Shoma's theme of this season is "Stay aggressive". (Last season's theme was "Aggressive".)
Clips from a Japanese news show.
(1)
In the beginning of this clip you can see glimpses of his 3 weeks' summer training in Chicago under Gracie's former coach in July. He was working on school figures on one foot. The coach gave him an advice about up-and-down body movements during the one foot edge works. And the coach let him work on jumping on the floor for gaining stamina. Those training were the ones he never did in Japan - the announcer explained. During the interview Shoma said the 3 weeks' training was fruitful for him for strengthening his mental toughness and stamina since he was told to continue working even when he felt it's impossible to continue.
(2)
Shoma:
"I was filled with stress [when I messed up at Worlds.]"
"The turning point happened when I attempted to work on 4F for a change of air."
"Since I've felt since before that I need to get 2-3 different quads in my arsenal soon or later."
(3)
Shoma:
"I need to keep myself updated or I'll be left behind considering the rapid improvements in current mens' field.""I'll do my best so that I can stay competitive [in the field]."
In Friends on Ice he nailed a 4T in the first half of his new FS but fell on a 4F in the second half.
Shoma at the backstage of FoI:"4F will be done definitely."
He nailed a 4F in the finale of FoI.
Shoma on the way back home from FoI: "In the finale I was awarded. I'm happy I could finish this show without losing my self-confidence."