OK, i'll bite. This is pretty much the entire interview.
Q: You will be returning to performing in front of the fans. How do you feel about it?
A: I'm very excited.
Q: You don't feel anxious at all?
A: No, since I've been working very hard. I'm looking forward to performing in front of the fans.
Q: How do you think you will feel when you actually perform in front of them?
A: I'm sure I will be nervous, but I hope I can enjoy it nonetheless.
Q: Why did you decide not to compete in Japanese Nationals?
A: I was not mentally ready for it (more direct translation would be: I was not in a mental state that would allow me to compete). Also, I really wanted to refrain from competing for a whole year. The decision I reached with those around me was to focus my energy towards the next season.
Q: So, the decision to withdraw from Nationals had been made well in advance? Your intention was not to complete for a whole year all along?
A: Yes.
Q: Since figure skating is a sport where judges determine the results, not competing for a year and not being in front of the judges could have significant effects (on PCS)?
A: Yes, that does worry me. I won't know what kind of score I'll get until I actually compete. Since my performance will be judged by the judges, I do worry about how my performance will be received by them.
After the narration about Nobu's career...
N: When I didn't compete or perform for a year, I realized that skating was the most important thing to me and what I enjoy the most. I hope to express that feeling to the best of my ability through my performances this year.
Q: Do you think you will be able to show a transformation in yourself?
A: Well, I've been learning how to skate to classical music, so I hope my fans can see that.
Q: How do you like skating to classical music?
A: I think there is much to learn yet. On the other hand, it means that I have the opportunity to make great improvements. So, I want to work hard to make it better and better.
Q: Are you excited and perhaps a bit worried about how you will be received by your fans?
A: I'm excited and I feel that they are waiting for me (implying that he feels no anxiety about how he will be received by the fans). I look forward to it.
About Morozov...
N: It was a bit of a culture shock. In terms of expressions, he instructs me to move my body or arms exactly so. It's quite difficult to do it even in practice. He can be very strict/stern at times. But, he constantly communicates with his skaters while teaching and I enjoy that style.
N: I'm excited about so many things. In terms of competitions, I have quite a bit of catch up to do. I'm planning to get my feet wet by participating in small local competitions during the summer. That will allow me to ramp up toward international competitions.
Q: What are your goals for the season?
A: To do well in the GP series and to be on the podium at Nationals.
Closing remarks:
Nobunari Oda says that he was greatly encouraged by the emails and letters from his fans last season. He'd like to repay them by performing well.
Go get 'em, Nobu!
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Sat Jun 14, 2008 5:22 pm
It starts lightly, but once the interviewer mentions the withdrawal from the nationals, Nobu starts to look so broken and chokes on nearly every word... 
Why can't the interviewer shut up about the painful memories... 
