ZuCritter

Thanks, @rockstaryuzu and @Yuzurella for this discussion. As someone not plugged into the manga world, I have a whole new appreciation for Yuzu's collaboration with Mika Ninagawa and the persona he manifests in her photos. Fascinating!

No matter how often I watch this, it makes me grin every time.

Happy Anniversary, Yuzu! The second year of your pro career was even more dazzling than the first. I am forever in your debt. The three things that left the most powerful impression for me weren't discrete moments but broad markers of his evolution as a professional artist: 1. The brilliant narrative and visual structure of Re-Pray, in which all the disparate elements worked seamlessly to create a true "Ice Story." 2. His collaborations with other powerful, visionary artists (Mikiko-sensei, Daichi Mao-sensei), through which he opened up whole new realms of personal expression. (I'm especially tickled that he likes to collaborate with women.) 3. His recent statement that, over the course of the Re-Pray tour he was able to accept that, as an artist, he is able to deliver something his fans cherish as much as they did his athletic achievements -- allowing him to fully embrace our ongoing support. All those developments assure me that we have much, much more brilliance to look forward to from the the creator of the new art form known as Hanyu Yuzuru. Fly on, Yuzu! I will always support you!

What shocking and terrible news. Anni was a blessing to all fanyus who follow this forum and this thread. Now she is one of the shining stars in our collective fanyu firmament. My heart goes out to all those who love her and counted her a friend.

I won't spoil the suspense by telling the story, but I will observe that the image of the food in question may be accurate, since the person who made "pancake" part of the Yuzu lexicon is a Canadian (but not from Quebec). ETA: Glad to be reminded, too, of Yuzu's -- and Johnny's -- lovely pancake spins.

I wonder if he took advantage of NS to work a bit with Shae-Lynn on the choreo. The arm choreo, in particular, seems more refined and purposeful. Anyhow, love the changes!

As much as I look forward to seeing the perfect performance of two days ago, I think the performances where he has to save a jump are actually fabulous. The added tension is almost a bonus! So dramatic!

I'll actually be in Kobe at that time (visiting from the US), and I like all the skaters who will appear. But I won't be trying for tickets, even though they'll probably be much easier to get with Yuzu absent. I can only hope that he'll announce another installment of the Re-Pray tour for June/July, and I can join the ticket bloodbath for that!

The boy whose ill-fitting suits were a running joke! (Don’t worry, Yuzu, we were laughing with you, not at you. Mostly.)

Yes, that is one of my all-time favorite performances. It always brings me close to tears. But was it really just four years ago? Impossible. In those four years, other skaters have lived seasons; Yuzu has lived lifetimes. (And we, alongside him.)

I recall Yuzu saying at Notte Stellata last March 11 that it has been his custom to skate Requiem each year on that date, but without anyone being aware of it. He used earphones rather than having the music played for everyone to hear. So only his coaches and family would probably have been aware of what he was doing. I’m glad Matsuo-san acknowledged his gesture. Very touching.

Dear fellow, fanyus, I, too, have struggled with sadness, anger, and even despair over the past few days. But in my spiritual tradition, which is prominent in Japan, I am taught to focus not on what happens in the world but on how I relate to it. That is where I can exercise choices that bring me closer to the peace I seek not only for myself but for all beings. Yuzu has limited control over how others treat him, but I think we can rejoice in the fact that he has met this onslaught with impeccable grace and resolve. For my part, I am determined not to let the pain of these events cast of veil between me and Yuzu. I want to take just as much joy as I ever have in his beauty, his artistry, and his strength of character. I will not let greedy and misguided people cast a pall over my love for him. In that regard, this birthday project came at exactly the right time. For those who choose to, it is an opportunity to reflect the joy he brings us. Then we can continue to cherish, support and love him even more fiercely than ever before. Thank you, Planet Hanyu, for this birthday project.

I’m absolutely gutted. After all he has suffered and sacrificed, and all the beauty he has brought to the world, it seemed that he was finally finding some solace and happiness. I knew it would be hard for them, but I never imagined it would be so ghastly that they would be driven to this. This is, literally, a crime. May those responsible pay the price. ETA: At this moment, I wish he would quit skating and go somewhere where he and his partner can live in peace. The pain of seeing him suffer like this feels worse than the pain of losing the joy his performances bring. I know not every fanyu will feel that way, but, for today, I do.

It sounds like it’s also a book about acting in ways that reduce the threat of climate change, which makes me love it even more! 🌏☃️🩷

Thanks, @DancingFeather for the shout out. I'll admit that I do miss old Nessie, but she almost came to feel like a jinx. Just for old times' sake, I've decided to let her out of the closet of "dreams that must someday die" for a quick appearance. Here's to Yuzu's continued quest. May the skating gods protect his ankle and grant him success. He certainly deserves it!