【NHK】フィギュアスケートのアイスダンスで、今シーズンかぎりでの引退を決めた高橋大輔選手と村元哉中（むらもと・かな）選手が記者会…
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Rough translation of their press conference:
Muramoto: The weight is off my shoulders now that I have made my decision to retire clear to the world.
Takahashi: This is a new beginning. After making the announcement yesterday (via instagram), I can feel that it's a new start.
Muramoto: When he told me that he plans to retire this season, I wasn't surprised because it was a two-year plan from the beginning. I was prepared for quitting anytime.
As for myself, while I can still keep going, I'm certain that I won't find such a perfect partner. There was no option for finding a new partner. I accomplished what I aimed for: to deliver a memorable performance. I'm looking forward to the next stage.
Takahashi: (He had told Muramoto of retiring after 4CC)
My right knee has reached its limit. The biggest reason was that my body couldn't take the training anymore. Ever since I felt that, I knew I wouldn't be able to grow anymore.
Muramoto: Even after he told me his decision, I wanted to keep performing as Kana-Dai (their nickname). I'm so excited to create programs with him. And for 25 years I've dedicated my life to figure skating, I'd like to do other things.
Takahashi: I hope to bring skating into entertainment in various forms. (minam: this is weird English, sorry)
Muramoto: For the first time in my life, I was touched by my skating. I'm so glad I asked him to be my partner. I'm so grateful that he joined me to skate ice dance.
<skip>
Takahashi: I can't thank Kana-chan enough. Had I not accepted her offer to do ice dancing, I won't be retiring feeling so good.
Ice dance taught me to accept that there are things I can't do. I was able to pat myself on the back for making small progresses. My thoughts became positive under difficult circumstances, and now I can say things will be alright.
Message to their fans:
Muramoto: Many fans thanked me for asking Dai-chan to ice dance. That made me happy. I hope you see this as a beginning and not the end.
Takahashi: Thanks for your support, even when lots of things happened. I want to keep surprising my fans in our new world. Thanks again for your support, it's been a long career"
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- perhaps because it is 3AM here?)
