Kazuki Tomono

[Tsurara]

After Nebelhorn, JGP, and many other sports events I love, and much heavier workloads due to the consumption tax raise starting tomorrow... I was bombarded with a couple of disgusting news when I thought I could finally find peace... I'm barely alive and have just finished reading stuff. Allow me to do the Men-baka translation later when I can.

One big correction regarding Skate America on TV Asahi:
https://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/figure-gp2019/onair/
Well, they are showing FS (whewhwell but SP only in Kanto area. No live, all recorded and edited ones, though. Yes, TV Asahi has networks all over Japan, but that does not mean all the networks broadcast everything, either. (Which is why, ABC, the one with its HQ in Osaka made the Tomono-kun's Men-baka for themselves and broadcast it only in Kansai area, or EAT, the one in my town broadcast a short segment on Koshiro alone with an edited short interview at Nebelhorn with the video taken by the Asahi crews, but not showing the whole programs due to limited time allowed for local news.)

That said, I forgot to check BS Asahi lol Sorry for the fuss.
https://www.bs-asahi.co.jp/figure2019/
So, even though it's not live (as always), I can watch both SP and FS *later*, as I'm paying for those paid channels too. I just can't make my friends watch it, though.

Figure skating is relatively popular here compared to many other countries, I guess, but it's not as popular as other major sports like baseball and soccer. It's still quite recent that they started showing men's discipline in golden hours - my gripe is, in this era of internet live streaming everywhere else, our tv networks just keep ignoring the demands of the viewers no matter how the things are now and make a lot of boring shows that people don't care for and wonder why they are losing viewers...

As for Tomono-kun's costumes, like Giu, I like SP one better. FS one looks good too, it looks authentic, but to be honest not very original as I had expected, or a bit too generic. But at least it's not something I'd hate, so I'm fine with it.


ETA: Another BIG Correction!
Men-Baka site I mentioned the other day seems they're not uploading new ones! The last one on the site is 43rd video, and the one with Tomono-kun's is now 60 something??? We'd better file a complaint to ABC!!! (But thank you, Kirara-Chin for the links!)

 

[KiraraChin]

Kazuki's free skate at Lombardia was uploaded on the competition's official channel! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRvxwrOd-SM

When I see that costume up close, it's just ok for me. But when I see him moving on the ice in it, I love it! And the red color gives it a little bit of fire, which I like.

Same! I remember when I saw a picture of the costume, I didn't like the colour much as I thought the shade of red should have been darker. But after watching his performance, I now love it! I think the whole look with the bodysuit + black blades is really cool, and really different from what we've seen from him so far!

After Nebelhorn, JGP, and many other sports events I love, and much heavier workloads due to the consumption tax raise starting tomorrow... I was bombarded with a couple of disgusting news when I thought I could finally find peace... I'm barely alive and have just finished reading stuff. Allow me to do the Men-baka translation later when I can.

One big correction regarding Skate America on TV Asahi:
https://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/figure-gp2019/onair/
Well, they are showing FS (whewhwell but SP only in Kanto area. No live, all recorded and edited ones, though. Yes, TV Asahi has networks all over Japan, but that does not mean all the networks broadcast everything, either. (Which is why, ABC, the one with its HQ in Osaka made the Tomono-kun's Men-baka for themselves and broadcast it only in Kansai area, or EAT, the one in my town broadcast a short segment on Koshiro alone with an edited short interview at Nebelhorn with the video taken by the Asahi crews, but not showing the whole programs due to limited time allowed for local news.)

That said, I forgot to check BS Asahi lol Sorry for the fuss.
https://www.bs-asahi.co.jp/figure2019/
So, even though it's not live (as always), I can watch both SP and FS *later*, as I'm paying for those paid channels too. I just can't make my friends watch it, though.

Figure skating is relatively popular here compared to many other countries, I guess, but it's not as popular as other major sports like baseball and soccer. It's still quite recent that they started showing men's discipline in golden hours - my gripe is, in this era of internet live streaming everywhere else, our tv networks just keep ignoring the demands of the viewers no matter how the things are now and make a lot of boring shows that people don't care for and wonder why they are losing viewers...

That's OK, Tsurara-san! We all know you're very busy!
I'm glad that you can still watch SkAm on TV somehow.

The situation for European fans is dire... It seems our only option so far is Eurosport Player, which requires a subscription and has no commentary
Apart from that, I really don't know... ISU sold the broadcast rights in Europe to a Chinese company called InFront, who said they would make the competitions 'accessible' but there is no news of a stream or anything of the sort

 

[surimi]

Good thing you'll be able to watch, Tsurara! I have no idea yet what GP coverage we're going to get in Europe. The whole copyright thing is blown out of proportion and taken to ridiculous extremes if you ask me. What good is a competition copyright to a channel a week or so after the competition? And noone seems to care but the fans.

So, SA is next for Kazuki? I thought he'd be exempt from West Japan since it's close to SA, but apparently not.

 

[KiraraChin]

So, SA is next for Kazuki? I thought he'd be exempt from West Japan since it's close to SA, but apparently not.

Next is for Kazuki is Kinki Regionals, it's actually this weekend! Here's the schedule:
https://www.jsfresults.com/National/2019-2020/fs_j/block5/09-11_schedule.pdf
Senior Men SP on Saturday at 14:50 local time, and the FS is on Sunday at 13:50

It should be a fun competition for him, with his friends Taichi Honda, Shu Nakamura and Mitsuki Sumoto!

Speaking of it, did you guys see Kazuki and Mitsuki had a convo on Twitter about baseball?
They were both celebrating the fact that the Hanshin Tigers advanced to the playoffs: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191001/p2g/00m/0sp/003000c
However, the playoffs start on Saturday, same day as Kinki SP, I hope it doesn't distract both boys!

 

[Tsurara]

Just a quick note, have you guys read Camden's interview?
He mentioned Tomono-kun a little bit too!
https://www.inthelopodcast.com/news...-camden-pulkinen-at-an-evening-with-champions
> I met Kazuki Tomono the other week when I was at Champs Camp, and he was really great. He told me, "A lot of Japanese skaters said you're a really nice guy, and a good friend. I'm really glad I got to meet you."

So I guess KiraraChin was right (most likely their conversation in English)

p.s.
I hope you all get to watch Skate America somehow too!
And I'm wishing him the best for Kinki, I'll be praying for him at work.

 

[KiraraChin]

Just a quick note, have you guys read Camden's interview?
He mentioned Tomono-kun a little bit too!
https://www.inthelopodcast.com/news...-camden-pulkinen-at-an-evening-with-champions
> I met Kazuki Tomono the other week when I was at Champs Camp, and he was really great. He told me, "A lot of Japanese skaters said you're a really nice guy, and a good friend. I'm really glad I got to meet you."

So I guess KiraraChin was right (most likely their conversation in English)

Awww that's so cute, thanks for sharing! From what he said to Camden, and other things we've seen, I believe Kazuki's English is pretty good

So our boy skates tomorrow, he'll be the last to skate! https://twitter.com/Tomono_Infonet/status/1179739141686214656
I guess better to be last than first...

 

[surimi]

Good luck at Kinki to Kazuki!
Hopefully we get reports.
I got to see the ramen show yesterday, mostly too fast fo me, but he did say he was tackling the 4T this year so nothing yet about the 4Lo, right? I do hope Kazuki is taking things easy, with so many Japanese ladies ill or injured, I really want to see at least the men healthy.

 

[KiraraChin]

I'm really sorry to report that Kazuki didn't do well at all at Kinki regionals today.
He popped both his quads and missed the combo...
https://twitter.com/Tomono_Infonet/status/1180370722469756928
https://twitter.com/mromron_58/status/1180371888670818305

At least he got relatively good PCS and the 3A seems to be back (trying to see the silver lining here!)

ETA: He scored 64.32, he's in 4th going to the free

I got to see the ramen show yesterday, mostly too fast fo me, but he did say he was tackling the 4T this year so nothing yet about the 4Lo, right? I do hope Kazuki is taking things easy, with so many Japanese ladies ill or injured, I really want to see at least the men healthy.

Yeah, I don't think he managed to land the 4lo yet. Maybe next season

 

[surimi]

Oh no, hoping for a great FS from Kazuki to make up for that. Go, Kazuki, we believe in you! :dance: The main thing is : I hope he is healthy, and that it's just his nerves!
But remember guys, Kazuki had a slow start of the season in 2018 as well, and then medalled on the GP.

Someone share a funny Kazuki video please, I am at home ill, had to cancel my Japanese class today, and freaking out over if I can get well in time for Finlandia Really in need of a mood boost now...

 

[KiraraChin]

Oh no, hoping for a great FS from Kazuki to make up for that. Go, Kazuki, we believe in you! :dance: The main thing is : I hope he is healthy, and that it's just his nerves!
But remember guys, Kazuki had a slow start of the season in 2018 as well, and then medalled on the GP.

It was definitely nerves, he admitted it himself in the post-skate interview: https://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20191005-10050608-nksports-spo
'I haven't challenged the game with myself recently. The game is difficult. I have to fundamentally review how the game is facing," the expression is dark. The first 4 rotations failed. The second jump was a failure. “Spin and step are better than last season. Jump is also going to grow, but I have to be able to play in the game. When I come to the venue, I can't believe myself. It ’s a mental problem.” Revealed the inside.

6th is free. “I want to do my best to be free so that I can get out of pain' (Google Translate)
At least he knows what's wrong, that's the first step to get it fixed. I agree that his steps and spins are better than last season.

Someone share a funny Kazuki video please, I am at home ill, had to cancel my Japanese class today, and freaking out over if I can get well in time for Finlandia Really in need of a mood boost now...

Oh no, I hope you get better soon! I found a couple of cute videos that might cheer you up.
Have you seen this one with baby Kazuki and baby Sota in the background: https://twitter.com/himawari_127/status/698498901280575488
Also, this one has baby Kazuki, baby Sota, baby Keiji and baby Taichi: https://twitter.com/Eiskunstlauf_Y/status/570135316104765440

 

[surimi]

Thanks for sharing, kirara, how cute. No, I haven't seen those yet. ^ ^

If I understood the last sentence correctly, he says he wants to do his best in the free to overcome the difficult time he's been having.

 

[KiraraChin]

If I understood the last sentence correctly, he says he wants to do his best in the free to overcome the difficult time he's been having.

Thanks for the translation! Here are some pics from today:
https://twitter.com/atom_doshisha/status/1180386119575199744
https://twitter.com/atom_doshisha/status/1180466077165187072

I know there are more pressing matters at the moment, but... he needs a haircut

Good luck on the free tomorrow, Kazuki!

 

[surimi]

^ hey, I like that mop! As long as he doesn't dye it, curl it...
Good luck in the free, Kazuki!

 

[KiraraChin]

So, I'm sorry to say Kazuki again struggled in the free, notably with his 3As
He scored 140.71 in the free, 205.03 in total. He finished in 3rd place, behind Taichi Honda in 2nd and Mitsuki Sumoto in 1st.
Here's his protocol: https://twitter.com/Tomono_Infonet/status/1180727661833752576
I'm glad that he got level 4 in StSq and most of his spins. That's progress! His PCS were not bad either, considering it's a domestic competition and he had a relatively rough skate.

About the jumps, we have to remember that he is now physically stronger and having to basically re-learn how to control his jumps. In addition to that, he's obviously working on fixing his air position, which is an extremely difficult thing to do. He can obviously do it in practice and in relaxed environments like the Gensan Summer Cup, but it must be super difficult under the stress of proper competition. I think the most important thing for him at this point is to be patient and not to lose confidence in himself. You can do it, Kazuki, we believe in you!

 

[Giu]

About the jumps, we have to remember that he is now physically stronger and having to basically re-learn how to control his jumps. In addition to that, he's obviously working on fixing his air position, which is an extremely difficult thing to do. He can obviously do it in practice and in relaxed environments like the Gensan Summer Cup, but it must be super difficult under the stress of proper competition. I think the most important thing for him at this point is to be patient and not to lose confidence in himself. You can do it, Kazuki, we believe in you!

Thank you Kirara for the updates!
I was thinking the same about his jumps, at this point maybe it’s not only a matter of nerves but we have to count also the difficulty of controlling his stronger body... if it’s like that I’m afraid the road is going to be long...

^ hey, I like that mop! As long as he doesn't dye it, curl it...
Good luck in the free, Kazuki!

Ahaha I prefer his long hair too!
Japanese hair are to die for in my opinion (I’m so envious of Japanese girls because of that)! So, no curls, no strange colors, he looks more beautiful with his natural black and straight hair!

 

[Giu]

Misha is in Japan now!!! I hope he’s going to spend some days with Kazuki! Looking forward to more stories!!!

 

[KiraraChin]

Some pictures from today!
https://twitter.com/atom_doshisha/status/1180742752213983232
https://twitter.com/kanspo/status/1180740446076596225
https://twitter.com/boomsports/status/1180793162282893312

Thank you Kirara for the updates!
I was thinking the same about his jumps, at this point maybe it’s not only a matter of nerves but we have to count also the difficulty of controlling his stronger body... if it’s like that I’m afraid the road is going to be long...

Yes, if you think about it, it's not too different from a boy or girl going through puberty. Figure skaters often talk about how even little changes in their body affect their jumps, and Kazuki's body has definitely changed a lot. It's possible that even his centre of gravity changed, as he got more core and upper body strength. So I think that, plus his work on his air position, might mean that his 'muscle memory' is all messed up which makes it harder to rely on it under stress. I agree it might take a bit of time for him to adjust to everything.

he looks more beautiful with his natural black and straight hair!

I really like his natural hair, too

Misha is in Japan now!!! I hope he’s going to spend some days with Kazuki! Looking forward to more stories!!!

Waaaaaahhh please help Kazuki, Misha!

 

[KiraraChin]

Some more pics from the podium... Kazuki's face is a picture
https://twitter.com/AxelQuadruple/status/1180784822488186883
https://twitter.com/atom_doshisha/status/1180743137284673536

 

[Giu]

I was wrong Misha is already in LA, apparently on his way to Dallas... no meeting with Kazuki was planned

 

[KiraraChin]

I was wrong �� Misha is already in LA, apparently on his way to Dallas... no meeting with Kazuki was planned

Oh, no, what a shame!

Did you guys see this sweet fan art, Kazuki himself liked it on Twitter https://twitter.com/nozomi500k4/status/1180704031062331394


I hope he's seeing the overwhelming support on Japanese social media, and how much he's loved by his fans