Whoopiewoop

This. I was having the exact same thoughts last night, in fact. As cringy as ice shows can be, we all secretly live for the embarrassing moments in them but they can't remain like that forever. I imagine his production being all about skaters challenging their own abilities and not just sticking to the usual skating programs. Something like Nobu's "Kinky Boots" at FoI is a good example. It was quirky, it was fun, it was great acting on his side. Now add something else to it (I'll leave it to Yuzu's imagination because mine is burned after the heatwave we had) to make it even more unique.

"pursue skating at a higher level as a professional" Just shows that the ISU was getting too small for him, how stagnated the sport has been for the past 15 years. He has been growing at a quicker pace than what they could keep up with, the federation as well as other skaters who made the decision to neglect artistry and instead focused on the athletic side of it.

I think Fanyus will make sure of that

True, but that's a wake up call for them to change things. They have been relying too much on the money Yuzu brought in and only focused on promoting their favourite ones. They need better marketing and PR, and that is on them. Now this is what worries me a bit on the other hand. Little funding means less support for the skaters and I don't want to see them struggling more than they already are.

Positive things I'm taking away here: 1) ISU's income from comps will now decrease drastically (lol at you, you fools). 2) I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot more from Yuzu from now one since he will not be focusing 95% of his time on training. 3) He will be free as a bird to do the type of skating he has always imagined without limitations, only his own. 4) My boy is going to be a proper businessman now. I don't know why, but the image of him networking and brainstorming with other people to plan things makes me giddy. Now the only thing missing are social media accounts to see content about what he has planned. Yuzu, pretty please?

World tour!!!

I can go to Japan I just need to eat bread and water for a couple of months

The fact that he came to this decision means that he is 100% comfortable with it which is what makes me feel relieved and not as bummed as I thought I would be. Yes, I missed my chance to watch him compete in person (another thing this Armageddon has prevented me from doing) but maybe I'm meant to see him relaxed and having fun during ice shows instead from now on.

What does that even mean? My English has suddenly become very limited. I thought he was a pro all along ... He does sound like he is retiring though. It's the tone in his voice and his nervousness.

I don't know anymore

Determined to continue skating professionally!!! Thank you google translator for allowing me to take a photo of my TV

TBS is recapping his whole career as if they knew something already

TBS just had its first sneak peek, if you can even call it that. I think they just gave viewers a heads-up of what they would show in 10 mins.

One of the translations out there said that the words "We are pleased to announce" were used in the announcement. I refuse to believe that they would start like that only to inform us about his retirement. Saying that they are pleased to announced this is like a fist in the gut. ETA: And if I know anything about PR, I know that words have to be chosen very carefully.

Was this lady the one who inspired the Pooh rain? You deserve a shrine, queen!

Depends on the price of the tickets to be honest. I'd probably go for specific events depending on who is assigned but not the whole thing - the thought of driving through Peak district at night to get back home is scary though 😬

I just booked the 11th of November off from work just in case Sheffield would be a dream right now, since I live 1 hour away

I’m one of them 🙈

I think @DancingFeather is referring to how cheesy all these moves are. I honestly am on the same boat. There is a term in Spanish for it: “vergüenza ajena”. It’s feeling embarrassed for someone else’s actions. It can be negative and in a funny way at the same time. With Yuzu I’m definitely more inclined towards the funny side of it. It’s just all very… extra

I think it really depends on the question that was being asked. There is a difference between: Who is your favourite Japanese skater? Vs. Who is you all time favourite? had I been the one answering that question, I myself would have said Yuzu and Mai without needing to get into details of how much I think Yuzu is the greatest. It’s all about context which more often than not gets lost in quotes such as these.

it's time!!!

Was that fall... planned?

Johnny, don't you think it's enough with the oversized shoulder accessories?

I've been sitting here cackling at 7 am in the morning watching Nobu's skate. This was gold!

I just realised Keiji probably gets the chance to skate twice because of his retirement. I feel bad for demanding the same from Yuzu now lol Keiji deserves the spotlight.