KatjaThera

Actually, slightly OT, but this has reminded me... one thing I always found interesting is that movie Seimei is actually very playful. He jokes and teases and pranks. Of course, he does get serious when it's necessary to be serious, but overall, he's very playful (I guess to further make one wonder if he really might be half kitsune). Yuzu's Seimei has mostly focused on the serious Seimei. I think it'd be awesome if one day he'd do a more colorful - or black and red - Seimei and focus on the playful Seimei. That could potentially be deadly for us, though lol

It'd make sense since in the movie Semei does a fan dance ETA: Actually that's the ending credits scene, only without the scrolling credits. But in the movie, Onmyouji II, Seimei battles evil with a fan (dance). I don't remember the details, though ^_^;

Oh, thank you!!! I did get the first one, but post-Olympics there's been so much stuff and it's been so overwhelming, I often said "I'll download later" and then by the time I got around to it, a week had passed and I couldn't ^_^; He has no reason to tire himself out on a long trip to Milan, when he can just as well watch it on TV. (I actually think going to an ice rink while he can't skate would also be pointlessly torturing himself; plus you can be sure some would say: well, if he's going anyway, why can't he take some more painkillers and skate? And on top of that, I'd be crushed, alongside everyone else who is canceling trips to Milan and selling tickets Because even if not skating, if he were there, I think most of us would want to be there, too.) He's most probably going to stay in Japan until he can start practicing. It all depends on what rehabilitation means. If it's just off ice or not. We'll probably know some more tomorrow, when that ice show page updates. Then it depends what ice shows he can do and if he can get back on the ice, if he can squeeze in a trip to Toronto, to work on programs for next season. It's a difficult Summer, because he wants to do many ice shows and he has the P&G talk shows as well, but he also has 3 months rehab - which Yuzu being Yuzu might take longer - and he still needs to work on programs for next season, if he wants to do a full one. Theoretically, he can do that while rehabing, at least sketch them out, but we know he likes to skate and jump while working on them, so... It's tricky. For now I think he's enjoying his rest in Sendai. Though who knows, really? And I think it's great we don't know. As for training in Canada, I wondered about this, too, especially since as a junior he said he always wants to train in Japan, with Japanese coaches. I think what changed his mind was seeing Javi's rapid improvement under Brian and knowing he'd need something like that for Sochi, if he actually wanted to try to win. I don't think he ever mentioned that speed of improvement as being one of the factors, but it makes sense to me. Either way, improving his skills and getting better results became more important than sticking to 100% Japan and I think it's great he was able to decide that, despite obviously not liking much having to leave Japan. I think the hostility in Japan mostly comes from fans of other skaters who in their own ways did great things for Japanese skating, but never got the popularity or acknowledgement Yuzu got. Yes, him being a victim/survivor of the earthquake did add an extra layer of 'tragic heroism' to his image, and the way he rose from that and became successful gradually, even, because it didn't happen overnight, it all added to his image and nothing any of the others have ever done or could ever do for upcoming skaters, can compare to that. So I think those fans, who feel their favorites are being overlooked and underappreciated, lash out at exactly the things most people use to explain Yuzu's legend: the earthquake experience, him being a good guy, etc. It's pure envy. (And an envy that I don't think is shared by said favorites, because I think they also understand all the pressure that comes along with being this popular and put on SUCH a pedestal. And they also know the truth about Yuzu post earthquake and how hard he's worked to be where he is. Even Takahashi, while admitting he was affected by Yuzu coming so strongly into the senior scene and his quad abilities, he never blamed Yuzu for it. Rather seemed in awe of him.) Anyway, back to brighter topics lol I can't imagine him going to a beach place, since he doesn't like beaches and can't swim. But who knows? Actually, I'm not sure he'd want to travel anywhere outside of Japan right now... He's been away for too long... But really, who knows? lol (Also, Japan gets plenty hot in Summer lol) Oh and personally, I'd rather neither Shoma nor Nathan won. I prefer Boyang, simply because I genuinely like him the most and he seems to be the one who is most like Yuzu in aiming to improve all aspects of his skating. I used to think Shoma did, too, but Shoma still has a lot to improve that he doesn't seem to realize he needs to improve (or at least doesn't say it, although he did say he learned from Yuzu and Javi). And Nathan has said he doesn't care about that. So I'd rather neither gets the World Champion title. But if I had to choose between just the two of them, then, yes. Shoma all the way. An outsider would be fun, though lol

I just received my copy of Yume wo Ikiru as well. I plan to fully enjoy it tonight ^_^; I started with the last chapter and it's already a bit heartbreaking... but I'll wait to read more before I post any actual impressions here. Now I will struggle to carry 5 kg worth of magazines, plus the book home in pouring rain... yay! lol (They are safely packed in my backpack, no worries!)

We can also look at it in a different way: shorter programs should mean less stamina needed, so Yuzu won't need to work throughout the season on his stamina as much and will be able to either focus on other things, or do great programs from the get go. Though if he does 4A, I guess his stamina will still be challenged, just in different ways lol. Also, since the time limit is joined by the decrease in jumping passes, I'm not sure that will affect the choreo sequence that much. (It might be harder for other skaters, who spend a lot more time on their jumps, due to long preparations.) But we'll see... Hiroshima. They announced it at the end of the gala at NHK last year.

I wouldn't say he has no regrets about this season, at least not in the way I think about regrets, because I'm sure he'd rather not have been injured. However, he did the absolute freaking best he could under the circumstances and met his goals - and apparently didn't do long-term damage either. I actually feel very happy that he is satisfied. As a perfectionist myself, it can be really hard to accept what sometimes is the best possible result, because of circumstances. I feared kuyashii but I'm super happy he acknowledges he did an amazing job. That I think is maturity. And I also think he's pretty much said that he doesn't feel he has anything left to prove, when he said "I am me." If people like it, fine, if they don't, too bad. If people acknowledge his worth, great, if not, tough luck. He is done aiming to impress people and write his name in the history books. It's there already, whether people like it or not. From now on, as I understand it, he'll only aim to impress himself. Of course, it probably won't be easy and there might be 'relapses', but I think, overall, it's also a sign of maturity to say: "you know what? I don't have anything left to prove. Take me or leave me." And if he manages that, I think we'll be in for a treat. Because while his own ambition has been a driving force before, too, he also did feel the need to prove himself, and maybe prove that he deserved everything he had and achieved (because of the earthquake and other... things. Like 2012 Nationals. Sochi. Losing the World title to Javi twice. Things like that possibly made him want to prove himself worthy). Now it'll probably be just pure ambition and love of skating. It'll feel less... secure than before. Because he'll have the freedom to stand up any moment and say: "ok, I'm done here. Bye!" But it'll be a really fun ride until then, I think. As for what he's going to do the next season, I'll allow myself a slightly flippant answer: he'll do whatever the heck he wants! And that's the best thing of all!

Pino had uploaded it, in censored version (with the actual NHK fall removed; personally, I find that annoying and want to find a normal version, since I stupidly didn't save it from FujiTV, but I think a lot of people here will prefer it like that; the first NHK documentary was also uploaded like that, censored). I don't have the link right here, but it should be easy to find by checking their twitter, I think.

That further proved my point, re: stupid lol Isn't Yuzu supposed to be past his prime and guaranteed to be beaten by super quadster Nathan? And even Vincent is a rival? lol But yes, that could be. I think NHK and either CoR or Skate Canada are most likely...

Honestly, I think if any GP organizers don't invite him, they are stupid... He's the only one who can sell out venues. Beyond that, it'll be a matter of choice. Also, if he's not eligible by normal standards, that means he can go to any GP, regardless of who else is there. But we'll see... I think they're announced in May?

Well, the designer is Johnny Weir, but I'm not sure if he meant Johnny by those comments... He was being quite mysterious about it lol

Good point, I forgot the Japanese don't always use genius literally lol And I'll check that out, then (I admit Japanese comedian humor often leaves me rather than , but that's just personal taste lol So I've rarely sought it out myself lol)

I wouldn't be surprised if, after/if he gets the 4A stable, he'll decide to get 4F as well. Brian saying that means nothing, since Brian also said no 4Lz this season :P. But right now, I'm sure he's not thinking about it and why would he? In many ways, he's done. He doesn't really feel he has anything left to prove - and rightfully so - I think, so everything he does now will be for himself, for pleasure, for enjoyment and for personal challenge. If the world likes and appreciates it, fine, and if they don't, just as fine. He's in it for fun now, most of all - or that's what he seems to be saying and what I hope for - with no more external pressures. And THAT I think is why we might still see truly mindblowing things. Because Yuzu having fun is more likely to produce amazing stuff than Yuzu stressed and pressured. See the Seimei choreo sequence at Olys or Parisian Walkways in Sochi (although he was nervous then, but was able to ignore it and just have fun). I think despite the sample size, it's far more impressive because it's Tokyo University which is one of the top universities in Japan (together with Waseda, Keio... I'm not sure about the current ranking, but I think generally, getting into any of this is a thing, that's how good they are. So for their students to think Yuzu is a genius (not just smart, but a genius) is pretty big, too. (That said, is Sanma that smart? I've never had a great impression of him... but I've also never really watched him lol) And Samantha Thavasa... I will now spend all day with Yutaka Takenouchi's voice in my head, saying "Otsukare Samantha Thavasa" (which his character in JDrama BOSS usually said)

What Yuzu and Ayumu Hirano have in common is that they have quadruple jumps as a weapon. And when they sat together, Yuzu started talking to him, asking lots of questions, like he usually does, about jumpin in snowboarding and what halfpipe is like and can he do quintuples or quad and a half? (Someone else might do a better translation earlier)

I'm not sure, but it might be once per IP. It's only on today - well, until midnight Japan time - I think, too. I tried two quick, consecutive searches and the number didn't increase, so maybe once per IP...

OT, but as it is March 11th in Japan already, I'd like to remind everyone of this: https://fukko.yahoo.co.jp/search/ On Yahoo Japan, search for "3.11" and Yahoo Japan and its partners will donate 10yen to disaster reconstruction in Tohoku. It's a small thing we can do as Yuzu fans, so please spread the word, too!

Now I had this idea of TBBT having a Yuzu skating thing and Sheldon actually being moved to tears by the performance lol But it's really cool to see even actors getting into it. And around the Olympics, Pete Wentz from Fall Out Boy also tweeted about Yuzu. I accidentally stumbled upon that and it made me blink a few times lol

They closed it again... I hope so, too, but I doubt he wouldn't check up on it...

In other news, it went up to 15.1 million again, but now it's 9.9 million again...

Yep... though on the other hand, I don't think most people interested would believe 100 million to be real, so they might keep an eye out. But since it keeps going 4-5-10-50-10-5-4 wildly, it's hard to get an idea of what's real, so... yeah. It's a pain to keep up with something crazy like this.

That, too, but as it's for charity, that wouldn't be so bad (I personally, could maybe let it go, because it's at least for a good cause. If I had that much money, I mean). However if there's a fake bid for 4 million and I can only afford 4 million, I not only can't bid, but wouldn't even try, so it might sell to the next highest bidder for 3 million. And that's a loss for both me and the charity. It's a mess, yes. And a risk for anyone bidding. That's another reason why I can't imagine companies getting into it... it's too all over the place.

I very, very much doubt it. It's way too much money. Beijing is four years away and there's too much that can happen in 4 years, so I find it hard to believe someone's making Beijing preparations. Plus, like I've said before, it's stupid to push the bid so highly so many days before the end. The end will be crazy, though, because the final price might be lower than it could have been. (Since there might be fake bids in the hundreds of millions and the last valid bid around 4 million, but someone willing to try for 5 million, for real, would be put off by the 100 bids and unable to bid. That could actually be a strategy as well, but it's too early now.)

Yahoo Auctions Japan isn't really international, though. I'm pretty sure you need a Japanese phone number or address or so to join. It is possible to bid from overseas using proxies and well, Chinese fans - and probably not only - generally don't seem limited by any Japanese-only policies and they find ways to bypass them, but if the intention was for the bid to be international, there are other platforms. Admittedly, I haven't watched many big profile auctions, but there was another auction once, also Yoshiki related, for a dinner with him. And I think that was on an international platform. (The previous one, for the piano on yahoo auctions was also a mess. I think Yahoo Auctions doesn't have the means for such high profile auctions). I also don't think this will affect his image in any way, but I think he'd feel pretty disappointed and upset by the situation. Charity for 11.03 is a big deal to him and to see people fooling around with it must be making him feel pretty upset, if not mad.

I think like someone else said, organizations would have much more to gain if they tried to engage Yuzu directly - although it's also pretty much sure he'd refuse most such approaches - than bid like this. But also, I'm sorry, I love Yuzu and I know he's huge to us, but I cannot imagine anyone willing to pay THAT much money for a pair of boots. 10 million, yes, maybe, but not 100, that's just insane. On a different topic, it was a few pages back, that Javi said Yuzu cried the most about his medal, I'd like to point out that is a bit simplified. The question started from Yuzu crying, but asked Javi about who in his family cried the most. Javi said none of them cried in front of him - because he wasn't with them, then, although they probably did cry - so the one he saw was, obviously, Yuzu. Then he said that Yuzu probably also cried because of some things he told him (and he frowned while saying this), but then didn't get in more detail and I don't remember, either went on to talking about his family or the moderators changed the topic. So, as sweet as that summary was, it has a bit more nuance than that lol (Personally, that frown got to me, because it reminded me of our little talk about how Yuzu normally wouldn't have cried like that, but was emotionally vulnerable, so I wonder if Javi regrets telling him what he did then and there, in public and at a time when Yuzu was already overwhelmed. But that's just my interpretation.)

It's going down. I will never understand people who fake bid on charity auctions, it's like stealing from the poor or so. But big level auctions shouldn't happen online in the first place. In much nicer news, happy 3000 pages! We reached that many here in less than a year, but we have so many more in the whole forum... I'm not sure there are many forums out there that have grown as fast as this and since it's the one I've been the most active in in my entire life, I'm really happy to have been a part of it!

It's good to finally have confirmation. The doctor's recommendation doesn't sound too bad... though let's keep in mind that Yuzu has a tendency to need more than usually recommended. Depending on what rehabilitation implies, he might have to skip quite a few ice shows... FaOI most likely, which is sad. But proper rehab is more important, so... I expect he might spend at least the two weeks in Sendai. Then depending on what rehab means, either stay in Japan or go back to Toronto. I think he might stay in Japan, though. Even if he can't skate, he'll probably do a lot of media stuff throughout it... We'll see. And I should probably try to see if I can sell my tickets, too...