Filling this takes longer than I thought...
1) Your favorite performance of Shoma in 2018
I have no idea how to choose from the get go! I tried choosing the three that my heart treasures the most.
- Turandot at Worlds, it truly brought me to no turning back territory as a Shoma fan. I still cry whenever I watch the 4T2T from that performance and the roar of the audience as he landed both jumps. It's crazy how that Turandot, even with all its mistakes, makes me feel. I didn't even know figure skating can make me feel like that.
- Moonlight Sonata at Skate Canada, the first glimpse for me of how hauntingly sublime the program can be, and just how well Mihoko and Shoma work together. Especially very rewarding after being so stressed after the fall on Stairway.
- See You Again at Disney on Ice. Some things doesn't need words to explain them.
2) Your favorite program of Shoma in 2018
Time After Time.
I hate choosing favorite programs because I think all of them have their own charms, so this really came down to a very personal music soft spot. I love old-school, big band jazz. David Wilson is one of the choreographers I think Shoma responds particularly well to his style (no surprise, since David did some work in Japan with Yamada-sensei when he was younger) and I really like what he created for Shoma in TAT, in terms of bladework, choreo and mood-building. When the commentators at CBC just lose themselves in praising Shoma's skating skills in this program... big mood. TAT hits the right balance of sultry and earnest in my heart, mature but still age-appropriately light. I think the program is very Shoma-esque (both have the ability to be sexy and naive at the same time!) but it also gives Shoma something new to work on: how to deal with the varying rhythms and off-beats, how to hold his positions in the true jazz way, and well. How to be smooth~
As for the mood of this program... I have no idea how a program can bring to mind the image of sipping your drink (or cassis orange) after hours in a bar, with dimmed lights, catching the eyes of the man/woman across the room~ but it really did. The costume also grew on me, the sparkly lines that moves with Shoma, the red tie, and the all-black outfit that really shows off his lines (and those curves)... I can go on and on about this program and its packaging. It's just so well-done.
Also TAT has not been skated to its full power yet, but watching the program grew in its execution from PIW --> Heroes&Future --> SC Gala --> GPF Gala.... blessed.
3) Your favorite on-ice moment in 2018
Shoma's full blown smile during his Olympic Turandot Cantilever. I have the magazines to record that forever in print. The guts poses in Nationals as well, knowing how important they are to him.
My favorite non-competition but still on-ice moments is all the collaborations Shoma did in the summer ice shows. Four Seasons with Stephane, and the number he did at The Ice with Alina, Nathan and Boyang... here's to more of them in the future!
4) Your favorite off-ice moment in 2018
Shoko-chan (it's technically on-ice, but whatever). I remember the day of the reveal, everyone was going crazy from the fan reports. And then the photos dropped online... Also knowing Shoma had fun with it with his fellow skaters is just delightful.
Pool!Shoma and Baseball!Shoma too, special thanks to Kotaro:
https://mobile.twitter.com/lovekeaton0831/status/1035475312258113536
https://mobile.twitter.com/lovekeaton0831/status/999935198610448384
https://mobile.twitter.com/lovekeaton0831/status/999963478994505734
5) Your favorite costume of Shoma in 2018
Purple Winter, as well as White and Blue Moonlight Sonata.
6) The most surprising moment/event in 2018
Shoma nailing that free throw at the Alvark game on his first try XD Probably the release of Itsuki's book! I didn't think to get so much content so soon, in a very heartwarming way.
7) The happiest moment/event in 2018
Every time Shoma's happy and satisfied with his performances. Olympics and Nationals stood out the most from this year.
From a fan perspective, I was really happy when his new programs were rolled out one by one this year- seeing Shoma do all different styles of music is such a pleasure. I feel really lucky to watch a lot of programs from Shoma this year. Having four different programs all in rotation was not what I expected at all.
8) The saddest moment/event in 2018
Worlds 2018... not quite 'sad' as much as it was heartbreaking to see him deal with it. Shoma fought his way out and came through like a champion, but I hated seeing him in pain physically and emotionally.
Post-GPF was also quite a dark time. The mistakes that piled up and the way Shoma keeps apologizing for not being able to meet the expectations and letting us down. I know that it's part of the process, but I was really worried that he would lose the confidence he has built. Nationals lifted the atmosphere up a bit but knowing the sprain afterwards makes it a tough victory to enjoy.
9) The softest moment/event in 2018
Off-ice, it's this entire video, thanks KISS&CRY magazine:
https://youtu.be/oSHj10w-ewY
On-ice, it's a moment in Moonlight Sonata after Shoma finished his back-to-back spins. He turns to look at the audience with a very soft expression, before looking down and doing a single twirl/spin that is so delicate, I always die a little from its softness.
Special mention to Itsuki's twitter for constant sharing of soft moments.
10) The moment/event in 2018 you are most proud of Shoma
Changing his goal from "Attack!!!" to "Believe!". It's still in process and he's had some hurdles, but I'm really proud of how honest he is in dealing with it because changing a mindset takes a lot of strength. Ganba Shoma!
11) The moment/event in 2018 you are most thankful for
Olympics 2018 for letting me find Shoma and for Worlds 2018 letting me know I'll love him no matter what. Also the existence of Shoma's family and team who are always there to warmly support Shoma.
12) Your wish for Shoma in 2019
Recover well, stay healthy and injury-free. Satisfying and clean performances. Continue improving and trying new things, and having fun in the process. Always be surrounded by people who love him and he loves. Last but not least, a lot of good Niku!