rockstaryuzu

Yes, and I find this very interesting indeed. To move the topic away from Yuzu a little bit, I think in the next 20 years Japan itself is going to undergo a huge but subtle cultural shift because of things like this.

They're from the same culture as him, so the information they provide is useful sometimes. But it's impossible for every single foreign fan of Yuzu's to regulate their actions based on what the Japanese fans might or might not think is appropriate. In most cases it's impossible for foreign fans to even know what a Japanese fan might consider appropriate. And most people in the Japanese fandom haven't met Yuzu personally anymore than the rest of us have, so they are also guessing what he might like or not like based on publicly available information and shared culture. The best argument I've heard against singing Happy Birthday for Yuzu is the public vs private one ; i.e. that he might consider his birthday a private matter that doesn't really have any place in his figure skating competitive life. But as @Geo1 has said, we can't know that unless we ask Yuzu directly, which none of us have any way to do. You all realize this argument may end up being completely moot, given that Yuzu has plenty of friends and acquaintances among the skaters themselves who'd be more than willing to sing Happy Birthday to him or otherwise celebrate. And most of those folks don't have the benefit of reading the fan discussions so will go ahead and do whatever they want to. Anyway, as I've said before, my personal opinion is that a banner or group of people holding up the letters spelling 'Happy Birthday' is probably far more appropriate and far less likely to cause trouble, but as I'm not going to GPF my opinion counts for little.

Ok, whoa. It's one thing to worry about whether Yuzu will like it. It's completely another kettle of fish to worry about whether the Japanese fans will like it. They're not the only fans Yuzu has.

Just to point out something here: throwing gifts on the ice has been not allowed at ACI in any year, the only reason it happened in 2018 is because when one fan did it for another skater (not Yuzu), the organizers didn't say anything, so it looked like it would be okay to do it for other skaters too, with predictable results. But yes, it would be bad if any fan action caused problems for Yuzu, hence why I suggested people consider their actions carefully during a competition.

I'm pretty sure that if it was FaOI his birthday fell on, no one would object to singing Happy Birthday for him, but that's because FaOI is a show - all the skaters are in the same boat, no one's career is going to be affected if the audience decides to do something over the top. GPF is a competition, and a pretty serious one at that. Not only medals but money is at stake for the participants. It's incumbent upon everyone attending to act accordingly. I think that this is a case where 'timing is everything'. If you're going to sing for him, pick wisely as to when you do it.

No one's saying you shouldn't cheer. But there's a difference between cheering and singing 'Happy Birthday' , so pick your time wisely. I also think the end of practice might be the best time. It'll give him a little lift for the rest of the day while he prepares for the competition.

I agree with you that it might not be appropriate if another skater is on the ice. Just in terms of time, it'd work. IMO a banner is a better solution - like if a whole series of people used big letters to spell out "Happy Birthday" or something...or if you sang it right as he finishes, while he's taking his bows before leaving the ice. Anyway, since I'm not going to Torino unless I miraculously acquire at least $5000 extra dollars this week, I really shouldn't say anything.

If you did it while they're waiting for the scores to be tabulated, you could probably get away with it.

I want to be there the day he decides he doesn't have to be diplomatic any more and comes right out and says this.

Bottom line: we fans could never be disappointed in Yuzu's skating performance. He has exceeded all that anyone could reasonably expect of him in that regard, and we know it, and we love him for it. Now, the judges and their scoring, on the other hand...

So the fan reaction to the judges underscoring him gave him the impression that they (the fans) were disappointed in him? Oh that's so sad!!!

He looks so adult here....but what's that hair! It doesn't suit him. His tie is almost the same colour as Origin 2.0

Well, why wouldn't he? We are witty and entertaining, after all.

A binge watch is just the thing. I have similar issues with a relative so my sympathies

Real life is so overrated. I'll stay in my figure skating induced haze, thank you.

I've often gotten the feeling that Yuzu hears about all our shenanigans as well. There's definitely things I've seen him do that seem to relate directly back to our conversations here.

You have to add a new one to the video!

Only #8? We need to tweet harder...

Hey, it's your family, so you decide. If it were me, I would totally be a leech, and just cook for them or bring some baking as thanks. But it also depends where they live, if they're not close to the Bell Center you might be better off trying a hotel or AirBnb. There are also hostels. I don't know what your budget is like, but try looking up a few different places and see what you can afford. Most of the downtown Montreal hotels are more than $150 a night during Worlds, so you might also want to try finding someone to share with.

Oh, you might be right.

So Yuzu's power of suggestion: thanks to the Ghana CM, I had to have hot chocolate for breakfast. Sans marshmallows &co, but still! Wasn't that part of an On Ice Perspectives video?

Me too, until I saw the post below yours. Now I've signed up. Still not impressed with the whole idea though.

That sounds good! I'll have to try.

I know, right? this year, the shade, it is strong with this one. Never mind the Force. May the *shade* be with you.