Remember Dai's sunrise photos a year ago? So this time, Kana did the "public relations"
Couldn't help but save this one, it's a wonderful symbol of their positive spirit
Grow and blossom:
My great admiration for their mindset! They already left the broken pieces behind and have set out for new goals.
May you bloom and show your potential more and more, to delight yourself and your audience!
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sonabilis 1A
Number of posts : 491 Registration date : 2019-03-16
Subject: Re: News and Topics 2022 Sun Jan 02, 2022 12:32 pm
In the Japanese media as probably in the whole figure skating world, KanaDai were considered the favorite to win Nationals and be selected for the Olympics. The media had already chilled the champagne, so to speak. Maybe that's why that one-hour (!) interview was scheduled for KanaDai after MOI. Some material from it was released in Nikkansports (meowmix' translation video refers to it). More has been published in Sportiva these days I'll give a bit of translation.
Interview outtakes machine translated:
D I wasn't sure until the very last minute (about the Beijing Olympic team), but I was able to accept the result straight away. However, I was happy to hear my name called for the World Championships, though I thought it might not happen, since the previously named singles representatives were all from Olympic team. If I hadn't made it to the World Championships, I might have been really depressed.
M I was relieved to hear my name called (for the World Championship team), and I was happy to have another chance to compete against the world.
M I think we are really growing in all aspects. Both in terms of technique and expression, I really feel that we are becoming one team as dancers. This season, we participated in the NHK Cup and the Warsaw Cup, and we actually got recognition. That is the evaluation that "Kana Dai" is growing. It's really amazing that Dai-chan, who just started ice dancing, has made it this far, and I feel that he is growing tremendously.
T When the last season started, the Olympics were really beyond my wildest dreams, and I didn't think I could make it. In fact, it was very difficult and it didn't go smoothly. Because of Corona, we didn't get much guidance from (coach) Marina (Zueva), and we mostly did things on our own. But this season, we could get extensive lessons and practice well. Compared to last season, there are more and more times when I can perform without thinking too much, and I think we're getting to know each other much better. I think it will become even better if we take more time to work on it, and now that we have the chance to compete with everyone in the world at the World Championships, we can see where we stand. I feel excited because we will be able to see our growth.
T Last season, we had a lot of mishaps and drops on the lifts. This season, those incidents have decreased. But I think Kana-chan was quite afraid to put her body in the air. However, she knew, if he showed it, I would lose confidence. So she tried her best not to show it, but I noticed that. I think we were able to overcome quite a few problems, and we've become more stable this season.
M If the person being lifted doesn't place himself in the proper position, it will be a burden on the supporting person. We both have to be aware of this, but now I can leave my body in the air without worry. I think it's amazing that Dai-chan has become like this in such a short period of time.
-- They said that because they experienced a period when their anxiety was higher, they were able to deepen their relationship of trust, which led to their breakthrough this season. --
T I think she was patient with me about many things. I think it's not easy to build a relationship with someone in order to compete as a team, but she was also very careful in practice. We didn't make it to the Olympics this time, but when I was allowed to watch the PyeongChang Olympics four years ago, I never even imagined that I would be competing in a different sport and seeing the world at my age. If you hadn't invited me, I never would have entered this world (of ice dance), so I'm very grateful to you, and I still want to see a better view. M When we first got together as a couple, I had no idea how far we would grow, but in the back of my mind, I knew that we might become a team that could compete internationally. We were able to prove it thanks to your efforts, but I also grew as a person by working together with you, and if you hadn't accept to skate with me, I probably would have retired. We were aiming for the Beijing Olympics, but it was not our ultimate goal. At the All-Japan Championships, so many people came to see us, and ice dance was more exciting than ever. One of our main goals was to make ice dance known to people in Japan, so I'm really happy about that.
What did the two of you gain from ice dance as a couple?
T I thought I had been able to do deep edge work since last season, but compared to this season, it seemed like I hadn't done it at all. Even this season, when I compare the beginning to now, there are many things different. I didn't realize I could skate so well or make such deep curves. Even if it's just one skating, one step, or one turn, it's interesting to feel that ice dance is such a world of skating from a technical point of view. Also, the feeling of togetherness when we can do it together without thinking, and the honest joy when we can express ourselves well, is something you can't experience in singles.
M Your skating skills are really amazing, even when I skate with you. There is a part of you that really understands the curve and how you should bring your body to it. When I do side-by-side steps with you, I can feel the slope of the curve, which I have never experienced before, and I feel a sense of unity when we are in sync because of our similiar height. You have a very unique way of expressing yourself and understanding the music, which only you can do, so I feel that ice dance is something deeper when we work together.
T I have no worries at all about continuing to ice dance. We just need to increase the number of lifts we can do. I can't do an eagle now, so I need to learn how to put Kana on the base of my leg, and I also want to include this in our performance.
M It's the same for me. I've learned so much in the past two years, so I'm really excited to see what I can do next, what kind of programs I can skate with you, what kind of tricks I can do.
As for whether they will continue to compete next season and beyond, they remained tight-lipped. Ice dance is a competition for two people, and as long as they are competing against the world, not as a hobby, they need to have the same intentions and ideas, and be prepared to face the same direction. That's why, after the World Championships, they would like to talk and make a decision, and if they want to continue, they will take it year by year.
However, Takahashi's thoughts about the next season leaked out from his words. The 2023 World Championships will be held in Saitama City. ""The World Championships after Sochi, which was my last Olympics in singles, was held in Saitama, but I was unable to participate due to a leg injury, so I still have some regrets," he says.
About Komatsubara team: "We were able to grow together by competing against each other as rivals." (T) "If we can come back with two slots for the World Championships, we may be able to compete together at the World Championships in 2023. In that sense, we want to do our best in the World Championships,"
[DeepL/Google translated]
Some more Dai quote snippets, I think it's from same interview. Sorry don't remember the source.
"Last season was really tough. Every day some part of my body hurt. But this season I feel like I'm physically younger than I was when I was 27. I don't feel as old as 35 (laughs). My performance has improved through practicing and when I'm in good shape, I'm amazed at how much I can do. It takes time to recover from fatigue, but I think the way I train makes a big difference. Sometimes I feel 35, sometimes I don't."
"I think I have a better body than before. I've got a better waist and top, my hips are up, my thighs are up. I'd like to put on a little more weight, but I think I've got a really good body."
Q "Do you have a clear idea of where your goal is? D: [...] "Well, we don't know how far we're going to grow. So I don't think we need to worry too much about where we want to grow.
ETA One more article providing excerpts from post-MOI interview. Focussing on feelings about situation and about KoKo team. For completeness, once again the Nikkansports article, but it's been set for (free) members only now. Plus here again the translation video by meowmix. So that's all the sources I know about the Dec 27 interview.
Last edited by sonabilis on Thu Jan 06, 2022 4:09 pm; edited 1 time in total
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sonabilis 1A
Number of posts : 491 Registration date : 2019-03-16
Subject: Re: News and Topics 2022 Tue Jan 04, 2022 9:46 am
Powerful and proud words, he's believing in himself And has a score to settle with fate (or with whoever) - he's ready
Dai added a note below saying he didn't take any New Year's-like photos this year, but this pic (by tokyosports) is "my #1 crazy favorite photo of the year!"
*
Some months ago, ISU launched the doku/interview format #upagain on its YT channel. I suspect KanaDai will be guests there soon. Why? Because of this article on ISU website. It's tagged #upagain, and 80% of it is about KanaDai. In its entirety, the article is quite strange, because the last few lines are about the Japanese Olympic team (even forgetting KoKo and Mana Kawabe). So KanaDai seem like the headliners of the Olympic team here. As I said, all the world expected them to make it (but really, the author should have redesigned this article!)
Nevertheless, I look forward to seeing them presented by ISU itself
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PATTINA 4T
Number of posts : 3550 Registration date : 2013-03-30
Subject: Re: News and Topics 2022 Tue Jan 04, 2022 11:50 am
Thank you sonabilis for the update and for link to translation
Yes, he selected a gorgeous photo. And indeed he is a Tiger that never gives up!!
Stay safe and healthy!!
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sonabilis 1A
Number of posts : 491 Registration date : 2019-03-16
Subject: Re: News and Topics 2022 Thu Jan 06, 2022 6:19 am
A bit off topic - maybe you already know it, but just in case... This figure skating fan presents very interesting videos as explanation of figure skating elements (at present mainly on Ice Dance)
Number of posts : 3550 Registration date : 2013-03-30
Subject: Re: News and Topics 2022 Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:00 pm
SkyCourt will broadcast a special/interview with KanaDai on January 15th: "Kana Muramoto / Daisuke Takahashi 2022 New Year Special!
Post by Daisuke Takahashi Road to the Worlds with the photo posted by SkyCourt as IG story and reposted also by Kana & Dai as IG stories. Both have also posted on IG the same promotional video
Today the European Championships start. Wishing all skaters to enjoy this important competition in safety and health (Europe is really badly affected by Covid in these days)
Have a nice Daiday and stay safe.
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sonabilis 1A
Number of posts : 491 Registration date : 2019-03-16
Subject: Re: News and Topics 2022 Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:04 pm
Last Sunday, an article appeared in Japan about KanaDai, their development, JNats participation and resultats of Olympic nomination. Written by Akiko Tanaka (I remember reading a detailed and enthusiastic review of LUXE by her) The article was well received by Daisuke/Kanadai fandom. Thankfully, meowmix took the trouble to provide us with some excerpts in English (video):
ETA: meowmix set the video to private, so it's no longer available (must have had reasons surely, but don't know why)
ETA2: Video is back online, but "not listed". I updated the link above (turn on English subtitles)
*
The e+ streaming site for KanaDai's New Year Special features a text about planned content:
村元哉中・髙橋大輔 2022 New Year Special:
Following on from last year's event, we'll be streaming online in the New Year! For the first time, the two will look back at the Rhythm Dance and Free Dance of the All-Japan Championships held at the end of December 2021. They will talk about how they felt when they fell in the Rhythm Dance, and what happened to Daisuke Takahashi in the official practice on the day before the Free Dance! In the question-and-answer session, the two talk about their thoughts on Coach Marina, how they take sound, and what music they would like to use. In the Q&A section, they talked about their thoughts on Coach Marina, how they both play music, and what songs they would like to use. Also, they announced the three most surprising episodes that happened to Kanadai this season. No way, bloodshed? A forgotten item? and so on, we will bring you talks that you can only hear here. We will also be giving away autographed gifts at our regular gift corner!
Aera article about 4CC and Japanese team - KanaDai have the highest seasonal score among the Ice Dance entries, and the article briefly recalls the previous medals: Kana/Chris 2018 bronze and Dai's gold/gold/silver/bronze as single skater.
EDIT: according to some tweets they remained stuck at Frankfurt airport long time yesterday. Fans were worried because today the official practices start. Hope they could rest a bit after arrival.
Koji Kurita on IG - don't know when these gym practices were recorded but it's always nice to watch
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PATTINA 4T
Number of posts : 3550 Registration date : 2013-03-30
Subject: Re: News and Topics 2022 Wed Jan 19, 2022 11:22 am
Hi everyone.
this article by Hint.pot JP talks about KanaDai taking part at 4CC. Nothing new but the article reports a nice fact, related to the photo Kana posted on IG on Monday - Google translation
"Two people making the pictogram "Futatsunomiya", which indicates Pisces, with finger letters. Takahashi was born on March 16th, and Muramoto was born on March 3rd, and since the constellations are both Pisces, they are taking a breathtaking pose as well as acting."
Sorry, the original link is too long and I am not able to post it directly.
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sonabilis 1A
Number of posts : 491 Registration date : 2019-03-16
Subject: Re: News and Topics 2022 Wed Jan 19, 2022 7:03 pm
Thanks Pattina for all the updates! Belated thanks also for the link to the Technical Panel YT channel. I had found it once but lost track of it.
So our heroes seem to be fit and in good spirits, and Marina finally is with them! Utako sensei is also in Tallinn with Sena Miyake. Yesterday it was reported they came to watch the ID practice.
kanadai have everything planned; they want to medal at 4CC to get points and go further up the rankings so they can skate in later groups and get higher PCS. The ultimate goal is top 10 at Worlds, but they’re aware the dance field is a tall wall to climb
ETA: According to another transcript, Kanadai said nothing about "scoring higher in a later group," but the narrator made this statement
I like this quote, it sounds so refreshingly clear and realistic as well as positive and self-confident. Another quote from Dai complements this very well:
Last edited by sonabilis on Thu Jan 20, 2022 4:22 am; edited 3 times in total
sonabilis 1A
Number of posts : 491 Registration date : 2019-03-16
Subject: Re: News and Topics 2022 Wed Jan 19, 2022 8:08 pm
I apologize in advance for the following long text. There are some thoughts and feelings I would like to express. All positive, so don't worry
Many KanaDai fans were busy for a while digesting the unexpected turn of events. Some of the positions were far apart. A few were somewhat bitter, which, of course, leads nowhere. Others soon saw the opportunities offered by the new path.
One blogger found a very nice metaphor, inspired by their "L'aigle noir" performance in LUXE: KanaDai are like a big eagle that has just fledged. It can already fly magnificently with its powerful wings. But it has not yet lost the hatchling feathers. The blogger writes she felt a lot with KanaDai, their hope and painful disappointment. But in retrospect, she says, perhaps fate made a beneficial decision.
Now the eagle doesn't have to withstand the turbulence the very big stage inevitably brings. It can continue to strengthen its wings in calmer surroundings and gradually shed the baby feathers.
She also says KanaDai's story is so incredible, it would probably be rejected as the plot of a fictional story. That's right. When I think about how many improbabilities came together here, and how much Dai's transformation goes beyond anything you'd expect human learning to be capable of, it leaves me breathless every time.
Some speculate about what would have happened if Dai had found his way to ice dance earlier. We have no way of knowing. But I'm quite sure a miracle of this magnitude was only possible with exactly this congenial partner, with a coach who put her heart and soul into this project, and with the fierce determination and bravery of both, who knew they had only one shot.
All the best in Tallinn for KanaDai! "May the force be with you!"
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PATTINA 4T
Number of posts : 3550 Registration date : 2013-03-30
Subject: Re: News and Topics 2022 Thu Jan 20, 2022 11:49 am
Hi everyone. Thanks, sonabilis, for all the new links and also for expressing your thoughts.
Yes, that fall iced the blood in the veins of all KanaDai fans and we all were so sad when their Olympic dream vanished. I know they will do their best at 4CC and Worlds but I wonder if Japanese media are putting pressure on them to reach a good placement at Worlds so to gain again two spots for Japanese Ice Dance at 2023 Worlds. Hope KanaDai can go through and simply enjoy both competitions.
In these days I'm working from home. so hopefully I will be able to switch on my pc near the office one and have a look at KanaDai performance. Fingers crossed that my boss does not schedule a sudden meeting today
GO KANADAI!!! We are always with you!! Go and shine!!!!
You all stay safe and healthy.
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PATTINA 4T
Number of posts : 3550 Registration date : 2013-03-30
Subject: Re: News and Topics 2022 Thu Jan 20, 2022 5:40 pm
Once again bad luck: Dai hesitates for a moment to step under Kana's leg, perhaps he felt he didn't have enough space. When he passes, in fact, with his head he hits Kana's leg and makes her throw her balance forward. Kana tries to escape but falls. Luckily it happened out of any technical element, so they only had a deduction but no negative impact on GOEs.
Good news: four Y in the Midnight Blues and all positive GOEs.
GO KANADAI!!! They wanted to skate in the FD last group and get it!!
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Shyla 4F
Number of posts : 2462 Registration date : 2011-12-10
Subject: Re: News and Topics 2022 Thu Jan 20, 2022 7:39 pm
Poor Dai and Kana I hope they are alright. Their practices were so good beforehand. Excellent result though, hit all of their key elements. I have not watched yet as it was to early for me. I was sleeping.
Looking forward to their FD, I will watch that live, much better time for me. GO KANADAI!!!!!
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sonabilis 1A
Number of posts : 491 Registration date : 2019-03-16
Subject: Re: News and Topics 2022 Thu Jan 20, 2022 8:53 pm
Eeeeeh what a foolish mistake.... Dai seemed very angry with himself afterwards.
"The falls tend to happen on things we take for granted" I read the other day, I think Madison Hubbel said it.
But great how they both caught themselves right away, delivered KP4yyyy and the rest went well too
They would have finished 2nd either way, G/P were very strong today.
I find their PCS interesting, more specifically the rather large range. PE/CO/IN all over 1 point deviation, CO a whole 1.75! Where might that come from?
Well, hopefully they will be a bit calmer from the start tomorrow. Dai-chan and his perfection mania, well...
All the best for tomorrow KanaDai!
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PATTINA 4T
Number of posts : 3550 Registration date : 2013-03-30
Subject: Re: News and Topics 2022 Fri Jan 21, 2022 12:28 am
Number of posts : 2462 Registration date : 2011-12-10
Subject: Re: News and Topics 2022 Fri Jan 21, 2022 11:54 pm
CONGRATULATIONS TO KANADAI!!! Silver Medalist at their first ISU Championship. I am so happy and proud of them!!!!!!
Pattina did you notice a slight limp from Dai as they were leaving the ice after their performance, not sure could have been my feed.
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PATTINA 4T
Number of posts : 3550 Registration date : 2013-03-30
Subject: Re: News and Topics 2022 Sat Jan 22, 2022 12:24 pm
Hi everyone. Sorry, just jumping in shortly because I have various things to do today.
My eyes are still full of beauty and my heart is full of joy. Yesterday KanaDai made history winning the first silver medal for Japanese Ice Dance in an ISU Championships and I love Kana mentioning it during the Press Conference, but...not to make self-praise, just to underline her joy and how far she arrived with Dai in such a short time. Dai adds another record: the first skater to medal at the same Championships in two different disciplines.
Number of posts : 491 Registration date : 2019-03-16
Subject: Re: News and Topics 2022 Sun Jan 23, 2022 3:14 am
Finally found some time to add my congrats for KanaDai!! What a joy!!! Yes Championship silver for Japan ID and for Dai in two disciplines - but there's still more: Kana medalling at 4CC with two different partners, and Dai in three different decades.
However, when Dai kept hearing that yesterday, I wondered how old it must make him feel? They honored him like a living monument, and after press conf. all the young skaters bowed to a terribly embarassed Dai-chan.
There are many interesting quotes and statements from the interviews and press conferences. I’ll try to convey some of that content in next post. Hope I manage to do it tomorrow.
Today, Kana&Dai enjoyed some sightseeing in the beautiful historic city of Tallinn. Kana’s IGS 9h ago, starting with a seagull portrait Dai’s spectacular parka inspired the fandom to some research The parka pic saved here. After that, they apparently went to the ladies victory ceremony.
-- btw congrats to the impressive Mai Mihara!
Tomorrow morning Gala rehearsals I assume? (ETA: no of course later, after men's FS ) If I had a wish: Please, please skate the „white Soran“ tomorrow!!!
The photo tsunami is hard to keep track of, I'm overwhelmed sorry. Only this: Gorgeous(source)
different decades.
)
