Kazuki Tomono

Kazuki is at CKSA in Moscow, with Misha and Team japan!
This from Misha's insta: https://www.instagram.com/p/B4zfGr1pQTF/
There are some pics of Kazuki at CKSA's page:
http://ltk-cska.ru/photoalbums/13-u-nas-v-gostyah-yaponskaya-sbornaya-131119/

Official practices start tomorrow! Here's some info: https://twitter.com/aim_high__/status/1194196559027560448

Good luck, Kazuki!

Hi everyone, some updates from Kazuki today! He attended the SP draw with Shoma:
https://twitter.com/takeyo55098794/status/1194915721995620353?s=19
https://twitter.com/takeyo55098794/status/1194923498809872384?s=19
https://twitter.com/absoluteskating/status/1194938733205893120?s=19
https://twitter.com/takeyo55098794/status/1194935226511659008?s=19 (note how short they are, they feet barely reach the floor

Kazuki skates 5th tomorrow!
https://twitter.com/BluecosmosH/status/1194911010752098307?s=19

Some Tweets on Tomono-kun by Ryota Hasebe (writer at Jiji Press, lives in London)

https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1194933861165219841
#Kazuki Tomono after official practice, "I'd say, (I'm having) almost (very close to) the best condition. Both with jumps and with programs. I think my conditioning is working greatly. I did great at practice too, so, well I'm saying this every time, but I hope to deliver it steadily in competition. I'm in great shape."

https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1194933863308505088
"Russian Cup last season was such a memorable competition where I made it to the podium for the first time. It would be great if I can leave a result like that again. I hope it will be a (good) competition that gives me some boost for Nats, or to gain confidence from."

https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1194933867695804416
Regarding SP, which tends to have problems, "I reallly hope to be able to fully commit myself to it. Looking back at my skating career in the past, I made mistakes in short and bounced back in free way too often. Once I get to deliver my performance in short constantly, I may be able to grow a bit more." <end of the session>

---

https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1194938280921518081
#Shoma Uno and #Kazuki Tomono showed up at each other's media session and had some jaunty interactions. As it's nearing an end to Tomono's session, Uno suddenly jumped in saying, "Now, it's safe to say (you'll have) definitely no mistakes."
Tomono "Oh c'mon, take mercy on me. [laugh] Well, I'll go with such complete sense of positivity, believing in no mistakes definitely."

https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1194938283110862851
When nearing an end to the session with Uno, Uno suddenly asked Tomono to get him involved in the session, "Yes, what is it (that you want to ask me)?"
Tomono went, "Well, earlier in the locker room, I heard you saying that you'd be performing perfectly with no mistakes both in SP and free like a boss, what do you think?"
Uno "Well, 'no mistakes' to me is just a passing point in the road (a stepping stone toward the future), so" [With a very serious face until this point]

https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1194938285296115712
Tomono "I see."
Uno "No mistakes is nothing special, but beyond that... [burst out laughing] Imagine, what if I end up with like 2 mistakes or more. [laugh]"
Tomono "My palms are getting all sweaty now. Thank you very much, very helpful."
Uno "Ahahaha [laugh loud]"
The two enjoy exchanging jokes. They showed they're on very good terms with each other.

---

https://www.instagram.com/p/B412b-OpNGf/
It sounds like they're talking with a writer (a male adult)? Can't really tell what Tomono kun meant by what he said (no context available), but it seems they're talking about Shoma having smiles in practice, like Shoma saying you can't have a smile when you're practicing alone, and Tomono-kun is agreeing. It really sounds like they are having a lot of fun together.

---

According to this webpage on figure skating, Tomono-kun's run through on free went as follows:
4T3T美美美 4S美美美 3Aso StSqfall 3Lo /1A 3Lz1Eu3S 3F3Tfall
(4T3T beautiful*3, 4S beautiful*3, 3A step-out, StSq fall, 3Lo, 1A, 3Lz1Eu3S, 3F3T fall)

OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS TSURARA-SAN!!!!

So great to know Kazuki's in good condition. Please skating gods, let Kazuki have a good SP tomorrow

His interactions with Shoma are absolutely adorable.
Here's some more: https://www.instagram.com/p/B42XLo0JscI/
https://www.instagram.com/p/B417eQOJ66j/

Here's a story by the Olympic Channel: https://www.instagram.com/p/B42UvkPJnVi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Also, here's his StSq fall! It was actually quite funny: https://twitter.com/polyanskayad/status/1194977992092639232

Good luck tomorrow, Kazuki! I won't be able to watch the SP but I'll be thinking of him.

Gorgeous 3A from practice yesterday! https://twitter.com/SmultronVr/status/1195049440001822720
Some more pics:
https://twitter.com/KissCryWorld/status/1195181143710035968 (last pic is Kazuki's)
https://twitter.com/takeyo55098794/status/1195200295153782784
https://twitter.com/tigerlily4lo/status/1195164230741303297

Finally, today's SP run-through! He fell on the -3T, but apart from that, all clean! The spin at the end looked really good, too!
Please skate like this today, Kazuki!
https://twitter.com/hanappo/status/1195218839019110400
https://twitter.com/hanappo/status/1195219207476142080

More pics from today's practice! Can I just say his hair is looking fab
https://twitter.com/tubaki5296/status/1195240178161348608?s=19
https://twitter.com/tubaki5296/status/1195239986653581312?s=19

^ hopefully it's growing back?

Anyhow, good luck, Kazuki! Maybe he can repeat his bronze from last year? Nothing's impossible!

I'll have to rewatch. I am very happy for Kazuki's performance, though tbh I felt like he wasn't really into the performance here unlike the previous events. But it could have been the camera work - they really enjoyed using the far-off shots and the ceiling camera during Kazuki's skate, grr. I didn't like his last two spins, but then, others had uglier spins and gotten generous goe for them, so all is right in that respect. I hope Kazuki rules the free tomorrow! I can't help myself, I find all 3 Russians here so forgettable and uncharismatic, I'll be hoping for a Shoma-Kazuki-Deniss podium. :/

I'm happy for Kazuki! Yes, not perfect, but a good improvement compared to SkAm!
Here's his performance for those who missed it: https://youtu.be/C-ZEx4NCSwA
Here is his protocol: https://twitter.com/Tomono_Infonet/status/1195322157682679811

Shame about the 4T and I agree his spins were not quite as good, although once again he did get level3/4 on everything!
That 3A and the StSq were amazing, though! Also, great job in adding the combo to the 4S, even though there was an UR call on the 3T.
We can see in this chart he was 3rd in jump BV, and joint second in StSq! https://twitter.com/bigfanofskating/status/1195323356850966528
As usual, his issues were GOE deductions and low PCS

Overall, we can see he's still not quite there yet with this SP, but getting there. It will be hard to get on the podium since lots of other guys did really well, but who knows? Nothing is impossible, and Kazuki is a strong FS skater

Here are a couple of short interviews I found, in case Tsurara-san wants to translate:
https://jp.sputniknews.com/figure-skating/201911156840124/
https://www.sanspo.com/sports/news/20191115/fgr19111521340002-n1.html

He will be skating last in the 1st group tomorrow: https://twitter.com/BluecosmosH/status/1195327491029663745
Good luck, Kazuki! Make us proud!

Tweets by Ryota Hasebe (again)

https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1195314742224703489
#KazukiTomono after SP, "I was trying to subdue my emotion and keep it under control (not to show it) to execute a jump, but (I couldn't and) a bit of my self came and showed at the first toe-loop (unfortunately). But at the following salchow, I could do what I've been practicing. So, even though I was very nervous, I think I was able to calmly deal with it (my nerve)."

https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1195314744175005696
"With a bit of UR (in his second 3T) and I still managed to get this score, so... it was sort of okay... well, let me think... But I guess I managed to get it done with the least amount of mistakes because I had practiced/trained (hard enough), so I believe what I've done wasn't wasted."

https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1195314746704244737
"I got caught up a bit (in mind), before executing the first toe-loop, I'm afraid. (which is why he thinks he failed his first jump) But, I really think things are getting better one by one, piece by piece. So, I guess, it's a step by step. I'm more confident with free, so I want to keep that confidence of mine and not wasting it tomorrow."

---

AbemaTV has just showed his performance with Oda's commentary. (I'll rewatch it later and going to bed for now.) He praised it as his best SP performance this season so far, especially the first movements and the later step sequence. Although he had UR in his second 3T after 4S, his 3A was very well done and so on. (Can't remember all lol sorry!)

At K&C, Tomono-kun said to Hiraike sensei, "This time, ..." I think he was going to say something to him about his performance, but then the score announcement started and he stopped, saying "(I'll tell you) later" to Hiraike sensei. I'm so curious what he wanted to say... hmmm. It is so cute that Hiraike sensei is switching his shirts to match with the color of Tomono-kun's costumes.

p.s.
KiraraChin, I'll check them tomorrow, but they may be a summary of the above interview tweeted by Jiji press writer...?

Wow, Tsurara-san, thank you! :luv17:
I think it's possible that the articles I linked before are the same interview you translated.

Some more bits and pieces from today!
https://twitter.com/goldenskate/status/1195310035053764609
https://twitter.com/mromron_58/status/1195356801912299520
https://twitter.com/hookedonskating/status/1195358934644641792
https://twitter.com/takeyo55098794/status/1195396059041656832

Post SP interview video: https://twitter.com/beautyins_tv/status/1195368890550800384

Hi everyone, just some info about his final run-through: https://twitter.com/OwballSno/status/1195572315913949185
Tomono-kun Kakekake 1T / 4S / 3A2T / 3Lo / 3A2T / 3Lzeu3S / 3F The jump was beautiful except for the first T. &#55357;&#56898;

I couldn't find the full video of it, just this one with the first 30s or so: https://twitter.com/hookedonskating/status/1195573646846091264

Good luck, Kazuki!

Dropping in to celebrate Kazuki’s Step Sequence
Jumps and spins still need some work but that StSq was amazing!

Soooo, we obviously know that an 8th place finish wasn't what Kazuki was looking for, and there were a few really costly mistakes today. That pop in the flip especially, it's not a jump he normally has problems with!

However, soooo many good points for Kazuki in this competition! First of all, he improved his SB by about 8 points! Despite the mistakes, his landings looked a lot more secure than at Skate America.

khtmyzr said:

Dropping in to celebrate Kazuki’s Step Sequence ��
Jumps and spins still need some work but that StSq was amazing!

Click to expand...

THIS! Did you know that Kazuki had the highest score of the Men free skate in the step sequence, and second highest in choreo sequence?
https://twitter.com/bigfanofskating/status/1195696712750227456
Absolutely AMAZING achievement, especially considering he was getting Level2 StSq all the time last season... Kudos to him and also to Misha for the hard work on his skating skills!

Also, did you guys check his protocols? https://twitter.com/Tomono_Infonet/status/1195680942855086080
He got 81 PCS!!!! Finally!!!! I think it's the first time in his career he breaks the 80 PCS mark at an ISU competition!

Not to mention his axels are back! He delivered three gorgeous triple axels overall

I'm also very pleased that he was invited to the gala tomorrow! https://twitter.com/absoluteskating/status/1195775167009579009

Finally, this quote: https://twitter.com/goldenskate/status/1195667923278422016
"It wasn't a perfect performance, especially the 2nd half. Spins were also not so good. But I'm improving and I think I can do a lot more. Mentally I'm improving a lot comparing to the last season. I need to practice more, especially spins."

The bits in bold are music to my ears. This is exactly what Kazuki needs - more confidence, and the awareness he's improving. He will get there, I have no doubt.

Kazuki posted a story at the gala practice: https://twitter.com/FSIgstories/status/1195964591223783424

Here's him with Shoma and Satoko (you can also see Zhenya in the background) :luv17:
https://twitter.com/asverit/status/1196001447156039680

I'm fully prepared to watch my charming toy soldier funking it up live on BS Asahi now!!!
I did the below in rush, so I may edit some later, but here you go. (I'll do replies later)

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Asahi's TV interviews (taken from AbemaTV broadcast, likely the same one as you linked, KiraraChin!)

-After Short:
Reporter: You said you weren't good at short. Looking back, how was your performance today?
Tomono: Well, uhm... a little bit insufficient, as expected. I was prepared with lots of practice/training, and this time around I was quite confident with what I had done for the competition. So, how should I put it, I was trying to dismiss my emotions but to belive in my own body (muscle memory) for this short program, though (it didn't work out as I expected.) But, with the following salchow, I was able to execute it calmly, so that was a sound outcome of my training, I think.
Reporter: You have a chance to make it to the second consecutive podium in Russian round. Please give us a word for free tomorrow.
Tomono: I took the chance and made it last season, so now I just want to believe in my training, believe in my own body to face the free.

-After Free:
Reporter: I saw you smiling with a bit of kuyashii note. How do you feel now?
Tomono: Well... things are coming along little by little, and some jumps did go clean, but then again really, I wasn't thorough enough a bit toward the end... that's how my performance was.
Reporter: How do you want to make use of your experience with the 2 rounds of GPS for the next?
Some things went well as practiced, but let's see, I went back to defensive in the latter half again, and it's a bad habit of mine. Still, these two competitions helped me to grow some, and I think my condition is getting even better in a nice manner.

---

Ryota Hasebe's tweets after Free

https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1195705459098955776
#KazukiTomono after Free "Things are coming along little by little, but it again showed I slacked off toward the end, and I went a bit defensive in the latter half. That's my bad habit and it led to the failure on Flip, I believe.

https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1195705460692856832
"But, some jumps went clean as practiced, and gained some points from them. This competition reminded me that making clean and successful jumps is important. And when doing a spin, I started spinning too early in my flying sit, and that part was kuyashii, it received level 3. And the last spin too <continued>

https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1195705462018248707
failed and got level 3 and I wasted a lot (of points) there, so I have to fix that. I'd like to brace myself again to work on them, focusing on the spins. As for steps, I've been practicing them a lot and I could get level 4 in both short and free, so <continued>

https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1195705463444246530
that's giving me confidence this season and that part is good. (In the past year) I do believe I'm improving. Not just about techniques, I myself feel I'm evolving (advancing) way further. And while growing, I still have a lot more that I can work on to make better myself.

https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1195705465143021568
I probably have the potential that I can still grow/improve even further. But really, let's see, there are things that I learned and grew through my failures last season, like mental side. I still see some weakness in me, but it's more like me being myself, and compared to the last season, <continued>

https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1195705466371874816
I've been growing step by step, really steadily/consistently. Now at the senior field, instead of junior this time, I'm stepping up one by one. (As for Nats) all I got to do is just attacking it without compromising. (Losing levels on) spins is really wasteful, so I need to focus more on them, I'm saying this every time but I'm not there (I need to work on spins) yet.

---

Oh god, Hasebe-san again feeding us with more tweets right before EX! (I was watching Junior Nats and wasn't prepared for this yet!)
https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1196018947746934785

Hi everyone! I don't know if someone else already posted it, but look at these hilarious lego version of Kazuki, Misha and Hiraike coach made by Okoneco :rofl2: https://www.instagram.com/p/B47YdE9lVu_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Also thank you Tsurara for your translations and congrats to Kazuki for his season best! Step by step!!! :clapper:
Special mention to Kazuki's hair that are finally growing!!!

Tsurara said:

I'm fully prepared to watch my charming toy soldier funking it up live on BS Asahi now!!!
I did the below in rush, so I may edit some later, but here you go. (I'll do replies later)

Click to expand...

Thank you so much, Tsurara-san! :yay:
I'm glad to see he acknowledges his mistakes, but at the same time he realise he's improving. What a difference in attitude from last season!
So interesting that he mentions muscle memory, because I was watching his EX: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6f_fG-DV9k and you can see the slow-mo of his flip at 3:35 and it's massive! Bigger than it used be, great flow in and out, great running edge out of it. Bit of a leg wrap, but not as much as before. Truly impressive!
So I wonder, if the unusual pop in the flip in the free was because his flip has gotten bigger lately and his muscle memory is messed up... This is just speculation from my part, but possible!

Giu said:

Hi everyone! I don't know if someone else already posted it, but look at these hilarious lego version of Kazuki, Misha and Hiraike coach made by Okoneco :rofl2: https://www.instagram.com/p/B47YdE9lVu_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Click to expand...

Hahaha this is so funny and cute! Thanks for sharing!

Some content from the gala day!
Kazuki and Satoko with a fan(?): https://twitter.com/takeyo55098794/status/1195858891604496385
Kazuki and Satoko with Deniss and a Russian junior (?): https://twitter.com/Squ15/status/1196049200246673408
Kazuki with Shoma and Satoko at gala practice being the excitable little puppy that he is https://twitter.com/absoluteskating/status/1196025128720703488
Post-Gala interview: https://twitter.com/nwcgold2019/status/1196054309588230145
He landed a gorgeous 4S in the finale: https://twitter.com/kionmama6779/status/1196077581218414593
Being a complete dork in his Freaks costume: https://twitter.com/absoluteskating/status/1196069687874007042
His IG story with Shoma... He really wanted Shoma to have fun, but alas... https://twitter.com/FSIgstories/status/1196107259455180800
Another cute interaction with Shoma at the gala: https://twitter.com/lunnaya_kashka/status/1196093572442918914
He also briefly appeared on Nam's IG live (just the first few seconds): https://twitter.com/ssherloced/status/1196119825585713153

KiraraChin said:

Some content from the gala day!
Kazuki and Satoko with a fan(?): https://twitter.com/takeyo55098794/status/1195858891604496385
Kazuki and Satoko with Deniss and a Russian junior (?): https://twitter.com/Squ15/status/1196049200246673408
Kazuki with Shoma and Satoko at gala practice being the excitable little puppy that he is https://twitter.com/absoluteskating/status/1196025128720703488
Post-Gala interview: https://twitter.com/nwcgold2019/status/1196054309588230145
He landed a gorgeous 4S in the finale: https://twitter.com/kionmama6779/status/1196077581218414593
Being a complete dork in his Freaks costume: https://twitter.com/absoluteskating/status/1196069687874007042
His IG story with Shoma... He really wanted Shoma to have fun, but alas... https://twitter.com/FSIgstories/status/1196107259455180800
Another cute interaction with Shoma at the gala: https://twitter.com/lunnaya_kashka/status/1196093572442918914
He also briefly appeared on Nam's IG live (just the first few seconds): https://twitter.com/ssherloced/status/1196119825585713153

Click to expand...

Wow, great! Thanks! I'll do the after gala interview tomorrow, and I'll postpone my replies yet again (I really need some sleep lol and I could spare some time just for the following translation for now), but just this one,

Another cute interaction with Shoma at the gala: https://twitter.com/lunnaya_kashka/status/1196093572442918914

Click to expand...

I found the continuation of the video.
https://twitter.com/4T3A4F4Lo4S/status/1196384121041219584
I'm sure he wanted to help Samsonov a bit more, but he just couldn't leave Shoma alone, could he?
and these caught my eye.
https://twitter.com/insideskating/status/1195664079064588289
Well, InsideSkating praises everyone, but I really liked it. and
https://twitter.com/tmtmwktk/status/1196328901980508160
A fan-cam on his ex from behind Tomono-kun, and I can't blame them for dropping their camera right after this!

---

Hasebe-san's tweets before Gala yesterday (He's leaving for Tennis coverage, so no more fs tweets for a while)

https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1196018947746934785
#KazukiTomono accepted an interview on the following day, after sleeping on it, and said, "Just simply, I'm feeling relieved that (my) GPS is over. Compared to the last season, I feel that the quality (performance) of my programs in GPS got better on the whole. I mean, not 'feel', but I believe so. As a whole, it is. Spins got better, <continued>

https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1196018951781785600
And steps, I was grooving as much as I could and yet I often received level 2 with those steps last year. This time, I got solid level 4, and I hear that I had the highest score in steps yesterday. I'm very pleased about that. I've been working on anything I can change/improve, and those are showing this season.

https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1196018953165983747
As for steps, I'm getting the levels with stability so far this season, and that really is the sound outcome of my own training. So I want to praise/congratulate myself on that. It's not a nice way to put it, but I had always thought my skating last year looked 'dirty/filthy/messy' myself. [laugh]

https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1196018954520715264
On step practice: "Doing exercises with ballet elements on ice. I used to watch Machida Tatsuki san doing them in person in the past, so I learned the same exercise {most likely from Mills sensei?}." Asked whether he became a regular attendant for exhibitions lately: "Right* [laugh] I don't think it has anything to do with competitions, though... Maybe it does? <continued>
Note: I translated "そうですね" as "Right" but his response here is neither affirmative nor negative. It's either just "I heard you" sort of nodding response or "I don't know, but maybe".

https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1196018955909042181
Maybe they invited me because my expressions reached the audience or caught the eye of whoever picked skaters (for gala). So, expressiveness is my strong point, I guess." New things he's working on: "(I've seen) some top athletes uploading their warm-ups on internet, as of late, like Kiryu-san. <continued>

https://twitter.com/beeeryo/status/1196018957083455489
The warm-ups of those athletes in track and field are instantaneous kinds, like, those sprinters in 100 metres. So I borrow from what other athletes are doing that I find good (it might work for fs) for mine. I've been doing that sort of things regularly. Maybe that's about it." <end>

Tsurara said:

Hasebe-san's tweets before Gala yesterday (He's leaving for Tennis coverage, so no more fs tweets for a while)

Click to expand...

Thank you so much for the updates and the translation, Tsurara-san! :luv17:
I really like this interview after the gala because he sounds a lot more positive. I especially love that he congratulates himself on the step sequence score, because he should be very proud indeed! As he said himself, he used to get Level2 all the time and now he's been consistently getting Level 4... It's amazing!
Also very interesting to know he's been doing the same ballet exercises as Tatsuki Machida!

Did you guys see Kazuki's and Yuhana Yokoi's stories yesterday?
He was looking very dapper in his suit! https://twitter.com/takeyo55098794/status/1196360572033306624
https://twitter.com/KiraraChin/status/1196413978857103360
https://twitter.com/KiraraChin/status/1196414961108561936

It seems they were having so much fun in Moscow! :luv17: