This and That: 2021 Japanese Nationals (Yuzuru Hanyu, Kaori Sakamoto, Shoma Uno, Wakaba Higuchi)

[@SMBLFigureSkating]

TIMESTAMPS 00:00 intro 1:00 skating vs Christmas time with family 1:35 2013 Plushenko 2:34 Japan Vs Russia streaming 5:30 Russian Ads 6:42 KZbin Strikes 7:15 Russian Streaming of FS 10:20 Japanese Covering (skating stats) 11:40 Russian covering vs US covering 15:25 covid protocols Japan vs Russia 16:43 Back to Japanese coverage 18:32 Seeing scores before performance ft. Meghan Duhamel 19:36 Yuzuru Hanyu 24:55 Russia Competing for Bronze 26:13 Kamila Valieva Doing Team Event 26:30 Pairs 26:30 Tarasova and Morozov 26:40 Riku and Ryuichi 27:05 Slight reference to Dance 27:19 Japan vs Russia vs USA Team event 28:03 Diana Davis will there be accurate scoring? 29:10 Yuzuru Hanyu again 32:20 Yuzu vs Nathan 33:03 Hanyu has a hypnotist? 33:30 Hanyu Article 34:00 back to normal Hanyu talk 34:53 Shoma Uno 38:30 Yuma Kagiyama 41:49 Japanese Alternates 42:46 Kazuki Tomono 44:02 Marin Honda 44:56 back to Kazuki 45:30 Russian comments 45:56 Depth of Japanese Men 46:13 Kao Miura 48:35 Shun Sato 49:50 Sōta Yamamoto 50:08 Sena Miyake 50:42 Ice Dance 50:42 Stephane Lambiel 51:36 Daisuke Takahashi and Tim Koleto 53:02 Tim Koleto and Misato Komatsubara 56:50 What if the fans could vote for who they want to go to the Olympics 58:52 Wakaba Higuchi ACTUALLY getting to the Olympics 1:01:39 Athlete Nationals and Olympic pressure 1:02:17 back to Wakaba 1:03:15 Top 5 Olympics? 1:03:44 back to Wakaba again 1:04:52 Scoring ft Choreo Sequences 1:06:53 Kaori Sakamoto 1:09:03 Back to Russian Nationals (different sport?) 1:10:20 Top 6 Olympics 1:10:56 Rinka Watanabe 1:11:20 Mana Kawabe 1:12:20 Mie Hamada 1:13:50 Mai Mihara (underscored?) 1:14:46 Future of Japanese Women Ft. Mana Kawabe 1:15:42 Selection Process for Japanese Women 1:17:00 Mana vs Mai 1:17:50 Rino Matsuike 1:18:24 Japan need more Japanese Competitive Ladies 1:18:47 Japanese quads and triple axels 1:21:09 US triple axels 1:22:10 back to Japanese quads and triple axels 1:22:20 Rika Kihira 1:23:32 Satoko Miyahara 1:24:50 Moment of Japanese Nationals

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@AuroraR]

Thank you 😊

[@Berzelmayr]

"Kazuki Tomato"?

[@SMBLFigureSkating]

@@AuroraR NP

[@SMBLFigureSkating]

@@Berzelmayr OMG STUPID SPELLCHECK

[@lachowna2912]

give Yuzu his 3rd gold like right now!!! I don't even need the olympic event to happen :D I mean ... the technical prowess, the artistry, that magical blend, that dedication to use every note of the music, that short was perfection. I don't care how much of a Nathan fan you are, nothing comes close to this. Not even Nathan and hs seven quads. Those spins, the commitment to the drama in the step sequence, the jumps, that fire that he still exudes while on the ice, that smirk at the end? The GOAT. Masterful.

[@flywings111]

Yuzuru's performances in both the SP and FS just boggles the mind and they proved again he is the indisputable GOAT of male figure skating. He's 27, in his 12th (!) senior season, coming back from an injury and being sick for 1 month because of esophagitis and he skates like THAT at his first competition in the season. Mindblown, really. The short program is exquisite - the step sequence is probably the most difficult one of his in terms of complexity and it's amazing how he doesn't miss a single note of the music while doing it, his musicality is just one of a kind. The program itself is so complicated, he only did 6 crossovers overall, while others usually have 20-30 or more. My only criticism is the costume which doesn't really fit the mood of the program (and it makes me think of Otonal too much), so I hope he makes changes in it for the Olympics. In the free skate, alone the fact that he stayed on his feet while attempting the 4A shows the major improvements in conquering this monster of a jump. What he did after that was the showcase of perfectly executed jumps, spins, step sequences and fluid transitions in between. He did so well considering it was his first event of the season plus given all the circumstances. I don't know what will happen at the Olympics as Yuzu previously said he will only go there if Olympics will be in the path of mastering the 4A (here we are!) and he wasn't thinking about a three-peat before. Anyway whatever he decides to do, I wish him all the best, and hope he stays safe, which is the most important.

[@1chienandalou]

Much agreed. I watch that short program a dozen times already. Only thing I would change was some aspects of the costume exactly. But if he must skate in this I’ll take it. I didn’t like this costume but I actually all out hate Nathan‘s costumes, yet I have accepted that he needs to feel comfortable or somesuch, and will wear that ugly shiz… Anwyay re Hanyu, I was amazed and pleased and inspired to see he’s as good as ever!.. 🧿🧿🧿.

[@yohanes2034]

Yes it's mind boggling that he only put 6 crossovers in that entire short program. Others could try it and wouldn't be able to generate speed to land the quad let alone from difficult entry for all of them. IMO that is the pinnacle of transitions and skating skills. If international judges don't give that a 10 then who will deserve it. But the expressions Yuzuru made when the score popped out (both SP and FP) were like happy for his score. JFed slowly giving their support again when they need him in the Olympic. If I'm him, it's so understandable that he's down (mentally) many times. Re 4A, I really wish that he forgo the 4A in the Olympic and get that 3rd gold for the history book. He can do that like in a month later in the world pr gp series if so he chooses to compete.

[@1chienandalou]

@@yohanes2034 yeah Hanyu is next level those beautiful and often really difficult transitions into an out of elements, exquisite, and no wasted moments… unfortunately even if these things are supposed to be considered, I don’t think he benefits as much from how much quality he puts into it score-wise.

[@vf9322]

@@yohanes2034 well, Yuzuru has been underscored for a long time. As much he loves to skate and challenging himself, but considering the amount of effort he puts in everything he does I guess it must be frustrating and disencouraging for him at times. So, I think is the right move to give him the goes he deserves in order to boost him again with confidence, not only in himself, but in the system.

[@suteerap9286]

I feel like for Hanyu , 4A is his dream. He already achieved everything every title that he ever wanted. Only one thing left to be done is to succeed 4A. I think I understand him.

[@flywings111]

it is nice that someone understands him. So many people tell him what he should do instead of pursuing his dream.

[@lexinara-yoshimura7792]

Hanyu just has the special sauce, I’m sorry I’m going to say it. Quality>quantity and Hanyu delivers quality every time. The programs are authentically Yuzu and my prediction is that even though he is putting the pressure on the 4A, his competitive nature will kick in in Beijing and opt for an additional landible quad to make a different kind of history. The Japanese team is peaking at the right time and with enough help, they can make a run for the team event! Edit: at the end of the day, Yuzu knows he’s the GOAT and one way or another he will make history in 2022. He will make it happen one way or another

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@musicnojutsu7394]

I think (and hope!!) you may be right about all this!!

[@1chienandalou]

I certainly think that the Japan team has a good chance to medal. I’m not sure about winning, I guess it would depend on how well the men and the ice dance might do between the US and Russians.

[@madeliner2021]

I just love Wakaba - she skates with such joy that you can’t help but cry with her at the end of her free…

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@1chienandalou]

I cried with her, full messy tears and no shame!

[@dedmatters]

saaaame! i was making the ugly-scrunchy face, suppresing my tears!

[@LiriaAndreina]

I was sobbing 😭 and then the scores came in and it got worse.

[@mainaalmeida4246]

Yeees! She is amazing

[@elizabethm08]

Yuzu’s 3A-3LO in practice was a thing of beauty! He has to add that too :)

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Yes!!

[@梅紫-r3q]

3A3Lo should be included in the configuration! Nobody else can jump 3A3Lo. That's amazing.

[@yohanes2034]

@@梅紫-r3q no one can do 3A-3Lo because mostly other skaters put their foot down after 3A and does not have much flow unlike Yuzuru. I think only him who can make it consistent

[@musicnojutsu7394]

Yes!! Whether or not he attempts 4A at the Olympics (and especially if he doesn't), I want to see that in his free!

[@AC-co6cp]

I was actually more impressed w/his 3A3Lo than the 4A! It was textbook perfect. How many points is a 3A3Lo then a 3F vs. a 3A2T then a 3Lo? (thinking about that choreo. sequence in his FP).

[@hellsbellsmichelle]

Two episodes in two days - THAT'S CHRISTMAS!!!!!! Thanks boys - Jonathan - love your tree and your decorations. They're magnificent.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Happy holidays!

[@1chienandalou]

Indeed! Merry Christmas and happy holidays and happy new year to all skating fans !! ❤️⛸❤️

[@ariannabinaghi5222]

As Russian nationals were draining my energies and leaving angry, Japanese Nationals were there to bring me joy and serenity. My moments were Yuzu everything and Wakaba and Kaori crying and then hugging each other like sisters. I may have cried with them. Also, Kaori our sunshine is going to the Olympics, Wakaba who has the sunrise in her program is going to the Olympics and Mana, Kaori and Wakaba’s free skate costumes have the colours of the sunset. It fits for the country of the rising sun

[@1chienandalou]

Oh I teared up a lot and cried at least three times… (Yuzuru’s short program (missed him and he is at his best IMO), Satoko’s Tosca, and At the end of Wakaba’s free). I am so happy both Wakaba-san and Kaori-san will skate at the Olympics with those programs!

[@ИринаЛукьяненко-ь3ъ]

@@1chienandalou Kami is better :)

[@1chienandalou]

@@ИринаЛукьяненко-ь3ъ I enjoyed her as well but this is a video about Japan nationals and as far as I know she’s from Russia so she would be excluded from participating in the national championships of Japan. Hope this helps.

[@ИринаЛукьяненко-ь3ъ]

@@1chienandalou As well as those girls have no chance in Russia :) They dont have ultra :)

[@tatianamokienko]

Well, all that's left is to cry at the Olympics

[@pwetty4r4]

Hanyu is still at his peak...I wasn't sure what we would get from him this season, but it very well could be gold at the Olympics. He's in it!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@ravanne3746]

The amazing thing is that he's at the age when most skaters are retired from the sport. Or well past the point of being really competitive. The fact that he's not just seriously in the mix for a third OGM, but favored (alongside Nathan) to win. Add to that the idea that he might very well accomplish a jump that most have insisted was impossible makes his accomplishments even more remarkable.

[@hannarubin962]

I‘m so happy that we are getting two „this and that“ in a week, thank you ❤️

[@TheSkatingLesson]

You're so welcome!

[@1chienandalou]

@@TheSkatingLesson thank you for understanding we *needed* this!! 🤓

[@almourie]

I just really want three time olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu plssss 😭

[@anettep6678]

The Japanese coverage is so good. I love the graphs and ice coverage details. And every year I get so annoyed it isn't more accessible. All these Japanese skaters that get few international assignments but have amazing skating skills. And I have to look for a shoddy stream that freezes every 5 seconds to see if Hanyu lands the 4A. Frustrating!

[@1chienandalou]

I agree with your comments. I really hope the Olympics show those statistics the way the Japanese competitions do. There’s really no reason not to and it’s so informative and important in my opinion. In my time zone I was kind of delirious and staying up so late in the day before from Russian nationals to try to watch Yuzu live… And found life streams that were freezing and finally found one that was working and I fell asleep like 15 minutes before Yuzu as I hadn’t slept in nearly 2 days lol… fml 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@hecticstarcherry]

Love it! What a breath of fresh air the Japanese Nationals were after the trauma/drama Russian fiasco. Thanks Dave and Jonathan!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@marycoyne1889]

Funny I had the opposite reaction. Despite the 4axel hype and seeing Yuzu after a year, the Japanese nationals felt so boring. Maybe because I had no opportunity to watch as an actual event as we did with Russia which speaks to what Dave and Jonathan were staying at the start of this episode. We need a program. not chaing down random videos after we know what the results are.

[@chrisjacobsen5558]

The quality of the Japanese skaters is tops in my book. The purity of edge and technique!

[@1chienandalou]

@@chrisjacobsen5558 and speed. I mean it’s correlated but I love their speed.

[@qiqisongs]

@@marycoyne1889 Did Anna scherbakova have a program? She got third place with so many mistakes in her free skate including a fall , zero quad and such slow skating. Im not sure if anybody think such program is deserving of the third spot to the olympic, by the russian standard. Everyone knows her score was too high for such a poor performance. Liza had two 3A and landed all her huge triples and still did not get to go to the olympic. After all these injustice and drama at the russian nationals, when people turned to watch the japanese nationals and all those skaters with superb skating skills and huge ice coverage, plus fair scoring and placement, people feel refreshed. That was the intention of this post. Nobody like to watch competitions which are fixed. People like to watch fair competitions. Secondly, we enjoy the Japanese nationals because they have great programs and great skating! People may watch the russians for the jumps, but we watch the japanese for entertaining programs and mesmerizing skating skills. My honest opinion is that none of the eteri girl’s program are enjoyable to me. They are so robotic.

[@user-jy8zb2wc8l]

My bet is on Yuzu doing the quad loop because he nails the maths better than all of us - I think unless he starts landing at least on one foot with one < then he might consider it. He knows what he can achieve with a third gold is also monumental and it doesn't take away his dream of continuing working on the 4A at any other competition (like Worlds). ISU lowering the quad axel base value like they have really shooting themselves in the foot - if it was higher, it would be worth doing it at the Olympics and creating history. And what a nail biter it would have been!

[@1chienandalou]

My sense also is that if he doesn’t feel like he’s going to land the quad axel >= 50% he might refocus his goal towards third Olympic Gold and postponed the 4A for later.

[@Tenorboy29307]

Exactly my thoughts! That jump is not worth the math. I hope he saves it for Worlds. I have full faith in him to make the right call.

[@yohanes2034]

@@1chienandalou I think he is smart but he also can be stubborn. Hopefully the mathematician in him wins the battle in his mind.

[@hbattagl]

Unfortunately Yuzuru has set his mind on landing a beautiful 4A (which is his childhood dream) and totally uninterested in winning for the last two years; so much so that he didn’t even practice his programs until the official practice before the WC earlier this year. (He was so obsessed with 4A that he did nothing but 4A practice after winning the JPN, before he left Japan for the World.). This time, he seemed to have felt much more confident in the progress of 4A, and is now determined to win the 3rd gold with 4A…which is worrying so many fans, of course. 😭　But hopefully he regains his usual competitiveness and goes for Gold with his beautiful 4L. 🤞

[@1chienandalou]

@@yohanes2034 @hikaju oh yes I see his stubborn side and bis idealism or even a level of romanticism perhaps... But he’s also smart and pragmatic when it comes to the moment. I’m not thinking that he’s going to let go of this goal. But the Olympics are pretty soon and if the jump is not ready but the third Olympic gold seems in reach, he may refocus on that and leave the quad axel for later. It will be interesting to see what happens! For now I seriously wish him health and peace of mind as much as possible!

[@elainedunwoody]

Yuzu knows that the judges underscores him and overscores the others, hence it's better to focus on 4A than trying to win. He's already won all the medals, so there is no pressure to get gold at olympics.

[@flywings111]

Someone understands it, finally 👏

[@janetjohn3539]

Yuzuru gave me a shot of adrenaline that I desperately needed. Dudes, he really is the GOAT! Yes! The Tango with the Screaming Woman for Shoma (Buenos Aires Hora Cero?)! OMG! I totally agree! Priceless! Shoma's a treasure when it comes to musicality. He deserves a special medal! He should do Chavela Vargas. I would be perfectly happy to see an Olympic Men's podium of the winners of the Japanese Nationals in that order! I do love me some other skaters, but Nathan's skills just do not pull on my heart strings.

[@1chienandalou]

To me Hanyu is GOAT male skater, possibly GOAT overall… I’ve been skating/watching 35 years🤓 I don’t mind if Shoma gets another Olympic medal! Or all Japan. It’s a bit unlikely of course. Men are kind of unpredictable tbh. Even as I am from US, even share a skate tech with him, I am not all that invested in Chen. However, I do respect him and wish him the best. Vincent Zhou has been great too at times this season and who knows Kolyada may not mess up something or another? I guess I’m trying to say, ice is slippery 😁

[@musicnojutsu7394]

I wish there were 4 medals, I want to see Nathan and all the Japanese medalists on the podium...I'm thinking rn I want it to be Yuzu, then Nathan, then Shoma, then Yuma.

[@dorysvillafuerte1797]

CONCUERDO CONTIGO NATAN ES FANTASTICO ES MUY PODEROSO EN SU DESEMPEÑO PATINANDO PERO NADIE COMO YUZURO HANYUPARA TRANSMITIR TODAS ESAS EMOCIONES EL ES SIMPLEMENTE PERFECTO

[@kengo7273]

Hi, I am Japanese. It seems that we still don't know that there are people in the world who are interested in our "things" and crave for information about them with as little time difference as possible. I am surprised to see that there are already 660 comments left on this topic. 😁 I haven't been following figure skating lately, but I stumbled upon this channel and found Wakaba! Thank you!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

You’re welcome!!

[@aalegalfocus]

What an exciting few days it was for figure skating fans. Thanks for your commentary!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️

[@sharonm836]

So excited for two consecutive “this and that” this week!!!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@1chienandalou]

Merry Christmas to us! 😁⛸❤️

[@karinacabrera1833]

Yay! Two This and That videos in a week. What a treat! Again, sooo happy for Wakaba! I tear up everytime I see her Lion King program. I get goosebumps on that step sequence! I hope she kills it in the Olympics!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️

[@asikameryl775]

So proud of Hanyu!! But Shoma’s costume is just a chef’s kiss, is it not? Love!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@almourie]

YESSS that short program costume is soooo good (if thats the one you’re referencing lol)

[@1chienandalou]

@@almourie Yes I think so because it’s beautiful.

[@natalievangilder4688]

@@1chienandalou the free also looks so nice with the gold only along the sides and down the hips! his costume designers outdid themselves!

[@1chienandalou]

@@natalievangilder4688 I hadn’t paid as much attention to the free. You’re right, also very nice.

[@kezblu]

Thanks guys, this really helped me through Japanese Nationals! Highly insightful analysis on the performances, particularly the women's which I hadn't followed so much here. Kihira's withdrawal really put me down; she would've been a great bronze or even silver medallist at Beijing. I feel she's just so much better than the other top Japanese skaters. Re: Hanyu, I hadn't realised how much a drag the 4A could be, points-wise, compared to the 4L! One thing you didn't mention though was what Hanyu has said about the fact that preparing the 4A has made it easier for him to perform the other quads and has somehow ameliorated his knowledge of all jumps; if that's the case it's a real bonus to that choice. Though I agree: I'd rather he give it up in Beijing to have a better chance at gold... And you're right, it's truly a shame that the Japanese federation doesn't believe more in broadcasting their nationals to a worldwide audience.

[@texasshuji]

35:47 I'm glad that you mentioned Shoma's tango program. In an interview about a year ago, Shoma said that his most favorite program of his is 'Balada para un loco' (= Ballad for a crazy man), a song performed by Milva. The first half of this Free program (of 2016-2017) is a famous tango 'Buenos Aires Hora Cero' (Buenos Aires at 12:00 a.m.) by Astor Piazolla, and the latter half is MIlva's 'Balada para un loco.'

[@lwinaye4617]

I love that screaming woman program,! I missed his programs from ? 2016-18/ with his previous coaches.

[@evanperilstein5308]

That’s my favorite free program of his.

[@yohanes2034]

I called that program loco too. That was great my favorite program of his too.

[@candyc3314]

The start of Maia's FS program.

[@hbattagl]

I completely agree with Dave and Jonathan re Yuzu’s music. Just FYI, he chose piano due to his mental struggles; when he was extremely down last year, the sound of piano and the pianist who played ‘Come, Spring’ gave him the strength to live, he says. He chose the piano so he can be himself when performing.

[@Xosidhe]

Like Yuri on Ice 😬

[@hbattagl]

@@XosidheOh, OK..I didn’t know. 😁

[@kristenjunker1632]

The strength to live - yikes, hopefully he can be his best self after he retires(whenever that is) or whatever he needs to help him back off the proverbial ledge.

[@1chienandalou]

@@kristenjunker1632 where did you get ledge from that? Maybe there are cultural differences? I can get what he’s referring to without going anywhere like that. After all, and I speak in western terms now, You have to face your shadow.

[@hbattagl]

@@kristenjunker1632 I knowww... He is such an eccentric individual and says things like ‘i have been practising to death’..😅 One thing is that he hides nothing when it comes to his weaknesses or illnesses, and often talks about how he overcame such moments. It seems it’s because he is so open and rational about how to deal with these challenges that perhaps most top athletes face. He says that he deliberately voices whatever is on his mind at interviews so that he can later watch them and analyse his mindset/conditions etc at the time. That is why I am actually not so worried about his mental health. ☺️

[@jjkaykay8552]

Wakaba used the cuts of the Lion King I always dreamed of someone using in Figure Skating but I didn’t know who could do it cause it gets so big on the build up. The music is huge but Wakaba wasn’t swallowed up by it she came alive with it and it was beautiful. I teared up, I really hope she medals at the olympics.

[@1chienandalou]

She has the best programs. Both the short and the free. And she’s been skating her heart out. I really really hope she’s on at the Olympics and tackles it like the lioness that she has been this season! I’m not nationalistic in any direction but there’s such medal potential in those programs and in her and the joy of skating she transmits (after she lands her hard jumps and relaxes especially) has been one of the best highlights of this whole skating season…

[@treelo11]

She's one of the few skaters that amplifies pop music imo. Like mariah bell doing celine dion is fitting but on wakaba, it's the soundtrack to her life.

[@hellsbellsmichelle]

Yuzuru's SP was breathtaking. You can't win the Gold medal with the SP alone, but you sure as hell can lose it (as Nathan showed us last time). Did you see that 3A entry??? FFS it's just mind-blowing and the StepSq?. If he can perform his SP like that at Olympics, I'm not sure anyone but him can win. Wakaba's FP had me jumping out of my seat.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

He looks great!

[@ariannabinaghi5222]

6 crossovers in the entire program and no consecutive ones!!!

[@1chienandalou]

I watched that short program a dozen time already. Beautiful. He’s at his Best really. And I think you can start winning with the short program. I suspect Papadakis and Cizeron are going to do that! And yeah you can certainly lose with the short! Anyway, it was beautiful. Wakaba, I love both her short and free programs, Glad she only did a double axle in the short here and showed clean and indicated consistency. I was tearing up during her free program and was crying with her at the end.

[@JM-ds8mb]

Yuzuru's SP is outstanding, l love the piano arrangement over the violin it just fits for him.

[@1chienandalou]

@@JM-ds8mb agree! ❤️

[@tanyawade4954]

All I want is for Wakaba to get an Olympic medal - be it team or individual. Let’s get the year started off right!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@1chienandalou]

Let us light candles for this. If she goes clean And the judging isn’t extremely unfair she could get a medal. She has such a lovely programs and she’s been skating her heart out.

[@loc1976]

Yuzu actually jumping a 4A in competition and somehow stayed on his 2 feet (literally lol): SO EXCITING!!! And my personal opinion (you might have noticed I have plenty...) is that Yuzu knows he couldn't win without making a splash, with the scores he and Nathan had been getting, so he's doing what he does best: CHAOS. Yeah yeah, he loves the 4A, of course, but he's a fierce competitor above all else. He's got the whole world looking at him again and showing he's still at the TOP of the game. Someone on Twitter said it very well: he was never the favourite to win any OGM, and yet, he's got TWO. And nothing against Nathan at all, I really think he's awesome and a natural skater/jumper, he has great qualities, but I am so here for Yuzu's 3rd OGM! His programs are sooooooo much better, so much more complex and exciting and beautiful, and he's such a great skater. Anyway, I digress. We'll see what happens. But in a nutshell, I think Yuzu is in this to win, and the 4A is a tool. I wouldn't be surprised he doesn't jump it at the Olys to give it his best chance at an OGM and spend the whole of next season attempting it in competition to get a clean one ratified.

[@1chienandalou]

Interesting theory. I’m not quite subscribed to it yet but it is possible - but I agree with you, even as I am from us, that he is on a different level than Nathan. I wish Nathan a good Olympics as well because he probably have some demons about last time and want to do well. But my heart certainly would be overjoyed with a third gold for Hanyu. His short program was I think one of his best. I watched maybe 15 times now. And the free will be beautiful as well, not as complete but on its way. I think he’s seriously still at his peak 4axel or not. 🧿

[@musicnojutsu7394]

@@1chienandalou Yes. I want 3rd gold for Yuzu but I want to Nathan kill it and win silver after his 2018 experience. Back to back clean skates from both of them at the freakin' Olympics would be EPIC.

[@Julia-js7bs]

Hanyu with 2 (pretty much) clean skates just blew my mind. Especially his SP was performed with so much intent and emotion, gorgeous! That programme had a total of 6 cross-overs. (So compare that to some jump-drill programmes lol). Personally, I don't get the Yuma-hype. Japan has many more mature skaters in their performance. And I am beyond excited for Wakaba. My girl has made it! Even though I don't like Kaoris music selection, there is a power in her performance that I like.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️

[@littletexasimp]

The 6 crossovers was insane!

[@isferdan]

I am happy to see some great athletes (like the ones in the former olympics) told about their mental states and struggles and finally how they deal with them. Yuzu mostly give me anxiety with his strugles and every time I say " this is it. End of the fairy tale. No more wins".. because I have struggles in life and mostly cannot hope for better future or a solution maybe, his openness with his struggle gives me same anxiety similar to mines. However it is great to see such an athlete accomplished everything in his career, still throw himself to fail like in practices in WTT 2021 in front of the world. OMG this is true courage and gives me courage to try even if I cannot success. I am grateful to see that 4A attemp and all the story behind it. It is something vey special whether it is downgraded or has +goe 💙🙇‍♀️

[@GG-md2fx]

I have been saying for months that Japan is on the path for team silver whenever anyone tries to say they're the favourites for bronze. Finally someone agrees with me

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Yes!

[@yohanes2034]

But JSF chose KoKo over KanaDai could put a hamper on that plan. Like Marie-Frans have other top teams that she cares more while Marina can dedicate her retired time all for KanaDai. Honestly, KanaDai also have better programs and excitement.

[@evanperilstein5308]

@@yohanes2034 Agreed

[@yohanes2034]

@@evanperilstein5308 Like KoKo could be coming out dead last in the RD while KanaDai could place 2 positions higher. It's just wrong decision in JSF part. I mean the team selection rules do not mention about the winner in ice dance Jnats will be guaranteed a place in the Olympic team anyway. It's clear that JSF like KanaDai more. They gave them 4CC and World. Others 2nd team only received 4CC

[@GG-md2fx]

@@yohanes2034 I agree. I think it'll come down to dance too. There's room for other countries to squeeze in ahead of the USA and behind Japan in the other disciplines (especially if Nathan doesn't do both programs) but where KanaDai would have made ground, I think team Koko will lose it. And then it'll be up to other disciplines to make it up again.

[@lovemochi86]

i always feel like hanyu's scores are almost always undervalued both in national and international competitions. i love nathan but i don't think his GOEs and PCS is at the level of Hanyu

[@1chienandalou]

Agreed! And I’m from US.

[@yohanes2034]

@@1chienandalou plus considering how little Nathan did (in terms of skating and transitions) and getting almost the same pcs is insanity. Yuzuru "Rondo Capriccioso" with only 6 crossovers is the pinnacle of skating

[@qiqisongs]

@@yohanes2034 Wow that is impressive!

[@musicnojutsu7394]

@@1chienandalou also from the US and agree!

[@bojana5503]

Japanese skaters always put smile on my face. Miura/Kihara, Yuzu, Shoma, Satoko, Wakaba... And particularly Kaori-san. ^^ I just adore her, I truly believe she could win silver at OG 🥈

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@1chienandalou]

I doubt silver, but bronze is in reach. More for wakaba if she is clean and scores are fair ofc, if To be honest, I’m already happy that Kaori-san and Wakaba-san are going to get to show those programs at the Olympics. Clean skates would be great and podium would be a lovely surprise!

[@bojana5503]

I'm here after the Olympics so I can say - they did it!! My baby Kaori did it! 🥉 And Wakaba landed 3A and earned 5th spot! ✨

[@KP-zd3hc]

I’m happy for Mana :)). She looked shocked when she was selected for the third Olympic slot for ladies when they announced the assignments to the Japanese skaters in a room. She gave an awkward bow after they announced it, and sat down almost clutching at her mask with widened eyes. 😂

[@rachelatkinson4063]

Yuzu overcame bigger struggles (injury and changed programs due to that) going into the last Olympics I'm stoked to see how this one goes :D

[@haikushfotlyan4367]

Very seriously impressed with Hanyu. Happy for wakaba but sad for Dai..wanted him to go

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Yuzu looks great!

[@marcgalvan9360]

Daisuke’s rhythm dance along with Papadakis and Cizeron are the only programs I could watch again and again.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I love his FD too.

[@evanperilstein5308]

@@TheSkatingLesson I’ve noticed you have more traditional, classic taste. I tend to prefer innovative, edgier programs, like their RD. Both programs are good, though.

[@1chienandalou]

@@evanperilstein5308 when it comes to ice dance on this channel Jonathan is more with the Papadakis/Cizeron and/or avant-guarde style than Dave in my observation. I’m with you I love the creative stuff!

[@evanperilstein5308]

@@1chienandalou Yes, I think you’re right about Dave and Jonathan’s respective tastes. I’m more into the out-of-the-box stuff like Jonathan.

[@1chienandalou]

@@evanperilstein5308 yeah I get both of their tastes but am more open to avant guarde stuff. Most people hated Gabriella & Guillaume’s “Find Me” for example and I loved it 🤷🏻‍♀️ I did like Daisuke RD too, most of the RD this season are pretty cheesy or annoying, probably due to the theme kinda being hard. I liked the P/C whaacking idea. their rhythm dance this season I liked from first view. I like the music for their free dance as well even though some think it’s boring/not Olympic enough. The free program seems in the works to peak at the olympics and that makes sense. I saw real moments of brilliance as well as room to grow in it.

[@maria375s]

So happy to have two episodes of This and That this week, thank you Dave and Jonathan and Happy New Year!!!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@linzshorts6535]

Base on what I saw, the base value of Quad axel is 12.5? Agree! As much as I'll love to see Yuzuru Hanyu do his Quad axel, having the Quad Loop would bring him so much closer to his 3 Olympic Gold Medal!?!?❤

[@laurenkho2584]

I love two of your comments and love Yuzuru Hanyu so much!,,,,,!,,,,!

[@isferdan]

Waiting for this for 36 hours🙄 thank youuuu🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@1chienandalou]

I cried with Wakaba!! Go little lioness to the Olympics!! Like I teared up during her stsq when she started to relax and enjoy, but no shame, true messy tears came on at the end with her! She has the best programs of the season imo! Kaori sells the heck out of that “weird” free program with the woman theme too, so glad they will show them at the Olympics! Satoko’s Tosca also made me cry, even as I get she isn’t internationally competitive with her jumps… Le sigh…. Yes watching with the RusNats, i was always thinking about skating skills and presentation standards in Japan. The speed, ice coverage and jump technique all at a different level. But there’s not much incentive to improve those things for other skaters because … well da points, da scoring, da way things go… And ok I am a Fanyu, but come on, quad axel or not he did not disappoint! He is other level! I am thrilled to see he has another Olympic gold in him, whether or not it happens. I must’ve watched that short program a dozen times already and the free counting, and dare I say he looks as good as ever! 🧿… And lol re no poo(h) on ice I was thinking about that…. wasn’t that kind of atrocious at RusNats, everyone hugging and kissing and I did not see a single mask I swear!!But I did see a handful of skaters looking sick and breathing way too heavy for their age/fitness level... Don’t want to stir shit up but come on, we have a pandemic/endemic going on still… it’s not impossible! Anyway i’ve been trying to live in Russian and Japanese time so I may be incoherent, apologies but to end on a positive note, I think both Rus and JNats delivered a lot but JNats were a breath of fresh air for skating fans in many ways. Yes I wish it was more accessible like the RusNats were. And I really really want to see those more quantitative depictions of speed, ice coverage, and jump stats also at the Olympics! Ok maybe I am a data nerd but I mean there’s no reason not to show that stuff given it’s easily quantifiable and depictable, as we see in Japanese competitions. 🍀🧿❤️⛸ Thank you so much for getting these done and posted so quickly for us figure skating nerds/addicts! Much ❤️

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@yohanes2034]

Re masks, Russia can be your all mighty strong image but getting Covid will knock you down out of the ice even if you have mild cold. What if they get complications as well? They are playing with fire

[@1chienandalou]

@@yohanes2034 Yeah I mean people downplay the virus, but having personally known a few (young!) people who had long and convoluted complications afterwards, it’s no joke! I thought it was quite reckless to be so loose, and so close to the Olympics! 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@mainaalmeida4246]

I'm 100% behind Yuzuru's third gold medal at Beijing

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️

[@ddjr6673]

Thank you for the You Tube tutorial. Russia is smart making the whole event accessible both in Russian and English is a very clever use of ‘soft power’…. This is very very smart

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️

[@1chienandalou]

Oh indeed!

[@asianiewie9142]

Did you know that Yuzuru made just 5-6 crossovers in his brilliant SP???

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Amazing

[@yohanes2034]

A pinnacle of skating skills and transitions if you ask me. ISU should use that to teach kids how to skate

[@1chienandalou]

I’ve been watching that short program over and over obsessively. It’s one of my favorites of his already.

[@JM-ds8mb]

I find all of Yuzuru's SP epic but this might be the best. Breathtaking performance

[@ajb5472]

Yuzu said in a recent interview that he felt he was a better figure skater than he ever had been, and I can't disagree. Age has brought maturity, and I can't help but feel that somehow the axel practice has made his other quads more secure in terms of full rotation.

[@lwinaye4617]

I think he also wishes to be 4-time Olympian 😁 since he mention about age 30 something.

[@edukid1984]

@@lwinaye4617 Well, Plushenko is his role model and he competed into his 30s, so I wouldn't be surprised if Yuzu does the same. Of course he's not going to keep the program difficulty he has now by then, but heck, he's Yuzu, he can do no-quad program and we will all go ga ga and spellbound LOL

[@tonya--7704]

@@edukid1984 Yes. Some of his Gala performances with only one or two jumps and that amazing single axel are really Olympics worthy.

[@1chienandalou]

I watched a short program at least a dozen times and the free A few times as well and went back and watched some of my favorite programs of his and I honestly think he might be at or close to his peak. It’s lovely and knock on wood and all of that.🧿

[@tencha77]

As reported in the Japanese media, Shoma got injured a few days before the game, even twisted his leg during the six-minute practice session. But he made it to the end! Amazing!

[@МаринаФейнман]

Why his coaches made him skate with injuries? What an abusive behaviour!

[@1chienandalou]

@@МаринаФейнман What he’s an adult and this was the way to qualify for the Olympics and maybe he felt well enough? And what about Scherbakova skated sick with salts and stuff that wasn’t abisive? And Eteri said Aliona shoud have skated with a broken hand like Medvedeva did? Yuzuru won an Olympics skating in pain. The list goes on. You have no basis of making some abuse allegation is my point.

[@МаринаФейнман]

@@1chienandalou so? They can breake him even more! We already have Kihira who is totally broken and forgotten. Do you want one more athlet to go?

[@1chienandalou]

@@МаринаФейнман I have no interest in engaging in your weird what about ism.

[@МаринаФейнман]

@@1chienandalou then why do you answer me on the first place? And of course you don't have anything to answer, because you will have to explain who broke Rika and who is responsible for ruining her career. I just wonder, why is everyone silent about her? You all loved her so much last year, just like Liza now, but once she disappeared, people just forgot about her like she never existed. No cries that her coaches have to take responsibility and be revised of what are they doing! Where is your righteous anger?

[@Cooltiger28]

I love the Japanese Nationals this years. What a catching to the eye and easing of pallets

[@yueyjon4422]

Thank you as always for your reviews!! I’m gutted that Kana & Dai didn’t get selected, but so happy Mana Kawabe earned the spot. Mai is lovely, but she’s been resting on generic loveliness without working on the posture and extension.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@1chienandalou]

Doesn’t Mai have arthritis? I think that could also affect her posture and extension. I know I struggle a lot! 😕

[@vf9322]

I was gutted as well, but I have to say, Misato and Tim also deserved their spot. I had to immediately start crying when they realized they were first place. The emotions they showed and the pressure they have been in for so mach time. They are training for years for this moment.

[@anacampos5112]

Hanyu SP deserved 1M poohs !!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

100%

[@tonya--7704]

I miss the Poohs. I miss Brian and his hugs.

[@1chienandalou]

I miss the poohs and the javi hugs!! I’m just being nostalgic. I’m glad we just got yuzu at his peak and no complaint really!!!

[@tonya--7704]

@@1chienandalou Yes, there's much to be grateful for.

[@selenity08]

Dave’s face when mentioning if the Russian fed decides to put in Diana in the team event had me howling 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️🤣

[@kelllewis7359]

My answer to wanting to watch all the things while with extended family is 10 min bathroom breaks. Takes awhile to see everything but oh so worth it💯

[@chrisjacobsen5558]

I love two full episodes! One each for the two best Nationals of the season. Props and gratitude!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️

[@Jumblebelle]

As a Yuzu stan I now think he should focus on a 3rd Olympic title and Japan team medal - because that’s arguably as historic as first to land 4A - then he can compete another season and focus on nothing but 4A.

[@user-jy8zb2wc8l]

Agreed (also Yuzu stan)! He could always try it at Worlds even. Third Olympic gold would be monumental.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I agree

[@1chienandalou]

I have a feeling that he will do exactly that unless he feels like his chances of landing the axle at the Olympics is significantly greater than 50%.

[@yohanes2034]

@@1chienandalou I do too. In the press conference he said (I am paraphrasing his words) that going and chance to winning 3rd OGM is uniquely his. Which is correct cause in this modern era of FS with high turnover of athletes, can you count how many 3 times Olympian (staying healthy and competitive too) that also have the chance to win for the 3rd time? I'd say no one except him. So he is going for the 3rd title, he needs to go for it.

[@suzfindsnyapts]

I mean strategically it’s smart but if 4A is what is motivating him, I can respect that

[@ColonelGreen]

When you consider how stacked things were in Muramoto & Takahashi's favour heading into this, the only thing that really comes to mind is that _South Park_ bit: "You blew it! You had it all and you blew it!"

[@TheSkatingLesson]

JB loves South Park!!!

[@1chienandalou]

@@TheSkatingLesson OK I always seem to have the same taste with JB… seemingly from the artsy .. to the very literal fartsy! 🤣

[@user-jy8zb2wc8l]

"Lightning in a bottle" - 💯 Yuzu was definitely trending in quite a few countries on Twitter from what I saw, it doesn't even matter that we're all illegally streaming a national competition... Can you imagine how much more intense and visible FS could be right now if they really, really tried!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

He was!!

[@flywings111]

He was trending worldwide as no.1 in sports category, crazy.

[@1chienandalou]

Legend❤️

[@yohanes2034]

Even rating for Fuji TV was at the highest when Yuzuru score FP came out. It really was missed opportunity

[@JM-ds8mb]

Sometimes Japan does not realize they have a world star on their hands.

[@karolinap4498]

So happy for Wakaba! I almost cried with her. Thank you so much for the commentary, the gossipy parts are the best 🤩 I bet selling Shoma's sleeve I would cover my rent for half a year 😂 I really hope he will switch to Michael Jackson SP, this one is pretty, but not passionate enough!! The Bolero is a bit underwhelming but I saw him do it in shows and it was much more 🔥🔥🔥 so he can do it, maybe in comps he's focusing on jumps too much. Will see, I still believe he can have THE MOMENT at the Olympics. Now time to watch your RusNuts commentary, can't wait for the tea 🍵 😍

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️❤️

[@cyrra8865]

I'm glad at least one of you is also upset over Mai not getting picked for the team. I fell in love with her when I first saw her at 2017 Worlds. I understand the decision, but man does it still hurt. It would've been the cherry on top to such a successful comeback season.

[@1chienandalou]

I was all kinds of torn about that. Satoko’s Tosca made me cry, Yet I knew she wouldn’t be the right choice for the Olympics. like you, I think Mai is such a lovely skater, It was impossible to not feel bad there too. But I could understand why they went with Mana, who won… I was so happy for Wakaba!!

[@misa7401]

Wow! The last question got me there. As a Hanyu fan, I was trying to watch it live to see whether he can get the full rotation in his performance because I heard from one Japanese news that he never had a clean run-through with any of his programs. So when he did a clean short program, I am surprised. And because he did practice 4A in the practice days before with seemingly like a quarter short, I thought he can make it by the time he performs his long. So, it is an excitement before it actually happened. I am so happy that I studied the Japanese language that it made me understand most of the comments and press con happened. I don’t want to have an opinion on which will be better for Hanyu as I know all of his interviews that he is desperate to land a 4A. Like if someone tell him not do it because it will not bear fruit, it feels like that person is invalidating what he worked hard on. From his interviews and his Kiss&Cry moment, I can see that he is trying to look at all factors- speed going in (he said that needs to slow down a bit), height even (he sees that he got 75cm on his jump from 73cm) and his axis (he keeps on checking them in practices if which works better). He’s checking everything which went wrong. So, if he really want to do a 4A on the Olympics, I’ll watch and cheer for him. Because it seems like he is going through depression at some point and not doing it will pull him more down. But the best moment I could tell is when Wakaba is doing her step sequence until her moment in the Kiss & Cry. It is so touching that I can't help but cry with her. Like her emotions throughout the years was passed to the audience. It is like the best moment I saw in the Japanese Nationals.

[@1chienandalou]

I agree. I was totally crying with her.

[@misa7401]

In addition, I watched the press con. One of the reporters asked them about the team competition. Hanyu was the first to answer and said that the federation is yet to decide who will be part of the team. Hanyu said that if he is chosen to be in it, he’ll try his best to win for Team Japan. So, it is more likely that he will not attempt any 4A in team event but on the individual. And I think that he will not do both. He is highly probable to go to the short program but not the long.

[@1chienandalou]

@@misa7401 Hanyu is complex character, and of course we can’t know who he really is from the image he portrays and then the image of him that is portrayed in directly. These things are always complicated but he’s at the same time extremely idealistic, almost romantic, but also very very pragmatic in the moment and looks at things quite rationally almost mechanically. I think that’s in a way part of why he is so unique. Because he has such technical skill and understanding of the sport but at the same time he puts his soul into it, so his performance isn’t just great but he becomes his performance. This is what he does with himself. It is a pretty intense way to be. I do wonder about his psychology sometimes. I hear people think of him in is some sort of dark depression, but I’m not so sure. I mean, I’m not sure that he’s any darker or any more depressed than many. Perhaps more in touch with it? And maybe he draws upon it to inform his work. Possibly that’s part of why we connect so well with him and feel so much for him. I don’t know maybe I’m being too abstract. 🙂

[@yohanes2034]

@@misa7401 yuzuru for the SP and Yuma for the FP. I'd choose Shoma for the FP if he is in good conditioning by the Olympic time. But yuma might need it more to shake some of the nervous energy before the individual event, since this will be his 1st time

[@musicnojutsu7394]

@@1chienandalou your comment makes perfect sense to me and that's my take on Yuzu, too

[@ddjr6673]

Thank you yet again boys. Jonathan your tree is spectacular.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

💯

[@satanoJ]

Omg, I love LOVE Shoma's Short. My fav. of the season in choreography, music and outfit . But the boleto and that Black and gold outfit, it's hard.

[@URW1980]

Agreed: Hanyu has the fire power to get the gold. He will have to do everything right but it’s possible and I BELIEVE!! 😊

[@mainaalmeida4246]

after the russian drama, japan nationals came to realign all my chakras. So happy for wakaba, I cried after her free. It's great to see her hard work finally paying of. Yuzuru is unbelievable, I had an out-of-body experience watching him 😂 Can't wait to see team Japan in Beijing!

[@1chienandalou]

Agreed!! ❤️⛸

[@kak7440]

Dave l'm with you- l watch them separately- and you are right Russian skating is really accessible. I felt really joyful watching alot of the Japanese skating - such beautiful skating skills

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@1chienandalou]

Same!

[@SilenceHurtsMore]

Yuzu should do whatever he desires to do, it is his choice.

[@Becca3232]

Wakaba is this Olympic cycle's Mirai. Didn't make it last time around, comes back strong with a triple axel and nails it at Nationals. My moment of the week was her performance and reaction in the K&K!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@joeyartk]

Much stronger than Nagusu. Wakaba is actually better than Kaori when clean.

[@1chienandalou]

@@joeyartk I have much admiration for Kaori’s speed and ice coverage and consistency but yeah Wakaba is very close to her plus triple axel and she has two beautiful programs she’s skating her heart out… I think if she were scored fairly and goes clean she really has a chance at podium

[@rajs7876]

Wakaba in a different league than Mirai. I don't know...I hated her programs in Pyeongchang and the dumbass comments afterwards....maybe clouding my memory lol

[@MrChaseBlue]

Thank you so much for doing double time this week! Happy Holidays!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@o4ka47]

Kazuki makes me like the Lalaland music. That's how good he is.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️

[@bobuddy3513]

Shoma's official condition -- a rupture of the Calcaneo fibular ligament, bone contusion. He is a warrior and really gave it his all. Lambiel forgave him on the 4T-2T because he's injured.

[@aglaejezequel3362]

This. TSL not knowing that Shoma was injured when it was announced and completely ignoring it in their analysis is such a lazy job...

[@bobuddy3513]

@@aglaejezequel3362 And Rino Matsuike is still injured too.

[@yohanes2034]

I still think that Shoma should have put 2T at the back of the 2nd 4T in the FP for full credit. It looked very doable. He is a fighter with injury a week prior and was able to deliver that performance.

[@isferdan]

Dave's "listen"s with eye rolling makes my day.. just like gossipping with bestie 🐻 Guys, thank u very much from bottom of my heart 💙💙💙

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@TheLkell00]

There were a lot of people at first calling it clean because it was on a foot. The wrong foot! Which is kind of what makes it so amazing. It wasn't clean but it was great. He will find the right foot in Beijing.

[@hasteurcat]

Yuzuru -Tony Hawk (at his last x-games skateboarding-every other competitor gave him their time to make a record jump out of respect)-it did not count for his score but he still did it.-Yuzuru at the exhibition just go for the 4axle. If it is really confident and landing at least 50% in practice then maybe go for it in the long-.

[@nvadqs]

Yes Jonathan! The coverage it is impressive!!!

[@jonathanong6675]

28:00 I'm so down for the judges going "oh hell no" to Diana Davis in their group chat. So good, Dave and Jonathan!

[@marydimuro2953]

Team Hanyu all the way! He can beat Nathan and I hope he does! Can you imagine three Olympic gold medals!

[@1chienandalou]

I hope he does and I am from US. I’m so bad lol but … he is so special !

[@mainaalmeida4246]

I hope he does! He was amazing to watch

[@ravanne3746]

@@1chienandalou Don't feel bad. I'm also from the US and hope that Yuzu will get his 3rd OGM. While I can admire Nathan's talent, his programs are decidedly uninspired and I'm old enough to remember that there's a lot more to figure skating than just landing quads.

[@dinifroggy]

Hi, guys. Thanks, Jonathan for the "Chritsmas moment". Nice touch. Yes, Japanese networks, make it accesible. It Is good for the sport, and fair for the audience Those links are certainly not as easy to watch as KZbin, for example. I for one have not been able to watch the JNats yet... and what a shame. It is highly frustrating to learn the results or even watch the skaters' programs separatedly without going through the rush of the entire competition. The tango program is also my favorite for him, and so is his. About his performance, remember he is injured. I have only watched him, Yuzuru, and Yuma so far. I can't wait to watch Wakaba and Kazuki.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Happy holidays!

[@Sisterfifi]

I’ve been waiting to hear you opinions on the Japanese Nationals. It’s been such a joy having to spend Xmas on my own with being able to watch both Russian and Japanese nationals. I agree that Yuzuru needs to reinstate his quad loop. When you undertake such a risky new manoeuvre as a quad axel it should be in addition to current components, not instead of. I would only substitute when the new element can be consistently performed without negative GOE as a minimum. I’m so glad Wakaba gets her Olympic berth, I’ve been a fan of hers for years. I was so gutted she missed the last Olympics.

[@1chienandalou]

I cried with wakaba! She has such lovely programs I’m so happy for her.

[@hbattagl]

Hanyu showed his 4A at the end of WTT. Now after having been selected for the Olympics, he DECLARED he will aim for the 3rd Gold with a successful 4A. He said he may have other options to win, like forgetting 4A etc, but to win in Yuzuru’s ideal way, an absolute, overwhelming win, he thinks he needs 4A. He was physically and mentally at the bottom before the JPN and thought he should quit his battle at the JPN (hopefully not his career 🙏🤞), but he has done this much, and his fans and fellow athletes encourage him saying he is the only person capable ( Kohei Uchimura said ‘no human can do it, only Hanyu can”), then he should keep going. He also said that “I am the only figure skater qualified for three consecutive Golds right now.”.

[@hannibaljustincase9985]

Obviously I won't change his mind, but I'm afraid 4A is what will cost him that gold. He progressed a lot since his last attempts, but I don't think it's possible even for Yuzuru to get it around in 2 months. If he think 3rd Olympic gold is only worth it if he wins with 4A then it's a shame, because it's fair more likely without it(as he can do 4Lo and apparently got 4F) but at the end of the day he is a legend and GOAT no matter what.

[@hbattagl]

@@hannibaljustincase9985 I so agree with you! And I am extremely worried he might injure himself. (Touch wood.) Then again, his competitive nature might come back and go for the win without 4A…How about we keep commenting that 4A can be landed at any competition for Yuzuru’s history making, and he can do that after he wins the 3rd gold.😁

[@TheFlowMind]

Really praying he’ll decide on trying to win instead of the axel. Things seems different now from the last 2/3 years where Nathan looked unbeatable with his 600 quads. He should go for a clean program and try the 4A for Worlds or later. No hurry to see him retire! That’s the story I really want to see since there is no way he’s getting a clean 4A in two months.

[@yohanes2034]

@@TheFlowMind I've said it before I think the right time to try 4A is during the GP series. It's not that important events but it's international event so if he lands it, it will be ratified as like you land it in the Olympic. But again depending on his goal which one is more important to him. If he wants to set history again then winning 3rd Olympic Gold is up right there in the history book. Landing 4A can be done anytime, world 2022 right after, GP series, etc. But Olympic only happens every quad.

[@1chienandalou]

@@hannibaljustincase9985 I agree that he GOAT male skater. I have a sense that he will go for the quad axel over the 3rd Olympic gold if he feels it’s a 50% + chance that he can succeed to land it. But I’m just guessing. It does seem very close on the one hand, and also the Olympics are also very close on the other hand… So I don’t know, he could also reasonably choose to go for his third Olympic gold and not retire and continue to work on the quad axle for later. And honestly judging by the skates that he showed here, I don’t see why he should be retiring.

[@julienixon2686]

Another 🎁 guys! You spoil us. Thanks for all your hard work this year. You have been a real ray of sunshine through the pandemic.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️

[@ravanne3746]

I think as far as Yuzuru's 4 axel is concerned, it all depends on how cleanly he is able to complete it. JNats was almost an experiment to see how the judges will view the jump if it's slightly under rotated or not landed cleanly and we know that he's not going to get any leeway. They're going to hammer him if the jump isn't perfect so as much as he wants to get it ratified, I don't think it's worth sacrificing a potential OGM. Yuzuru was selected for the World Championship and that would give him a few more months to get that landing down solidly. I'd like to see him do a clean program at the Olympics and make a serious run for the gold, and then use Worlds to get the 4 axel ratified.

[@tamayokimura1856]

Loved the medalists' performances, of course, and especially loved Kazuki Tomono's FS choreographed by Misha Ge and Rinka Watanabe's FS!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️❤️

[@phuttawan7439]

Do you know who’s the judge for ice skate figure olympics? Are they judges from all around the world or ISU judges?

[@Sophia-dnbetyt]

Watching the Russian national versus the Japanese nationals was like that tiktok meme with the intense Nicki Minaj rap moment followed with the carefree french music 😂

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Watching Japanese Nationals feels like taking a shower after doing a mud run.

[@Sophia-dnbetyt]

@@TheSkatingLesson omg yes 😂

[@yohanes2034]

@@TheSkatingLesson thankfully the weekend ended with Jnats not Rusnats.

[@1chienandalou]

@@TheSkatingLesson 😂

[@blinky7046]

I'm sad for Satoko but it's still commendable how she bounced back from Stockholm. A lot of people thought that her 19th place finish was a sign of what was to come instead of a fluke performance, but she had a great Grand Prix and was in contention for an Olympic spot after all. It's amazing how she has been in the mix for an Olympic spot for 3 different Olympics now. Sure the jumps are still a struggle, but they always were, and she seems healthy, so I hope she continues to skate.

[@1chienandalou]

I literally had tears in my eyes with her Tosca. Among the current skaters she is unique. Her jumps are small. I heard she was left-handed but had to learn to jump the usual way and that may be one reason it’s technically hard for her. I really enjoy her I hope she continues also.

[@riveroak-dp8gt]

I hope she doesn’t stop for a long time! I love seeing her in all the competitions even if she is not in for medal contention, I look forward to her the most

[@1chienandalou]

@@riveroak-dp8gt I hope so too. And she seems to have enough support in Japan that she would be sent to competitions so we would at least get to see her. And she really seems to enjoy Skating. ❤️

[@dkeinow]

I had to wait until I was able to find the videos on KZbin before I listened to your recap. It was quite difficult to find videos of the Japanese nationals. I also recall videos being deleted shortly after being posted. Meanwhile, we can still watch the 2020 Russian FS on KZbin. However, it was so nice to see Mao Asada in a commercial for sparkling water in the video that I found! Thank you Dave for the KZbin tutorial 🤣 I think I watched the 2020 4CC recap at least 5x during Covid to help me get through all the disappointments. The masks of the spectators at the Japanese nationals made a sea of white polka dot background! But I agree with Jonathan that the diagrams made that 2-minute scoring while the next skater warms up more interesting. What if the same diagrams were used in the Russian nationals? That will be interesting!

[@JackAShepherd]

Can someone explain how/why T/M added Sambo 70 to their coaching team? I totally missed that till L/B mentioned it yesterday. Is that just puuurely for the Eteri boost or is there any pretense that they can improve skill...?

[@ColonelGreen]

They moved to Sambo-70 (with Trankov) at the end of last year, seemingly in the hopes of improved jumping consistency.

[@fionan7311]

Also Sambo 70 has a permanent rink, whereas I think with Trankov they had to keep training all over Moscow for ice time (I might be wrong but I heard this on the forums).

[@TCVicious29]

The way i HOLLERED at “everyone had to lick the door handle on the way”

[@eljj7968]

The yuzu quad axel vs quad loop is a hard one. Both? Lol. Depends what his goal is I guess. Maybe also see what the short programme brings. If he’s ahead by a significant margin (which I think is quite possible given that phenomenal short, Nathan’s tendency to have a mistake in the short and Shoma almost certainly doing a double instead of a triple) and feels he has a real shot at winning, it might be best to do the loop. If he feels he isn’t going to win, I would go for broke and to the axel. After seeing yuzu this weekend I absolutely believe he has a real shot though, and it’s been awhile since I felt that. The step sequence in that short is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. At +5 from every judge fully deserved. So happy for Kaori and Wakaba as well, love them both.

[@1chienandalou]

I agree with your points! It was so refreshing to see Yuzu still with Olympic gold in him, whether or not it transpires we don’t know, ice is slippery after all. But definitely he’s right up there and still at his best and how glorious that is with or without the quad axel 🧿

[@midoriyakyun9488]

The crazy thing is, Yuzuru could very well become a 3x OGM If he hits a clean quad loop, but he’s willing to risk it for a qaud axel. That seems to be his ultimate prize, but then again, he did say at Japan Nationals that he isn’t ready to give his title to anyone. Love that lose cannon spirit 😂

[@stephaniehaigis8744]

Thank you so much for this! Made my day!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@loc1976]

WAKABAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA I cried when she cried. Justice for her, finally.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️

[@loc1976]

Japan nationals is a breath of fresh air, always. The BEST skating, so much depth! I love it!! Best xmas present. :-) I'm super excited for pairs, I hope it's the start of Japan really growing in this discipline! I'm disappointed about the dance selection, not gonna lie...

[@f00nf00n]

I agree with you about Hanyu. The mathematics thing and he can get his 3rd OGM. He knows himself and this game very well. Trust him and also never trust him. Just to quote Mr Oscer words here, never underestimate Mr Hanyu. Let's just looking forward to his next tournament.

[@zb6070]

@skatinglesson any chance for wakaba's pcs to rise and be competitive?

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Yes, but she needs to really skate well in practice at the Olympics.

[@yohanes2034]

Japanese National was a wholesome event. Beautiful skating skills, knee bends, flows, interesting programs, touching kiss & cry moments, overcoming selves and reaching dreams. Watching it made me smiles, pimples cleared, wrinkle free. Thankfully the weekend ended with Jnats cause watching Rusnats was the actual opposite: political BS in ice dance, men flopping and died in the 2nd half, and women scoring headache. Love the drama at times but most of the reaction from me was coming of that negative emotions rather than happy ones. Also I love the camera works, technology, and lighting over at the Jnats (the lighting made the skaters costume really popped on screen). It's a shame that it is not widely accessible and I had to watch from illegal streaming. Russia certainly has the budget but the lighting is not good and the camera works sometimes just looking for drama (like the panned out to coaches reactions or other particular person's reaction. David Spletnikov will certainly enjoy them) and the I-scope technology so far is only used by the Japanese, IMO should be standardized for all competitions.

[@1chienandalou]

I completely agree. I hope the Olympics show those statistics of speed and ice coverage and jumps and stuff. Why not? We have the technology and it’s very informative. Man it has been a journey the past few days. I like the word you used, wholesome.

[@evanperilstein5308]

I commented that Japanese Nationals is wholesome too and somebody replied that I sound like I’m watching it in Barney pajamas! 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@1chienandalou]

@@evanperilstein5308 lol, like I said I think wholesome is a good word. I don’t get the connection to Barney pajamas?

[@evanperilstein5308]

@@1chienandalou Me neither. I was confused.

[@yohanes2034]

@@evanperilstein5308 I need to google it to see what Barney pajamas looked like. Well I gues cause it is comfy? You now watching Jnats was stress free, you might feel nervous for certain skaters (ehem Yuzuru who tried to land 4A) besides that you know that the judges won't pull "Anna" kinda scoring to us. So you can focus more on the skating than the drama.

[@singsongeric]

Really sad about Dice-K, but in retrospect he's been to the Olympics 3x and Kana once. Thanks for the reminder that Tim also has an incredible fluff piece worthy career story! It's too bad they can't both go. I hope Daisuke will continue and see how far he can really push his ice dancing. Kinda bummed about the ladies event as well. I know sending Mana is a great investment for the future, but for nostalgia and sentimental reasons I really wanted Mai to get an Olympic experience. Good job manifesting Wakaba onto the Olympic team, now manifest 2 clean programs in the same competition plz and thx 😅.

[@MrChaseBlue]

Yes, but being part of a team medal at the Olympics hasn’t been done before. And Kana has certainly not one a medal of any kind, and is the best ice dancer of all four

[@evanperilstein5308]

@@MrChaseBlue Yeah, it makes me really sad.

[@aishahosman2465]

I was watching Japanese nationals on and off with my family who know nothing about fs and they were blown away with kazuki’s performance. Like I could see them jump out of their seats which they hadn’t done with for a Hanyu or a Kagiyama

[@TheSkatingLesson]

It is so great!

[@evanperilstein5308]

He is possibly the best performer of any of the current Japanese men.

[@1chienandalou]

👍

[@hasteurcat]

And yes I absolutely love the score map thing they had in Japan. I want to know the coverage, speed, jumps and what each one was scored-please the rest of the world -start doing this. I do like the per jump/spin etc counter-I also like to know exactly what the jump was and how it compares(especially when the scoring goes all Russian-IE really???)

[@fionan7311]

So happy for Wakaba and her Lion King FS! 😍 But gutted that Soran Bushi won't be performed at the Olympics. I wish M/T all the best for their future competitions.

[@TheSkatingLesson]