There used to be not so much information about figure skating before in Japan, especially about novice/junior skaters. I knew Yuzuru as a promising skater only by short news clips sometimes aired on TV or even shorter news articles. I first noticed Ryuju Hino as a talented one by his splendid spins, but I only thought about Yuzuru that he should change his hair style
I was just disappointed by his Junior Worlds 2009, and then surprised by his winning in 2010
But, at that time, I think the majority of Japanese fans were more interested in the results of Mao and Daisuke, TBH. (Actually, Japan dominated all single categories, both senior and junior in the Worlds 2010).
And NHK 2010, and 4CC 2011. He could not hide his lack of stamina (but it stimulated my maternal instinct thing), and his angelic smile at the end of long program, that killed me instantly.