Utana Yoshida & Shingo Nishiyama
- Thread starter el henry
- Start date
You are welcome, el henry. Let me put out a disclaimer: English is not my language, so please excuse any language mistakes you guys may find.
Part 2
Everything was New
--Next, I would like to ask you about skating. What did you put effort into during high school?
S: I moved to Canada when I was in high school and I first became familiar with the new training environment there. After that, I was working hard to improve my skating techniques using Canadian method under my coaching team.
--Please tell us more about your workout during the time you self-isolated.
S: When I was staying home I did physical training such as core training and exercise to build strength using light weights following the advice of the trainer assigned to me. Also, as I told you before, the federation streamed the videos to their supported skaters to help us improve expressiveness; do core exercises and such, and I was following these instructions.
--What was your favorite item you used during that time?
S: I was using a dumbbell a lot while staying home. I happened to have a lightweight dumbbell at home so I used it very often. It weighs 1 kilogram, but with many repetitions it placed a heavy load on my muscles.
--What was the reason for choosing Waseda University in view of skating?
S: First off, their figure skating club has Reo Ishizuka (3rd year in Sports) and Yuka Nagai (4th year in Social Science) who are very good skaters and I admire them, so I wanted to belong to the same club.
--You always wanted to join the skating club?
S: The manager of the skating club asked me to join their club and represent them in competitions such as intercollege events, so that is another reason why I decided to join them.
--Now that you are in college, what are the aspects of figure skating you want to work hard on?
S: First of all, technical improvement is one of them. But I also think that I have to study hard as a college student, so I am hoping to take advantage of what I learn in human sciences such as various states of mind, and study of body movements and apply the knowledge to be more competitive.
--Do you interact with senior skating club members and other newcomers?
S: As we had been self-isolating for a while, I haven’t had a chance to meet with other newcomers in person, but I have got together with them over Zoom several times.
--You and Koshiro Shimada (1st year in human sciences) are in the same department at college and both of you train overseas, so I understand you two often talk to each other. Is that right?
S: That’s true [laughs]. We both are overseas and have been working hard together since we were kids, so we still talk to each other very often about skating and about study as well these days.
--Do you have any close friends who are figure skaters including those outside Waseda University?
S: One is Koshiro Shimada-kun. We started taking human sciences courses at the same time, and we have been competing at the same events for many years, so he is one of my best friends. Another friend who is a figure skater is Yoshimasa Hori who recently started at Meiji University, and we are best friends.
--Who is your role model? Who influenced you?
S: I look up to Yuzuru Hanyu who is also a student at Waseda University.
--Yuzuru Hanyu practices at the same rink as you do. What kind of impression do you have of him?
S: Even when he is just gliding on ice I learn from him. I feel like he instructs me with his back and I absorb what I learn by observing him. He always teaches me skating and attitude toward life by showing examples.
--Please tell us about your partner, Utana Yoshida. How is she as your skating partner?
S: She has been an ice dancer for a long time, so at the beginning she taught me the basics of ice dance. Now that I’m a little better at ice dance, I hope together we can aim high.
--How different is Canadian training environment from Japanese one?
S: I think Canadian system is different in that at the rink coaches work as a team and each skater is coached by several coaches. There are several figure skating elements and we have a jump coach, skating skills coach, spin coach, and so on so that we can train each element by a specialist. In Tokyo one coach is in charge of coaching all elements, so this is the big difference.
...to be continued to the last part
Part 2
Everything was New
--Next, I would like to ask you about skating. What did you put effort into during high school?
S: I moved to Canada when I was in high school and I first became familiar with the new training environment there. After that, I was working hard to improve my skating techniques using Canadian method under my coaching team.
--Please tell us more about your workout during the time you self-isolated.
S: When I was staying home I did physical training such as core training and exercise to build strength using light weights following the advice of the trainer assigned to me. Also, as I told you before, the federation streamed the videos to their supported skaters to help us improve expressiveness; do core exercises and such, and I was following these instructions.
--What was your favorite item you used during that time?
S: I was using a dumbbell a lot while staying home. I happened to have a lightweight dumbbell at home so I used it very often. It weighs 1 kilogram, but with many repetitions it placed a heavy load on my muscles.
--What was the reason for choosing Waseda University in view of skating?
S: First off, their figure skating club has Reo Ishizuka (3rd year in Sports) and Yuka Nagai (4th year in Social Science) who are very good skaters and I admire them, so I wanted to belong to the same club.
--You always wanted to join the skating club?
S: The manager of the skating club asked me to join their club and represent them in competitions such as intercollege events, so that is another reason why I decided to join them.
--Now that you are in college, what are the aspects of figure skating you want to work hard on?
S: First of all, technical improvement is one of them. But I also think that I have to study hard as a college student, so I am hoping to take advantage of what I learn in human sciences such as various states of mind, and study of body movements and apply the knowledge to be more competitive.
--Do you interact with senior skating club members and other newcomers?
S: As we had been self-isolating for a while, I haven’t had a chance to meet with other newcomers in person, but I have got together with them over Zoom several times.
--You and Koshiro Shimada (1st year in human sciences) are in the same department at college and both of you train overseas, so I understand you two often talk to each other. Is that right?
S: That’s true [laughs]. We both are overseas and have been working hard together since we were kids, so we still talk to each other very often about skating and about study as well these days.
--Do you have any close friends who are figure skaters including those outside Waseda University?
S: One is Koshiro Shimada-kun. We started taking human sciences courses at the same time, and we have been competing at the same events for many years, so he is one of my best friends. Another friend who is a figure skater is Yoshimasa Hori who recently started at Meiji University, and we are best friends.
--Who is your role model? Who influenced you?
S: I look up to Yuzuru Hanyu who is also a student at Waseda University.
--Yuzuru Hanyu practices at the same rink as you do. What kind of impression do you have of him?
S: Even when he is just gliding on ice I learn from him. I feel like he instructs me with his back and I absorb what I learn by observing him. He always teaches me skating and attitude toward life by showing examples.
--Please tell us about your partner, Utana Yoshida. How is she as your skating partner?
S: She has been an ice dancer for a long time, so at the beginning she taught me the basics of ice dance. Now that I’m a little better at ice dance, I hope together we can aim high.
--How different is Canadian training environment from Japanese one?
S: I think Canadian system is different in that at the rink coaches work as a team and each skater is coached by several coaches. There are several figure skating elements and we have a jump coach, skating skills coach, spin coach, and so on so that we can train each element by a specialist. In Tokyo one coach is in charge of coaching all elements, so this is the big difference.
...to be continued to the last part
Last Part
--Looking back on the last season, what are your thoughts?
S: Last season I got to compete at big competitions which I had never experienced before and everything was new to me. I was able to get new experiences and gain from them, and I hope the experiences I built will help me a lot in the future.
--How did you like performing at the NHK Trophy gala?
S: I was so exhilarated to be invited to the gala at the NHK Trophy which is such a big event. Also, I got to be on the same stage as the world top skaters and it was another big experience for me.
--How was the impact?
S: Many fans started to come to cheer for us at the competitions as well. Particularly, at the Japanese Junior Nationals, on the day of rhythm dance, ice dance was the only event (t/n: RD was on Nov. 15 on day one; FD and singles SP on day two, and singles LP on the last day.) so in the past only the very small audience used to be there. But so many fans came to see the ice dance event and I felt really grateful and happy.
--At Japanese Junior Nationals you compete in both ice dance and singles disciplines. How did you feel about it?
S: To compete in two disciplines at the same event can be once in a lifetime experience for me, so I was overjoyed and had fun skating, even though it was physically tough.
--Can you tell us about the Youth Olympics?
S: To begin with, since we had never thought that we could enter the Youth Olympics, we were surprised when we learned we could go. When we arrived at the arena, we saw the Olympic logos everywhere and we fully realized that we actually came to the Olympic stage. When we skated there I realized that the Youth Olympics was quite a big event, and this experience made me want to compete at the Olympics.
--What are the appeals of ice dance?
S: When two of us can skate in sync, the speed and smoothness of glide are completely different from when I skate alone and I really enjoy skating. Also, we can pour more emotions and focus into expressions and dance, so I think it is the discipline in which we can create a whole story more easily in a program.
--I feel like ice dance has difficult rules. Are there any key points you can share with newbie fans of ice dance so that they can enjoy it more?
S: We, ice dancers are also struggling to learn all the rules, so I suppose the audience has a harder time. But I think it is a sport in which each program has a story to tell and you can watch it as a stage performance. So I would like you to watch the program as a whole rather than focusing on technical aspects. I think that is the main attraction.
--Please tell us about this season as far as you can reveal now.
S: I could not get choreography or practice on ice at all for a while because of the coronavirus, and I don’t know what’s going to happen in future. As to the programs, ice dance programs will be the same as last year but I am planning to get a new singles program.
--What kind of skater do you wish to become in future?
S: I would like to become a skater who can bring happiness to the audience through my performances, which they appreciate and enjoy.
--Please give some words to your fans.
S: Thank you so much for your cheering for me all the time. I started to study at Waseda University, and I plan to compete both in ice dance and singles for a while. I will work hard so that I can enjoy competing in both and produce results as well. I would appreciate your continued support.
--Thank you very much!
*Question from Waseda Figure Skating Club teammates Honoka Nishiura and Ukyo Okajima.
--How come you look so personable? You always have a nice smile on and look pleasant.
S: It’s a tough question [laughter]. I wonder why. I just think my smile would make myself more approachable. Actually, I usually keep a straight face, so I try to keep my smile on my face as much as possible when I talk to people.
--Looking back on the last season, what are your thoughts?
S: Last season I got to compete at big competitions which I had never experienced before and everything was new to me. I was able to get new experiences and gain from them, and I hope the experiences I built will help me a lot in the future.
--How did you like performing at the NHK Trophy gala?
S: I was so exhilarated to be invited to the gala at the NHK Trophy which is such a big event. Also, I got to be on the same stage as the world top skaters and it was another big experience for me.
--How was the impact?
S: Many fans started to come to cheer for us at the competitions as well. Particularly, at the Japanese Junior Nationals, on the day of rhythm dance, ice dance was the only event (t/n: RD was on Nov. 15 on day one; FD and singles SP on day two, and singles LP on the last day.) so in the past only the very small audience used to be there. But so many fans came to see the ice dance event and I felt really grateful and happy.
--At Japanese Junior Nationals you compete in both ice dance and singles disciplines. How did you feel about it?
S: To compete in two disciplines at the same event can be once in a lifetime experience for me, so I was overjoyed and had fun skating, even though it was physically tough.
--Can you tell us about the Youth Olympics?
S: To begin with, since we had never thought that we could enter the Youth Olympics, we were surprised when we learned we could go. When we arrived at the arena, we saw the Olympic logos everywhere and we fully realized that we actually came to the Olympic stage. When we skated there I realized that the Youth Olympics was quite a big event, and this experience made me want to compete at the Olympics.
--What are the appeals of ice dance?
S: When two of us can skate in sync, the speed and smoothness of glide are completely different from when I skate alone and I really enjoy skating. Also, we can pour more emotions and focus into expressions and dance, so I think it is the discipline in which we can create a whole story more easily in a program.
--I feel like ice dance has difficult rules. Are there any key points you can share with newbie fans of ice dance so that they can enjoy it more?
S: We, ice dancers are also struggling to learn all the rules, so I suppose the audience has a harder time. But I think it is a sport in which each program has a story to tell and you can watch it as a stage performance. So I would like you to watch the program as a whole rather than focusing on technical aspects. I think that is the main attraction.
--Please tell us about this season as far as you can reveal now.
S: I could not get choreography or practice on ice at all for a while because of the coronavirus, and I don’t know what’s going to happen in future. As to the programs, ice dance programs will be the same as last year but I am planning to get a new singles program.
--What kind of skater do you wish to become in future?
S: I would like to become a skater who can bring happiness to the audience through my performances, which they appreciate and enjoy.
--Please give some words to your fans.
S: Thank you so much for your cheering for me all the time. I started to study at Waseda University, and I plan to compete both in ice dance and singles for a while. I will work hard so that I can enjoy competing in both and produce results as well. I would appreciate your continued support.
--Thank you very much!
*Question from Waseda Figure Skating Club teammates Honoka Nishiura and Ukyo Okajima.
--How come you look so personable? You always have a nice smile on and look pleasant.
S: It’s a tough question [laughter]. I wonder why. I just think my smile would make myself more approachable. Actually, I usually keep a straight face, so I try to keep my smile on my face as much as possible when I talk to people.
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2014
"What kind of skater do you wish to become in future?
S: I would like to become a skater who can bring happiness to the audience through my performances, which they appreciate and enjoy."
I think Shingo has already achieved that goal:yes: And I had no idea he was friends with Koshiro.
Thanks again @rRainbow for the postings!
S: I would like to become a skater who can bring happiness to the audience through my performances, which they appreciate and enjoy."
I think Shingo has already achieved that goal:yes: And I had no idea he was friends with Koshiro.
Thanks again @rRainbow for the postings!
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2003
Thank you so much! @rRainbow
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I came across this blog by a Japanese Shingo fan giving us some updates on Utashin. http://blog.livedoor.jp/shingo_n_sk8er/
The first news is that Utashin is a guest of a TV talkshow to air on Sept. 29 hosted by choreographer Kenji Miyamoto. From the photo of Kenji the blogger assumes Kenji visited Okayama where Utashin has been practicing to film the TV interview. Kenji used to be an ice dance partner of Rie Arikawa who was a former coach of Utana.
According to the blogger Shingo jumped a beautiful 3A which he posted on his latest Instagram (Aug. 19). Hehttps://www.instagram.com/p/CEEfBuRpNgM/ He was at Jingu rink in Tokyo.
The first news is that Utashin is a guest of a TV talkshow to air on Sept. 29 hosted by choreographer Kenji Miyamoto. From the photo of Kenji the blogger assumes Kenji visited Okayama where Utashin has been practicing to film the TV interview. Kenji used to be an ice dance partner of Rie Arikawa who was a former coach of Utana.
According to the blogger Shingo jumped a beautiful 3A which he posted on his latest Instagram (Aug. 19). Hehttps://www.instagram.com/p/CEEfBuRpNgM/ He was at Jingu rink in Tokyo.
Utashin will perform at Dream on Ice 2020 scheduled to be from Sept. 12 to 13 (SP 9/12 & FS on 9/13). https://twitter.com/tbschannel/status/1298835185346125826
The show will have no audience and will be paid streamed and live broadcast by TBS CS which is a paid channel. https://www.tbs.co.jp/tbs-ch/item/s1858/
The show will have no audience and will be paid streamed and live broadcast by TBS CS which is a paid channel. https://www.tbs.co.jp/tbs-ch/item/s1858/
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2014
Utana and Shingo are practicing!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEqkDKipfNF/
And Utana is not tolerating Shingo's foolishness
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEqkDKipfNF/
And Utana is not tolerating Shingo's foolishness
- Joined
- Sep 1, 2015
Utana and Shingo are practicing!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEqkDKipfNF/
And Utana is not tolerating Shingo's foolishness
Shingo's stumble looking rather like me on ice than a triple axeling champ
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2017
Happy birthday to Utana who is already 17 years old , it seems to me it was yesterday that a twitter friend made me discover Utashin .
on instagram the sweet Utana thanked me for my message it’s too mimi
I’m glad they have more opportunity like appearing in kenji room ,DOI
the announcement of their return on the ice made me laugh poor Shingo , I love the staging
on instagram the sweet Utana thanked me for my message it’s too mimi
I’m glad they have more opportunity like appearing in kenji room ,DOI
the announcement of their return on the ice made me laugh poor Shingo , I love the staging
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2017
Seeing Utashin’s training video, I made an "OH" worried , please preserve the . I try to reassure myself that it is due to the lack of practice of the situation. they are so magical when I see their program
https://www.instagram.com/p/CE5bjVYJGik/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CE5bjVYJGik/
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2014
Well, Shingo did have a few unfortunate falls last year in competition:shocked:
But I prefer to think that they are just trying to amuse their fans.:thumbsup: It must be difficult training in Japan and away from TCC, but I am glad to see them together and skating, and yes they are so magical:hap85:
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2017
yes I saw it was during the SD during the twizzles , he does it so theatrically
fortunately Utana supported it , I am more than admiring because it was his first year as an ice dancer . their smile is so radiant . they carry us in their performance . yes I am also happy to see them train I was very worried . I wish them the best and especially that they have fun .Utashin's SP at DOI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdEMKgqcfi4
Uana looks taller and slimmer while Shingo gained a little more muscle.
In an interview after the performance they said that this season since they were doing last season's programs they were hoping to show improvements over last year.
Uana looks taller and slimmer while Shingo gained a little more muscle.
In an interview after the performance they said that this season since they were doing last season's programs they were hoping to show improvements over last year.
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2014
So good to see A Chorus Line again, thank you!
Their FD from DOI is also now uploaded:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPthdme6FrU
Shingo has a new costume, more bling.
They give an interview here too, but sadly, I do not understand it.
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Translation of Utashin's interview after FD:
Q: What are your thoughts about today’s performance?
U: I think we were able to do the best we could at the moment, so personally, I am satisfied.
S: I personally feel that, compared to last season, we were not yet 100% done, but could deliver the best performance we could now.
Q: Yesterday and today you skated in this mock competition. Have you found any issues to work on? Or what do you want to strengthen?
U: In fact, once we were out there to perform on the stage like this, our movements tended to be a little smaller and slower, so I want to keep practicing hard so that we can skate our best in real competitions.
S: This season there are much less events, so I’m really grateful to be given opportunities like this. Now that we’ve done this mock competition for the first time in a long time, I discovered various things such as how mentally prepare for our performance and how to warm up. I would like to make the most of what I’ve learned here at the next competition .
Q: What are your thoughts about today’s performance?
U: I think we were able to do the best we could at the moment, so personally, I am satisfied.
S: I personally feel that, compared to last season, we were not yet 100% done, but could deliver the best performance we could now.
Q: Yesterday and today you skated in this mock competition. Have you found any issues to work on? Or what do you want to strengthen?
U: In fact, once we were out there to perform on the stage like this, our movements tended to be a little smaller and slower, so I want to keep practicing hard so that we can skate our best in real competitions.
S: This season there are much less events, so I’m really grateful to be given opportunities like this. Now that we’ve done this mock competition for the first time in a long time, I discovered various things such as how mentally prepare for our performance and how to warm up. I would like to make the most of what I’ve learned here at the next competition .
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