Of course I will register at Disney+ if they stream GIFT in Germany  

..... but still I'm not giving up hope for blurays of all Yuzu's shows - please !!!!!  

5 hours ago, whoeveriwannabe said:

Another fanyu has shared what I find a great interpretation of GIFT (and of Prologue) on Twitter, strongly recommend to read … 

 

 

 

11 hours ago, YuzuSkating_IsTheTruth said:

The quality and contents of Gift caught me by surprise. It got me emotional for sometime.  Gift sets me in awe of Yuzu’s remarkable storytelling abilities. He has brilliantly weaved his (athlete) story from birth through 3 Oly cycles within a 2.5 hr  ice show. I like that it allows for open interpretation. So after sorting out my thoughts and interpretations, I would like to humbly share them here:

 

Watching the intro transported me back to the days I watched the movie of my childhood superhero - Superman, Man of Steel.  I like the part which showed a light illuminating at the Eastern part of Japan, symbolising the birth of a superhero/star/king where the story begins. In my fanyu’s mind, it has to be the brightest star - Sirius (calculated move for naming his team Sirius?), also known as “Dog Star”. Interestingly, Yuzu was born in 1994, the Year of Dog (according to Chinese zodiac).

 

I’m captivated by the majestic entrance of Firebird Yuzu. The dramatic effect perfectly matches Yuzu’s charisma on ice. I like that in Russian folklore, the firebird represents a treasure that is rare and difficult to possess, just like Yuzu. Somehow, this Firebird version gave off the same vibe as a ballet/theatre musical (on stage ) performance accompanied by a live orchestra.

 

As this was the opening performance, I would like to think he was telling us to expect a magical Gift, his magical/glowing presence in the pro stage. At the personal level, this program was a milestone for him where he came in first for FS, in his first Jpn Jr National.  It signified his junior years where he dreamt of being two-time Oly champ. He made many sacrifices and endured injuries and pain while single-mindedly pursuing his Oly dreams. In this way, as narrated, he chose his path, a lonely one.

 

Metaphorically speaking, Yuzu aspired to be the Sun, bringing energy and positivity to others. But there were times he just wasn’t up to it (the Sun being unavailable), he likened himself to be the moon where despite sustaining painful and agonising scars - both physical (due to injuries) and emotional/mental ones over his long amateur career, he continue to shine by drawing strength n hope from within (the moon can’t shine on its own but gets its light from the sun).

 

I see the connection to anime Spirited Away (from Wikipedia, Hayao Miyazaki’s quote “I created a heroine who is an ordinary girl, someone with whom the audience can sympathize.. It’s not a story in which the characters grow up, but a story in which they draw on something already inside them, brought out by the particular circumstances…I want my young friends to live like that, and I think they, too, have such a wish.”).

 

The references to nature was aptly expressed with a sublime performance of H & L. I love the superimposed image of Yuzu’s ending pose on the moon.

 

The narrative continued to give us a peek into his inner thoughts of the impact of the 3.11 disaster on him, leaving a deep sense of lost/confusion and sadness when all of a sudden, what he cherished was gone. Though I feel Yuzu resonates with Chihiro, the main character of anime Spirited Away, donning a white costume, I associated him with Hako, a white dragon while skating to One Summer’s Day. In the film, water was used to symbolise entrapment and freedom, life and death. But the starry lights on the night sky renewed his hope for the future…He was once again reminded of his initial motivation, his dreams. The story continued with the ceaseless cycles of daily mundane training and making progress in comps. 

 

The visuals came on where clouds of fairy dust revealed the image of Yuzu in Ballad No 1 costume and him coming on ice to perform it, suggested the passing of time where he fulfilled his dream of being a 2-time Olympian at 2018 Oly. 

 

Despite this monumental win, he continued to search for happiness in the sport. Fulfilling his last childhood dream brought  him to 2022 Oly. It’s heartbreaking to listen to this part of the narration, him grappling with inner emotional turmoil (pain, scab forming yet not healing, he had done many disagreeable things, patience, cried heavily, with much regret) he was experiencing throughout the last quad (This will be explored further in the second half of the show). The story then brought the audience to relive the 6-min warm-up and SP performance of Rondo. He was regretful he couldn’t skate it to his satisfaction at Beijing 2022. Performing it at Gift, I’m sure Yuzu left this regret behind him and successfully led the audience to a mass healing session.

 

The second half of the show focused on the increasingly hard times he was facing at the last quad and the pandemic was making it worst. It took a heavy toll on him mentally/emotionally. Amidst him enjoying himself with program like LMEY, he found himself in a more hostile competing environment, to the point where he stopped liking and enjoying the sport and feeling unwanted. This is despite pushing himself to do more and getting better than before. Still, he persisted and didn’t throw in the towel. Ashura-chan showed us the attitude he adopted - when facing adversities and challenges, one must persist to overcome with courage.

 

The story continued with his inner struggles and insecurities though he may appeared calm and composed on the outside. Meanwhile, the perception/expectation of him to be perfect, strong/brave, to perform and produce results persisted and weighed heavily on him. Through POTO, he wanted us to know and understand the multifaceted sides of him - sad, scared, self-doubting, vulnerable, strong side of him, just like everyone else.

 

Thankfully the narration continued with him developing mental and emotional maturity, an acceptance of himself - his achievements and flaws/limitations because of what/who he is, a precious being. I feel this message is reinforced and expressed through Boku no Koto.

 

With Fleeting Dream, Yuzu accepted his dream came to an end when he couldn’t have the first ratified 4A in a comp. He’s shown us that in order to love and protect himself, he chose to move on, thus freeing himself from amateur skating (he can always pursue 4A in an extended time, at the pro stage).

 

Back in 2011 when it was pitch black, the starry sky provided a light of hope for young Yuzu on 3.11. Now that he had to build his pro-ath career from scratch (described as pitch black in the narration), a Notte Stellata performance at this juncture indicates - together with our undying love and support, he’s staying hopeful while embracing the unpredictable future, pursuing Hanyu Yuzuru Skating, preserving the essence of figure skating  he loves and sharing it globally. This is my understanding of his (translated) words “My Dream is a Gift from everyone.”

 

Covid-related lockdowns and restrictions have brought the spotlight on mental/emotional health issues. Using his influence to address such issues in Gift, a deeply personal ice story , I would like to thank him for sharing his experience and reassuring viewers that it’s acceptable rather than a weakness to feel like crying, scared, sad, lonely, etc. When viewers seek solace, they know they can return to his Gift. Therefore, am waiting for the availability of Gift DVD/blue rays.

 

In an interview, Hayao Miyazaki noted Chihiro ultimately returns to her ordinary world ‘not by vanquishing evil, but as a result of having learned a new way to live.’ I see Yuzu going through a similar process of self-realisation (ie. staying true to himself, realising dream and achieving inner peace) and growth as Chihiro and Boku no Koto expresses this perfectly.

 

The live piano performances of Gift and One Summer’s Day teleported me to a mini world class piano concert. A stark contrast from the emotional ride I was in earlier. This set the mood for the next performance, HYK. Being on the pro-athlete stage, Yuzu would certainly welcome spring with Haru Yo Koi as this season symbolises renewal, new beginnings, fresh ideas and growth while being mindful of transience of life.

 

It was fitting to end the show with the iconic Seimei, the piece of Japanese music that had him winning back-to-back Oly gold.

 

To end it all, he gave an emotional encore to (Suiheisen) Horizon which summed him up well. It left me feeling emotional and teary. So on 26 Feb, I received an out of the world Gift (Yuzu himself) with Gifts on 26 Feb. Your Gift had been well-received, thank you Yuzu! 

 

When a genius is at work, expect no less than a masterpiece from him. Am sooo looking forward for more of his ice shows!

 

Thank you very much. 

Now I understand some things a lot better!

I already have a subscription to Disney+ as I said in an earlier comment but as we know Disney+ like other streaming platforms does not keep its films etc online forever.

If there is a DVD/blu ray released I will buy it. I certainly want to keep it forever.

The issue with worldwide distribution of a DVD/blu ray is that the disc must be "playable" in all zones.

I am optimistic though. I think the message that professional Hanyu Yuzuru is even more popular with his fans than previously is becoming more and more evident to many huge companies. They are beginning to understand Yuzuru's charisma and that we his fans will buy anything related to him no matter how many hoops we have to jump through - especially for international fanyus!

39 minutes ago, australianyuzurufan said:

The issue with worldwide distribution of a DVD/blu ray is that the disc must be "playable" in all zones.

 

 

If it isn't, and you don't have a multiregion player, most DVD rippers work for all regions; I rip most DVDs even the ones I intend to keep.

17 hours ago, Yuzuwinnie said:

 

 

In front of this report, I can only be  : you have very well ALL the emotions and explanations that Yuzu transmitted to us during his GIFT and I understood better in any case 

 

As for the complete broadcast of GIFT : like many, I didn't go through Disney, but through Global coding : so will I have to go through Disney? I don't have a subscription...   

Am relieved my posting helped you to have a better understanding of Yuzu's story. Frankly, we are from such diverse cultural backgrounds, plus Gift comes with abstract concepts that makes it challenging to understand his story. After putting heart and soul into preparing for and presenting this ice story to us, I think we owe it to him to make (extra) efforts to share our interpretations (there'e no wrong/right one but which one you prefer) so more viewers can get his story.

 

Same here, I don't have Disney subscription and would just like to stick to Global Coding (it was a breeze to sign up for Gift), if possible. 

15 hours ago, nekodearu said:

@YuzuSkating_IsTheTruth Thank you so much for such a detailed analysis, I highly appreciate that you shared your thoughts at length. 

 

I hadn't noticed this possible analogy between days after the earthquake and the end of his competitive carrier after Beijing, and I like it. I find it inspiring and thought-provoking. Makes me think about a natural cycle of death and rebirth. In nature, from each disaster a new world arises, and Yuzuru seems to say in Gift (or actually says in Prologue: "the endings are the beginnings") that it is true also for humans. (I know that many say the same thing, but the way he does it is exceptional). Those who survived can build something new, provided they let go of what they have lost irretrievably. However, to do that, one needs a lot of courage to move forward despite not being able to see the path for more than a few steps forward. That's why I am deeply touched every time I see him this emotional as he is heading toward the light after Notte Stellata to soar and fly into the unknown (thank you, cameraman, for this close-up).

 

Thank you for this quote, it's precious and comes at the right time for me. It also matches Yuzuru's attitude perfectly.

I also liked another fanyu's comment that Haku regained his dragon form and ability to fly thanks to remembering his real name and past (i.e., his true nature/self). Iirc, Yuzu said that in SEIMEI he doesn't have to do anything special to get into character, because skating to SEIMEI makes him feel like himself. In this context, I understand final SEIMEI as a burst of joy coming from the feeling of "returning home" (note his previous "Tadaima!"), returning to his proper form. Having come to terms with the worst losses in his life, having acknowledged the harsh reality as it is, he can now build on those brightest moments, like 2018 OG, rewrite his memories and write a new story.

I'm thankful you last through my lengthy post (I didn't realise it's so long)  Yes, it takes a man of steel, a real-life warrior like Yuzu to announce and go ahead with his lone mission of Hanyu Yuzuru Skating. Besides preserving his ideals of figure skating, his efforts (maintaining high public profile/interest plus any proceeds/funds earned from shows/merchandise) will be key in reconstructing the Tohoku Region and the building of a new rink in Sendai/Miyabi. 

 

Whatever you are going through, I hope things will get better for you in the coming days/weeks. Appreciate your input on Haku and Simei as it makes my version (of interpretation) more complete. I was thinking along the line  - Yuzu is proud of his Japanese heritage, hence I hope he will continue to draw on Japanese culture and other performing art forms to give us more iconic programs like Seimei.

9 hours ago, australianyuzurufan said:

I already have a subscription to Disney+ as I said in an earlier comment but as we know Disney+ like other streaming platforms does not keep its films etc online forever.

If there is a DVD/blu ray released I will buy it. I certainly want to keep it forever.

The issue with worldwide distribution of a DVD/blu ray is that the disc must be "playable" in all zones.

I am optimistic though. I think the message that professional Hanyu Yuzuru is even more popular with his fans than previously is becoming more and more evident to many huge companies. They are beginning to understand Yuzuru's charisma and that we his fans will buy anything related to him no matter how many hoops we have to jump through - especially for international fanyus!

Worry not, blu rays do not have region specificity. It is possible to buy multi region dvd players as well. 

Hope that info is useful 

Disney are already demonstrating they have business sense. They will ensure that their investment in Gift is recouped and more. There will be plenty of opportunity for fans to spend money to have Yuzu access

 

I wish that Yuzu could win some kind of cultural award or accolade for Gift

10 minutes ago, Perelandra said:

Worry not, blu rays do not have region specificity. It is possible to buy multi region dvd players as well. 

Hope that info is useful 

Disney are already demonstrating they have business sense. They will ensure that their investment in Gift is recouped and more. There will be plenty of opportunity for fans to spend money to have Yuzu access

 

I wish that Yuzu could win some kind of cultural award or accolade for Gift

Blu ray pls !

3 hours ago, YuzuSkating_IsTheTruth said:

Whatever you are going through, I hope things will get better for you in the coming days/weeks. Appreciate your input on Haku and Simei as it makes my version (of interpretation) more complete.

Thank you!

 

3 hours ago, YuzuSkating_IsTheTruth said:

I was thinking along the line  - Yuzu is proud of his Japanese heritage, hence I hope he will continue to draw on Japanese culture and other performing art forms to give us more iconic programs like Seimei.

Yesss, Yuzu, please!

Sooo nice

Disney would also have data on numbers of new subscribers to Disney plus in February / March and which show the new subscribers chose to watch and how frequently. It would be very revealing if a high percentage of new subscribers had watched gift almost exclusively. This data may have been a significant factor in Disney's decision to broadcast Gift in the future with the behind the scenes, interviews and other exclusive footage and most importantly, for fans, with worldwide availability. The number of fans completing the feedback forms to request a show that they would like to see on the relevant country Disney plus service must also have been of considerable significance

 

edit: Hanyuconomy  in action again

17 hours ago, Perelandra said:

Worry not, blu rays do not have region specificity. It is possible to buy multi region dvd players as well. 

Hope that info is useful 

Disney are already demonstrating they have business sense. They will ensure that their investment in Gift is recouped and more. There will be plenty of opportunity for fans to spend money to have Yuzu access

 

I wish that Yuzu could win some kind of cultural award or accolade for Gift

I am very glad to hear that blu rays do not have region specificity because I bought a multi region DVD player last year and it only plays some of my imported DVDs properly. I was disappointed of course. Thank you for the information.

So blu rays please 😊

I couldn't agree with you more with regard to Yuzuru winning some kind of cultural award or accolade for GIFT. He has been and is a National Treasure not only because of his brilliant skating but because of his personal qualities such as kindness, humility and the respect that he constantly shows to everyone. If he isn't Japan's favourite son he should be!

On 4/2/2023 at 12:30 AM, whoeveriwannabe said:

Another fanyu has shared what I find a great interpretation of GIFT (and of Prologue) on Twitter, strongly recommend to read … 

 

 

 

Thank you for sharing the link here for the easy access.

 

On 4/2/2023 at 1:26 AM, nekodearu said:

@YuzuSkating_IsTheTruth

 

Thank you for this quote, it's precious and comes at the right time for me. It also matches Yuzuru's attitude perfectly.

I also liked another fanyu's comment that Haku regained his dragon form and ability to fly thanks to remembering his real name and past (i.e., his true nature/self). Iirc, Yuzu said that in SEIMEI he doesn't have to do anything special to get into character, because skating to SEIMEI makes him feel like himself. In this context, I understand final SEIMEI as a burst of joy coming from the feeling of "returning home" (note his previous "Tadaima!"), returning to his proper form. Having come to terms with the worst losses in his life, having acknowledged the harsh reality as it is, he can now build on those brightest moments, like 2018 OG, rewrite his memories and write a new story.

 

 

I've forgotten cos I've watched the anime many years ago (and didn't rewatch it recently) but I found this "Haku is the only character in the film able to turn into a dragon at will." from https://ghibli.fandom.com/wiki/Haku. Anyway, many thanks to @whoeveriwannabe and you for directing me to the issue of identity. I've expanded my interpretation on One Summer's Day after looking through my notes. 

 

 

Sorry, bit off topic, but might be useful info for Winnie the Pooh fans.

 

Lots of people try to buy the limited edition Sakura range of Winnie the Pooh, but due to limited stock, the toys sell out very quickly from Disney stores in Japan. Most international fans attending Gift missed out on buying these blossom coloured Poohs, tiny bit disappointing. Lots of J fanyus at Gift had Sakura Poohs in their Gift bags, really cute and pretty. Couple of days ago checked Disney store UK on line shop on the off chance and they had Sakura Poohs in stock. If people like the idea of Sakura Pooh it might be worthwhile to have a quick check of your own country's Disney store.