Yuzurella

I think Yuzu should do two new programs next season. If he does keep a program, I'd prefer him to keep Otonal. Even though his interpretation of Origin was great, I think it doesn't suit him that well. But maybe that's just my feeling because we never saw Origin at its full potential and Yuzu performing in top form. I do love Haru Yo Koi, though. It's just so perfect for him. And I'd love for Yuzu to keep that next season. I think Yuzu should try out new styles of music. I've been thinking for a while that Exogenesis Symphony Part 3 by Muse would be awesome for him. I'm sure he'd turn it into an absolute masterpiece. Even watching him practising to Muse in this edit is mesmerizing. I've also been envisioning Yuzu skating to empire of Angels. It's so dramatic and utterly epic. Yuzu would also create a msterpiece with his music.

You're absolutely right. In China, Yuzu's not only popular with his legions of fans. The media are also reporting about him and praising him a lot. I remember when Yuzu got his People's Honor Award, CCTV 2 covered this in their news. Can you imagine a national TV station of a country reporting in their news about a foreign athlete getting a prestigious award in that athlete's home country? Regardless of the fact that Yuzu's Japanese and there's still some tension between China and Japan because of historical reasons, Yuzu seems to be a role model in China, not just for fans but also the media. I agree that Yuzu's virtues are the perfect embodiment of the ideal in Chinese traditional culture. This is probably the reason why the public and media admire and promote Yuzu so much.

I think this topic of different Asian beauty standards and features that are seemingly distinct for each country or culture quite interesting. First of all, I'd like to point out that Asia is a huge and extremely diverse continent with a sheer endless variety of cultures and peoples. This is something that some people tend to forget when they speak of Asia or Asians. I think what we're talking about here is East Asia, i.e. China, Japan and Korea. To be honest, I'm of Chinese origin and I've never been able to tell East Asians apart country wise based solely on their appearance or facial structure. I myself was often mistaken for Korean whenever I was in China. And when I was in Helsinki last November to watch the grand prix there, every Japanese person who approached me spoke Japanese to me, thinking that I was also from Japan. There are probably some people who tend to look more like they're from a certain country or region, but for the majority that's probably not true. It's like here in Europe. I grew up in Austria and I also couldn't just look at a person and see from their appearance whether they're German or Austrian. I'd need to hear them speak to notice that. The same is true for East Asians, at least for me. What I'm trying to say here is that we shouldn't categorize people based on the shape of their eyes or nose or whatever facial features. I'm aware that there are certain beauty standards in every culture, but that doesn't mean we have to follow them. I believe beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.

There are so many reasons why Yuzu is loved and adored by so many people. What I'd like to point out are a few things that are particularly attractive, inspiring and fascinating for me (on top of the one hundred million other things for which I'd need a novel-length essay to elaborate fully). Yuzu is probably the bravest person I know of. He has the courage to live his passion to its fullest. He has the courage to bare his heart and soul when he's on the ice. He doesn't just skate. He doesn't just perform. When I watch Yuzu on the ice, I have the feeling that he's sharing his most intimate thoughts and feelings with us, allowing us to look into his very essence, connecting with us on a spiritual level. Yuzu has the courage to just do his thing, do what he thinks is right, without fearing what other people might think or say about him. And he has the courage to endure all criticism, ridicule and judgement, to overcome all of this and keep on doing what he loves, keep on going his way, doing his thing and living his passion. Despite all of the setbacks, injustice and harsh criticism Yuzu's had to experience, he never became defensive, cynical or spiteful. He always remained highly respectful and always focused on the positive aspects and the things he can improve. And Yuzu never plays the blame game. He never finds excuses for his failures. He never complains and whines around about how unfairly he was treated (even in cases when he was indeed treated unfairly). He always takes responsibility for his skating and his results. Yuzu has the courage to be be himself and stay true to himself. He dares to glide out into the center of attention under the scrutiny of millions of people all over the world expressing his heart and soul, performing in ways his spirit calls him to. I cannot even imagine how much courage it must take to dare to stand out like this in every way and withstand the storm. I think most people are so afraid of the judgement of others, so frightened of rejection and ridicule, that they don't dare to express their true selves. I have to admit that I myself used to give too much significance to the opinion of others and more often than not tried to bend over to please other people. In this sense, Yuzu is such an inspiration to me. Even though he's younger than me, he inspires me to be a better and braver person in so many ways. He shows me again and again that there is always a way to succeed and improve. He is simply the most inspirational person I know.

I think at least in China, the preference for double eyelids is a longer-standing phenomenon. With the development of modern cosmetic surgery, it's possible for people with natural monolids to achieve that look. That's why nowadays there are so many people - especially women - who get a surgery to "open up their eyes" (make them bigger). I personally think that this "trend" of a uniform beauty standard has gone too far. I watch quite a few Chinese dramas on a regular basis and I've noticed that there's not even one single actress who doesn't have double eyelids and huge eyes. (With men this doesn't seem to be so extreme.) It's like if you don't have double eyelids, you just cannot be considered beautiful. I also think the scrunchy eyed smile is totally endearing. I love Yuzu's and Kaori's smiles! I'm glad that at least athletes stay their naturally beautiful selves without trying to "enhance" their looks via surgery.

Edited: I think this side-by-side comparison of 16-year-old Yuzu and today's Nathan speaks for itself. Already at that time Yuzu's technical and artistic abilities were extraordinary. I guess getting angry and ranting doesn't help in any way. So, I'll just try to keep calm and trust that Yuzu and his team will make the best out of this situation.

The best of luck for you! Keeping my fingers crossed.

It’s wonderful how Yuzu always thanks his fans and acknowledges their support. I believe that in the end, Yuzu’s love for skating and his integrity as well as his superior technical skills and artistry will overcome any kind of obstacles and injustice. Yuzu is greater than any fake hype or overscoring. Yuzu, we always have your back!

I have to say I really miss Javi! And I miss his interactions with Yuzu. I get really sentimental when I think about the times when Yuzu and Javi were still training and competing together. Thanks a lot to the translator! I copied the following from ElenaC's website: https://elecsworld.com/2019/04/11/javi/ Javi on Yuzu: ** This is from Bungei-shunju magagine. It is a status magazine with a long history. since 1923. Javi’s interview took place before the world, Javi had predicted Yuzu, Nathan and Shoma on the podium. This interview starts with his recent competition ( Euros 2018-2019). ① One year after I settled in Toronto, Yuzu also came to the Cricket Club in the spring of 2012. I was just about getting used to a new life. Brian asked me if it was OK for Yuzu to come, since we were competing at the same level. It was nice of him to ask, because that means a lot… a coach to ask from his student, to maintain trust. Brian knows about it. I gave a 100% go because I knew it would be nice to practice with a rival in the same rink. So Yuzu came, and as I thought, everyday practice got a sense of tense just like a real competition. We watched each other how the other was doing, we became conscious, got sense of rival. But it took us the right direction. ② I made a good decision to practice with Yuzu. Not only me but also Yuzu learned a lot from each other, more than we would’ve done alone. If you practice with someone, you will gradually know the character, habits, what impressed me the most of Yuzu, was his ability to concentrate. He practices to win, not to lose in the competition. It may sound too normal, but he is ready to sacrifice everything to win. “I will never, ever be a looser”… that kind of tenacious desire to win was what I felt from him even during the practice. I think it’s awesome for an athlete. Yuzu does his best even in his daily practice. It was not just me but all of us in the same rink learned a lot from him. ③ We have spent so many years together, but our relation never has changed. After all, me and Yuzu have always been each other’s rival, we competed so hard. It’s only natural that there has always been some sort of tension on the ice. But this January before I left Toronto for good, I had some time to talk with Yuzu, both of us relaxed. He said he was “ Very grateful “ for we practiced together, and said he would be missing me… and of course, that was exactly how I felt for him. (omission: Javi’s experience before Olympics) ④ I was really happy to win bronze in the Olympics, but of course, I would have been happier with medal of different color. (omission) Yuzu gave a big surprise, giving such a performance and he won gold… but he was (is) an athlete who makes miracles, you know (lol). He has such an incredible strong mentality… that is why he has become figure skating legend. ⑤ If I were in his shoes, I might have felt fear before the performance, for sure. Because of injury, there was not enough time to practice and came to the competition of one’s life. (Omission) And Yuzu had another pressure, to make a back-to-back win as a gold medalist from last Olympics. That was another battle for him. Enormous pressure it must have been. I have never asked him, but I am sure he must have felt some fear in his heart. ⑥ But, at the same time, he had to stay away from practice, that is what he really loves from his heart… that must have been so hard for him. In the Olympics, on the ice, he must have felt so happy… a sense of liberation… ‘cause at least he could skate. That is why he could give that performance, I believe. ⑦ I don’t know for how long more he is going to compete, I have no idea. But I have got a feeling… maybe, he would continue to compete as long as he could move his body. Figure skating is life itself to him. He lives for skating. (Omission/ Javi’s view on figure skating in Spain, his future career, and so on)

As far as I know, Yuzu hasn't confirmed doing the shows yet. But people are still willing to pay huge amounts of money just in the hope of seeing him...

Wow! This is so amazing! Yuzu fans are just so talented.

Another proof of the power and attraction of Yuzuru Hanyu.

Thinking of Notte Stellata and Haru Yo Koi, I cannot even imagine what kind of masterpieces Yuzu might come up with without the restrictions of competition. The potential is sheer limitless. On the other hand, I also very much look forward to what else Yuzu can produce in the competitive field. How much farther can he go technically? When will he finally make his dream of landing a 4A in competition come true? But most of all, I hope that our little cherry blossom will stay healthy, be happy and just be able to skate at his heart's content.

Exactly! I also love how Yuzu changes the position of his hands during his spins and makes them even more beautiful and interesting. This is what makes him unique. Every single detail of his performances is meticulously thought out and performed. Yuzu's programs are truly pieces of art.

Yuzu is so graceful even warming up and waiting for his performance to start. Truly a beautiful swan stretching his wings!

The PCS inflation of the last few years becomes very obvious on this graph. When Yuzu and Javi started out, they had to improve and earn their way to higher scores while younger skaters just get them handed out like free samples. And the free GOE handouts to certain skaters obviously makes this whole biased scoring even worse... But I think it's so cute how Yuzu and Javi's scores move up together. What a wonderful journey they've had together...

Simple. Change his citizenship and become an American. I think Canadian might also help.

Finally revealed: Yuzuru Hanyu's true beauty secret!

This is sooo cute!

Man, I wish I could be in Hongkong right now.

Fortunately, there are still experts in the figure skating world that actually speak the truth. Thank you, Max!

LOL! This is what happens when Pooh gets involved in Yuzu's morning routine.

Translation of a new Yuzu interview. It's awful that Yuzu feels he has to keep on pushing and try to "catch up" on his quad arsenal in order to win. And to know that Yuzu's ankle is giving him so much pain... But on the other hand, it's obvious that Yuzu still has the drive to win. He seems to be as ambitious as ever. I think as a fan, all I can do is to keep on loving and supporting him and just enjoy the ride. That's exactly what makes being a fanyu so exciting and enjoyable, though. It's like a wild rollercoaster ride through all of life's ups and downs, through the whole range of human emotions. I just wish for Yuzu's happiness and health. No matter what he does, no matter what decisions he makes, I will stand by him.

It's sooo adorable how Yuzu makes sure Pooh looks his best! And Pooh has his own protective cover! Bless Yuzu and his love for Pooh.

OMG! I've never seen this before. The WC has only ended a week ago and I'm already thirsting for Yuzu content. So, gala rehearsal videos that I haven't seen before are more than welcome. A big thank you to the admins for your hard work and dedication! I only joined a few months ago, but I've already found a new home here on this wonderful planet.