Sorry for my poor translation
Hope they will publish English version.
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To Sochi, Aiming For Glory Again10 October, 2012
In early October, the 2006 Turin Olympic men's figure skating champion Evgeni Plushenko (29) participated in a team competition "Japan Open" and an exhibition show "Carnival on Ice" at the Saitama Super Arena. He sees this performance as a step towards the 2014 Sochi Olympics, incidentally, he is working as its ambassador. We asked Plushenko, who turns 30 soon, about his future aim and thoughts about Japan.He does not stay in achievement. He works hard and thinks himself as his rival.Plushenko has come back to amateur sports last year, after almost two years. He won the Russian and European championships, and then finished the season to have knee surgery.
This summer he worked with a choreographer Kenji Miyamoto on "Romeo and Juliet" by Nino Rota for his new free program, and now he is touring throughout Russia or Europe.
I (Journalist) met Plushenko on the eve of the Opera on Ice, that was held at Arena di Verona in Italy. Despite the fact he was busy, he gave us his time and talked about thoughts for competition and Japan.- Do you have a rival among Japanese skaters at Japan Open?- No, I don't. Because I compete only with myself as always. My rival is a whole world. If I would compete against each rivals, I would be beaten easily. My strongest rival is me, myself. The most important thing to me is to overcome myself. I mean, to ride the music rightly, and to overcome the nervousness.
- You skated so many years. Still, you feel nervous?- If you didn't feel nervous, I had such a feeling once though, you can achieve nothing. Many athletes, after they made good results, act as if they were never nervous. They tell a lie. Every athletes who want to improve feel nervous, without doubt. Even if it was a performance for gala.
- You prepared new program with new choreographer. Could you tell us about collaboration with Kenji Miyamoto? - Kenji is a wonderful choreographer. He is gentle and has a great sense of humor. He has also beautiful skating skills. His approach to choreography is interesting. He instilled me new vision. We replaced some elements, which were made with him for "Romeo and Juliet", in a new program. It was very interesting experience.
- When was the first time you felt a high degree of attention from Japanese? What kind of surprise do they give you?- Japan is my second home. When I was 15, the first time I went to Japan. Soon Japanese loved me. I also came to like them. They called me "Sunny boy", gave many gifts always. I thank so much for love of Japanese audiences.
- How do you understand your exuberant popularity in Japan?- Japanese love art. They love ballet and figure skating. Although, it doesn't mean that all of them are firmly embedded in Japan. I think the reason why I attracted them is because I devote myself to figure skating and work hard.
- Your view of Japan anything has changed? If you had a free time in Japan, where do you want to go first?- Japanese culture is different from Russian culture. But I love Japanese culture. Japanese are well-organized and decent people. Unusual, but very interesting people. Japan is nice everywhere. I admire their surprising high quality of foods. I love Japanese oyster so much. It is really big. When I go to Japan, first I would like to go to a seafood Restaurant.
- Could you tell us about how do you assess Japan and Russia's young figure skaters?- First of all, 19 years old
(*actually 2 months later he will turn 18 ) Yuzuru (Hanyu). If he found correct coaching staff, he will become a champion someday. He is a developing skater who doesn't yet show his all abilities. I wish him so much to stay healthy.
Now, Daisuke Takahashi is very strong. He has shocking charisma and expressiveness, and very good at skating. He is an interesting skater.
Besides, I'd like to remark (Takahiko) Kozuka. As for ladies, Mao Asada and Miki Ando. I know there are many talented skaters and young generation are growing up in Japan.
The world first combination 4-3-3
Plushenko was born on 3rd November, 1982 in Solnechny ("The city of the sun"), Khabarovsk Krai. 2006 Turin Olympic gold medalist. 2002, 2010 Olympic silver medalist. Three time World champion. He landed the world first "Plushenko combination" 4-3-2 and 4-3-3, created beautiful and complex "Plushenko ring" spin.
Major schedule 2012-13
- 12-14 October: Ice show in 3 cities, 20: Golden Skate Awards (Turin, Italy)- 7 November: Ice show (Saint Petersburg)
- 11-14 December: Ice show (Czech Republic, etc), 24-28: Russian Nationals (Sochi)
Exclusive interview by Niva Mirakian (Нива Миракян)
http://roshianow.jp/articles/2012/10/10/39373.html