Yuzuru Hanyu: 2016-17 Season

[Danibellerika]

At the Olympics or the Worlds?

Actually both now that you mention it, lol. Was happy he made the podium at Olys and then happy he nabbed a world title for himself soon after.

 

[YuzusHydroblade]

I think it all comes down to what we mean by "close with"...:think:

He is close enough to Kanako to call her by her first name without honorifics (seriously one time they asked him how he called her and he said "Kanako or Kana, depending on my mood" ) and also to call her stupid lol
As much as i would like to deny this

 

[mcq]

Wasn't he close to Kanako?

Yuzu, Keiji, Ryuju, Mura, Kanako and Machida etc all seem close in a sense that they are all fellow skaters in about the same batch/generation and went to several competition and shows together? But I never get the impression of them being BFF or anything outside skating. Kanako is closer to even someone like Oda, imo, I noticed they went out to eat together several times outside skating. They are mostly either Nagoya/Osaka skaters, Yuzu is from Sendai. I don't think they really hang out outside of skating events.

I have to say though I have a sorta unhealthy gossipy interest in how and what these two were and are feeling towards each other, I won't risk any conjectures. Things must have been pretty intense back then when they were fighting for No.1 spot in their team. No matter what they felt, they did behave admirably well towards each other.
They really don't have to be best friends. Respect will do.

Agreed. That is what happen in fierce competitive sport and what is happening to Yuzuru and Javi lately and is soon going to happen between Yuzuru and Shoma. As long as they respect each other, I think that is enough.

 

[shiroKJ]

He is close enough to Kanako to call her by her first name without honorifics (seriously one time they asked him how he called her and he said "Kanako or Kana, depending on my mood" ) and also to call her stupid lol
As much as i would like to deny this

She also said he was too full of himself or annoying or something lol. There's a sense of comfortableness but they've never (that we know of) hung out outside of the ice rink. So they're close like comrades, but not as friends.

 

[Danibellerika]

Yuzu, Keiji, Ryuju, Mura, Kanako and Machida etc all seem close in a sense that they are all fellow skaters in about the same batch/generation and went to several competition and shows together? But I never get the impression of them being BFF or anything outside skating. Kanako is closer to even someone like Oda, imo, I noticed they went out to eat together several times outside skating. They are mostly either Nagoya/Osaka skaters, Yuzu is from Sendai. I don't think they really hang out outside of skating events.

Agreed. That is what happen in fierce competitive sport and what is happening to Yuzuru and Javi lately and is soon going to happen between Yuzuru and Shoma. As long as they respect each other, I think that is enough.

I do wonder if Yuzu's status makes a difference on some level. Not that he acts like it. He doesn't skate like he's achieved everything (which is one of the things I love about him). Yuzu and Javi do get along quite well. People like Yags and Plush still carry some of that bitterness with them even though they are retired and married with kids of their own and they both won it all.

 

[Fayruza]

One of the many things I love about Yuzuru - he manages to be very competitive and fierce when on the ice, but remains respectful and friendly towards his rivals, always saying they can be inspiring. No arrogance about him - though he must have been very confident in his own abilities to challenge the elite the way he did. Loads of amibition and drive coupled with good manners - a very winning combination.
I can go on about this for hours, but unfortunately I won't say anything you don't already know though!

 

[liha]

One of the many things I love about Yuzuru - he manages to be very competitive and fierce when on the ice, but remains respectful and friendly towards his rivals, always saying they can be inspiring. No arrogance about him - though he must have been very confident in his own abilities to challenge the elite the way he did. Loads of amibition and drive coupled with good manners - a very winning combination.
I can go on about this for hours, but unfortunately I won't say anything you don't already know though!

Yes! His personality is almost a paradox and yet he seems so sincere, I can't even doubt it.

 

[mcq]

I do wonder if Yuzu's status makes a difference on some level. Not that he acts like it. He doesn't skate like he's achieved everything (which is one of the things I love about him). Yuzu and Javi do get along quite well. People like Yags and Plush still carry some of that bitterness with them even though they are retired and married with kids of their own and they both won it all.

Lol, idk tbh. But I do think Yuzu training abroad or at Sendai before do play a part. They can't meet as often as people think? Unlike those who train together, or are in the same town/area. They remain friendly during competition so all is well, I guess. He is kind of an outlier skater even in Japan imo, due to not coming from skating region like Osaka/Nagoya.
From what I see, Yags and Plush are ok now, especially after plush won his oly games? At least they did not blatantly say they hate each other (lol) anymore. Yags even went to perform at Plushy's anniversary show, I think? That iconic photo they took when the building for their ice show caught on fire was iconic. Also that picture of them posing as ultraman

 

[Danibellerika]

Lol, idk tbh. But I do think Yuzu training abroad or at Sendai before do play a part. They can't meet as often as people think? Unlike those who train together, or are in the same town/area. They remain friendly during competition so all is well, I guess. He is kind of an outlier skater even in Japan imo, due to not coming from skating region like Osaka/Nagoya.
From what I see, Yags and Plush are ok now, especially after plush won his oly games? At least they did not blatantly say they hate each other (lol) anymore. Yags even went to perform at Plushy's anniversary show, I think? That iconic photo they took when the building for their ice show caught on fire was iconic. Also that picture of them posing as ultraman

How many touring ice shows do they normally do in the summer? I feel like if people become close, it's then. As for Plush and Yags, I feel like there was a bit of mud slinging between them with Sochi. When Plush withdrew Yags was saying Plush should have skated anyway, because that's just what you do...when he himself retired with an injury pretty much the same way. And I feel like Plush said some stuff too. My memory is fuzzy. I didn't hear about the anniversary stuff but that's good to hear. It's like...the past is the past. You worked hard and got out of poverty and now your lives are gravy forever. Chill out and ride the wave.

 

[Fayruza]

Lol, idk tbh. But I do think Yuzu training abroad or at Sendai before do play a part. They can't meet as often as people think? Unlike those who train together, or are in the same town/area. They remain friendly during competition so all is well, I guess. He is kind of an outlier skater even in Japan imo, due to not coming from skating region like Osaka/Nagoya.
From what I see, Yags and Plush are ok now, especially after plush won his oly games? At least they did not blatantly say they hate each other (lol) anymore. Yags even went to perform at Plushy's anniversary show, I think? That iconic photo they took when the building for their ice show caught on fire was iconic. Also that picture of them posing as ultraman

But back when they were competing, gosh, was it a spectacle to see! But then these were Russians, and we (Russians) have never been good at disguising our true feelings... skaters, coaches, fans... none of them.
And I wonder which behaviour pattern is more usual then - Plush/Yags or Yuzu/Javi?

 

[Hannah555]

One of the many things I love about Yuzuru - he manages to be very competitive and fierce when on the ice, but remains respectful and friendly towards his rivals, always saying they can be inspiring. No arrogance about him - though he must have been very confident in his own abilities to challenge the elite the way he did. Loads of amibition and drive coupled with good manners - a very winning combination.
I can go on about this for hours, but unfortunately I won't say anything you don't already know though!

So true! And I really think it's a rare talent today

 

[unico]

I think this is why often you see Yuzuru interacting with Shoma and Satoko in competition, always trying to praise them and engage them in friendly activities to help break them out of their shells, because I don't think he wants his juniors to feel awkward around him like perhaps he felt with Team Japan prior to Sochi. Plus they're both so shy He was so young when he started rising to the elite level so there was an age gap among the men, then on top of that, he wasn't part of the big skating camps in Japan, first training in Sendai without other elite-level peers, then he moved to Toronto. According to one of his documentaries, he says he "prefers" being lonely because otherwise he feels distracted, so external pressures also weigh in on his mind. But I do think he's making a really conscious effort at least in competition areas to kind of lead Team Japan, now that they're almost all younger than him. Lead in an approachable, friendly older brother kind of way

 

[gladiolusc]

One of the many things I love about Yuzuru - he manages to be very competitive and fierce when on the ice, but remains respectful and friendly towards his rivals, always saying they can be inspiring. No arrogance about him - though he must have been very confident in his own abilities to challenge the elite the way he did. Loads of amibition and drive coupled with good manners - a very winning combination.
I can go on about this for hours, but unfortunately I won't say anything you don't already know though!

I think Yuzuru is definitely sincere in both his competitiveness and respect for other skaters. What I think you won't get from him re: Daisuke is the kind of nerd-mode poetic gushing he does about Patrick's skating skills, etc, etc... which is honestly fine. As you said, respect is good enough :3 And in that sense, since he does gush about Patrick and to a lesser extent Javi, I don't think it's completely due to the intensity of the rivalry that he doesn't gush about Dai. Don't know if I'm making sense.... :think:

 

[Fayruza]

I think this is why often you see Yuzuru interacting with Shoma and Satoko in competition, always trying to praise them and engage them in friendly activities to help break them out of their shells, because I don't think he wants his juniors to feel awkward around him like perhaps he felt with Team Japan prior to Sochi. Plus they're both so shy He was so young when he started rising to the elite level so there was an age gap among the men, then on top of that, he wasn't part of the big skating camps in Japan, first training in Sendai without other elite-level peers, then he moved to Toronto. According to one of his documentaries, he says he "prefers" being lonely because otherwise he feels distracted, so external pressures also weigh in on his mind. But I do think he's making a really conscious effort at least in competition areas to kind of lead Team Japan, now that they're almost all younger than him. Lead in an approachable, friendly older brother kind of way

I've got the same feeling as if he were making a conscious attempt to get close with the youngsters from Team Japan. But given how talkative he can be, it may come easy to him.

ETA: What am I doing here - I ought to be working!!!

 

[mcq]

But back when they were competing, gosh, was it a spectacle to see! But then these were Russians, and we (Russians) have never been good at disguising our true feelings... skaters, coaches, fans... none of them.
And I wonder which behaviour pattern is more usual then - Plush/Yags or Yuzu/Javi?

Entertaining indeed! They blatantly said they hated each other and seriously had no effort in hiding it. The olympics fluff is not necessarily "fluff" because of that. It was wild.
I'd say Yuzu/Javi maybe? The Brians were not like that. So did Petrenko and Browning iirc? Kurt even said he look up to Petrenko for inspiration or something. Chan said questionable things that might rub people the wrong way, but they are cotton candy compared to the extent of Yag/Plush drama imo. But then again to have 2 top skaters still skating under the same coach, I'd say it is not an easy feat to not have any tension.

How many touring ice shows do they normally do in the summer? I feel like if people become close, it's then. As for Plush and Yags, I feel like there was a bit of mud slinging between them with Sochi. When Plush withdrew Yags was saying Plush should have skated anyway, because that's just what you do...when he himself retired with an injury pretty much the same way. And I feel like Plush said some stuff too. My memory is fuzzy. I didn't hear about the anniversary stuff but that's good to hear. It's like...the past is the past. You worked hard and got out of poverty and now your lives are gravy forever. Chill out and ride the wave.

40-60 from what I see. Depending on how much you want to commit to or are invited to. He didn't do that many before Oly, I think? And after 2014/15 season he only did DoI and FaOI, if I am not wrong? He did quite many after the olympics, but I don't think you would see him in dozens of ice shows like before. Part of the reason (if not the main reason) skaters do many ice shows is to earn some $$$. Someone like Mao or him who rakes in money from endorsement does not really have the urgency/necessity to go to 60 ice shows, for example. Especially since he is still actively competing.
About yags and plush, I doubt they would ever be friendly. But at least they are not like they still do everything in their power to be in each other's throat.

 

[shiroKJ]

I've got the same feeling as if he were making a conscious attempt to get close with the youngsters from Team Japan. But given how talkative he can be, it may come easy to him.

ETA: What am I doing here - I ought to be working!!!

He made strides with Satoko lol. I think she calls him Yuzu-kun now, which amazes me to no end

 

[Hannah555]

ETA: What am I doing here - I ought to be working!!!

You're working on bringing this thread to 4000 till Worlds

 

[fishheadanon]

I think Yuzuru is definitely sincere in both his competitiveness and respect for other skaters. What I think you won't get from him re: Daisuke is the kind of nerd-mode poetic gushing he does about Patrick's skating skills, etc, etc... which is honestly fine. As you said, respect is good enough :3 And in that sense, since he does gush about Patrick and to a lesser extent Javi, I don't think it's completely due to the intensity of the rivalry that he doesn't gush about Dai. Don't know if I'm making sense.... :think:

I think his ideals about skating just doesn't fit what Daisuke can deliver best, so while he does respect Daisuke very much and acknowledge his place in the Japanese men's figure skating repeatedly (he said many soooooooo nice things about Daisuke in interviews tbh) he doesn't nerd gush about him probably because his inspiration lies in other places.

 

[fishheadanon]

He made strides with Satoko lol. I think she calls him Yuzu-kun now, which amazes me to no end

Oooooh, I was rewatching old interviews... wasn't it Hanyu-kun during 2015 NHK? Good progress indeed

 

[Fayruza]

You're working on bringing this thread to 4000 till Worlds

Yeah, so that bloody seminar I'm having tomorrow can get organised on its own...

I think his ideals about skating just doesn't fit what Daisuke can deliver best, so while he does respect Daisuke very much and acknowledge his place in the Japanese men's figure skating repeatedly (he said many soooooooo nice things about Daisuke in interviews tbh) he doesn't nerd gush about him probably because his inspiration lies in other places.

Apart from technical stuff, what would you say are their differences in their skating then? I'm truly interested...