As Required Elements commented on the tensions between the Asada-Kim rivalry that was noted in this CNN article here I was already ahead of these guys. Just after the final results for the ladies I asked a first-hand source - my girlfriend, who's lived in Japan since 1994 - for the view from Japan. She is not a skater, but the fact that she is so well informed shows you how big a deal this was in Japan. She replied back to me:
I am sure Yu-Na Kim was under much more pressure countrywise. The feeling in Japan is mixed because expectations were so high, but in general, the press hasn't been overly negative. For normal Japanese people, there's definitely a sense of disappointment. Many feel that her routine did not match the venue, and because it was strong on technique but perhaps lacking artistically (Olympic feel), she fared less than Kim, who is more attuned to a North American/Western Europe style versus an Asian/Russian style. Asada's ability to do a triple axle multiple times during the Olympics versus Kim's "less difficult" triple lutz definitely was pointed out. There's also a lot of grumbling about the judging system. Asada said that she'll be back to try for the gold, so the fact that she's not giving up is appeciated by the Japanese media and public.
p.s. If I had a friend in South Korea, I would have also asked them their thoughts. Sadly, there is no South Korean Bureau Chief for Ice Charades at the moment. Stay tuned ...
7 comments:
Many feel that her routine did not match the venue, and because it was strong on technique but perhaps lacking artistically (Olympic feel), she fared less than Kim, who is more attuned to a North American/Western Europe style versus an Asian/Russian style.
I think this is just the Japanese media being sore losers, tbh. They insist that Asada is better than Kim when it comes to technique. Asada does have the triple axel, but figure skating is more than just landing the most difficult jumps. In almost all other ways, Kim is better than Asada from a technical perspective. The NBC website actually has a side-by-side matchup of their short programs, and the difference between the two is obvious. Where Kim tends to leave Asada - and her other competitors - in the dust is on GoE (grade of execution). There is a reason why skating legends refer to Kim as one of the greatest technical skaters ever. I actually find it amusing that the Japanese are insisting she won because of her artistry, when that has never been considered one of Kim's strengths.
I agree with you Anon - and thanks for mentioning the NBC site.
I also think Kim's programs (especially her long program) was/were the stuff of genious - hats off to David Wilson!
On any other day we would be thrilled to see a lady crowned champion with those three triple axels, but I thought Kim was just better.
Since you asked, I'm an American living in Korea and I can give you an idea of the spin that's going on here in regards to Yuna's win.
The Japanese perspective focuses on Yuna, but Mao hasn't been a primary focus for Korean media since the Olympics. They are primarily focusing on Yuna's position as "best ever" using comments from Western Media as currency for that sentiment. There's also a huge emphasis on Yuna's figure skating medal as a general statement on the development of Korean winter sports (along with the long track speed skaters).
I also speak Japanese (having lived in Japan) so I can attest that what your friend from Japan wrote is basically correct. The Japanese media isn't being overly negative. Culturally, Japanese media is never overtly negative (as most of Japanese society.) There's a general a feeling of sour grapes and disappointment in the media but you'll never see something said outright on NHK for example. Everything is subtext and the most nationalistic sentiment is said in terms that is obfuscated for foreign ears but is crystal clear to Japanese viewers.
Koreans on the other hand, including Korean media will tell you directly what they think. I've had friends tell me point blank that I cant sing lol, not in a malicious way but in an offhandedly blunt way that's characteristic of Korean character. But right after they'll offer you a drink and tell you to get back up there and belt a song out.
Thank you anon from S. Korea! Wow - thanks so much for commenting! I bet you saw a lot of skating on S. Korean tv.
With both of these competitors not going anywhere for a while, we'll see a lot more of the back and forth between Japan and S. Korea.
I read that Asada's going for a quad. That should make the media buzz even more.
Great post, Ice Charades!
Ice Mom
Asada seems to be determined about competing her way to Sochi, but Yuna said in a recent interview that while she can see herself continuing her competitive career, she will need more time to decide on that to be sure.
It's really great country!
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