#yuzuru hanyu one shots

[yawn-junn]

Congratulations Yuzuru for getting married I'm so happy for you I hope your marriage lasts a long while and people won't disturb you or your S/O I also hope your resting more than you used too when you figure skated<3

"everyone who supports us

Thank you for always supporting me.

This time I, Yuzuru Hanyu, will be registered

For the past 24 years, I have lived with skating. In particular, over the past few years, in a world that has been unstable and rapidly changing due to COVID-19, natural disasters, and the world's situation, I have felt many things, faced skating, and have learned various things about myself and the world, I kept thinking. Even though I'm an immature person, I have received immeasurable strength from everyone's support, expectations and, gazes.

Thank you very much.

Even today, I will dedicate my life to deepening the skating of "Hanyu Yuzuru", continue to work hard and, evolve.

From now on, I will continue to build up every moment, one by one, so that I can skate the best.

For the rest of my life, along with everyone who supports me and skating, I will do my best to move forward and live.

And with gratitude to those who have supported me and those who will continue to support me, I will continue skating so that everyone can be in the best shape. Thank you for your continued support.

August 4, 2023

Yuzuru Hanyu"

[bluespring864]

Continuing to be fascinated by this conversation / interview between Yuzuru Hanyu and Shigesato Itoi:

Hanyu

I feel like kids who do figure skating nowadays see it as more of a sport. Like they’d see how many variations they can jump. When it comes to jumps, you can’t necessarily just think about it forever—at some point you’ll face the answer to what you can do. Expression is a whole different story. It’s more philosophical, so you can think about it forever and ever and never reach a true answer. Jumps, however, have a set definition of success and there’s an actual correct answer for it. So to some extent, there’s only so much you can think about it.

Itoi

In other words, it’s easy to assume if you practice jumping a lot you’ll be able to do it. People tend to see that as a matter of hard work, but that might be something that actually makes it easy in the end—all you have to do is try it over and over again.

Hanyu

Ah, that’s true.

[what-inyarnation]

...and here's how the sweater looks like when worn 😺

[aamircoeur]

Could you possibly write some headcanons for Kenji Sato with a s/o who's a figure skater that competes nationally?

Ken Sato with a figure skater lover ー hcs.

surely my love ! thank you so much for the request.

sfw. gn!reader. scenarios and situations are made up! happy reading 🤍 UNEDITED

warning: i have little to no knowledge about ice skating so i apologize if there's any incorrect information about what i've written! corrections are appreciated

baseball was ken sato's thing, so it would be unlikely that he'd show any interest towards other sports on a normal day

he went ice skating with his mom and dad when he was a child like two times and that's all he knows so far

but before he even started dating you, he willingly learned everything about figure skating to try and get to know more about you this way

he watched yuzuru hanyu's clips during the 2018 winter olympics and studied the rules, how the judging worked, different skills and moves, etc.

now that you're dating, you found it so cute when he told you that he learned all of that just for you

he comes to your competitions no matter where it was held, sometimes even asking coach shimura if he could be excused from one game of his just so he could watch you

he has never been allowed yet but he asks every time, saying that it was always worth the shot

he gets recognized by some fans when he's there because he doesn't wear any disguises to your games

you told him that he should so that he could at least have some privacy

but he declines, saying that he'd want everyone to know that ken sato is cheering on his lover

he's the loudest to cheer when you've successfully performed an axel, knowing how hard you practiced them alone

he buys two bouquets of roses whenever he comes to your games, one to throw into the rink when you've finished your performance

and the other to give to his baby after each competition

the two of you share your sports with one another, him letting you mark your initial on his bat while you let him wear your medals when photographers take your pictures after yet another win

he teaches you baseball, gives you access to mina's hologram so you can play and practice when you want

he buys you a bat in your favourite colour!!!!!

he gives you his jersey and even buys you a custom-made one with your surname and preferred number

on the other hand, you go on ice skating dates with him sometimes

he absolutely sucks ass though icl

he'd fall down multiple times a mere second after stepping into the rink

he'd semi-crouch as a way to maintain balance

and you'd just skate around him teasingly

you hold his hands while skating around the rink

although he doesn't enjoy not immediately being amazing at something, he likes learning from you

and being with you

and having you

ok he loves you whatever

mf installs an ice rink in his big-ass house just so you could spend more time with him by training there on your free time

[yuzurujenn]

[2024.12.20] 30-year-old Yuzuru Hanyu reprises his self-homage to "The Beginning of the Blue Rose" 

30-year-old Yuzuru Hanyu will reprise his self-homage to "The Beginning of the Blue Rose" with Mika Ninagawa! The photos will be featured in the "Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Tai," set to be released on March 21.

The "Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Tai" (scheduled for release on March 21, 2025), currently available for pre-order, will include newly taken photos! For Yuzuru Hanyu, who has just turned 30, Mika Ninagawa has prepared the set from their first photoshoot together, the 2018 "Blue Rose" set.

"The sets that Mika-san prepares have a mysterious power that immediately draws you into their world. Mika-san suggested recreating the blue roses, so I approached the shoot with the mindset, 'If I'm going to create a book, I want to make it something special.' I thought, 'Would it be more interesting to try to capture the facial expressions I had back then?' but as I faced Mika-san's camera, my expressions gradually shifted to reflect who I am now. I hope you enjoy the completely different photographs, even though they are set in the same situation." (Yuzuru Hanyu comment)

"It has been six years since I first photographed Hanyu-san. For the photobook 'Tai,' we had the opportunity for the fifth photoshoot. This time, we used the same blue rose set from when we first worked together in 2018. Because it's the same set, the photos showcase even more clearly the incredible expressiveness that Hanyu-san has developed over the past six years. I'm very excited to see how Hanyu-san's expression will evolve as he enters his thirties." (Mika Ninagawa comment)

Yuzuru Hanyu: The Culmination of His 20s and the Starting Line – Six Years Captured by Mika Ninagawa

The photobook Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Tai (scheduled for release on March 21, 2025), which contains the best of the best photos taken by photographer Mika Ninagawa of professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, will also feature newly shot images. For Hanyu-san, who has just turned 30, Ninagawa-san has prepared the same "blue rose" set from their first photoshoot together in 2018.

Editor’s Comment:

Yuzuru Hanyu turned 30 on December 7th of this year. The background behind the creation of Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Tai lies in Mika Ninagawa's desire to capture the expressions of Hanyu-san in his 20s in one volume.

During discussions about the structure of the photobook, Ninagawa-san came up with the idea, "What kind of expression would be created if the current Hanyu-san entered the same 'blue rose' set from 2018?" It was an idea we never imagined, but as soon as I heard it, I was convinced that if it came to life, it would definitely result in an incredible work of art.

Both Hanyu-san and Ninagawa-san are active at the top of their fields. While there was some anxiety about whether we could coordinate their busy schedules, with the support of everyone involved, the "reenactment of the blue rose" came to fruition. The hair and makeup artist, as well as the stylist, who worked with us in 2018, also participated in this project.

Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Tai contains a wealth of precious photos capturing Hanyu-san at 30. We invite you to look forward to the latest images created by these unique and irreplaceable artists.

Announcing the Ultimate Collector’s Edition Large-Format Photobook Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Tai (AERA Special Edition / Special Box) – Release Date: March 21, 2025!

The Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Tai (AERA Special Edition / Special Box), featuring the best shots taken by photographer Mika Ninagawa of professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, will be released on Friday, March 21. Hanyu-san has been photographed by Ninagawa four times, starting with a session before the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. This photobook features the best of the best selections from 18 different sessions, encompassing approximately 5,000 shots. It is a collector’s edition meant for permanent preservation.

This product is available for pre-order only (pre-order deadline: January 6, 2025 / extended due to popularity!).

Yuzuru Hanyu and Mika Ninagawa first met six years ago during a cover shoot for AERA. At the time, Hanyu was 23 years old. His expression, gazing intently at the camera while surrounded by the blue rose set, still showed traces of youthfulness. The AERA cover featuring this "blue rose" shot quickly sold out and became a huge hit.

Since Hanyu-san's declaration of turning professional in 2022, he has had sessions about once a year, each time deepening his expressions. These shoots have resulted in four previous photobooks: Yuzuru Hanyu: The Driving Force behind the Leap (2022), Yuzuru Hanyu: A Solitary Driving Force (2023), Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Shin, and Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Gi (2024).

This December, the fifth session took place! The photobook Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Tai, scheduled for release in March, will be a culmination of the six-year Yuzuru Hanyu × Mika Ninagawa collaboration, capturing the evolution of Hanyu's expressions and marking a new starting point. In addition to carefully selected shots from the four previous shoots, the book will also include unpublished images and the "reenactment of the blue rose" from the fifth shoot. This photobook will be presented as a large-format edition, measuring 297mm x 297mm, and will be packaged in a special box. The dynamic composition of the photos will allow readers to feel the energy of the shoots. Full of highlights, Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Tai will be available exclusively through pre-order in a special box!

Source: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000002082.000004702.html

[manonisamelon]

Yuzuru: I will land 4A at NHK

Yuzuru’s right ankle: No 💖

[of-feathers-and-bowstrings]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Figure Skating RPF Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Javier Fernández/Yuzuru Hanyu Characters: Yuzuru Hanyu, Javier Fernández, Johnny Weir, Stéphane Lambiel, Shoma Uno Additional Tags: Realization of Feelings, Mild Angst, Fluff, yuzu is yuzu, javi being javi, this turned out a lot softer than I intended Series: Part 1 of so close (yet still so far) Summary:

Since Yuzuru had joined the TCC Family, Javier had always been his rock. It was Javi that brought out the best in Yuzuru, made Yuzuru want to be a good person, like Javi was.

Kind, gentle, affectionate Javi.

They were family and as close as two people competing against each other could be. Yuzuru looked to Javi as a sort of guiding light, a place he could go to when he fell victim to the nasty storms in his head. Perhaps it was weird in their sport but Yuzuru didn't think much of it. Javi was simply Javi. It didn't have to mean anything more than that.

Until it did.

[eggplantgifs]

joe hisaishi's "asian dream song" was used as the theme for the 1998 paralympic games in nagano, japan. on june 9th, 2018, 2-time olympic champion and world champion yuzuru hanyu of japan performed to the piece (retitled "hope and legacy") at heroes & future, a show commemorating the 20th anniversary of the nagano olympic games. "hope and legacy" was the free skate program which won hanyu his second world championship title in 2017.

[yuzuviere]

[tsukihoshi14]

Let’s talk about the axels :3 Super brief and quick translation of this part where they mention Rika with the 3A and Yuzuru with 4A :)) Plus some real experience told by Takeshi :D

[Question (at 4:21): about junior skaters] 

Nobu: Oh junior skaters, let’s see, there are so many of them. But I’m a little biased/lenient because I’m training [with her], my choice is Rika Kihira. She can jump triple axel, and her jumps are beautiful,…she also got the spins and is expressive, she has the total package. That’s why I think she will receive even more attention from skating fans from now on. 

[Question (at 5:24): Is there a possibility for quad axel?] 

Nobu: About this, there is some possibility. I’ve been saying this, but I think there’s only Hanyu Yuzuru who can definitely land quad axel. I heard that he practiced [4A] before, but because he has competitions and other things now, so he’s not doing it. If there’s anyone who’s gonna land it,…[I think it’s him]. (talk to Takeshi) The width of Yuzuru’s axel is….  Takeshi: Yes, the width, and how fast he rotates. I think if he increases it, he will be able to land [4A].  Nobu: But Takeshi-sensei is also….  Others: You’ve trained on it?  Takeshi: Yes, I’ve practiced the 4A.  Nobu: How far are you on the 4A?  Takeshi: I have had under-rotated and downgraded ones.  Others: *go crazy* Eh? For real?  Nobu: Under-rotated? That means only ¼ rotation more. But even so, you got most of the rotations.  Everyone: That’s incredible!!  Takeshi: But I have pads on my elbows, my knees and my butt, or else when I fall...[it’s very dangerous]

[peanutpinet]

Hii i don’t know if your requests are open but this idea came to my head and now i can’t let it go awwghh. I’m glad to have found someone who writes for yuzuru *^* So. The context is Y/N’s last competition before retiring, at the gala she gives a speech and gets all emotional. Without knowing that behind her back a sneaky yuzu approached with a surprise. An engagement ring! Ajdbkdk i hope you can work with this it’d be an honor!

Wholesome Yuzuru Hanyu request :"

A/n: Hi, yes, I do accept requests though I may be slow on them since I'm currently doing an intern. I would definitely try my best to write as best as I could :)

Pairings: Yuzu x female skater

Warnings: a bit emotional but fluff!!

A/N: for the how many time, I dunno why but for some reason, I just see this in a bullet form; hope you won't hate it :" kay onto the fanfic

First and foremost, let's establish your relationship first

Basically, the two of you have known each other since you debuted in your senior level

Essentially, Yuzu was your senpai and you have always looked up to him

Yuzu, on the other hand, did notice your senior debut but because he was a very busy man, the two of you only ever interacted during competitions (and that is if you guys went to the same competition)

But do not fret because the universe slowly brought you both together

Short story was that the both of you were supposed to head back after practice one time when the both of you missed your bus back to the hotel and ended up having to find your way back to the hotel together

Throughout the adventure back to the hotel, the two of you started to talk more and got to know each other better; and basically the rest is history

Time skip to your last competition

You have been a senior for 7 years at this point and figured that you have tried so many competitions (from GPF to Worlds and even the chance to join the Olympics) and figured that it's time to close this chapter of your life and move on

It was the day of the exhibition of your final competition and throughout the day, your mind has been reciting the speech you made since you finished your competition

Everyone was so sweet and knew that it was your final competition and exhibition that they kept sending messages, gifts and texts; however, there was no news from Yuzu

You tried not to overthink about anything and just enjoyed yourself with your fellow skaters

Throughout the exhibition, you definitely bring out your best self; being fully immersed in your performance until the very end of the exhibiton

At the end of the exhibition, just like past skaters who were going to retire, a fellow skater brought a mic and some flowers for you as the spotlight was mainly shine on you

Throughout your speech, you started getting emotionally and just couldn't held back the tears; wanting to pull yourself and finish your speech so you could cry as much as you'd like on Yuzu's shoulder

But, someone thought otherwise ;)

Nearing the end of your speech, there was a huge clap from both the audience and your fellow skaters when suddenly there was a different genre of music of playing

Confused, you looked around to see what was happening but you couldn't comprehend any form of words coming out of your mouth for what you witnessed

Yuzu had changed his outfit into a suit-like outfit, brought you your favourite flowers, and pulled you out of the hug of the skaters to the center

What happened next definitely made you think that this was all a dream from a fanfic you've read because Yuzu was having his own little speech about how you've changed his perspective in life, how you made him feel so many different emotions he has never felt before and suddenly the man was on one knee, making you and basically everyone in the stadium gasped in shock

And the next few words and actions Yuzu does say everything on what's happening

"(Y/N). I know this may seem rushed since we've only really been together for 3 years but honestly, I can't imagine what my life would be if the both of us didn't miss that bus. It may sound cheesy and cringe, but for reals, you make my life more colourful, being with you is just one surprise after the other and what I'm saying is that, no matter what, I know that you're the one. And I can't imagine spending the rest of my life with someone else. So, (Y/N), would you marry me?" Yuzu spoke, pulling out a simple yet beautiful rose gold ring

"Yuzu...you must be out of your mind if you think I wouldn't say yes. Like, I'd say yes more than you jump the 3A. Of course I would!!" you shouted, all the tears you held back finally burst

Without wasting any time, Yuzu stood back up, put the ring onto your finger, pulling you close and sealing the night with a kiss

"I love you" - the both of you whispered to each other as the background excitement slowly faded into the kiss

A/N: brb, I dunno why I became emotional when writing this T_T I hope you enjoy this short one-shot I did. Also, to everyone who wants to request anything about Yuzu, NCT or 9%, feel free to message me or drop a request in my inbox!! See y'all in the next one and take care everyone :) xoxo

[kittyprincessofcats]

... I was nervous to watch that for a reason, huh?

Okay no, more seriously now. Thousands of people have said it before and I’ll say it again: Yuzuru Hanyu has nothing left to prove. He is the greatest skater of all time, period. No matter what happens here. He didn’t owe us or anyone a third Olympics at all. He’s the G.O.A.T.

I also want so say that I admire his mental strength SO FREAKING MUCH. The way he continued to skate an absolutely flawless program after that mistake as if nothing had happened, the way he didn’t let it distract him at all even though I can’t even imagine how hard that must have been in the moment... nothing but the biggest respect there.

(I could now also go into the mental toll it takes on someone to constantly be undervalued and underscored and to know that every judge wants to stop you from winning, but we’ve been over that too many times and it’s too depressing.)

And it was still so freaking good? Like yes, big mistake, very costly and all, but the rest was absolute perfection? Am I the only one who could watch him skate for hours? (Okay no, don’t answer that, I know I’m not.)

What I will say is this: I don’t think one mistake should mean the end right away, not for someone like him. The way the commentator here was immediately like “Oh no, that’s it for that dream then”... Okay, maybe she’s right, but?? It shouldn’t be? Is that just me? Yuzuru Hanyu of all people shouldn’t have to skate flawlessly to still have a shot at winning. (Granted it was a big mistake, but still? Am I the only one who thinks the score could and should have still been higher?)

[yuzurujenn]

[2024.10.15] BRUTUS November 1, 2024 issue No. 1018 - Beautiful Architecture and Windows

OPEN MY WINDOW Open your own window. Hanyu Yuzuru special photoshoot.

Yuzuru Hanyu Hanyu Yuzuru / Born in Miyagi Prefecture in 1994. He won two consecutive gold medals in men's singles figure skating at the Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018 Olympics. He has also won numerous World Championships and Grand Prix Finals. In 2018, he received the People’s Honor Award. After turning professional in July 2022, he became a producer and held three solo shows, including "GIFT" and "RE_PRAY." He also has a picture book titled "GIFT" (text: Yuzuru Hanyu, illustrations: CLAMP).

What do you see from your window, Hanyu-san?

One summer day in a house studio, Yuzuru Hanyu was sitting by the window. He gazed at the garden, which glistens in the quiet sunlight shining through the trees. Behind the sound of the shutter, Erik Satie’s "Gymnopédie No. 1," which he had selected from his iPhone playlist, was playing on the portable speaker.

"During shoots, I always choose a song that suits the situation and the intention for each shot. Since turning professional, I've had more opportunities to be photographed not just as an athlete, but as a person and an artist, and each time I am reminded of how many people put in a lot of time and effort to create a single photograph. When I heard that today’s theme from BRUTUS was 'windows,' I approached the shoot as if I were trying to fit myself into a crafted story."

At the beginning of the score for "Gymnopédie No. 1," the performance instructions read, "Slowly, with sorrow." The gentle yet melancholic melody resonates with the struggles a skater must have faced both physically and mentally, before and after achieving glory. Hanyu-san, what do you see from your window?

"When I used to live in Toronto, my house was on a high floor of a building, so I could see the whole city. It was raining in the areas covered by clouds, but I often saw rainbows in the gaps between the clouds where it wasn’t raining at all. That scene left a strong impression on me. I also can’t forget the view I saw from the airplane window during overseas trips. Whether it was on my way to Europe or coming back, I can’t recall clearly, but the plane was flying above the clouds, and only the moon shone brightly amidst the surrounding darkness. The brightness of the moon made it impossible to see the stars, and that scene was so beautiful that I rested my forehead against the window and gazed at it for a long time."

A town in the rain and with a rainbow. Darkness and moonlight. Even these scenes seem to suggest the journey he has taken so far. During the photo shoot, Hanyu was photographed from both inside and outside the window, but which side does he prefer?

"Personality-wise, I guess I'm the type who likes to keep to myself. I'm an introspective person, and I've often thought deeply about myself and people since I was little, so in that sense I might be the type of person who prefers to close the window and focus on being alone. However, I believe that even the most sociable and cheerful people need personal space and sometimes want to close all the windows. But those windows must have handles on them, so that when the time comes, someone else can open it for them, or they can open it themselves… That's what I was hoping to express in that window-shoot I did earlier."

He announced his transition to a professional career in July 2022. It was a declaration of his unwavering commitment to move forward. Although he stepped away from the competitive world where he compared himself to others, his battle with himself continues as he strives for even greater heights. He has already achieved three solo shows, a first in the figure skating world, all of which were a huge success. If we were to compare Hanyu to a house, would it be that he didn’t move to a new house when he turned professional; rather, the house itself remains the same, but the direction the window opens and the view from it have changed?

"Well, it’s true that my fundamental personality hasn't changed at all from before I started skating to the present. I have always been inquisitive and curious, often wondering, 'What is a human being?' In that sense, it is the same house. I probably have windows facing all directions, and I probably hang blackout curtains over them. Sometimes I want to feel the morning sun coming through the east-facing window, and other times I don't want to see anything and keep all the curtains closed. I think humans, myself included, are very selfish and interesting, and sometimes we wish to be part of society, and sometimes we just want to shut ourselves away in solitude. When I'm on tour, I might close the curtains. I want to block out the noise around me, concentrate on myself, and deliver a good performance. Afterwards, I'll secretly lift the curtains to see how the audience reacts (laughs)."

In his solo performance tour "RE_PRAY" from 2023 to 2024, Hanyu himself became the protagonist of a role-playing game, blending skating performances and videos to express a world of opposites, such as success and failure, life and death, light and darkness, and game-over and continue. This unprecedented ice show struck a universal chord with audiences from all walks of life, touching their hearts. What’s next for Hanyu, who always exceeds the expectations of his fans?

“I can’t reveal the details... but I’m constantly thinking about new songs and programs. I said earlier that I haven't changed, but since I became a professional, the way I spend my time has obviously changed, and I don't have time to just sit idle anymore. This year I turn 30, and every day I reflect deeply on what I’ve worked hard for nearly 30 years and the meaning of my existence now.”

After the interview, we returned to the studio for the rest of the shoot, where we could hear Matsutoya Yumi's "Yasashisa ni Tsutsumareta Nara" playing in the background. "Open the curtains..." Perhaps now is the time to open windows in various directions and take in new input in anticipation of the next step. I tell myself that everything I see is a message.

Source: BRUTUS November 1, 2024 issue No. 1018, pg 65 Info: https://brutus.jp/magazine/issue/1018/ https://x.com/gucci_jp/status/1846128889573032006 BTS: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_MEmG5MwL0g / https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lAnWsArkHYw

[yuzu-all-the-way]

Fantasy on Ice Makuhari 2022 Day 3 - Impressions

After a full day, I have finally processed what I've watched - FaOI Makuhari 2022 Day 3 - live broadcast.

From the previously released photos of Day 1, I had such high expectations to have sooo many camera-focused Yuzu moments - while that did not come true, the center-Yuzu shots we got were so endearing. I was smiling so hard from the campiness of it all, starting with the traditional FaOI introduction.

(It's going to be a long post, so read more below - media included).

Back when I was "learning" about who Yuzuru Hanyu is, I stumbled upon recordings of previous FaOI & other ice shows - I distinctively remember there was this one video where the announcer introduces Yuzu, and he starting jumping when the announcer goes "Yuzuru" - and lands on "Hanyu". I was never able to identify from which ice show that was - and while the intro music of FaOI was playing and moment for Yuzu got closer, I kept on thinking maybe he does it now. AND YUZU DID! "Yuzuru" *jumps* "Hanyu" *lands*. (Sound On)

I was smiling so hard. And then that camera-work. Thank you, Yuzu, for making even the people behind the screen feel seen (I haven't realized until now that the people watching the cinemas saw a huge Yuzu doing this.)

The whole J-Disco number was so fun to watch and in the panned out shots my eyes kept drifting towards Yuzu's spot - not necessarily because I was specifically looking for him, but because he seemed to put his heart and soul into that choreography, as always. He simply was more into it that everyone else. Oh, that MJ circle-moonwalk thingy at the beginning of Afternoon Parade ... so smooth, so cool.

The other skaters were all so fun to watch, but, not gonna lie, Nobu killed it with his Kinky Boots program. Kaori was such a joy to watch, Mai too with her killer 2Ts. Keiji, loved both his programs. What the hell was that Swan parody thing? How am I supposed to watch Notte Stellata now without flashbacks to this parody?!

Yuzu's Real Face! The moment I've been waiting for since the first pics dropped. That program is so wild and crazy and angsty and full of great moves and expression even though it's rough around the edges - but the beauty of it lies in its rawness. Not gonna lie, that water cup moment felt a bit underwhelming because he poured it on his hair instead of face, but it's okay, it was still iconic. (And what do you mean, Yuzu, that you had no idea what would happen when you poured water on you like that?? That us, poor fans, would simply nod along and move on from it?? You knew very well we'd go crazy!)

About the elements from the program - that besti squat is on equal footing if not above the casual spread eagle (for reference, here).

Yuzu's 3A is a monster jump and when performed with anger, it is the king of jumps. That pistol lunge, I so wish we'd seen it from the front and not the back (damn it, Asahi TV cameramen, do a better job). Once more I've been reminded that Yuzu has amazing spins.

That ending pose and the change in attitude - whiplash!!

I felt a change of energy from him when he came back for the finale - and noticed that there was no black bracelet on his right arm. I swear that everytime I saw that bare wrist I kept wondering why my gaze was drawn there. Turns out, Yuzu tossed his bracelet along with the infamous water cup, but all good - he found it afterwards, we have photo confirmation of that.

The finale, even with the bracelet-hiccup, was fun to watch - Kaori: a ray of sunshine - the artist's voice was so good and it was fun to watch the light choreography. Still, those feather things - they remind me of Furbies for some reason. Oh, and check this out: I swear I almost did one heart in return.

I did not want the show to end - but it ended in the best possible way: 4T3A2T1Lo1Lo1Lo (the loops with rippon arms -> they are now called Yuzu-fairy jumps).

Yuzu fist-bumping everyone, his cuteness when he did the heart arms with Elladj was killer. And, of course, the traditional ARIGATO GOZAIMASHITA! What an experience.

I am so looking forward to the next live broadcast and to the recorded ones as well. My first time watching FaOI and it paid off!

[anewbeginningagain]

2022 Beijing Olympics - Team Event Review - Team Japan

In contention for a medal: Bronze.

Japan is going into the team event with a very solid chance to win a medal for the first time since it was introduced. Realistically, their best shot is for a bronze medal, but depending on their strategy they might have a runaway shot at a silver medal as well.

Trying to predict Japan’s strategy is the most complicated out of all countries, which is ironic considering they can’t even switch ice dance and pairs. But as always, the greatest mystery is what Yuzuru Hanyu will do and as always, there’s no way to answer it since he seems to relish on being the enigma that he is. And if Yuzuru Hanyu is in, he will only do the SP which makes the choice for the FS between Shoma and Yuma another unpredictable one. Basically, all three strategies have almost the same probability and will depend on Yuzu’s decision.  

First Strategy - Two switches:

Men - Yuzuru Hanyu, Yuma Kagiyama

Dance - Komatsubara/Koleto

Women - Kaori Sakamoto, Wakaba Higuchi 

Pairs - Miura/Kihara

With Japan having only one entry in pairs and dance, the switches will be only within the single skaters. If Yuzu will decide to participate in the team event, he will likely go for his first head to head match up with Nathan Chen in the SP and then they’ll both rest until the individual event. I think the Japanese federation is more likely to choose Yuma for the FS since they might want to give him a test run for the individual event (and he has been fairly consistent in the FS) and we’ve seen them giving him a huge push this season. With ladies, Wakaba had quite a few bad SPs this season so I assume they will choose Kaori for the SP. Depending on Japan’s placement after the SP segment (see third strategy), I think it’s likely Wakaba will do her fan favorite FS.

Second Strategy - Two switches:

Men - Shoma Uno, Yuma Kagiyama

Dance - Komatsubara/Koleto

Women - Kaori Sakamoto, Wakaba Higuchi

Pairs - Miura/Kihara

If Yuzu will opt out of participating in the team event for whatever reasons (most likely the proximity to the individual event), Shoma is likely to do the SP while Yuma will do the FS. The rest will remain the same. 

Third Strategy - One switch:

Men - Shoma Uno/Yuzuru Hanyu , Yuma Kagiyama

Dance - Komatsubara/Koleto

Women - Kaori Sakamoto

Pairs - Miura/Kihara

This one is more likely if after the SP section Japan is in a very good spot for a silver medal imo. In that case, with Wakaba being a bit of a wildcard, they might choose to put in Kaori for the FS as well. 

[luineile]

I've noticed a surge of "Yuzuru's too old for the sport" type of comments again, following the WC. Well, it's understandable, the moment he has a bad skate, everyone's up in arms and ready to dismiss him. But then I thought, wait a second, there has been talks about the "has-been Hanyu" before Pyeongchang, too, right? I wasn't following FS closely back then but even I noticed the discussions. So how far back does this narrative go?

It begs a question. If Yuzu was deemed "too old" during his second Olympics, but no one calls Nathan old during his second shot, may be it's not a matter of age, but a matter of marketing and PR and a passport?

If the consecutive OGM was American, would they tank him the same way? 🤔

The questions are rhetorical, of course.

Anyway, end of Tedtalk. 🤨