There were two shows, and the reports on both shows are mixed here. Also, the order of the report does not follow the actual order of the talk.
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PUMA OSAKA 03/21/2016
Projection mapping
The broadcast video was visually beautiful, but I felt I could have done better if I had three more days to prepare. Even though I practiced on my own beforehand, the actual taping was done in one day, and I got to skate with the projection only a few times before taping. It was very difficult, especially because I could not look down. I wanted to skate a little ahead of the images.
Costume
For my recent costumes, I begin by telling the designer my idea, since I cannot draw, then we keep revising it until we have the final design. I want costumes that make my arms and legs look longer, and make me look thinner. With the most recent costume (for the projection mapping program “Gift”), my first idea was all black, but for some color graduation, I mixed black and white. The white shirt, with its frills on collar, was intended to be a little prince-like.
Sideburns
I was going to shave my sideburns to 7mm (a quarter inch) so I would look sharp on the day of the taping. I was sleepy and I didn’t realize my shaver was set to 1mm. It made a hole in the sideburn. So I shaved them all and asked the makeup artist to fill them with black powder. (Interviewer: Is it the kind of black powder you buy online…?) No, no! It’s not mine! The makeup artist had it for makeup!!
Dance
I’ve had offers for a while, even when I was still competing. I kept declining those offers because 1) I wanted to focus on competitions, and 2) I didn’t feel I could do it. Maybe an appearance in a casual TV show or something would be OK, but not like actually getting paid and performing with other professional dancers. (On “Love on the Floor”) there will be different dances being performed to a certain story. I have no idea what they are going to be like. I don’t even know the basic salsa steps and I’m not sure if I’m going to make it. It’s all different on the floor, from how you move your feet to how to balance your body.
Drink
- What is your favorite drink?
Beer.
- What else?
……Beer.
Salad
I like salad with many kinds of greens. I buy them at delis in the basement of Hankyu (a department store in Osaka), 200g each. Sometimes I buy pate and other hors d’oeurvre to have with champagne or other nice drink. I do not accept shredded cabbage as salad. Salad needs at least five ingredients!
Shopping
When I go to Hankyu, I often shop on the second floor of the Men’s department. I ask a store person for recommendation, look through the store, and decide what to buy pretty quickly.
Fashion
My wardrobe used to be mostly black, but recently I like wearing colors. I’m into green right now. The other day I looked at stuff I bought and they were all green. I want to wear light colors but am a little embarrassed so I only wear them at home. (Interviewer: How about putting it on Instagram?) I’m even embarrassed to wear them outside in Osaka; why would I want to put my picture in them on Instagram and spread it worldwide!?
New York
It’s a very exciting city, actually too exciting for someone like me who was just looking for something to do. I went there mainly to study English, but the city had so much more to offer. It was a place where everyone was working really hard, trying to find any small chance to shine. Then I felt, “What am I doing here?” I had so many opportunities already and I wasn’t taking them.
While in New York, I went to school in the morning 5 days a week. In the afternoon I either just hang around or went to dance classes. There are so many different genre in dance. I tried vogueing once; it was hard! I like the dance group named AyaBambi. They are really cool.
I didn’t do much sightseeing, thinking I would stay there for 3-4 years. It was like having an off-day everyday. It was fun, but now I cherish my off-days more because I work.
Broadcasting job
Taking the job as Rio Olympics broadcaster comes with a lot of pressure. I get nervous trying to be polite, choosing the right words. But I will do my best! I hope to get the best part out of athletes getting interviewed, because I know how difficult the road to Olympic Games is for any athlete.
Skating
Before Christmas On Ice I had lost all my muscles and stamina. Even after a light practice my legs started to shake, and I seriously considered pulling out. Now, I try to practice everyday (although sometimes too busy to do so) since I will have shows almost every week in April.
Turning 30
It’s a big turning point. It so happened that I began to make decisions for the future and my 30th birthday came at the same time. The next three years will be crucial. Skating will be my main thing, but I also would like to challenge different genre even if they are not my forte. Then I will find out, or ask others for advise what works best for me. I just hope that people still remember me three years from now and say, “Takahashi is OK”.
A lot of things I’m going to do in the near future may be out of my character, or may not even be in the right direction. But I’m going forward anyway and keep trying different things, so that I can grow as a person. I hope to find my true aspiration eventually.
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So happy to hear such positive words!