2025 Fantasy on Ice

[KiraraChin]

FaOI gallery of pictures: https://mainichi.jp/graphs/20250531/mpj/00m/050/100000f/20250531mpj00m050121000p

With so many accomplished and decorated skaters in the cast, I didn't expect Kazuki to get headliner treatment (usually the headliners are the first ones to appear in these photogalleries). I wonder if they were like: 'let's put the most uncontroversial and universally loved people first', so they chose Kazuki, Nobu, and then Kaori/Satton lol

 

[rabidline]

FaOI gallery of pictures: https://mainichi.jp/graphs/20250531/mpj/00m/050/100000f/20250531mpj00m050121000p

With so many accomplished and decorated skaters in the cast, I didn't expect Kazuki to get headliner treatment (usually the headliners are the first ones to appear in these photogalleries). I wonder if they were like: 'let's put the most uncontroversial and universally loved people first', so they chose Kazuki, Nobu, and then Kaori/Satton lol

Mainichi was probably the only one who did show some kind of decorum and hesitance (out of shame, probably?) in covering the Russian girls in this event, but they did interview Guillaume Cizeron over his return with Laurence Fornier Beaudry... (it's in a feature with Junhwan Cha so I think they were interviewing the most famous non-Russian foreign cast skaters).

Everyone else has at least one "Zagitova returns, Scherbakova makes her debut at Fantasy on Ice, captivating performance, blowing kisses to the cheers of audience" kind of article. Didn't expect much from Daily Sports, Tokyo Sports and THE DIGEST, they all write skating articles in a manner similar to entertainment/ celebrity articles, and Nikkan Sports who writes about Russian girls' Instagram updates for entertainment news update. But interesting to see Hochi and Sponichi in the mix, since they tend to not cover all ice shows and can easily stay quiet on this.

Mainichi's gallery did give the impression that the Russian girls didn't have big roles in the show, which was not exactly accurate: Zagitova had 2 solo programs on her own, 1 was collaboration with Faoi singers, and 1 program has her carrying a lantern with "Friendship" written on it in Kanji. Scherbakova had 1 solo program but was the main character of the closing of the show "The Vampire Dance" working closely with Yuu Shirota (who is arguably a bigger star in the show than the skaters).

It ends today, so hopefully it ends well for the skaters without any incidents. If you asked me a year ago, I wouldn't have thought Faoi would be the Japanese ice show making these moves, but here we are...

 

[rabidline]

Ah... I finally understand Faoi's concept: it's an Olympic gold medalist ice show. They did ran out of OGMs in skating who still skates, didn't they?

All Japanese skaters and Stephane and Junhwan only had 1 program where they skated on their own (including collaborations with the singers), while the only ones that had 2 proper programs on their own were Alina (2018 OGM), Gui/Laurence (Gui - 2022 OGM) and Anna (2022 OGM).

 

[KiraraChin]

Mainichi was probably the only one who did show some kind of decorum and hesitance (out of shame, probably?) in covering the Russian girls in this event, but they did interview Guillaume Cizeron over his return with Laurence Fornier Beaudry... (it's in a feature with Junhwan Cha so I think they were interviewing the most famous non-Russian foreign cast skaters).

I can give you two others who downplayed the Russians:

Deep Edge Plus (owned by Kyodo News) included the Russians in the programmes list but used Kazuki and Yu Shirota as headliners on social media:



Non-no, a fashion and entertainment magazine, also focused on Kazuki / non-Russians: https://nonno.hpplus.jp/entertainment/figureskate/246700/

Mainichi, Deep Edge Plus and non-no are all publications closely associated with Kazuki, so it's understandable that their focus was more on FaOI as a 'Kazuki and friends' show - which was probably not what the organisers intended but oh well lol

 

[KiraraChin]

Figure Skating Life: #Fantasy on Ice 2025 opened in Makuhari. The event attracted a lot of attention not only for #FaOI's unique performances with various collaborations and live singing by artists, but also for #Kazuki Tomono's brushed-up FS "Halston" and the first performances by new ice dance couple Beaudry & Cizeron.



So that's four outlets now that didn't lead the coverage with the Russians.

Ah... I finally understand Faoi's concept: it's an Olympic gold medalist ice show. They did ran out of OGMs in skating who still skates, didn't they?

All Japanese skaters and Stephane and Junhwan only had 1 program where they skated on their own (including collaborations with the singers), while the only ones that had 2 proper programs on their own were Alina (2018 OGM), Gui/Laurence (Gui - 2022 OGM) and Anna (2022 OGM).

It's been honestly fascinating to see how the media is treating this event, because without the obvious focal point which is Yuzuru Hanyu, it seems that each outlet is choosing what to focus on, regardless of the narrative the organisers are trying to push lol. For example, I didn't know, based on the (admittedly Kazuki-focused) media that I saw, that Zagitova and Scherbakova had 2 solo programmes each. It feels to me like Kazuki and Yuna's collab is actually one of the highlights of the show (perhaps unintentionally), similar to the Mao/Dai/Kana/Kazuki collab at SOI

 

[rabidline]

Figure Skating Life: #Fantasy on Ice 2025 opened in Makuhari. The event attracted a lot of attention not only for #FaOI's unique performances with various collaborations and live singing by artists, but also for #Kazuki Tomono's brushed-up FS "Halston" and the first performances by new ice dance couple Beaudry & Cizeron.

So that's four outlets now that didn't lead the coverage with the Russians. It's been honestly fascinating to see how the media is treating this event...

FS Life has to lead without the Russians, since they published the interview with the Ukrainian ice dance team Nazarova/Nikitin back in 2022 when the invasion started:



The journalist that did the interview, Hiro Yoshida Gillis, has been vocal on his Twitter about the hypocrisy of Faoi inviting the Russian girls in 2025 after inviting Nazarova/Nikitin in 2022 and making a big deal out of it (and then inviting Anastasia Arkyphova as ensemble from 2022-2024). I assume this had an impact to the perspective FS Life has on the event:

 

[rabidline]

For example, I didn't know, based on the (admittedly Kazuki-focused) media that I saw, that Zagitova and Scherbakova had 2 solo programmes each. It feels to me like Kazuki and Yuna's collab is actually one of the highlights of the show (perhaps unintentionally), similar to the Mao/Dai/Kana/Kazuki collab at SOI

The media held back the information that Scherbakova has the honor of being the final skater for Faoi as a reigning OGM and got the big collaboration with Yuu Shirota's The Vampire Dance until a week before the show started, lol.

Also it does give the illusion that the Russian girls (and FB/C) didn't have that many roles to play.... the broadcast is a week delayed, so any criticism from outside the venue would be delayed.

 

[rabidline]

regardless of the narrative the organisers are trying to push lol.

The organizer has been too quiet on the show itself, which has been the complaint.

 

[KiraraChin]

FS Life has to lead without the Russians, since they published the interview with the Ukrainian ice dance team Nazarova/Nikitin back in 2022 when the invasion started:

That's interesting, thank you for sharing. I think everything that we're seeing confirms what I said before in this thread about the reception of the Japanese public/media re: Russians being back is more nuanced and diverse than what some people think.

This reminds me of Japan's men-centric media coverage for paying audience, aside from Non-no which I understand Kazuki was a columnist at. No offense to him, but there is literally the 3-time World Champion and reigning double Olympic bronze medalist right there.

Yeah, this is what is absolutely sending me. Probably the first time ever that a skater with zero big medals gets headliner treatment in the media at a major Japanese ice show? Especially ironic for a show that brands itself as 'the Olympic medallists show' LMAO

The media held back the information that Scherbakova has the honor of being the final skater for Faoi as a reigning OGM and got the big collaboration with Yuu Shirota's The Vampire Dance until a week before the show started, lol.

Also it does give the illusion that the Russian girls (and FB/C) didn't have that many roles to play.... the broadcast is a week delayed, so any criticism from outside the venue would be delayed.

That is crazy, but it shows that they know their decision was controversial. I now wonder what the other shows will make of it - it wasn't a fiasco, but also not a resounding success IMO...

 

[rabidline]

Yeah, this is what is absolutely sending me. Probably the first time ever that a skater with zero big medals gets headliner treatment in the media at a major Japanese ice show? Especially ironic for a show that brands itself as 'the Olympic medallists show' LMAO

I take back my complaint about Kaori. If anything, I think the media is trying to protect her before the Olympics, by avoiding pulling attention to her involvement in this show too much- she's one of the official Japan Olympic Committee (JOC) Symbol Athletes. She was actually the skater I'm most worried about, since any friendly photo or video or interaction between her and the Russian girls can be used for propaganda of "Japan welcoming Russia in a friendly way" . Now that I think of it, I'm actually pretty mad that they put her in this position. If this gets used against her and jeopardizes her Olympic participation...

So yeah, Kazuki is the safer choice of active skater- he's a man (different discipline) and competitively he's not as in the spotlight as Kaori is.

It may also be why Kazuki is leading the photo gallery of Mainichi, now that I think about it. Kaori being on the front will put her involvement in a show with Russian Olympic medalists (remember, Russia is banned because they violated the Olympic truce), one of them a woman who has expressed vocal support to the President, into the spotlight.

 

[rabidline]

That is crazy, but it shows that they know their decision was controversial. I now wonder what the other shows will make of it - it wasn't a fiasco, but also not a resounding success IMO...

The attendance wasn't bad at all especially today, so Faoi may have their strategy going forward without Yuzuru... they can invite him back, though. Like I said, they're running out of OGMs who are scandal free and are still skating.

Also unlike Faoi, the other shows have never deliberately withheld / cancelled invitations for top Russian skaters (Faoi did invite Z/G as ensemble) and invite Ukrainian skaters at the same time. Even if they do cave in and invite the Russians, it won't be as hypocritical as Faoi.

 

[KiraraChin]

I take back my complaint about Kaori. If anything, I think the media is trying to protect her before the Olympics, by avoiding pulling attention to her involvement in this show too much- she's one of the official Japan Olympic Committee (JOC) Symbol Athletes. She was actually the skater I'm most worried about, since any friendly photo or video or interaction between her and the Russian girls can be used for propaganda of "Japan welcoming Russia in a friendly way" . I'm actually kinda mad that they put her in this position hshshshs.

So yeah, Kazuki is the safer choice of active skater- he's a man (different discipline) and competitively he's not as in the spotlight as Kaori is.

I completely agree it's better for Kaori to avoid the media spotlight at this point - I also think it's her personal choice, too.

I'm just once again floored by the insanity of Kazuki's career, from junior who couldn't even be invited to the JGP to media darling at FaOI

It's the way he struggles a lot but when push comes to shove he manages to be the right person at the right time. One can even say he is subbing in for Yuzuru in the same way he did in Milan 2018 - While of course he can't even be compared to Japan's biggest star, he is showing he can still grab the spotlights in his own way.

 

[rabidline]

I'm just once again floored by the insanity of Kazuki's career, from junior who couldn't even be invited to the JGP to media darling at FaOI

It's the way he struggles a lot but when push comes to shove he manages to be the right person at the right time. One can even say he is subbing in for Yuzuru in the same way he did in Milan 2018 - While of course he can't even be compared to Japan's biggest star, he is showing he can still grab the spotlights in his own way.

Yes, he is the right person on the right time, in a way. He may not have the biggest chance to go to the Olympics, but that makes him perfect for the media in these times, less risk involved in highlighting him compared to Kaori (an Olympic medal contender if not front runner).

Also Kazuki (and Junhwan to some extent) is... let's just say he doesn't threaten a certain subset of fans, who would be very excited to take the chance on more... high profile, active, competitive, male skaters if they are in the same situation. Those fans probably would love a chance to report those top skaters to the IOC themselves of their involvement with this show. Not being invited by Faoi this year is a blessing for those guys. And a boon for Kazuki and Junhwan of course.

 

[KiraraChin]

Yes, he is the right person on the right time, in a way. He may not have the biggest chance to go to the Olympics, but that makes him perfect for the media in these times, less risk involved in highlighting him compared to Kaori (an Olympic medal contender if not front runner).

Also Kazuki is... let's just say he doesn't threaten a certain subset of fans, who would be very excited to attack more... high profile, active, male skaters if they are in the same situation. Not being invited by Faoi this year is a blessing for those guys.

Hmm I think I disagree that Kazuki's 'non-threatening' nature is the only reason. The media could have gone with Rio Nakata, who is the current junior world champion and reigning senior national silver medalist (and God knows the Japanese media luuuuuuvs a young talent). They could have gone with beloved veterans and Olympians such as Nobu and Keiji.

Kazuki's commercial success and the level of attention he's getting, not only at FaOI but everywhere, speak volumes about the success of his own strategy, positioning himself in the intersection between competition and entertainment, not only building an ever-growing fan base but being popular across all the fanbases and the media as well. This is, in my book, what building a successful brand looks like, and honestly I don't see many others among those currently competing in Japanese Men's singles who are more popular and high-profile than him, even if they have more medals.

Personally I think his success really shows there is sometimes a gap between the people who are being rewarded competitively and the people the audience actually wants to see

 

[rabidline]

Hmm I think I disagree that Kazuki's 'non-threatening' nature is the only reason. The media could have gone with Rio Nakata, who is the current junior world champion and reigning senior national silver medalist (and God knows the Japanese media luuuuuuvs a young talent). They could have gone with beloved veterans and Olympians such as Nobu and Keiji.

Kazuki's commercial success and the level of attention he's getting, not only at FaOI but everywhere, speak volumes about the success of his own strategy, positioning himself in the intersection between competition and entertainment, not only building an ever-growing fan base but being popular across all the fanbases and the media as well. This is, in my book, what building a successful brand looks like, and honestly I don't see many others among those currently competing in Japanese Men's singles who are more popular and high-profile than him, even if they have more medals.

Personally I think his success really shows there is sometimes a gap between the people who are being rewarded competitively and the people the audience actually wants to see

I do agree that Kazuki has built a great personal brand. And he is quite a mainstay in shows, in comparison to the other Japanese men. I think he has had more time to sharpen his performance skills than the younger skaters before COVID especially, I do remember how Kazuki was in 2018 ice shows and he has come a very long way from that.

I think it's nice for his fans to be able to enjoy Kazuki in many ice shows and the media attention that comes with it.

 

[rabidline]

As expected...

 

[KiraraChin]

I do agree that Kazuki has built a great personal brand. And he is quite a mainstay in shows, in comparison to the other Japanese men. I think he has had more time to sharpen his performance skills than the younger skaters before COVID especially, I do remember how Kazuki was in 2018 ice shows and he has come a very long way from that.

I think it's nice for his fans to be able to enjoy Kazuki in many ice shows and the media attention that comes with it.

Yeah for me the two things are true: he is someone who's safe to cover in face of controversy, but he's in this position because due to his own merit and hard work he has become someone who's genuinely very popular across the board.

I still kick myself for not creating a thread for the Naniwa Figure Skating Festival, which ended up being a much bigger event than I anticipated, with lots of media coverage and corporate participation. I saw the journalists covering the event talk about 'the excitement around Kazuki Tomono'.

So even for long term fans like me it's hard to wrap my head around how high profile he's become lol

 

[synesthesia]

FS Life has to lead without the Russians, since they published the interview with the Ukrainian ice dance team Nazarova/Nikitin back in 2022 when the invasion started:

The journalist that did the interview, Hiro Yoshida Gillis, has been vocal on his Twitter about the hypocrisy of Faoi inviting the Russian girls in 2025 after inviting Nazarova/Nikitin in 2022 and making a big deal out of it (and then inviting Anastasia Arkyphova as ensemble from 2022-2024). I assume this had an impact to the perspective FS Life has on the event:

Apparently Hiro Yoshida Gillis' stance had no effect on FS Life's reporting - this is one of their two posts about FaoI:

#FantasyOnIce2025 ​

In #ShirotaYu's production of "Dance of the Vampires," Sherbakova plays the heroine, bringing the world of the musical to life on the ice. Shirota also put on skates and performed while singing, captivating the audience.​

Held on May 31st and June 1st at Makuhari Event Hall. #FaOI​

Also, Deep Edge Plus highlighted Kaori in two of their four posts and articles about FaoI, along with the Russians:

Sakamoto Kaori and others appeared in the ice show "Fantasy on Ice 2025," which opened on the 31st at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City, and captivated the audience with her graceful dancing. Tomono Kazuki, a male skater, skated emotionally to the piano piece "Halston," which he will use in his free program next season, and also performed a collaborative number with Aoki Yuna.​

坂本花織、ザギトワら熱演　友野一希は「ハルストン」　ファンタジー・オン・アイス - フィギュアスケート専門情報サイトDeep Edge Plus　最新ニュース・充実のコラムをお届け

フィギュアスケート女子で今季世界選手権2位の坂本花織（シスメックス）や2018年平昌冬季五輪金メダルのアリーナ・ザギトワ、2022年北京五輪を制したアンナ・シェルバコワ（ともにロシア）らが31日、千葉市の幕張メッセで開 […]

deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp

Sakamoto Kaori, Zagitova and others perform with passion; Tomono Kazuki skates to "Halston"; Fantasy on Ice​

Figure skating women's skater Kaori Sakamoto (Sysmex), who finished second at this season's World Championships, Alina Zagitova, gold medalist at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, and Anna Scherbakova, winner of the 2022 Beijing Olympics (both from Russia), performed in the ice show Fantasy on Ice 2025, which opened at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City on 31 March. ​

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坂本花織、黒髪でしっとり　ザギトワは「友愛」訴え　ファンタジーオンアイス2025詳報 - フィギュアスケート専門情報サイトDeep Edge Plus　最新ニュース・充実のコラムをお届け

アイスショー「ファンタジー・オン・アイス2025」が5月31日、千葉市の幕張メッセで開幕した。今季の世界選手権で銀メダルを獲得した女子の坂本花織（シスメックス）や男子の友野一希（第一住建グループ）ら日本の注目選手だけで […]

deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp

Kaori Sakamoto has a soft, black hair look; Zagitova appeals for "fraternity"; A detailed report on Fantasy on Ice 2025​

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The ice show "Fantasy on Ice 2025" opened on May 31 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City. Not only notable Japanese skaters such as Sakamoto Kaori (Sysmex) who won a silver medal at this season's World Championships, and Tomono Kazuki (Daiichi Jyuken Group), but also the new ice dancing couple Laurence Fournier-Baudry and Guillaume Cizeron (France), and Olympic champions Alina Zagitova and Anna Shcherbakova (both Russia), who were performing in Japan for the first time in a long time, appeared. Actor Shirota Yu's singing and skating added color to the special collaboration number.
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I don't expect this to hurt Kaori (or any of the other amateur skaters in the show), though. I'd say the people that matter should be intelligent enough to know that none of the performers are to blame for the organizer's decisions.



____________________

 

[TallyT]

...let's just say he doesn't threaten a certain subset of fans

The 'certain subset' are barely aware that FAoI is even on (beyond the initial 'thank god he got out before the controversy even got started, the press would be all over it' reaction ages ago.)

 

[DizzyFrenchie]

The 'certain subset' are barely aware that FAoI is even on (beyond the initial 'thank god he got out before the controversy even got started, the press would be all over it' reaction ages ago.)

Yes, he is the right person on the right time, in a way. He may not have the biggest chance to go to the Olympics, but that makes him perfect for the media in these times, less risk involved in highlighting him compared to Kaori (an Olympic medal contender if not front runner).

Also Kazuki (and Junhwan to some extent) is... let's just say he doesn't threaten a certain subset of fans, who would be very excited to take the chance on more... high profile, active, competitive, male skaters if they are in the same situation. Those fans probably would love a chance to report those top skaters to the IOC themselves of their involvement with this show. Not being invited by Faoi this year is a blessing for those guys. And a boon for Kazuki and Junhwan of course.

Please Rabidline, whom do you call "an certain subset of fans"?