoven and Klimt. I thought his blue outfit with elaborated belt and ornaments could be also influenced by the frieze or Klimt's characteristic curvy lines in his paintings.

Oh, I can definitely see the similarities now that you mention it. He has a lot of art knowledge so I really wouldn't be surprised if he did inspire his blue outfit from Klimt's Beethoven Frieze. As for the choreography of the program, Phillip Mills explained his view on both of Tatsuki's programs and Haruka Imai's FS on his official website:

Two New Ballets for Tatsuki Machida’s Season

The first ballet is the short program I titled “Tragic Love.” The music is from Fantasy from Ladies in Lavender by Nigel Hess. This 2:50 program is a cathartic exploration of tragic love that almost everyone experiences one way or another in their life. My intent is that the audience will use Tatsuki’s journey to help them come to a better understanding of their own tragic love story and come away more at peace on the other side. The second ballet for the long program, which I titled “Believe”, is set to Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. It is choreographed in three movements. The first movement is “Passion” where he gathers the positive energy from the audience to carry him through. In the second movement, “Cherish”, he is embracing the love that the audience graciously gives to him. Finally, “Celebration” is the third movement. This bravura packed section builds with excitement that leads to the ultimate release of power and energy up into the universe.

Haruka Imai Gets Her Own Ballet

Haruka embodies the youth and innocence of Giselle in this balletic long program. The piece is created in four movements: 1) Youth, 2) Love, 3) Heartbreak, and 4) Madness. I highlighted the fun this lovely peasant girl experiences by reliving the knock on her cottage door by Albrecht, whom she loves deeply. One can see Haruka spiral downward into the pain and sadness when she questions why Albrecht becomes betrothed to another. Her step sequence is the culmination of the mad scene that Giselle goes through before her death in the town square. Her spirit goes to the land of the Willis in Act II.

As a side note I thought the FS he made for Haruka fit her perfectly and as far as I recall she gave a nice performance of it at Skate America.

 

[Crossover]

Just by digging up info related to his past competitions, I found Tatsuki's photos from Misha Ge's instagram. Thanks to Ge, he seems to be a prolific SNS user!
Most of them were taken at Asian Trophy 2013 held in Thailand where Tatsuki won the title in the early of the Olympic season.
Since the thread was created way after the competition, you may or may not see them.

Much thanks to the relatively low-resolution, Tatsuki looks pretty decent. (acne go away!)
I barely notice his short frame unless he is with others.
"Two Bird" The Swan & Fire Bird
Thailand Asian Open Trophy - All Medalist and Officials

Is it a fanart for CoC 2013 or actual poster for the event?

Misha and Tatsuk in suits after the Worlds 2014 We've seen this suits too many.

Is he the man called ‘Philosopher On Ice’?
The gifs are not from Ge's instagram, but aren't they cute?
I think we've seen similar actions when Tatsuki rushed into finding Mura after his shocking retirement announcement.

 

[ioanna]

Thailand Asian Open Trophy - All Medalist and Officials

The young boy kneeling next to Wakaba Higuchi is Koshiro Shimada, Tatsuki's youngest fan. He also competed at the 2013 Asian Trophy as a novice

Is he the man called ‘Philosopher On Ice’?
The gifs are not from Ge's instagram, but aren't they cute?

The gifs are from this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpPFPst6boY

 

[Crossover]

The young boy kneeling next to Wakaba Higuchi is Koshiro Shimada, Tatsuki's youngest fan. He also competed at the 2013 Asian Trophy as a novice
ㅁ
The gifs are from this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpPFPst6boY

Thank you for sharing the info. I don't know who Koshiro Shimada is but Tatsuki seems to have quite many young promising skaters as his fans to look after him. Will it be too ahead if I wish them to commission him to create their choreographer in a near future? The 3 minute video is hilarious. The ceremony proceeded quite in a hurry.

 

[ioanna]

Thank you for sharing the info. I don't know who Koshiro Shimada is but Tatsuki seems to have quite many young promising skaters as his fans to look after him. Will it be too ahead if I wish them to commission him to create their choreographer in a near future? The 3 minute video is hilarious. The ceremony proceeded quite in a hurry.

I wrote some info about him a couple of pages back in the thread
http://www.goldenskate.com/forum/sh...suki-Machida&p=1092907&viewfull=1#post1092907

 

[Crossover]

I wrote some info about him a couple of pages back in the thread
http://www.goldenskate.com/forum/sh...suki-Machida&p=1092907&viewfull=1#post1092907

There's also the 13 year old Koshiro Shimada, who is the 2014 Novice National Silver Medalist. He's a big fan of Tatsuki and I think it shows in his style. After Koshiro won the silver medal at the Novice Nats, Tatsuki sent him a congratulatory text message and he was over the moon about it. You can watch him proudly showing off his phone to the reporters here:
http://youtu.be/kFXguygDfrU?t=6m2s

Koshiro was invited to Stephane Lambiel's Ice Legends show in Switzerland and skated to "Happy Feet", a program Tatsuki used as his EX back in 2010. You can watch Koshiro here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66StewVvJPg

Oops, I missed that. Thank you for the pointer.

 

[ioanna]

New article from Livedoor News and a rough translation:

Tatsuki Machida did not grow up in a family of skaters, nor was he blessed with athletic abilities. He was never rich and he never had the sponsors or the management companies other skaters had. Yet making the Olympics was a 20 year old dream, and his mother, Yayoi Machida, cheered him and encouraged him to strive and do his best in order to fulfill his wishes.

Tatsuki Machida shined at the 2013 Japanese National Championship and with his silver medal he snatched the ticket to the Sochi Olympics - his competitive life had not been easy up until that point, but without the continuous support of his mother, he wouldn’t have made it.

The Machida household was an ordinary salaryman home and Yayoi faced big economical problems due to funding her son’s skating career. She worked two jobs and dropped Tatsuki to the skating rink every day, thus reducing her sleeping schedule.

Whenever Tatsuki had to compete abroad, his mother would drive to Osaka and cook him his favorite meals: red rice, gyouza or hijiki. She would also carry his futon in her car because the closet in his apartment was too small for it to fit in there. The 8 hour road trip from Hiroshima to Osaka became a tradition 2 times a month. But having the opportunity to watch her son compete in Sochi made those 20 years of sacrifices all worth it.

 

[Crossover]

New article from Livedoor News and a rough translation:

Tatsuki has a very devoted and loving mother willing to sacrifice herself for her son! She's firmly stood as a rock so Tatsuki could make progress for his dream. She might've felt very proud of her son when Tatsuki finally achieved his long-time dream for going to the Olympics, and attained fame by winning a silver medal at Worlds (thought I think he should've been the champion!). Thank you for the translation of the article.