Esopian

For me it's Patrick and Yuzu as well! Their rivalry was really interesting, with Patrick being the "unbeatable" skater at that time and Yuzu being the younger skater(at 18-19 years old) who was catching up and rapidly improving, heading into the limelight. The media in 2014 was all about how the OGM was "Patrick's to lose", which is ironic considering how in the present the media is so focused on pushing Nathan to that exact spot. Perhaps the longest rival of Yuzu's was Patrick (correct me if I'm wrong) and at that time Yuzu really was motivated by Patrick's skating skills, that's why it was so memorable. In the recent seasons, it's almost like a battle of who has the highest TES and then the PCS follow that score. Now it's as if the judges pay less attention and put less value into rewarding the PCS. I really appreciated how leading into Sochi -skating skills were also a major factor. I agree, I feel like Javi and Yuzu was the best in terms of dispalying a good & healthy friendly rivalry, building and helping each other to improve and skate their best. It was really sweet to see, especially that iconic moment before the flower ceremony in Pyeongchang when all three medalists hugged and both Yuzu/Javi were teary-eyed. Their sportsmanship and friendship is beautiful~

Really agree with these two comments. It would be so awkward for the U.S. media if Yuzu re***** before the Beijing Olympics and they have no narrative to feed anymore. He's been stating in multiple interviews that he's not set on going to Beijing yet (though he did say in a press conference after the 2018 Olympics that if he was to go to Beijing, then he would aim to win). It feel like each Olympics he participated in, the media puts him some type of rivalry. In Sochi it was Patrick Chan and in Pyeongchang there were multiple contenders but mainly the press fed the Nathan vs Yuzu narrative. There's been so many rivalries with Yuzu over his skating career and I've wanted to ask this to the forum for a while: who has been your "favorite" rival of Yuzu's? It could be anyone: Javi, Patrick, Machida, Shoma, etc.

I agree with your point here, it's not a surprise that Yuzu is keeping both his programs this season because he tends to stick to something and perfect it. I was looking forward to him getting new programs, but keeping both programs can still be exciting!! Also, does anyone know if he'll be using new costumes or using the same ones as last season? If he plans to continue competing, it'll be such a treat to all of us and to skating in general! Remember the time when Yuzu initially planned to retire after Pyeongchang? Back then I really thought he would retire in 2018, so I wanted to see him skate live in competition before that actually happened. Now that's not really a concern, since he seems to be continuing! There'll be plenty more chances to see him skate live!

So for the question, I pick: Semei Origin Both!! It's so hard to choose between H+L and Requiem of heaven and earth Masquerade This is off-topic but after watching the replays of Yuzu's amazing performances at FaoI 2019, I went back to watch the broadcast of CiONTU 2018 and that ice show brought back so many good memories of last year!

Here's fanart I made which I'm a bit shy to share , a portrait of Yuzu I painted:

Finally caught up with the current competition + video/twitter updates, really loving the excitement and encouragement for Yuzu despite the mistake. I believe he'll do really well in the free because with history, he has always been a fighter who gives it his all into every performance. I just feel lucky as a fan that after 2 Olympic gold medals, he's still motivated to continue his art and sport! Here's fanart I made which I'm a bit shy to share , a portrait of Yuzu I painted:

Apologize for the super late reply (just checked notifications)! I really love the POTO 25th Anniversary London version with Ramin Karimloo, he's absolutely amazing at singing and interpreting the role of the phantom. But really, without Yuzuru skating to POTO I would've never been as invested and in love with the musical as I am now.

Love this thread! Without Yuzu, I wouldn't have gotten the chance to visit Marseille, France for the GPF in 2016 and I would've never discovered the beauty of the Phantom of the Opera musical (as famous as it is) and got the chance to watch the live musical twice.

Okay, I'm late to the party but congrats to Yuzuru on having two exciting programs that will for sure grow as the season continues! It's already looking beautiful -even with the mistakes and the COSTUMES are utterly gorgeous! I'm completely in love with the colors, sparkles and overall designs of both costumes! The SP "Otoñal" costume reminds me of Hope&Legacy somehow mixed with Chopin and one of his earlier exhibition program costumes, The Final Time Traveler. His "Origin" costume really reminds me of one of my favorite costumes of his which was the first version of the Phantom of the Opera (the laced, red/black version) and also looks as if the new FS costume is designed as a 'dark version' of his beautiful Notte stellata costume. Seriously amazed with the costume designs this season, wow!! Yuzu has always been hard on himself, no doubt he'll have tons of things he wants to improve on as mentioned in the interviews —however the quality of his performance and the way he captivates the audience with his presence/performance has always been the special part of his skating.

Anyone know when Yuzuru's new season program music is going to be revealed?

Read the news this morning and was shocked, I'm still deeply saddened and shocked about Denis' sudden death. I probably will be really sad for a while since I was fortunate enough to have seen him skate live in the Grand Prix of France two years ago and he was always a joy to watch. It's crazy how someone who was eating with his friends a day ago has passed away so suddenly. It's hard to put into words the sadness I feel as a fan and can't imagine the pain/sorrow his family, teammates, competitors and close friends must feel. I truly hope Denis Ten rests in peace and tragedies like this will not happen again.

Dear Hanyu, thank you for touching our hearts and inspiring us with your skating! Want to share a sketch I did of Yuzu in celebration of all that has happened so far this year:

Thank you!! I really tried to capture his content/peaceful/glad expression in this drawing, he really has beautiful eyes.

Finally caught up with the forum! Such a great suprise that Yuzuru skated at his ice show, even without the jumps it's wonderful to watch him revisit old programs and invite skaters who inspired him, just like he inspires us. Also I really thought he would be satisfied after winning the second gold medal at Pyeongchang, but now that he's planning to continue -it's so exciting!! Want to share a sketch I did of Yuzu in celebration of all that has happened so far this year:

Saw a post on tumblr which reminds us that Plushenko had already predicted Hanyu's reign back in 2013.

Same, since shortly after Sochi Yuzu said he wanted to aim for another Olympics, then retire for sure after Pyeongchang based on the results. He won gold at these 2 Olympics and I find it so inspiring that he wants to continue competing just for his love for skating. That's really something special. Someone mentioned earlier that they would really want him to have 2 new programs for next season if he decides to compete, I totally agree with them because at this point in Yuzu's career —he can just have fun and continue expressing different sides of himself through skating. Yes, it definitely has benefits to leave the sport at the top, that's why so many athletes retire after they win gold at the Olympics. I find Yuzu to be a very special athlete because he continues to find new "dreams/challenges" for himself to continue skating. Once he's at peace with the sport and decides to retire, I would 100% agree with his decision (since I expected him to retire after Pyeongchang for the longest time, continuing came off as a pleasant surprise to me).

Thank you!!

I wonder how many of the questions will Yuzuru be asked out of all the Team Japan athletes (I think they asked him 2 questions so far?). He sure is popular and gives great answers Total questions directed to him: 4 out of (?) total of the press conference. Then the event ended, wow Yuzu got so much focus here!

Honestly both Yuzu and Shoma look super tired, they really should get their valued sleep soon (at least a week's worth maybe?).

I guess it can be good for Japanese language (hearing proficiency) practice. Edit: He spoke! Yuzu's such a natural speaker, this good quality must come from his parents too.

Does anyone know how long this press conference will be? How long has it been going for so far?

Want to share an earlier watercolor painting I made inspired by his beautiful swan EX: Such a beautiful way to end to the gala —with Hanyu's Notte Stellata.

This forum moves at lightning speed when Yuzu is active, the power of never-ending fan discussions~ Thanks as usual for all the updates, tweets, news, videos downloads/uploads, interviews and so on about Yuzuru at the conclusion of the Olympics! Want to share an earlier watercolor painting I made inspired by his beautiful swan EX:

That would be amazing!! Imagine a 3A with +5 GOE! Brian said earlier in an interview that Yuzuru will find new motivations to continue skating (along with his genuine love for the sport) and that he'll be there at the TCC for Yuzuru no matter what he decides to do. Talking about the 4A is interesting/exciting but kind of scares me with Yuzu's crazy ambition to reach new heights right after he won his second gold medal. Just looking forward to new and fresh programs/costumes if he continues next season after his ankle heals!

Sharing a screenprint I made of Yuzuru last year inspired by his journey going into these Olympics, he truly marks his hope and legacy in the sport of figure skating from winning the gold medal again!