Japanese Nordic combined representative, Watanabe, talked about the ZEROFIT functional innerwear he has been using for many years. We will follow his story of using ZEROFIT functional innerwear to play an active role on the world stage.
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Yoshito Watanabe (player)
A Nordic combined athlete from Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture. He started competing in Nordic combined from junior high school, and began competing in the World Cup as a university student. Making use of his jumping prowess, he placed third in the combined team sprint at the 2017 World Championships with his brother Akito, becoming the first Japanese athlete to stand on the podium in this event. In addition, as a member of the team at the PyeongChang Games, his second Olympic Games, he contributed to Japan's fourth place finish as a member of the team. In his third Olympic Games in 2022, Beijing, he will compete in the team event with Hideaki Nagai, Akito Watanabe, and Ryota Yamamoto, winning the bronze medal.
My encounter with ZEROFIT
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- "Please tell us how you first encountered ZEROFIT and your impression when you first wore it."
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- "I first learned about ZEROFIT when I was a student and saw a senior member of the Japanese Nordic Combined team using it.
I've been using it for over 10 years since I got it through the introduction of skier Kenta Uraki. When I first put it on, I was impressed by the elasticity, comfort, and quality of the fabric, and my first impression was, "I didn't know innerwear could be this comfortable!"
Annual activities and schedule
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- Please tell us your current annual activities and schedule.
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- "I compete in the World Cup from November to March, mainly in Europe. The major competitions are the World Championships, which are held every two years, and the Olympics, which are held every four years. After returning to Japan, I enjoy backcountry skiing with cross-country and telemark skiing while there is still snow, and then I train in the mountains of Nagano and do track and field training and training camps to get stronger for the new season."
Using ZEROFIT
Competition wear is specified by the rules
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- "Which ZEROFIT products do you use for different training and activities?"
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- "In jumping, it's very important to keep moving and not get cold during warm-ups or between rounds, so I wear the Heatlab series for its warmth, ease of movement and comfort."
Heat Love Series
※The image is an image
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- "When running cross-country in extreme cold, such as in Finland, where temperatures can reach nearly -20°C, we use Heat Rub to protect our bodies.
In that case, if you wear Dryweave on the inside, it will provide excellent heat retention. Other than that, Thermoweave works well in most temperature ranges until the temperature rises above 5°C and you start to sweat. It's a versatile winter garment.
All-purpose winter wear
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- "When the temperature rises, choose Dryweave. The short sleeves go well with competition wear.
Nanobite socks and hybrid socks help keep your boots in place and give you a better feel for skiing.
Socks to prevent slipping and sliding inside shoes and boots
Recommended for all sports including basketball, tennis, table tennis, rugby, soccer, running, golf, and volleyball.
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- "When roller skiing, I basically wear Dryweave with a T-shirt and shorts. When it's chilly in spring or fall, I can keep moving without getting cold by wearing Thermoweave under a wind shell.
The socks are of course Nanobite socks or Nanohybrid. For trail running I use Dryweave and Nanobite socks, and for mountain climbing I use Dryweave and Thermoweave.
Dryweave is a great choice because it works whether it's hot or cold. Thermoweave is great for spring and autumn.
Under the wind shell I wear my favorite Dryweave.
Its quick-drying properties wick away sweat and moisture, keeping your body dry, cool and comfortable at all times.
About the outdoor brand Il Roro
Wearing "KEIDAN" by Il Roro
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- "I would like your impressions of the outdoor line Il Rollo, including how it feels to use it."
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- "I knew that wool was comfortable, of course, but I felt that Il Rollo was something else. It was surprisingly comfortable to wear, with the same comfort and warmth, yet stretchy, easy to move in, and durable, without any of wool's weaknesses.
Many of the items have distinctive colors and designs, making it fun to choose. I think this series will be indispensable for the chilly season and snowy season, as well as for mountain and camping activities.
Medium-weight wool socks with a cute mountain pattern.
Wool's inherent antibacterial and deodorizing properties keep it clean for a long period of time.
Outdoor line "Il Roro"
Watanabe's future goals
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- "What are Watanabe's future goals?"
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- "First, I want to reach the podium at the World Cup, my main competition. Then I aim to win a medal at the next World Championships and then the Olympics. I will devote myself to competing so that I can grow every day and become the athlete I want to be."
Thank you for taking the time to do this interview.
I will continue to support Watanabe!