An interview with Shingo posted on Waseda University Sports site on Aug. 21 (interviewed on July 15): He was admitted to the e-learning courses in the School of Human Sciences at Waseda University this spring.
http://wasedasports.com/feature/20200821_131539/ Translation:
It is Important to be Organized
--Firstly, I would like to ask you about things other than skating. We are going through a difficult time because of the coronavirus. Now that you are in college, is there any change in your mindset?
S: I’ve started attending online lectures and I realized I’m a college student.
--How did you spend your days during self-isolation?
S: I worked out at home. I followed the training instructions streamed by the Japan Skating Federation.
--What are the reasons why you chose Waseda University aside from their figure skating club?
S: First of all, I’m taking e-learning courses in human sciences at Waseda University. Since I train in Canada it’s impossible for me to attend college classes, I chose Waseda’s e-school among other options.
--What are you studying in the human sciences?
S: I am not that far yet. I’m taking basic core courses.
--Is there any lecture you enjoy?
S: Ummm, [laughter] every lecture is hard and I don’t feel it is entertaining [laughter].
--Is it difficult to juggle study and skating?
S: I have to turn in a lot of papers, so I have a feeling it’s going to be tough, but I will try doing things in an organized way. I think it’s important to make a plan and follow it so that I can balance study and skating.
--Currently where do you reside, Canada or Japan?
S: Because of the coronavirus I’m in Japan at the moment.
--Did you settle into the Canadian life?
S: As you would expect, I’ve lived there for four years so I’ve grown comfortable with the environment.
--Was there a time when you had a hard time communicating with others?
S: Around last year, the third year, I got used to English, and I speak English to a degree where I don't have any trouble in my daily life. But when I have a deep conversation with my coach, I have a hard time because I still need to learn more difficult words. I’m trying to remember these words spoken during practice.
--Besides communication, what else is hard for you?
S: I live alone, and I think it’s the same regardless of whether I live in Canada or Japan, cooking, laundry and cleaning are tough chores. It’s hard because I have to do these between practice times. Right now I’m in Japan so I once again appreciate my parents.
--About cooking, can you tell us some dishes in your repertoire?
S: I only have a few. Curry and rice, for example. Also, my parents send me ready-to-eat foods in sealed pouches and also seasonings, so I use them to cook ma po tofu and things like that.
--So your meals are basically the same as when you are in Japan.
S: I try my best to be that way. I try to cook dishes Japanese style using the ingredients available at local stores.
--Do you manage nutrition by yourself?
S: I used to do it earlier, but since last year I’ve been receiving support from nutritionists and get their advice.
--What do you think are better there than in Japan?
S: In fact I feel the skating environment is better in Canada. I think rink situations and coaching techniques are excellent.
.... to be continued