#rostelecom 2018

taichi yokoyama (TY): what were some of your feelings after being on the podium?

kazuki tomono (KT): i wasn’t really aware of it when i finished skating, but once i was actually standing up there on the podium, then it hit me.

TY: (asks to hold the medal, comments on how heavy it is) did you feel something special when the medal was hung around your neck?

KT: i was happy but - and i might get scolded for saying this - i was even more excited about the watch that i received as a prize. (LOL) i was so surprised to get a seiko watch, i was staring at it the entire time.

(talks about the ramen they ate from the last time they filmed an interview together)

TY: while i was watching you skate, you looked like a totally different person from when you were adorably slurping ramen next to me. your face completely changes when you skate, doesn’t it?

KT: yes, people often tell me that.

TY: about the free skate, you were satisfied with your performance.

KT: going into the skate, i really focused hard, and i think that was what good about this time.

TY: the moment you finished your free, the expression on your face was like, “all right!”

KT: i was like, “i’m gonna show them!” when i skated, so when i finished, i was like, “take that!”

i definitely feel i still have some ways to go, i’m still not satisfied with my components, so rather than joy i felt some disappointment.

(on his relationship and feelings towards yuzuru hanyu)

KT: he is truly the epitome of amazing. even with an injury he was able to put out a performance like that. he really is an incredible athlete. the atmosphere totally changes when he’s there, so simply being in the same competition with him was a valuable experience. it’s hard to put it in words - of course his technique is great - but he’s just an amazing athlete.

TY: is there something that you can apply to your own skating?

KT: i want to be able to put my everything into my skating like yuzuru hanyu and shoma uno. every time i watch them skate, i’m always learning something. i want to become strong skaters like them.

TY: lastly, now that you’ve come back to japan, what is the first thing you want to do?

KT: i want to devour a bowl of greasy ramen.