KatjaThera

It's hard for me to draw any conclusions or make any assumptions about Yuzu's relationship with Stephen because we have seen absolutely no interaction between them. Unless we count Stephen falling right in front of Yuzu during that Seimei runthrough during the open day, where Yuzu didn't really look particularly... anything. I know people thought he seemed fond or amused, or, alternatively annoyed. To me he just looked like "oh... someone fell". Just observing without thinking or feeling anything in particular. Of course, that doesn't mean anything and everything you said could be true. But we just have no proof of it whatsoever. I also think being 7 in a new country - assuming Stephen hadn't been there longer - and being 17 in a new country are completely different things. I'm not sure how much culture shock a 7 year old can have. But who knows... As for PCS, I don't think Yuzu aspires to perfect PCS scores as a goal, because he surely knows best that it's virtually impossible, the way judging is these days. He does aspire to doing programs that meet his own standards of artistry, but I'm not sure he'll care that much about scores from now on. Of course, in the process of that, the scores should follow, but maximising PCS and overall scores was a big point in the goal for a second OGM. I'm not sure it'll matter as much from now on. He's said it himself, he's pretty much reached the maximum for PCS, aware that it's unlikely judges will ever give him more. That's why he needed the TES increase, hence 4Lo and 4Lz.

I've been wondering/worrying about how Javi's absence will influence Yuzu as well, but right now, I think it'll be more of an emotional thing than otherwise. Yuzu needed Javi when he first arrived in Toronto, because Javi was his benchmark. Javi was the model he needed to visualize quads and not lose the image of a properly jumped quad whenever his own went off track. However, Yuzu has surpassed his benchmark and from 4Lo on, he could no longer count on Javi for help (even though Javi could jump 4Lo, I doubt he'd do it randomly, just for Yuzu to get a good image). Also, that supposed comment that Yuzu said having a good image isn't enough for 4Lo and 4Lz also tends to point at him not needing Javi in that sense anymore. (Although I also wonder, if Javi had jumped 4Lo and 4Lz, if that might have been enough... It might be far-fetched, but I think who is jumping might make a difference, somehow.) While Stephen's presence will probably fuel Yuzu's competitiveness - although in a different way, they're on very different playing fields - the dynamics he had with Javi go way beyond that. I think the true strength of their bond was that they climbed to success and lived that success together. They experienced setbacks and fears and highs and lows together while in similar circumstances. Both at the top and working their butts off to stay there. That's where their bond really was, I believe, beyond competitiveness and beyond good jump images. That they went through all that together, knowing, more or less, what the other was going through and supporting each other through it. On top of that, what Yuzu said about Javi helping him relax and making him laugh when he was feeling pressure is the main reason I still pray Javi will do an apprenticeship as Brian's assistant and be on Yuzu's team in the future. Although if Yuzu sticks to his current philosophy, he won't feel as much pressure anymore, so... I guess he won't really need Javi like that, either... I don't know, I guess we'll see. Though to be honest, I'm not sure Yuzu will show us again how much Javi's absence affects him. Maybe he'll mention it in some book in the future, but my impression is the emotional reactions we saw after the FP were involuntary and only happened because he could no longer hold up his walls in relief that he'd somehow made it through. He was emotionally vulnerable and showed that. I don't think he would have, normally. Maybe not even privately, to Javi alone. The way he acted afterwards, gala practice and gala were more his usual way of acting, I think. Just having fun, being positive, and pushing away anything else. As for friends, indeed we don't know if he has any. But then again, none of the TCC people seem to be really friends in the common sense either. Though who knows? I do believe Yuzu will likely spend more effort in interpersonal relationships from now on and truly make friends if he really doesn't have any. Or he might not and stay true to his introverted nature. (What I've heard of his relationship with most TCC people reminds me of myself and my relationships with my work colleagues and bosses. We can have a blast together, family-like fun and even share deep discussions and even about personal stuff. I would not, however, call any of them a friend or be particularly inclined to hang out after work or on weekends. But that doesn't mean I don't enjoy their company or the time we spend together.)

Honestly, there are only two reasons why I think they'd wait this long to announce something - and I'm sure they'll announce it either way; I guess it's more of a 'confirmation of the team' - and that is either JSF really is trying to help the ISU, or Yuzu is really trying to see if he might be able to go... or actually a third, that they're trying to create the 'illusion' that he's really trying (like they did with Nationals, although that they announced sooner than this would be...).

Two days before I'm supposed to leave... could have been worse >_< I hope the rumors are wrong and we'll hear sooner, though...

I think I didn't express my point properly, because I agree with you. I think just that the need he felt to give back weighed a lot and it was a need to win, perhaps more than a desire to win. It added a pressure and urgency to everything, that weight we're talking about. I actually think it's great if he was able to sort of set a deadline for it. Like "I will do this and then that will be it." because I think that is very hard to do. I've always wondered if he's had any help with his survivor's guilt, but maybe actually in his study of psychology and such he studied that, too, and helped himself. That said, I fully agree, the competitiveness and the desire to win have always been his, but I wonder if the rest didn't overshadow it. Who knows. Good thing is he seems to be over it and you know what? I believe a Yuzu having fun will create even more mindblowing moments than he's done so far...

I think what has changed is the reason why he competes. Until now, a big part of why he wanted to win and felt like he had to win was for the people who supported him and, personally, I think it was also out of his survivor's guilt. He was given the chance to continue doing what he loved, so he couldn't do it half-heartedly. From now on, though, he will do it for himself. But the him that hates losing and loves competing, that was there since he was a kid. In fact, he might be getting back the pure joy of competing, without as much pressure to win. If so, actually Worlds could be a good start to practice that philosophy...

I'd also like to point out the source appears to be a tabloid/women's magazine. We'll see. True, but it's nearly 2am in Japan and it's actually stupid to bid so highly so early on. I won't be surprised if they'll stop the auction to do some investigating. It's happened before, though they did take increased security measures since then...

I don't think that's any big news... he's Yuzu. Of course he wants to go if he can, but for once he's more likely to put rehabilitation first. I just hope we get a yes or no soon >_<

Good point. My issue with the photoshoot is that he looks young and kind of delicate, which is at odds with his killer look in competition. Some photographer needs to make full use of that, rather than this, IMO. On the other hand, I do think the transformation between what he looked like when he arrived and what he looked like during the shoot is kind of fascinating, too...

The page says they were used in practice... but maybe they were only used once or twice? They do look new... (I'm not sure I'd personally be very into getting someone else's boots, if they were intensely used, though lol Even with cleaning products and Japanese hygiene ^_^; ) I hope there won't be any fake bids. I remember Yoshiki auctioned off a piano a few years ago and it had gone up to 6 million plus - or was it 10 million? I forgot - but they then had to stop and re-evaluate, because it turned out there had been fake bids. I don't remember how much it eventually sold for, but it was considerably less than that. Now I wonder if one can wear edge-less skate boots as regular boots... lol

As far as I know, this accusation has been put forward by some Takahashi fans for years. I admit, I'm curious what their arguments are, considering all the evidence that Yuzu was there. I mean, even they'd have to admit he'd deserve a few Oscars for interpretation, if all his reactions whenever he went back and had to relive those events in order to keep the earthquake fresh in people's memories were faked. It takes a lot of skill to fake that much emotion. In a different way, it doesn't even matter. He's been doing so much for the devastated areas and he keeps raising awareness of things still left to do, that it shouldn't even matter if he was there or not. That he was and he has his own trauma is part of why he succeeded, but if he hadn't been there, it would make his work even more impressive. To do all that without the emotional connection. And on top of it, I doubt that's why they're thinking of giving him the award, or else they should have done it some time back already. The two Olympics Golf Medals are more likely to have something to do with it, methinks.

I've heard this before and it annoys me because some people have been using it to criticize Yuzu. Tickets to Worlds cannot be canceled, not unless it's for a serious reason why the buyer cannot attend anymore (like a death in the family, illness, injury etc.), with proof and it only applies to Italian citizens or residents and only those who bought the insurance. So "I won't go because my favorite skater withdrew" will not enable anyone to cancel their tickets. And I'm saying this as someone who spent 400EUR+ on tickets that I will probably not get back in any way, if I don't go. But most people who bought tickets knew there was a chance he wouldn't go, even before the NHK injury, so I wish people would stop complaining about this. I understand wanting to know something for sure already, I do, too, but leave the tickets alone.

This, totally. I wonder if one challenge Yuzu might set for himself is to see how many quads he can do in a program without it affecting the artistry. Technically, I think it should be possible to do even 6, Yuzu-style, but the problem would be stamina. Another thing Yuzu doesn't get enough credit for, is how much more difficult and energy consuming it is to do quads as part of the program instead of just doing them. (And then when those don't go perfectly, people comparing them to other skaters 'going clean' with their easier programs >_<.)

Pooh-san and Puru-san (ie Plushenko-san)

I'm going to leave a proper translation to people who are better at it, but as far as I can tell, it's his ending message, talking a bit about his thankfulness to people who supported him both during good times and bad times. The last part is far clearer to me. He says that aside from the gold medal, he had another dream at the Olympics, and that was to help all the people who have taught/coached/guided him. That he spent sleepless nights planning that out, but in the end, he didn't get to do it when he won. So he'll do it now, and mentions all the coaches and choreographers (and I love Plushenko as プルさん lol)

The big difference between Yuzu and the other quadsters, however, is that his quads also have high technical quality, which, IMO, doesn't just make them look good, but also minimizes the impact they have on his body. On top of that, he doesn't believe in quads for the sake of quads. The challenge for Yuzu isn't just to jump quads, but to integrate them in his programs and make them part of the artistry. In the end, anyone can jump quads, probably, with the proper training. But how many can make the quads blend seamlessly into a program? THAT's where the challenge really is and that's also why artistry should be more highly rewarded. Yes, it won't stop the quad race, but the quad race is almost over anyway. The only unjumped quad is the axel. Sure, quad combinations can follow, but the point is there should be a big gap between rewarding stand-alone quads and rewarding quads that blend into a program. That's where the unfariness is right now, IMO. And, on top of that, if they rewarded quads done properly more than just quads, that would, I think, make quad jumping just a tad safer.

Yuzu has always acted like that towards Shoma, guiding him and teaching him and pushing him outside of his comfort zone at times, for his own good. I believe it only seems like it has increased because they are spending more time together in public due to being the top two skaters. I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with Javi and Yuzu's relationship with Shoma has absolutely nothing in common with the one he has with Javi. On top of that, as others have said, Yuzu is friendly with more skaters and it doesn't take much for them to understand he's a normal, fun guy and a two times Olympic Champion in the same time. As for the seniority thing, I agree with @meoima. As far as Japanese culture is concerned, Yuzu's behavior is perfectly normal and the Japanese will probably not even notice it, because it's as normal as breathing. (ETA, @Sammie just proved my point lol) Despite Yuzu and Shoma saying it's nit as strict in figure skating - they don't use keigo and aren't super polite with each other - it obviously still exists because it's in their nature and upbringing. That's also why Yuzu said he should stick around a bit more because he still has things to teach Shoma - like not falling asleep during press conferences. Seniors feel responsible for their juniors and if the juniors make mistakes it's because the seniors didn't teach them properly. That type of sense of responsibility is also part of their culture and Yuzu has it in spades. On the other hand, this doesn't mean Yuzu only does this out of obligation. He clearly likes Shoma. It's just that it's a natural relationship and not really anything to overanalyze

This is based on something from Asaichi: although Yuzu is not an idol, I think in general, people treat him a little bit like one, anyway. In Asaichi, when it came to touching his hair, the female moderator said it's better if she doesn't, since his fans might mind it, and it was Inohara who did it, to see if it's hard or not. That's the same as idols, keep females away from touching the popular males, just to be safe. I don't know if Yuzu's hovering arms are for the same reason, but they fit in the same pattern. So for that reason, I'm not sure Yuzu will get paired with girls and even less with girls his age - or close to it - even in ice shows. And it might be even less from now on, since his popularity will increase again. And this is as much to keep the crazier fans - if they exist, which I hope they don't - satisfied, as it is to protect the girls - because when it comes to male idols, girls who end up connected to them often get bashed and harassed by angry fangirls. I like to think Yuzu doesn't have fans like that, but it could be a standard Japanese approach by now. Better safe than sorry. Though of course, this is just my guess as to a possible reason why we don't see that much.

You know, a little something at a gala, half improvised, like I think Javi and Mao did once? Or am I imagining things? - would be fine, but I doubt he'll be going to Moscow to work on something with her. Also, although they get along, I'm still convinced he doesn't really see her as a girl/young woman. But who knows... Anyway, it won't happen soon. More coaching thoughts under spoiler, since even if we were to take it to another thread, I'm not sure where it'd belong

It's OT, so under spoiler: Though this reminds me, on Monday, while waiting for the athletes return, one of the TV stations - NTV? - had a segment on top coaches and they discussed Brian and Eteri. I admit I don't follow Eteri or the ladies, but from the few things I've heard, I'm actually a bit 'offended' she and Brian are put in the same category ^_^;

I think they might have put that condition precisely because they know it won't happen. After all, if they got Yuzu in there, it'd upset the girls' focus and go against another thing she said that Iron Klaus mentioned in a previous tweet about what Alina and Evgenia need to do if they want to aim for Beijing (which for me was very much )

I remember reading elsewhere that at least some of the content is Ice Jewels interviews, so now I'm a bit confused... we'll see I guess. I wish I was there, though... two weeks at least until I get my copy And I want the Ice Jewels photobook, but that would mean waiting another week... if he announces his withdrawal from Milan in due time, I might get it... Despite the longer wait...

It's out today Japan time (since it's already March 1st there). So I expect we'll be getting bits of info from it very soon. I have it pre-ordered through a proxy, but it won't reach them until Monday and then it'll take some 10 or so days to arrive here.

Honestly, I think there's more power to him in publicly acknowledging him. Especially if the people doing it might actually be reluctant to do it to his face - ie knowing he knows about it. It's like he's saying: "I know who you are and I know what you are writing about me." Ignoring them would work, too, but it would make people feel free to criticize him even more. It's kind of like the internet. Internet trolls exist because of the anonymity of the internet and most would never dare say the things they type, especially not to people's faces. Reporters, of course, are not anonymous, but it's one thing to write knowing the person you write about KNOWS what you write and it's another to write not knowing that. Maybe they do, maybe they don't, he's not in Japan so maybe he doesn't, or he doesn't really speak English, so maybe he doesn't. But him saying he knows is putting people who write stuff like that on the spot. Especially if he's not naming names. IMO, that's a very powerful stance to take. Although, yes, I'm sure it does affect him, but he's being awesome about it

Personally, I hope he'll be around more than Japanese Media, but also overseas media. He can draw attention to the sport like few others can, because aside from his achievements, he's also charming and smart and knowledgeable and likeable. (Although, admittedly, he still has to work on his English.) On the other hand, I won't hold my breath about Yuzu teaching his children, because with how private he is, we might never know much about his family, he might prefer keeping that private. Although, of course, if some day another Hanyu skater shows up, we'll know then lol But I suspect we won't hear much until then.