'I was able to land the (triple) axel, so the performance was much better than last week(Skate Canada). '
Feeling the joy of being able to skate is much bigger to him than the results. NHK trophy was the first competition he planned a quad in the program since his come back.
The right ligament he injured by falling at practice last November grew worse in January(nearly torn).
'I was seriously ready to hang up my skates' Returned to Japan, travelled around Kyoto's temples and went to hot springs in Beppu(a famous Japanese venue in Kyushu).
However, he suddenly realized 'This is so boring. I want to go back skating.' He started resistance training in Hawaii and now the World bronze medalist is back.
'I can't waste time saying that my leg hurts. All I need is to get the jumps (timing) back.'