Japanese medalists in Sochi Olympic 2014

About two weeks went already after the opening day of Sochi Olympic 2014. Japan got 1 gold medal, 4 sliver medals and 2 bronze medals. These are not so many but I think it is a wonderful result.

First of all, Yuzuru Hanyu (19) who got a gold medal. This is the first time in the Japanese men's figure skating history and this is the only one gold medal for Japan so far in Sochi. It was the first Olympic for him but his demonstration was very good even he fell down. Patrick Chan of Canada also faltered. Because they must do the quadruple jump now. The world of figure skating is into difficult level, I think. I expect further growth of him.

In the meantime, Noriaki Kasai (41) who got a sliver medal and a bronze medal at ski jump. People call him a "Legend" and "Kamikaze Kasai". Because he has still continued to compete in front-line beyond the age of forty. 

However, his life was not so flat at all. He grew up in a poor family. His father couldn't work because of illness, so his mother, Sachiko worked on behalf of his father. Even so, they had to borrow money and got some food from neighbors. In the kind of situation, he and his family got further tragedy. His sister, Kumiko got aplastic anemia of incurable disease in 1993. 

"If I can get a gold medal, my sister can recover from her illness."

And He got a sliver medal at large hill team in Lillehammer Olympic 1994. Kumiko could recover from her illness at the time. But he got another tragedy about two years later.

He lost his mother, Sachiko in a fire in 1997... And Kumiko had a recurrence of illness. Kasai rushed to the hospital twice in the same season. He got a message from Kumiko before Sochi Olymipic, "You definitely can get a medal. So please fly (jump) without any worry." 

Kasai keeps saying "This is for my mom and sister". 

He couldn't get a gold medal at this time but his silver medal and  bronze medal are way enough to encourage his sister. And this eldest jumper is still trying to fly on the next winter Olympic game. I hope he can get a gold medal! 

Thank you so much!

Japanese completed an one-two finish of Prix de Lausanne!

Recently, I often post about wonderful Japanese people. More wonderful Japanese are here.

From NHK News Web

In the Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland, known as the gateway to success for young dancers, Matsumoto first high school sophomore ( in Nagano Prefecture), Mr. Haruo Niyama (17) got the grand prize and Yokohama Suiryo High School freshman (in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture), Ms. Sae Maeda (15) in second place, Mr. Mikio Kato (Monaco-residing) (18) enters the 6-position! It was a prodigious feat that three Japanese won the prizes!

Ms. Sae Maeda was in second place 
From NHK News Web

Mr. Haruo Niyama got a grand prize
 From NHK News Web

Ms. Kay Matzah who was the jury president at the contest. She said about Mr. Haruo Niyama, " The judge determines that he has a wonderful movement, musicality, all the things and techniques. He practiced so hard. He will be able to have a brilliant future." 
In addition, she said about Ms. Sae Maeda. " Her dance is very sophisticated. She has a strong technique. She is a very beautiful dancer. Especially, her dance was great for classical and contemporary."

I hope they can keep dancing to amuse people in the world. Ganbare!

Thank you so much!