KatjaThera

I'm going to Milan as well. I do have quite a few clear files, from Ghana, Xylitol White, Xylitol last year and the new Phiten ones. I never say no to more - especially if I don't have them lol - but better let others who don't have any have some, too (I'll have to take pictures of them all, though, as I can't really remember which they are ^_^; )

Great news about the documentary! However, as much as I'd like recent footage and news, I'd rather they leave him alone with such things this year, so, I'd prefer it if it was from the off season. Given that screenshot, maybe we'll see the making of Chopin 3.0 and Seimei 2.0...

Actually, I'm pretty confident things are going according to plan by now. It's hard for us, yes, but from what we know, Yuzu's been on the ice for about 3 weeks now. He'll be fine.

Well, what he said could mean together, but it could also mean not together. But as this is Yuzu we're taking about and he's been back on ice for about three weeks now, by all reports, I find it hard to believe he's not at least trying triples... I mean, this is Yuzu and there's a month to go. He'll start pushing soon if he hasn't already.

I'd like to clarify something. Javi did not say they're training 'together' - unless I remember his words wrongly; I'm at work and can't watch the video again. He said "we're training". As in, both he and Yuzu are training, not necessarily together. I've been a bit confused about Javi's travel timeline, too, but since he is in Toronto now - he posted an instastory earlier today and he's at a skating rink that says ORONTO in the back - and given his instastories on New Year's Eve (saying he didn't expect to spend it with his girlfriend) makes me think he's gone back between Christmas and New Year's. Javi has a busier schedule in the lead up to Oly, with Europeans as well, so it makes sense he'd spend less time at home relaxing, than usual. But if the interviews were taken while he was still in Spain, then it makes it unlikely he saw Yuzu on ice with his own eyes. However, he had Brian along and could have overheard, or directly heard from Brian that Yuzu is back to training. Also, I wouldn't use his not knowing Yuzu didn't go to Nationals last year as an argument, because he didn't really have much business knowing. He was in Spain at the time and he doesn't follow his rivals as actively as others. I also doubt Yuzu called him and told him and his only real hint would be that Brian got to spend Christmas at home, but he wouldn't know that anyway, because he was in Spain. It wasn't a big deal, so there wasn't much reason to keep him updated on the issue. The injury this time is a bigger issue, so he probably heard stuff around, without being particularly knowledgeable - or even especially interested. It's not really his business anyway, but it made sense to say the little he knew when asked about what his rivals are doing.

I don't think that has anything to do with why they were separated. They respect each other too much to take advantage of each other's weaknesses or actively spy on each other. Or at least I like to think so. I think it had more to do with frustrations when one had a good day and the other not, maybe to avoid the possibility of them second guessing their choices - because they've adopted very different attitudes going into this, and seeing the other succeed might make them doubt their own choices - and to make it a bit easier for the coaches. But yes, they did say it was only two days per week that they were separated. Which isn't really much. But I still wonder if changing that dynamic so close to Oly - from what Javi had said, it had only just started before ACI, so it likely hadn't been the case throughout the Summer - is really a good thing. Something must have broken for them to fix it, though, so I'll trust Brian to know what he's doing...

You're right, I remember that... and it did look like he was accustomed to it. But it could also have been for TV only. But that's just the skeptic in me lol. The chances of him getting recognized and followed back then were quite small, though, I think... But who knows? However, if this story is true, it brings me back to that birthday ad in the TCC bus stop and my initial, negative reaction to it... so it's all quite

With the events in the morning, it should be better, anyway, and no matter what, they should be able to get a decent night's sleep, I think. But yes, I hope JSF will keep him as away from it all as possible.

I share at @SparkleSalad's relief. Though I didn't get my picture taken, it was a relief not to be quoted again, as I dreaded what they'd say. And it's actually that first article that put a huge damp on this one. I talked to that writer for at least 10 minutes and all he found worth writing was that I was checking my phone for news every few minutes. I talked to him about why I like Yuzu and while admittedly my answers weren't as emotional as others, it would have maybe helped show the variety among fans. So, I guess, because of my own experience in talking to the guy - and I didn't particularly want to be quoted or named, but I did want him to consider my words more in his impressions - I see it in a not so great light. Overall, the article seems kind of all over the place. He kind of jumps from topic to topic, like he doesn't really know what he wants to say. His words about Yuzu are very nice at times and he seems like he wants to compliment without fawning, but he also seems to completely fall off the wagon at times. I also find the word 'obsession' to be offensive, as it often has negative connotations. Why can't they use 'devotion' or so? As for Yuzu's fixation on quads, I also find that offensive, because it takes ambition and balls to keep challenging. It would be so much easier to settle for what he can do and play safe. It'd also be nice if they mentioned the others' fixation on quads because it's the only way they can try to keep up with him. And lastly, some of the quotes seem plucked from other interviews. Like the "I want to stir something in people's hearts" from the ANA interview last year or when it was. And that bugs me... And also makes me question everything in that article that I haven't heard from other, credible sources. Like the bus and coach pick-up stories. Especially since we've seen Yuzu often being driven to the club, most probably by his mother. Also, and this is left-over from reading a ton of Western media articles about X Japan that made me want to tear my hair out with the inaccuracies, I'm very much against the "oh, it's Western/US media, inaccuracies are fine, just be happy they wrote anything at all." Honestly, from my PoV, if they can't get their facts straight, I'd rather they don't write anything at all. That said, the article wasn't bad. And it got a lot of stuff right. Personally, I'd rather just label it as weird ^_^; On the other topic, thank you, Javi! I feel a bit sad, because he seems to be playing down their friendship/companionship again - or maybe just setting the record straight - which may or may not be a consequence of fangirl comments. But I agree with who said separating them was a bad idea. I can see why it would seem like a good idea, but such a change in training habits in Oly season... but hopefully they know better. Oh and regarding the quiet around Yuzu, my favorite thing in the whole NYT article, and I HOPE this is true, was Kobayashi with the timer, limiting journalists' time with Yuzu to around 5 minutes. It shows JSF - or at least Kobayashi - is looking out for him and will not let the media attention affect him. And remembering Brian said he believed the top three skaters being caught in a lot of media stuff until very late at night after the SP in Sochi played a big part in why they messed up in the FS, as they didn't get to rest much, I find that JSF attitude very encouraging.

Because I'm a sucker for timelines, I went back through the thread: Dec. 16th - mysterious tweet says Yuzu is back on the ice Dec. 18th - WD announcement Dec. 24th - Kobayashi revealed she had met with Yuzu's team on the 16th and was told he'd been back on the ice a bit, but was not doing jumps yet. (So I think this implies he'd been on the ice before the 16th, taking into consideration time differences.) I was thinking now, that since Spanish Nationals were Dec. 15th-17th, they could have timed it so Yuzu went back on the ice to do his first few small steps while Brian was away, and hopefully be ready to get down to more serious business once Brian came back... But of course, that's just speculation on my part. But that means he's been back on the ice for a little over two weeks now, even taking into account that TCC is apparently closed on Christmas. How far he's managed to get is anyone's guess, but I think they might be on schedule...

Speaking of Plush and Yuzu stuff to watch, have you seen the interviews parts from the 2016 NHK Special Exhibition thing? I love the Yuzu, Plush and Mao interview, it's quite fun lol (that part starts around 6:20)

I think the second coach sounds like Plushy, but I can't imagine why he'd request anonymity, either. He's publicly said similar stuff before. But I agree, I don't think Brian would speak like this, pretending to be on the outside, without inside info. And it's the TSL video interview. He didn't say it in those exact words, but I was too lazy to get the exact quote lol. I actually, like the interview, though some parts are a bit ^_^; He says he's not working with Yuzu anymore, but they keep asking about him, anyway... That sort of thing always bugs me, even though I'm happy to hear what he says. Video: It's around 10:10.

I chose to skip reading that article - or many articles nowadays that don't have anything new in terms of quotes from his team - precisely to avoid worrying. But now I'm curious... For now, I'm sticking to my belief that the injury wasn't that bad and they were just cautious, though without risking him not being able to be back in top shape by Oly. Nobody knows how long it takes him to recover better than him and his team. So I'm sure they took that into consideration. I am a bit at "I don’t think Brian and Tracy Wilson would take an athlete to the Olympics that they did not believe was ready to compete." because I don't really think it's their call. Knowing Yuzu, he'll go to the Olympics come hell or high water, no matter what anyone says. It's what he's dedicated his entire skating life to and no ankle injury will keep him away from it. Also, I think David said Yuzu is one of those people who make things happen through sheer force of will. I just hope he'll feel fired up and confident and I believe the rest will come. (Also, as I've said before, he has skated through injuries before, with great results and I believe if this had been any other season, he would have continued skating, in NHK, GPF and Nationals.) Or maybe I'm just in an optimistic mood this year

It's Tetsuya Komuro. He's a musician/music producer among other things. So I'm pretty sure he means ice show, by show. (One of his works most likely to be known internationally - and that I was kind of shocked to find out was his work - is Moonlight Densetsu, i.e. the original Sailor Moon opening song. ) And in more random Japanese music things, I was watching Kouhaku yesterday and the last act was the band Yuzu playing a song that, if I understood correctly, was the theme song in Japan for the Athens Olympics. It was pretty emotional and struck me as somewhat appropriate: Yuzu playing an Olympics song before the Olympics where our Yuzu competes. (Though there was no mention of Pyeongchang whatsoever, so the connections were all in my head.) If anyone is curious:

Sorry , but as promised, pics - not great quality, and not scans, because scans go beyond the boundaries of my self-imposed copyright rules lol - of the 2018 Yuzu calendars, both the desk one and the wall one on Google Drive (I was going to use imgur, but it refused to cooperate). And as bonus and a bit silly, my Seimei colors themed Christmas Tree

I was obviously at Haneda and flying ANA way too early, because there was no Yuzu at all T.T (though I didn't take the monorail this time, so I would have missed this anyway...) I love Requiem as well... the Boston one particularly is heartbreakingly beautiful...

Now I feel like re-acquainting myself to the original story... but that moment is beautiful and it wasn't there before and I wonder what made him add it (or maybe it was far more subtle and I didn't notice it... I was actually surprised, even when I first watched that live, that I could spot the differences... it's harder for me to spot differences in Seimei and I've watched that a million times, but in Notte Stellata at Rostelecom, I immediately noticed differences...) As for the costume, I wish it could exist without the mesh, but laws of physics >_< (unless he glued it to his skin and I doubt that'd be comfortable...)

I admit, the stabbing and wings unfurling part kills me every time. Though the whole thing is amazing. Someone should interview David and ask him about it. And also about what it was like working with an older and more mature - and with more stamina - Yuzu...

Oh, I agree it's not necessary, but I guess with Yuzu, it's never say never to me lol I wonder how much of a difference a few years make, re: older... but yes, I had a ligament injury once, too, and it took 3 weeks just to be able to walk normally, though not pain-free. I also think they're simply not forcing it. And I think he can do some doubles, but I think we know he can't do double axels for example (which is part of why Shoma's 2A-4T made me snicker a bit; made me wonder, if Yuzu could still do 2A, if he could do that combination, too ^_^; ). Though actually, in 2016, didn't he have to start all jumps again, from singles and work his way up? Or is my memory playing tricks on me... if he did, then maybe he can do doubles... And by "sidelined", I meant just him having to stay off ice and away from competitions. It's funny, in a way, he's still the one to beat, but is also, possibly, the biggest unknown, because his competitors didn't really get a chance to see where he is with these programs. (Though then again, so is Boyang and he has a harder time, because new programs. And Javi is always a wild card, IMO. And of course, Patrick, too...)

I don't even like Notte Stellata as much as others, but lately I've been really stuck on the Swan Prince... that Rostelecom performance was insanely beautiful... (I wonder if there were any changes planned before he took it into his own hands, or it was just like last year, and ALL the changes are stuff he came up with there and then...)

I want them, too... so I guess this also sort of confirms Chopin costume will stay like that, with the gold neck, and Notte Stellata is this season's Ex... (Seimei is abstract enough that small changes might still happen, but no black/red Seimei I guess lol)

Oh, I'm sure it's a typo in the ANA article. Or it was written by someone who doesn't really know much about figure skating and doesn't know about Nessie. That said, I've always been intrigued by the way he's talked about 4A. He's said it's hard to train because of the risk of injury and so it would be difficult to do it at the Olympics, but he also said something like "I need to think about it." Which to me, means that he wants to analyze and see if there might be some scenario in which that risk is worth taking. Keeping in mind that PC is THE event and what comes after doesn't really matter that much (as in he probably hasn't thought about it much, yet)... I think if he were to get in a "nothing to lose" kind of mind frame, it wouldn't be impossible. (I don't know if I'd want something like that or not... I'm likely to suffer multiple heart attacks no matter what he does, but with that on top... I also want us both to live so I can finally see Seimei, up close and personal in Milan, please! Maybe he can try 4A, there... >_> At least kill me face to face.) I felt the same... I am trying to encourage myself by thinking it all seems so bad mostly because he's talked about health so much and he's being extra cautious, but that under different circumstances it's an injury he would have easily skated through. It's good he's extra cautious. But knowing some of the things he's achieved before, despite injuries, like NHK and GPF 2015, Worlds 2012 (even Worlds 2013, the FS at least), or even just that he skated through everything that happened to him at CoC '14, that he's been sidelined for so long makes it seem a lot worse... I personally just want to think they're just being careful. He's behaving and it's actually not that bad and he'll be fine. *crosses all limbs*

It's Yuzu, so I wouldn't put it past him, but just imagine the nuclear blast if he came to the Olympics after 4 months of no competitions with a 4A... It'd be so hilarious! (In all seriousness, I wouldn't have been surprised if he did bring it to the Olympics, if the season had gone well, but I think the chances have reached 0.0000000000000000001% under the circumstances... Not absolute 0, because... yeah, it's Yuzu and he's crazy)

I almost spit out my drink at this: I wonder if that day will ever come...

I just finished booking my flight to Milan and settling on a hotel, so on top of the P&G video and everything, I'm feeling quite fuzzy, too... I also set my big calendar to stretch out from its rolled up form, and caught a glimpse of Swan Yuzu and died a little... Maybe I'll take some pictures when it's stretched out... (I'm also contemplating buying P&G products and Xylitol through proxies, just because... )