As fanyus, we always say that Yuzu is our light, and it's true in many ways.  His skating gives us comfort when we are suffering in darkness. His unrelenting resilience inspires us with strength and hope to fight the darkness.  But I never thought that this claim had an even deeper meaning until I was facing my retirement.  I just retired from my career of 33 years.  Facing a big void that's in front of me, Yuzu's stance on his retirement struck me again and again.  Why call it retirement if you are not thinking of retreating and preparing to fade out?  He shows me that naming it is a declaration of intention as well as fixing the direction of moving forward.  Yuzu called his new phase Professional. I'll call mine a new era of freedom: free from work obligations, daily routines, conventional expectations about how to do your work and live your life, etc. Sure, I'm also facing the uncertainty and the blackness of not knowing what the future might be.  But Yuzu is thrilled, rather than unnerved and fearful of the uncharted, unknown territory, knowing that with effort and careful thinking, it'll be a process that one will be proud of, no matter the outcome!! Yuzu will certainly continue to be the light guiding me forward in this process!

 

(Yuzuangel: Please feel free to move this to another forum if this is not the right place to post this.  Thank you!)

Even though some time has passed since your post, I wanted to thank you for sharing your thoughts. I can see that so many people have found inspiration and strength by diving into Yuzuru Hanyu's world. Your words really resonated with me because I am also approaching a major life change myself. I truly hope you are enjoying your freedom and Yuzuru's beautiful skating!

Dear Zulya,

Thanks so much for writing to me. I am indeed feeling happy and free in my new era of freedom. I wish you the best in this new stage of your life!! And we will continue to find inspiration and strength from the wonderful person, Yuzu!