Sharing a translation of
Mr.Kimura Takuya (a famous Japanese TV star) interview during a radio programme “What’s up SMAP!” Tokyo FM on 1st May about WTT 2015.
Translation by Sophie Moroi and Angelica Yuzu from FB group
. Translation starts from about 9:20 in the video.
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[Questions from a listener: “How did you feel about watching the figure-skate competitions live at the venue? Did you stay only for men’s performances?]
[Takuya Kimura]
Yes, it was indeed my first time watching figure skating competitions live at the venue. When we were shooting the TV drama about ice-hockey [several years ago], some figure-skaters such as Ms. Fumie Suguri or Ms. Miki Ando were training in the early morning at the Yokohama Prince’s ice-rink. After their training was done, we used the same ice-rink and shot the scenes of ice-hockey or training. So, I had the occasion of watching the figure-skaters’ training. But I never had a chance to watch a real competition, where the venue was fully packed with audience, the music was played so loudly, and many skaters tried to exert all their hard training for one action.
How can I say… Of course the kinds of ice are totally different but for me who once had the occasion of being on the ice even a little bit, it was absolutely thrilling, indeed…
You know, the skaters lightly and gracefully move to their starting position of their performance and their skate-shoes stop, making the sound “shhhgghh”. That sound of the skate-shoes scraping the ice, THAT is my favourite. When I was doing ice-hockey, I felt the same way about the sound of blades scraping the ice. Now that I had the chance to see the figure-skating live at the venue, it has made me wanting to watch it again.
So, I was asked if I only watched the men’s single competitions. No, I was able to watch ladies as well as men. Oh, that was absolutely exciting!
Yeah, it would depend upon each person and be largely influenced by the kinds of performances, but I was about to fall in love. Oh, that girl, she was extraordinary. From Russia, I think. A 16-year-old skater. She was the only one who performed flamenco to guitar sounds. She was absolutely fantastic. I believe she will become extremely successful in the near future. [t/n Elena Radionova]
In addition, I think I was personally moved particularly because we are in the middle of shooting the TV drama called “I’m Home”. I have a “daughter” called “Subaru” with my “ex-wife” called “Kaoru” in the TV drama. Subaru’s face and the smile of Ms. Kanako Murakami looked very similar. Of course, I was fully aware that it was Ms. Murakami. But when she appeared on the ice, the music started, she successfully landed jumps and finished her performance with no mistakes, I just couldn’t help but stand up and gave her a standing ovation. I still clearly remember how touched I was.
And of course, Mr. Hanyu’s performance.
I am not sure how to describe, but I had the occasion to meet very quickly with Mr. Hanyu and with Ms. Murakami at the backstage.
With regards to Mr. Hanyu, how could his personality be SO perfect! What on earth was that? What kind of upbringing could possibly nurture such an impeccable human? It was unbelievable.
I would guess he must be quite strict with himself. Because he is probably strict with himself; his deeds and behaviour when he meets other people are so wonderful. Really, he was a complete person, to the point of amazement.
Yes, so, I would love to go and watch the competitions live again, if there is a chance. It’s definitely better to watch them at the venue. Watching them on TV is OK and easier, but live is very exciting. I highly recommend it.
END
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I need to pass the time somehow.
(sorry yuzu, but your falls are really quite spectacular, just hope you won't fall again next season!)
