She seems to enjoy learning
Interview excerpt of Suguri Fumie explaining the 2015-2016 season and her new career on Shukan Jyosei Prime on October 25, 2015
Q: What kind of season will it be for Mao Asada and Yuzuru Hanyu?
I have seen Asada-senshu's practice as we use the same rink in Shin-Yokohama. She is very mature now. I heard she said she would like to pursue expression side as an experienced female skater. I am looking forward to seeing it. For Hanyu-senshu, I think he might have been practicing to get first place again because he was the second in the 2015 Worlds.
Q: About Asada's FS "Madama Butterfly"
Lori (Nichol) had wanted to use "Madama Butterfly" for a long time. Finally, she did it!
Q: The top skaters like Daisuke Takahashi, Akiko Suzuki, and Tatsuki Machida retired after the Sochi Olympics. Now, we have the new generation. Are we going to see new stars?
The last season, I think we saw a lot of young skaters whose movements were a little rough but fresh. In this season, many juniors are likely to make a debut in senior competitions. The figure skating fan who missed their favorite skaters might be able to find a new athlete to keep watching toward the 2018 Olympics.
Q: You have been learning about choreography under Lori Nichol in Canada while teaching children figure skating in Japan. Did you get any thought through your experiences?
I got to know that teenagers are easily affected by their mentality. I also understood that many children do what is told without expressing their thoughts and conveying their determinations. Thus, it is very hard for me to have them opened their minds to express themselves. Some of them might be technically good performers. But in terms of presenting their personalities, I would say not so many young skaters are ready for that.
Obviously, figure skating is the sport. Jump is an important element. We cannot ignore it. But I wish we are able to see more skaters showing their characters and personalities to make a strong impact on audiences. I like Jason Brown. He is a good example. I want many young skaters to have own style like him. And I hope I can be of their help.