Yuzuru Hanyu: “The reason why I’m able to practice daily to the point of surpassing my competitive years is because I wish to deliver good performance for everyone. Each time, I want to show something better.”
Translation of Yuzuru Hanyu’s comments about his solo tour “Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 2nd“ RE_PRAY ”TOUR”.
original source: Hochi News
Yuzuru Hanyu held his solo tour “Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 2nd“ RE_PRAY ”TOUR” in Miyagi at the Sekisui Heim Super Arena on the April 7th. This was its first performance in his home prefecture. Here’s a translation of his comments.
“Q: No-mistake performance including three quadruple jumps in “Messenger of Destruction.”
Yuzuru Hanyu: Honestly, it was a relief. In the darkness, I found myself quietly exclaiming, ‘Yes!’ The reason why I am able to practice daily to the point of surpassing my competitive years is because I wish to deliver good performance for everyone. Each time, I want to show something better, I want to impress and make people feel something with my performance. I realize once again that being able to receive such expectations and support is truly fortunate.
Q: How rare is a no-mistake performance in “Messenger of Destruction”?
Yuzuru Hanyu: This might be the best one so far. There were hardly any flaws, and every jump was successfully executed. Honestly, I’m glad that I made it this far. That’s all I can say right now.
Q: You mentioned you wanted to deliver a better performance in Miyagi because it’s your home prefecture.
Yuzuru Hanyu: In the first part of the story, the character experiences the unbearable hardness and pain that he cannot resist. Following the scenario, he is gradually swallowed by his suffering. Now that I think back, this story might have come out of my experiences, such as the Great East Japan Earthquake, where I was powerless, and there was nothing I could do about it. In a sense, because I have experienced this disaster, I can depict the character who, while suffering, still wants to overcome his barriers with strong will, especially in my home prefecture. I had the feeling that the prayer in the second part would reach because of it. I believe I was able to perform with all my heart and soul.”
Hanyu also addressed the audience before the encore. He said, “This is really, really hard,” and expressed his wish to show his fullest and most spirited performance. “Honestly, after the last ice show, I thought, ‘My body is so tired,’ but I still did it. I think I was able to deliver a good performance because of the wonderful ice, lighting, visuals, and staff, and more importantly, the warm support and high expectations from everyone.”
“I will skate with all my heart and soul. Being in my hometown makes the performance very special to me. I think seeing ‘RE_PRAY’ while feeling the local atmosphere will make it different for those who have come here. I want to turn all the components of this environment into strength and make an unique ‘RE_PRAY’ performance in Sendai,” said Hanyu.
Related topics: Yuzuru Hanyu
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