Rika Kihira interview with Kose

Kose Sports Blog: Interview with Rika Kihira on Japan National 2019, translated by juronom.

source: https://ameblo.jp/kose-sports/entry-12575880251.html

Trying to do everything with perfection.

Changing hairstyle is also something to be attentive to.





Q: Congratulations on your spectacular maiden Japan National title. Reflecting on that, please tell us how you feel now?

R: Regarding the FS, I was happy that I could perform without any regret, though there was still some (lingering) feeling that I must jump the 4S. This time, it was quite a difficult competition since my body condition barely made it (“tight”). I can feel (my body) is not in the best condition especially early in the morning and in the afternoon, but it was really fortunate that I was able to bring myself up to the best condition in the evening of that day (FS day). The practice just before that (FS) was good and I managed to properly maintain that condition even when I was tired. That gave me confidence.

Q: Recently, it seemed Kihira-san’ music selection hasn’t been orthodox classical, but contemporary or yoga-like melody. Do you have an intention or aim when daringly select songs with difficult rhythm?

R: My strategy from now on is trying to skate to songs that fit me best. Now I’m exploring many things, like what kind of songs will become my specialty. The challenge for me at the moment is gaining the ability to skate to many genres of music.

Q: The process of choosing make-up that matches the music also needs experimenting. Are you hooked on any makeup items recently?

R: My favorite product is Kose’s Cosmé de Corte gel eye shadow. Even if with dark-colored eye (make-up), I can create natural shading by repeatedly tapping and blending the product with my fingertips. Especially for today’s exhibition “Lion King”, I had a strong combination of brown and gold makeup done for me.

Q: Besides makeup, hairstyle also impacts performance greatly. Kihira-san goes for ponytail regularly, but have you ever considered bun hair?

R: Actually, I’ve considered it, but that is a hairstyle which I haven’t practiced with. I think it’s the best to try a hairstyle out in practice then get used to it so it won’t affect my performance. I dislike changing my hairstyle suddenly, which affects my performance, so I don’t think I will change my hairstyle now.

Q: Do bun and ponytail feel different your performance?

R: They feel different. I don’t want to abruptly change hairstyle in a competition and pay (unnecessary) attention towhat’s on my head, which could result in mistakes.

The athlete I respect is Nao Kodaira

Q: We’re switching to another topic. What kind of people does Kihira-san look up to? If possible, could you name someone who is not a figure skater?

R: Nao Kodaira. She is caring and always talks to me when we meet and she told me she came and watched this certain competition. I really love that kind of personality, and I want to learn from her. I think I should think about others in every action. She is also always calm and is an assuring presence. I really like people like that.

Q: It’s a very good relationship. I was touched. I think Kihira-san is also respected by many figure skating fans. I heard that Kihira-san said that there will be only regrets if you dare to eat all the sweets you want to eat. Among fans, even those inour company, some people were encouraged by that and went to the gym or put themselves on a diet. Are there any tips to win against the temptation of food?

R: Well, documenting on what you eat in your notebook. That’s probably it. If you keep a record properly, you can judge whether or not you are having a healthy menu in a week. I think it’s important to always keep a record, calculate calories, reflect and organize (your diet) for the sake of your health. I try not to eat anything that I consider bad for my body.

Q: Wow, Miss Stoic. I think some adults really need to observe from you. In the last interview, you said you didn’t have any specific routine before the competition, but how is that recently?

R: Warm-up sessions always include stretching with the same exercise menu, but my routine changes according to factors like when in the day the competition happens, how I spend that day and how I spend the previous day. I’ve improved on adapting (my routine) depending on skating time, to the time difference between Japan time and the venue’s time.

Q: I see, in competitions overseas, you usually took some nap.

R: If the competition took place at night time and I didn’t sleep until then, I would have been sleepy, tired and even lost my concentration, so I took some nap to avoid those situations.

Q: Recently there has been shocking news in figure skating. It is reported that Zagitova-senshu of Russia will not participate in the Russian Championships or the World Championships. Would Kihira-san mind sharing some thoughts, to an acceptable extent for you?

R: Reaching the top position in major competitions, winning every competition, she’s really amazing. I really respect that she went on without taking a break. In my view, now she can take things a little slower and return to competition when she wants to do so. I look up to her a lot since she has won all titles… I hope that she can feel the fun of skating every day.

Q: Finally, please, a few words to your fans.​

R: Of course, I can also hear the encouraging voices and receive messages directly (at the venue), not only on SNS and via letters. Thanks to those, I can always feel good about skating, competing and I can continue giving my best from the bottom of my heart, so I’m always grateful for everything. From now on, I want to continue giving performances that can answer everyone’s expectations.