There are a lot of high profile coaching arrangements that did not work out. IMAO. There are probably more failed coaching situations than successful ones. Btw, neither TAT nor Mao made any excuses and both took responsibility for the results, so I don't understand why there needs to be blaming going around. They had a contract for two years and in the end they realized it didn't work out and moved on.
ITA and Tat's interview only reinforces the amicability and straightforwardness of the split. So what if Mao wants to stay in Japan? She rose to the top of her sport in Japan and if that is where she is happiest, good for her.
I would think people who live in a foreign country might know something about homesickness I sure do at times.
I live abroad too and I love it most of the time but there are definitely moments of "what I am doing here?" I imagine it must be even harder when you are only 19, away from your family, don't speak the language and are under Olympic type pressure. Can't we lighten up on these young skaters once in a while?