Back to Akiko: has she ever performed abroad in any shows or other exhibitions? (I mean, any not connected to a competition, obviously.) I can't offhand recall.
Also, is she aware of the level of her international popularity? I sure hope so. She deserves to know how happy she makes so many skating fans.
I think so!
I remember in 2010, she tweeted a letter she received from one of the stars of West Side Story. I remember thinking, "how cool!" and then "she deserved it" because she skated to that music so well!