BrightonDogwoods

Hahaha, I know I'd freeze up because it's already happened to me (with Yuzu). It was in Boston at 2016 Worlds (so, not exactly the same thing as running into him randomly somewhere away from skating environment) and there were NO other fans around. It was after the competition, either after exhibition or after exhibition practice. I was leaving the arena after waiting some time in line for ladies room so the place had pretty much cleared out and as I walked by a side entrance to arena (where the skater's buses would normally pick them up, but the buses were not there) the door opened and a group of skaters, etc from Team Japan walked out the door. Yuzu paused before coming down the steps to be sure the coast was clear (the buses were on the street about 100 yds away and I guess they knew that because they weren't surprised the buses were not at that exit.) I immediately froze and waited for the group to cross in front of me. I thought for an instant of pulling out my phone and taking a pic, but I would rather try to say something nice instead of sticking another device between us. So, what did I say?? (ugh, so mad at myself) The only thing that came out was 'Congratulations!', and bowed my head. He bowed his head back. He was very close! I could have grabbed him but of course I would never. My only consolation is that as an obvious gai-jin (blonde and very tall) I was proud to represent his foreigner base. Satoko and Mao Asada were also with him but I didn't say anything to them, just Yuzu. Since I was headed in the same direction, I followed them from a distance as they walked toward the buses. Then Javi ran right past me (even closer than Yuzu was) also headed to the buses. I think I also said Congrats to him but I was way too much in a daze over having made eye contact with Yuzu to remember. I think I was walking a couple inches off the ground, for a few hours after that.

I completely agree, if he skates clean it is extremely unlikely anyone else can beat him. If someone does, it's quite possible the scoring was 'questionable'. But I think many people feel (as I do) that since the only thing Yuzu can control is his PERFORMANCE, not the judges, not his competitors, if he has done his best, skated perfect, but does not win I would be very happy for him and of course very proud. I also believe that between 2 possible outcomes (out of many): 1. He skates perfect but does not win (assuming fair judging) 2. He falls 2x on FS but wins anyways I honestly believe HE would choose the 1st. I can't say I have anything like that much strength of character but I believe he does. IF he were to lose under sketchy judging, I don't think I could peacefully accept that and go on with my life, there would be a certain amount of rending of garments and knashing of teeth (for all the good it would do) but I really am not worried about that being a serious possibility. From what I am seeing and hearing from his media day, HE IS SO DOMINATING, POWERFUL, FOCUSED, (about 10 other adjectives I can't think of right now) no one else will look like they deserve to beat him. There are tons of pros and cons to bringing back Seimei (and I'm sure he's thought of them all) but instead of him being 'downgraded' for being safe/repetitive I think it will turn out that the IMPROVEMENT in his skating in just the past 2 years will be so huge and undeniable that the scores for PCS and GOE must be higher, and it will be clear to all that he UNQUESTIONABLY deserves the title of Olympic champion. (and I'm NOT gonna worry about any jinxing, his Abe no Sei Mei powers are way too strong for that!)

Hmmm, it occurs to me that maybe in this case (to draw a correspondence between Japanese culture and 'european' culture), when Yuzu skates to Seimei, he brings 'la petite mort' to the viewers, and in that way we do see the 8,000,000 gods! I'm fine with that!!

Ah, thank you. Now it makes me wonder, what peril I might be in to see him skate Semei live at ACI?? If he ascends to the gods, and in my culture I am dead if I see the gods, then this could be fatal! Oh well, I guess I'm just gonna have to risk it! 'Risk it for the biscuit' as we say here in the midwest (it doesnt actually mean anything, it's just the alliteration)

So, not to make too much out of it, but I'm very interested in understanding more about the Japanese culture - why would H&L say to Seimei, 'say Hi for me' to the gods? I'm thinking, to see the gods is to be dead (in my culture), so why is Seimei going to die before H&L??? Is it more like, Seimei is going to have a performance so transcendent that he will see the gods? Anyhow, the other 3 lines from @runrun8383 are perfectly clear to me

Can you explain what it means to 'say hi to the 8,000,000 gods for me'? Culturally I'm not sure of the significance

What are they saying??

I think this is him showing his 'recovery' axel (aka the axel he plans on after adding 4Lz to the program!!)

Thanks!

His new Seimei has the BEST dramatic exit, doesn't it? (Is there a way to get these Tumblr gifs to display here?) http://the-real-xmonster.tumblr.com/post/163972396219/the-dramatic-exit-2011-2015-2017-yuzuru

Ahhhhhhhh red!

I've still got 20 pgs to catch up on but I'm totally with you on Point 4 (nice way to beat the 'r****ment' masking LOL) YUZU- I totally expect to see you at GPF in 2018 (Vancouver) AND 2020 Worlds (Montreal). Deal? Okay!!!

After reading so many ecstatic comments in just the last hour I can't possibly be disappointed in his choice BECAUSE I TRUST HIM and whatever makes so many people so happy MUST be a good thing! I know I'm going to absolutely love it!! (Fingers crossed for red in the costume)

I do believe you're right, red and blue?? Intriguing!!!!!

Yeah, we didn't see the whole thing but we DID find out what the music would be. That's all I'm asking for, that's not too much to ask GDI!!!!!!!

Brilliant!!!

If my brain is still semi-functional (debatable) then his 2nd practice is after the start of the 5:50 tv program, so we won't see footage today, but surely THEY'LL TELL US THE DAMN MUSIC???

hahahahaha 'old pic' hahahahahaha losing it!!!!!!!

REST WELL @gladi (how do you get user names to show like a tag?) WE'RE DEPENDING ON YOU!!

I'm hoping for something new but will be happy with whatever he decides. Trying this mantra in case it staves off any selfish disappointment that may occur...

I LOVE SEIMEI I LOVE SEIMEI I LOVE SEIMEI I LOVE SEIMEI I LOVE SEIMEI I LOVE SEIMEI I LOVE SEIMEI I LOVE SEIMEI I LOVE SEIMEI (or whatever he wants to skate to and) I TRUST YUZU I TRUST YUZU I TRUST YUZU I TRUST YUZU I TRUST YUZU I TRUST YUZU I TRUST YUZU I TRUST YUZU I TRUST YUZU

I CONCUR!!!! Love the Swan

Could be any time, it seems like the news came out last year pretty fast, via twitter. It was before any video was broadcast I think, and maybe even before the interviews and training were over. I'm sure the press will be told right up front, otherwise what would they talk to the choreographers about?