Kana Muramoto and Daisuke Takahashi: “We cherished every second of our last performance in competitions.”
Interview with Kana Muramoto and Daisuke Takahashi.
source: bunshun.jp dd. 29th May 2023
Do you have any best performances of the two of you?
Daisuke Takahashi: I think our best performance was probably at the World Championships. Even though I understood in my mind that it was going to be the ‘last’ one, I was completely focused on delivering an amazing performance. I had the feeling that it was my last World Championships in my life, so I was determined to make it perfect.
I couldn’t relax until the very last lift, but as the program progressed, I didn’t feel as tired as I usually do in the second half. I was tired, of course, but it wasn’t as noticeable during the World Championships.
I had a feeling of “being able to execute what I had practiced” and a sense of “I can do it! I can do it!” So, I had a smile on my face from the middle of the program. But right before the last lift, I was completely focused and serious.
At the ended, I had this emotion of finally being able to accomplish it after three years, so it felt like saying ‘Thank you.’
I think it was difficult for Kana-chan as well. She had her own ideals, but there were areas where she couldn’t catch up for a while. Finally, she caught up and was able to perform well, so there were various emotions for during the World Championships’ free skate.
Kana Muramoto: I cherished every second. I skated with the mindset of “Let’s not forget that moment” and “let’s step carefully.” I didn’t want to think too much about it being the ‘last’ time.
It was a season where the free skate didn’t come together smoothly, so I had a strong desire to finish without any mistakes. When I struck the final pose, I felt the joy of ‘I did it!’ and at that moment, I couldn’t see Dai-chan’s face. But when I quickly glanced back, I saw him crying and looking genuinely happy. That made me tear up too. It was a moment where I thought, ‘It was worth working hard, it was worth doing this.’
Now that we can talk about it, were there any difficult moments that happened?
Daisuke Takahashi: It was when I got really angry after being told to “drink milk.” There were various circumstances behind it…
Kana Muramoto: In the previous season, during the Warsaw Cup (held from November 18 to 21, 2021) in Poland, when we returned, Dai-chan’s cough continued persistently. It was a great result, but we had consecutive competitions, so we were both really tired. However, I thought we should first cure Dai-chan’s cough.
Our coach Marina said, “It’s good to mix various things with milk, so make this and let Dai-chan drink it.” With the desire to improve his condition quickly and cure his cough, I repeatedly told him, “You should drink milk.”
Since the coach also mentioned it, I asked him persistently, “Aren’t you going to drink it?” And he got furious and threw his phone. What was it again? It was like, “You’re so persistent!” Well, I admit I was being persistent, and I felt sorry about it.
Daisuke Takahashi: Everyone was really saying things with concern for me.
I got angry over something meaningless. “Milk” is now a banned word (laughs).
After that argument, we somehow understood each other even more deeply.
What kind of new duo would you like to show in the future?
Kana Muramoto: I’ve been saying it all along, I want to do Tango.
Daisuke Takahashi: I would like to take about two more years to work on it and someday, somewhere, be able to showcase it. However, that requires the level of skating and ice dancing to improve in order to make it cool. So, it’s still a bit early for me. I think we should take our time and find a place to do it.
Lastly, please share your dreams.
Daisuke Takahashi: As long as I can, I want to keep performing and be involved in the world of entertainment in various ways, in any form. Whether it’s showcasing myself, being watched by others. Ultimately, I want to be involved continuously. That’s my dream, I think.
Kana Muramoto: If I were to mention one big dream, it would be to do something like a project that we have never seen before as a duo. I have expressed this to Dai-chan as well, although it’s just my personal desire.
Because we have various experiences and bonds that we have built in ice dance as a pair, I also believe that we might be able to do something. From now on, while exchanging ideas, I hope we can create one project.
Although the two of them have decided to retire from competitions, the evolution of “KanaDai” will continue to unfold. In the future, they plan to continue their activities through ice shows and other avenues. It will be exciting to see what kind of performances they will showcase.
Related topics: Kana Muramoto Daisuke Takahashi
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