Timestamps: 0:01 - Viewer announcements, gifts from TSL viewers & updated technology for TSL 5:40 - The Fanyus (and fans in general) 13:05 - Japanese Nats The Men 13:08 - Shoma Uno (and Lambiel) 20:20 - comparing Uno's programs to Hanyu's 22:12 - Yuzuru Hanyu 25:30 - Short segue to French Nationals vs Japanese Nationals 26:22 - back to Yuzuru Hanyu 29:25 - the Japanese men's world team (Keiji Tanaka vs. Yuma Kagiyama) 31:08 - Yuma Kagiyama vs. Shun Sato 32:05 - Koshiro Shimada, Kazuki Tomono, and other Japanese skaters 34:00 - Daisuke Takahashi The ladies: 36:17 - Marin Honda 38:30 - the “Mie Hamada situation” 40:01 - Satoko Miyahara (jumping issues & a possible future for her on the pro circuit) 44:06 - Satoko’s selection for the World Team 44:44 - Kaori Sakamoto 48:22 - Wakaba Haguchi 49:55 - Rika Kihira 52:32 - Tom Dickson’s choreography (in respect to Rika, and other skaters) 54:42 - Tomoe Kawabata 56:22 - Ice Dance & Pairs (Misato Komatsubara/Tim Koleto & Riku Miura/Ryuichi Kihara, and the difficulties in staging single entrant competitions) 57:54 - An Appreciation for the spectacle that is Japanese Nationals, with its varying styles/edges/programs/skaters French Nationals: 1:00:10 - lack of crowds/lack of spectacle 1:00:34 - Gabriella Papadakis/Guillaume Cizeròn 1:02:01 - Kevin Aymoz 1:03:52 - overall excitement for Russian Nationals, with drama about Tatiana Tarasova , Ksenia Stolbova, and others 1:10:05 - back to Japanese Nationals and the winners press conference 1:10:40 - Moments of the Week
13:00 the difference in Shoma is phenomenal. I've never been "into" Shoma, I've just never "felt" it or "got" it. But his short the other day - wow! Everything, killer music, throwback clashing spirited costume, but done with passion. Stephane is definitely steering him the right way. That is the difference the right coach can make. I loved it LOVED IT. I've never said that about Shoma before. It's the SP of the season, and probably his best ever performance. And his wee face at the end? OMG - he was so happy! Absolute JOY!
I love you guys, this is my Chistmas present! It's the first time that I hear someone say that Shoma is a prettier skater than Hanyu, and I always thought that exactly because of the reasons you said, the crossover (I like Shoma's, I don't care if they say he has too many of them) and especially the fact that skate to the odience. Every time he's on the ice, he's like he's sharing a gift with us, handing us a gift with his delicate and elegant style and is really emotional! The arm rise during the cantilever in the FS right on the beat made me fall out of my chair! And also the fact that he uses the entire arena, it really shows. You see this little kid stepping on the ice, and you find yourself watching a wonderful, charismatic giant.
Fanyus add to the stress. I’m happy for Shoma he’s great. I think Yuzuru is great, too. I hope he can relax a minute then he will come back to Worlds strong as ever.
I have been a loyal Yuzuru fan for years, he's always been that skater with that something extra special for me but I also really love Shoma, he is sublime and I agree that he has a more open, upright posture than Yuzu. As you guys said Yuzuru is always very much in his own world when he skates and it's like you're an outsider watching this artist doing his own thing, whereas Shoma skates more with the audience in mind, and I think this shows also in their postures. I personally think both have gorgeous lines and skating, just different. Also it's interesting how their skating personas and off-ice personalities are reversed because when they're not skating, Yuzuru's the outgoing, entertaining one whereas Shoma is quite introspective and appears to be in his own world a lot.
Shoma’s transformation this season deserves some spotlight. I love the videos of Lambiel really getting into his coaching and you can tell that his and Shoma’s energies together are really working. He really put a show out there and I’m so happy for him!
His former coaches should take a lesson. Cultivate the positive and the negative will fade away. This seems to be Lambiel's method and it is working to Shomo's benefit.
@RKS CA I may have different opiniom with you. I hope he lands the 4A and dont need to be World Champ. Oh, it is just my hope. I dont know what he wants if he has to trade off between WC and 4A.
That 4A was brutal on his body at GPF practices, I saw them and it was scary. I know as some have pointed out 25 is almost middle aged in skating but he is still capable just trying to push himself to extremes.
0:40 Dave’s computer problems 3:10 Christmas presents 6:22 Hanyu 8:57 Tarasova and Russia 10:37 Ted’s commentary of Russian nationals 11:38 Team Tutberidze dance 13:07 Japan Nationals 13:08 Shoma Uno 19:20 Shoma vs Hanyu 21:30 Shoma again 22:09 Yuzuru Hanyu 25:38 French Nationals 26:00 Kevin Aymoz 26:25 Hanyu again 29:26 Japanese national team 32:05 Koshiro 34:00 Daisuke Takahash 36:29 Ladies 36:30 Marin Honda 39:58 Satoko Miyahara 44:50 Kaori Sakamoto 48:20 Wakaba Higuchi 50:00 Rika Kihira 54:42 Tomoe Kawabata 56:30 Pairs and dance 1:00:00 French Nationals 1:00:37 Gabriella Papadakis/Guillaume Cizeron 1:02:01 Kevin Aymoz 1:03:51 Russian Nationals 1:07:33 Eteri's sister 1:08:35 Diana Davis 1:10:00 Moment of the week
i think shoma was right to win especially because i haven't seen yuzuru skate that badly in a while but rightfully so. he must be so exhausted from competitions within the span of what a month and i think he was scored correctly due to his dodgy landings and of course his fall. i do think the judges were particularly generous with some of shoma's jumps considering he would still get positive GOE points with stumbles so I would have liked to see more care with that judging but i still think he shoma was deserving of his win. i hope yuzu rests and uses this time to build back his stamina and confidence
like i said, i agree that it was definitely one of his worst skates and i think anyone who watched could see that and agree that it was bad and from all the stumbles and falls, i was happy to see him still in one piece from all his exhausting travelling. that's all i was trying to say. good for shoma he earned it and yuzu can only get stronger from here
FORWARNING: I love Yuzu, he is one of the GOATs Find it funny that some people are complaining that Japanese Fed wouldn't "let" Yuzu skip out on nationals again because he did GPF. First off, Yuzu wanted to go to nationals this year. The Japanese federation didn't give Yuzu a pass on nationals the last three years, he was injured/sick. 2017-18: Injured ankle 2016-17: injured ankle 2015-16: influenza For the federation to have Yuzu skip out on nationals because he may be fatigued or lacking stamina would be unfair to the rest of his competition, especially those that also did GPF and nationals back to back: Shun Sato, Yuma Kagiyama, Shoma Uno for the last three GPFs.
Just doing GPF and nationals back-to-back is not so much of a problem. They travel abroad, do GPF, return home and prepare for nationals. Yuzuru did THREE competitions, NHK-GPF-nationals, which for him meant travel abroad for NHK, return home, travel abroad for GPF, return home, and travel abroad again for nationals. It seems JSF just doesn't care about Yuzuru. I'm relieved he came out of all of this alive!
@@akblades6338 Yes, that is unfortunate how that all worked out but unfortunately that's just how it goes sometimes with events and grand prix assignment. You can't really blame anyone, not even the federation, for the scheduling because it changes slightly every year, in this case NHK was the last grand prix (last year it was france that was last). The only constant is that nationals is always after GPF. Yuzu, as the 2nd ranked skater in the world standings also has a say in where he gets assigned (he did Finland and Russia last year). TL;DR The scheduling was unfortunate but there is no one person to blame
You don't skip out on nationals in a competitive field because you are tired. And Nationals will only get rougher from him from now on. I'm also pretty sure he wanted to go anyway. I'm not exactly sure why Yuzu traveled back to Canada after the GPF though. That added to his fatigue and was his own choice. And funny thing, Nathan wanted NHK but host pick trumps WC pick and Yuzu wanted NHK so he was picked. So Yuzu actually could have gone elsewhere if he wanted. Though it worked out for Nathan in the end to have a long break after his GPs and a long break with Raf as well, even if he had to miss more school.
OMG....I really enjoy today program. Japan natinals were a great competition as you bought mention it was more like a real skating performance all. Was able to see some videos of the press conference of japan natinals an Yuzuru and Shoma were happy and making jokes. They were natural and relax. The one comment were Yuzu said it's not always easy no win to me Shoma was all smiles and joy. The other one were Yuzu said: he wants to be better and be abble to jump the wall Shoma and Nathan are to him...shoma siting next to him made a gesture with his hand showing how small of a wall he is compare to Yuzu..I just found this relaxing and fun competition. I really love and enjoy bouth skaters. It's just a joy to be able to see them skate at their best.
Just want to say, anyone constantly bitching about the sound...pipe the fuck down!! Dave and Jonathan ( especially Dave) work so hard to get all this content out as quickly as possible. They both have day jobs, they aren't exactly getting rich of TSL video's. They are doing their best with what they have. Guys keep up the good work. I love your video's, especially all the Russian drama ones lately, best soap opera ever. I hope both of you have a fantastic Christmas. Thank you so much for everything you've made this year. ❤❤❤
Hi. I am in Japan now. Let me help u with confusion about Dai" s motivation of doing this comp .IT'S FOR US , LONG TERM FANS " He has been talking about his regrets in the past years that he did not give opportunity for fans to officially send him off. He has prepared loads of gifts for us before leaving for US. This is the reason why that Dai is beloved by so many people 😍Thank you Jonathan for gnashing compliments for Dai. 😍
1:10:02 huh? I watched the livestream of the press conference and Hanyu seemed fine to me. he was smiling and laughing during it and joking around with the other skaters. You make it sound like he was acting pouty or angry, which was not the case at all. he undoubtedly is very unhappy about having a rough skate and losing here lol but he didn't particularly show it during the P.C. He seemed fine and was polite and respectful.
Wakaba Higuchi is what figure skating means to me! Emotional, post-kitsch, athletic. Shoma gets close but is too refined --prefer to see Higuchi barreling through a pop song. She should aim for the next Olympics if 3a gets consistent. They need to call Shae-Lynn in for a better long program though -- let's not forget last season's crazy brilliant sp. Eteri has the compass and straightedge, and Mariah Bell and Adam Rippon **seem** to be having "fun", but only Wakaba and Shae-Lynn are able to circle the square.
Shoma was definitely my "man of the Weekend", and so was Stephane … Skaters do not only Need a Coach for Skating technique but also a Coach for their Souls and Egos :-)!I am a big fan of Shoma - have been that for the last couple of years - and I am absolutely THRILLED by his short Programm for this Season, LOVE IT!!!
Good for Shomo Uno! Who knows when he could win Nationals or any competition with Hanyu still skating. Amazing how he was able to turn it around so quickly after the Grand Prix competitions. I am a Fanyu as well but Shomo has such a unique style and presence, it’s so moving to see him capture this moment. Stephane Lambiel, what great coaching! Hilarious on David Lease’s comments on Marin Honda’s new career wish to be a flight attendant. She may forget your coke so Marin, persevere on your current career path as an amazing skater and star!
Yuzuru at his best is absolutely phenomenal and I really hope to see that before the end of this season, it would be sad if his best skate this season was at SC. He himself probably knows his body best and I hope that he can get some rest before 4CC and Worlds. I was rooting for Shoma after his disastrous season (although I still have mixed feelings about his comments in that stream) and I'm so proud of him. His step sequence is amazing! Also, I unabashedly love Stephane and was grateful to see his beautiful face. SO HAPPY FOR WAKABA!!! I'm so glad she was picked for both World's and 4CC!!!! She skated the best she's been since Worlds 2018 and she was amazing, her step sequence was beautiful! I think this was a major turning point for her - now that she has her jumps, she will sell her program even better. I was so sad for Satoko and Kaori. Satoko's jumps have never looked worse but I suppose she's planning for the long run and aiming to adjust by Beijing 2022. Kaori's matrix program is amazing and I want her to perform it cleanly/perfectly at least once. So unexpectedly happy for Tomoe though - has she ever been so stable? Rika.. queen. I hope she gets to rest. She shouldn't have even had to perform here because she's the leading lady from Japan by far, but hey, the Japanese fed is incompetent, what's new?
From what I can tell about the Shoma situation, he probably didn't mean what he allegedly said and was probably in a really depressed state. Doesnt excuse it but I highly doubt that's actually him- depression and mental health problems can sometimes make you a completely different person while you're suffering from it (that's coming from my own experience with it) I'll give Shoma the benefit of the doubt, especially as we dont know the entire situation. Also with his performances here I may have turned into an uno-stan because I couldn't stop grinning like an idiot while watching his performances
Maybe this is just me but I fell in love with Yuzu's skate because he just melts into the music once he steps on the ice. He becomes a skating music in human form. The top-shaped Yuzu just brings peace to me or make me cry, making me feel emotions I don't understand where they are coming from. I don't feel any of that from anyone else.
This was the fifth big competition for Yuma Kagiyama this season, following his two JGP assignments, the Japanese Jr. Nationals, the JGF finals and now the Japanese Nationals. He is also going to compete at Four Continents and Junior Worlds in early spring. I think this is more than enough for one season. I think the Japanese Federation were therefore not unwise to decide to select Tanaka for WC and allow Kagiyama to focus on these other competitions, especially Junior Worlds (which he could/should win if he skates cleanly).
So glad that Shomu and Wakaba having their moment in the sun. Concern over Yuzru, he hasn’t skated well since his foot injury. Daisuke in the SP looked like the Keith Richards of ice skating.
I was over the moon to see Tomoe Kawabata skate two basically clean programs and get that bronze medal. She's such a lovely skater, but has a serious case of Sasha Cohen nerves most of the time. I hope this is a turning point for her in terms of confidence, not a blip. Also, way undermarked in both programs by her own country's judges.
@@evanperilstein5308 I guess that is one opinion. I remember Jonathan loving Tomoe's skating skills in one of the JGP events were unfortunately Tomoe bombed at the FS, I'm sure he remembers. I do love what she brings to the ice a d she is developing as am athlete little by little. I think the world of FS is getting used to see 15 yo getting the spotlight so soon, that watching a junior skater at 16 has become an unusual sight. With the quality of her jumps, it wouldn't surprise me to see her improving her jump arsenal in a few years time.
My heart ached watching Yuzu's performance today. There are many factors that contributed to his off-performance today. Timezone change + tiredness (definitely) + pressure + mental effect from finishing 2nd at GPF + his health (heard he worn a heart monitor during the free program. Hope it's nothing serious). I think pressure played huge role here though. I was watching him via stream and my heart beated like crazy. Imagine being there with that huge pressure. I agree that it would be best for him to focus only on big competitions from now on. He is 25 + has health issue (asthma), I think doing many comp in a row wears him out. He's going to 4CC on Feb 7. I respect his decision but cant help being worried. It's too near imo. He's exhausted physically and mentally, and that can take a week or two before he's completely ready to train again, which mean he will only have like a month to train? Idk, at this point I'm just gonna pray that he wont get injured. Always wish him all the best.
I completely feel you! I believe that he knows what he is doing but honestly he is so headstrong towards the point of being stubborn sometimes so I'm worried as well. Most fans were very shocked that he is going to 4CC and all we can do is pray >
A part of me wants him to break that 4cc curse and the other part wants him to just sit out and take a proper rest. If he is too exhausted and can't train properly he should withdraw from 4cc.
@@zhuqi9877 Ikr Mr. Hanyu knows the word limit but never really acknowledges it 😂 As a fan, I really want him to just rest and focus on World but oh well Mr. Hanyu wants to break that curse and what can I do apart from watching him and wishing him all the best? 😂 Just please no, no injury! *set a praying circle*
@@b__lynz6427 Same! Since he alrd broke the Skate Canada curse, I want him to be able to break this one too. However, considering his conditions now, I genuinely think he needs at least 2 months to rest and train properly 😓
his asthma became aggravated but he can't use medicine because of doping problem. it's so clear he can't breathe properly and consumes energy. his retirement seems not so far.
I saw a video that someone made with Yuzuru's actual SP on the upper half of the screen and the "map" on the lower half. It was amazing to see how Yuzuru generates speed with so few crossovers. Just a few turns and glides and he was already at top speed. If really just speed and distance mattered, he could just omit the beautiful twizzles he has mid-program and do 3-4 crossovers instead, but I would personally prefer the twizzles.
Ben Bailey But what was his average speed compared to the average speed for all of the other skaters? And how did those others skaters get generate their, using your terminology, “fast end?” They may have been faster but it was likely because they did mostly crossovers.
YESSSS!!! I was going to spoil the men's Japanese podium on facebook but I chose not too because I know how much you hate it Dave!!! Thank you!!!!!! Oh congratulations on your new Macbook Pro! Yes I understand how terrible Apple is. I have an Iphone 6S and the whole system crashed and software 2 weeks ago. They fixed it though, but it needs a new battery. I have a 2017 Macbook Air and now they have USB C instead of B, who knows whats going on...Also I got a notification on Facebook that I have been recognized as one of TSL's Top Fans!! Thanks! God Bless you All this Holiday Season!! Can't wait for more of the Russian Drama, Morgan Cipres drama, US Figure Skating Nationals...Excited. Bless! :)
I was so ready for this review!!! Wakaaaaabaaaaa!!! I called it!!!!! So happy for her. She has the it factor and a presence that other Japanese ladies don't have. You two touched on it here even if Jonathon had the audacity to call this a fluke, lol. I hope she keeps this momentum. Rika may have two triple axels, but she doesn't have the crowd connection that Wakaba does. The girl is electric. I hope she brings back Skyfall in the next Olympic season and I would love to see her skate to Alive by Sia. She would absolutely kill a performance to that song. Do you hear me, universe? Make it happen.
You guys are AMAZING. I love your humor, mixed w serious observation & opinion, on all things figure skating. As for commentary on Hanyu's Grand Prix & Japanese Nationals results, I submit for your consideration Scott Hamilton's results from 1980 to '84. He won every competition he entered in that period; viewers, pls don't start ranting on whether he should have won in Sarajevo. He said himself that his school figure marks held up his placement. The thing that impresses me is how he managed to do that over four straight years given the psychological pressure that must have created for him. Wouldn't happen today, I think. But it's something to consider!
I think Kevin Aymoz is jus such a lil cutie, always skating with his heart on his sleeve and getting excited and connecting with the audience. I saw him in an interview where he was wearing glasses and ooph, I just wanted to put cute lil' nerdy cuddly Kevin in my pocket and hug him to pieces! So cute.
Everyone keeps forgetting that Wakaba is a world silver medalist -- the highest finisher among all of the Japanese ladies in recent years. Solid technique can carry her a long way -- I'm not surprised she is returning to Worlds but bummed for Sakamoto (and Mihara and Shiraiwa who didn't even compete). Higuchi also has had many varied programs over the years and can be artistic as well.
Just rewatching parts of this and I agree with Jonathan about how neat the layouts projected were, I really love that because that gives a newbie fan like me an idea of how much work skaters do in their performances!
konami ny I think it is either having nationals too close to GPF or too close to 4CC considering Japan’s New Year holiday and the amount of time needed to make an ice rink.
Thank you Jonathan for mentioning the fatigue of Yuzuru. Having traveled from Canada to Japan (NHK) back to Canada then to Italy (GPF) back to Canada then again to Japan, he was totally worn out physically and mentally. After the competition when a reporter asked him if he didn't consider withdrawing, he said "It was mandatory..." (He said he had wanted to be at nationals for a long time but probably not in a situation where he had to do 3 competitions in a row.) Since JSF had no choice but to select Yuzuru for Worlds after how the GP series went this year, they could have just let him skip nationals. But JSF as always showed no consideration for the well-being of Yuzuru Hanyu (just like in 2014 when he was forced to do nationals although he already had severe stomach pains that led to immediate surgery afterwards) but wanted him there for the media attention and TV ratings Yuzuru bring. One good thing about Yuzuru having competed here was that he could choose to go to 4CC. I thought he might want to go for that title before retiring.
Japanese nationals has always been right after GPF. That's just how it is unfortunately. It's the name of the game in figure skating, Yuzu himself would be the first to say it. The problem is is that Yuzu hasn't completed a full grand prix season in 2 years (17-18, 18-19) because of injury. Those injuries also ruled him out of nationals. The 2016-2017 season he didn't go to nationals because of influenza. He was fatigued and not used to the stamina needed for a full season. It wouldn't be fair to the rest of the competition if he got a pass for fatigue and everyone didn't because he did gpf (Shoma did gpf and nationals for the last 4 years as well and no one complains about his fatigue) NOT HATING ON YUZU BTW JUST STATING THAT THE FED ISN'T PICKING ON YUZU
@@burythecastle97 well said. before one complaining jsf "forcing" hanyu to compete at national after skipping it for 3 years one should really check how much shoma had competed past couple of years. he was injured for couple of the competitions as well. everybody in this sport compete with their injury.
@@burythecastle97 Well, Yuzuru did both GPF and nationals 6 years in a row from 2011 through 2016. Also, unlike Yuzuru, Shoma has never been assigned to the last GP event, which means he has only had to do 2 consecutive events at most while Yuzuru has had to do 3. "It has always been this way" shouldn't be an excuse to keep something that needs to be changed from being changed, especially if the change will benefit the athletes. That's what federations are supposed to be for, isn't it? To support and protect athletes?
It may still not be the ideal situation but at least JSF slightly changed the rule a few years ago so they could still pick Yuzu for worlds and Olympic teams after he skipped nationals for injuries and illness. Before, it was literally MANDATORY. That is why Daisuke had to do nationals with an injury during Sochi season and Mao had to to nationals days after her mother passed away.
As a Fanyu, i am so glad to see Shoma on that podium. I mean... after one by one his disastrous performance before, and i literally cried every time he lost because he was so broken. And now he's back... stronger than ever, i hope!
There are skaters like Kostornaia, Miyahara, and Uno that bring that something extra to skating that made this sport distinct from any other. Going off of Jonathan’s point of nobody moves like Takahashi, Kostner and Takahashi were the remnants of what skating used to be, so with Kostner MIA for a while and Daisuke officially done with skating it feels like singles skating is officially a new sport TBH.
I feel so bad for Mai Mihara. She only had one shot and worlds ever and missed the GPF by a hair twice. She would have easily gotten second here with last years skate and gotten that worlds spot but then she wasn’t competing here... :(
Omg I can't believe you said that about Tessa and Scott's "brief romance" before the Olympics! I was literally just watching their moulin rouge performance and thinking "Wow I sure hope they got it in atleast once after this"
Yuzu very rarely puts two clean performances together, and then when someone like Nathan comes along and is able to put both short and long he loses and rightfully so.
Well it is easy to land all the quads when you have minimal transitions like Nathan. This is why Hanyu, Fernandez, Uno, and Chan were never consistent.
@@CocogoatMain0501 and this is where you can see the system is crumbling down when judges can't even follow their own rules. It's on its way to go back to the 6.0 system. Why even change the rules in the first place, I must ask.
@@Trenton.D lmfao u r saying Nathan's 5 quads extremely difficult program is not as difficult bcoz he doesnt have those difficult "steps" before his jumps ?? LMAO. So the others r risking consistency bcoz they r so keen on including those steps ???? Rofl
The pairs (or more accurately, “pair”), skated before the ladies (they even resurfaced the ice before and after!). Pairs and ice dance WAS shown on TV-last night at 2:30 a.m. I’m hoping the possible inclusion of Daisuke will get them to show it live next year. There were actually 4 ice dance couples, so I was annoyed they didn’t show it at a reasonable hour this time.
Agreed with everything said on this video here. Shoma looked great (is the taking away the video games comment actually confirmed what happened??), it was a well deserved win and we're all allowed to feel happy for him, Rika, Wakaba, Tomoe, and still feel awful for skaters who didn't do well this time. The more emotional investment you put into this sport and individual skaters (whether putting it all on one or across many), the more heartbreak you're in for in this journey. I think I can see somewhat why JSF made the decisions they made (from the lens of collectivism and fairness towards their skaters) though I totally agree it's not the best for their country versus other countries.
Hey Dave. Just some notes on Mai Mihara. She was hospitalized a few months ago for reasons we do not know, and looks like her health is not at its best condition. We know that health issues are something she has fought for a long time, as she overcame juvenile idiopathic arthritis which put her off the ice for months previously. So we know she will be back as she is a true fighter. Please pray for her.
I just want to say to Dave and Jonathan that you have made this skating season so interesting and enjoyable.Thank you, sincerely. I also appreciate the people who comment, always a lively dialogue. That's what I like: This is what I don't like. NBC Figure Skating Gold is appalling. They did not cover Japanese Nationals and they call themselves a sports channel. This is just too much. Does anyone have a link to the complete competition?
Bonnie I was watching it live on a really dodgy Chinese streaming site lol! There’s a RU-vid channel called JPTV that’s uploaded most of the programs! I think some have been taken down and reuploaded so hurry while they’re still there 😊
RU-vid has both SP & FS for both; type in 2019 Japan National Figure Skating Championships & add [insert name here]. Doesn't get the whole comp but I did find what I was looking for.
Jonathan was right about Higuchi: she has been erratic all-season, typically having one good skate mixed with another more unstable one (usually the FS). Dave is misremembering her season. It is only recently that we've seen her landing her 3A in practice sessions. (Wasn't it just at the beginning of this month that someone posted her practicing 3A on Instagram?) For me, Higuichi is a complete wild-card. I would not want to bank on her to secure three-spots for Japan at the next WCs. If there was a skate-off it should be between Higuichi, Miyahara and Sakamoto. Without a skate-off, I'd go with Miyahara over Sakamoto any day of the week.
Thanks for the video guys! Still haven't seen the men's free but I don't mind the spoilers 😊. I do have Tomoe Kawabata on my radar since her debut at juniors. She has lots of potential indeed, and I like that her development as a skater for once is taking time, hopefully that will help her in the long run, we'll see. I look forward to seeing her again. Bummed about Satoko's and Kaori's performances though 😕
The conversation around 43 something minutes is so true! When skaters start peaking their jump content so early I feel like the sport really loses because 15/16 year olds can’t give the level of artistry and interpretation older skaters can, and then everything becomes a jump fest with mediocre artistic abilities, the isu needs to do something about pcs scoring in order to level things out between technical content and artistry. Also, that would make things much more interesting again.
Thanks Japan for the technology. It was interesting to see the ice coverage and speed of each skater. Amazing how the fanyus still cannot accept the outcome given the objective data available to justifythe scores.
29:58- Dave, incredulous at the World Team selection: “Keiji Tanaka has been the 3rd member of the Supremes for a long time. COME ONNNNN!” Hahahaha hahahahahah. I can’t!!!! 🤣😂😜😜😜
I like Yuzuru, I really do, but his delusional fans make me like him less. I swear, the only time the Fanyus will ever be satisfied is if Yuzu gets +5 on every single element and 100 PCS. Otherwise they will ALWAYS find something to complain about. The complaints about his "underscoring" are getting really old and make no sense at all. 89 PCS was completely appropriate based on his performance today. Oh, and what really got me was how a ton of them attacked Jackie Wong and accused him of being biased and spreading false information because he said that Yuzu hung on to his triple axel in the short (which he very obviously did). They're just completely insane and I can't deal with it.
@@Trenton.D He really isn't biased. Like EVERYONE he has his favorites but he only reports the actual judges scores and what is seen on the reviews. I've never seen him be misleading or add a comment that isn't related to the actual skater's program.
@@janetjohn3539 I'm not blaming him, I'm just saying that the behavior of his fans affects the way I perceive him. I know he doesn't and can't control their behavior and he probably thinks it's over-the-top as well. I feel bad for him honestly. Also, have you ever read a crazy Fanyu's tweets? Trust me, I'm not the one that needs to chill.
89 was a little generous. His fans like to bring up his two OGM and say he should get more PCS because of that (meaning they are fine with reputation scoring when it benefits him lol). Shoma's goe's were generous too but the judges did try to help Yuzu out as much as they possibly could at the end there. It's getting to be where the worst competitions are the ones with Yuzu simply because of his fans.
The fanyus are the worst kind of skating fan, calling Shoma misogynistic because of the video game video and saying that he was overscored. Really toxic online behaviour.
Not a fanyu but I think those comments are justified? Shoma did allegedly say some misogynistic things and although he def deserved to win here, his GOEs were.. generous (that flip uh). The unjustified ones are the ones which attack Shoma personally or claim that Yuzuru would have won had they been scored correctly
It's really frustrating because they're so toxic and hateful when Yuzu himself is so kind and speaks so highly of the other athletes. When they were bashing Chen during the GPF it is was really irritating because that's the opposite rhetoric used by Hanyu, who gave Chen so much praise (and vice versa). It makes the sport so much more divisive than it needs to be.
I just wanted to saying something with all due respect and rationality. It is quite irritating to always hear about the seemingly rabid, crazed fans that are discussed, not only here, but on other media platforms as well. Are there overly emotional and irrational comments from Hanyu fans online? Yes, absolutely. Do the extreme ones represent the entire fanbase? No. It's also disheartening to hear people thinking that we, the majority, who are pragmatic and level-headed, are "afraid" because someone beat our "idol." The wording of things demeans Yuzuru's legacy and what he has brought to this sport. I understand how it might seem over the top and sometimes even fanatical, but it's not like that for many and shouldn't be portrayed negatively. Yuzuru shouldn't be compared to someone who just wants to see "pooh rain" because it makes him seem "king-like" or because he's arrogant and unappreciative of those gifts. Even this comment is going to be responded to as if it is some prissy, overly- sensitive spiel but it's honestly gone a little too far. I don't know why Yuzuru is the only skater who constantly gets referred to by his last name instead of his first, or why he is always discussed for what he lacks instead of what he brings to the table. Just because he is more popular does not mean he can suddenly be judged more harshly and it's quite clear, consistency or not, that this is the major issue; in judging, viewers, and media.
omg dave's comments about the fanyus, priceless!! and so accurate! have to admit that I kinda enjoy the lunacy and drama from them, because it's so entertaining, but the downside is that they absolutely ruined yuzuru for me, can't enjoy his skating anymore, which is a shame
The nutjob fans can be found in every facet of public life. My Mum worked at the Princess Diana exhibition in the years following her death and boy, some of those people needed institutionalising. I feel sorry for normal Hanyu fans though, his crazies seem the worst in skating right now.
@@janedoe678 they are basically idol fans at this point. they like him because he's cute. all the crazier fanyus always like all things japan or kpop too. he's like their own skating anime boy come to life.
@@nou174You nailed it. There is a triad of anime, kpop, flower boy energy going on here. It is time to get a grip. It is better to keep it real, eventually all idols have clay skates.
37:47 Marin did do that unexpected 3F after popping the first one. For her that’s kinda huge, thinking on her feet. I’d be very interested to see Raf’s reaction to her free.
I am so here for this, ignore the Fanyu, they are delusional and a lost cause. To the more sane fans, hearing people admit that Hanyu isn't perfect or automatically the best at every facet of the sport is music to the ears.
It is really jarring seeing Hanyu like this, but I keep reminding myself he is probably going through a transition period. Next time we see him on top it is either going to be with a quad axel or its not going to happen
So impressed by how quick you were again with this!! Thank you so much you guys! 😁 Just got 2 thoughts 1. So so so disappointed you didn’t even mention Yuhana Yokoi!! I’ll admit I hadn’t paid much attention to her until now but I fell in love with her over the two programs! My fave short of the Japanese ladies because of how much she sells the character and when she gets her combos done I actually really enjoy her jumps too! Just find it annoying that everyone’s forgetting about her considering she just made the top 5 and beat the reigning national champion! In my opinion this was a massive breakthrough for her! 2. I can’t be the only one missing all the classical music programs this season? I appreciate skaters wanting to try different stuff but some of the music this year just feels a bit stale and boring - like Shoma’s FS was a bit like someone was just playing a generic pop song while he was doing his jumps. Anyway I’m now ready for the drama that will inevitably unfold this week at RusNats! 😉
I think that, since last year's loss at Worlds, Hanyu has been all about "beating Nathan" and, so far, it's not working. Hanyu tried 5 quads at the GPF and it still wasn't enough (and, I'm sorry, but there was no "unfair judgement" there). He's talking about 4A and even adding 4F. Of course, Hanyu was injured last season, which took him out of the second GP (and no GPF), but Nathan competes for the full season, so Hanyu decided to add his 2 GPs, GPF and Japanese Nats back into his regimen. We'll see if he decides to do 4CC. Despite mistakes, his PCS has suffered and his programs are just not all that great. Maybe he'll turn it all around at worlds, we'll see.
He doesn't have the stamina anymore, and the results damage his confidence. He has to built it up again after being absent for so many competitions this couple of years.
Ok all the talk about stamina and exhaustion is kind of silly. He just turned 25...young!..and Nathan juggled skating and Yale and still delivered. Nationals should have been a piece of cake for the supreme skater Yuzu is, he just seemed like he had no passion left!
There are just so many times you can skate an old program and keep it fresh and interesting. Maybe it has become boring to Yuzuru and it has become harder to concentrate on.
So happy to see your faces so glowing! FYI I translated the interviews of Hanyu, Shoma and Yuma - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-D6uwkme2rn0.html Have a nice Christmas! xx PS I just could not stop myself...YH’s fatigue and the ice (not-so-much) coverage, possibilities (not excuses! ^ - ^) I can think of are: 1. conserving energy by not going all over, as he did so with the altered program content 2. does not have to cover so much distance to jump high level jumps? 3. learning the fatigue factor as he ages, also because missed two season routines 4. Hanyu and Brian kept saying ‘health’ rather than ‘injury’ this time...so much self-inflicted mental stress at the GPF + flying so many times in winter time...I have asthma and one asthmatic individual seriously could not survive that much stress...
Hanyu is the main reason I keep up with skating. I do have others I like to watch but I will admit this wasn't his best this week. We were saying in one of the Facebook groups that he hasn't had a full season in the last few years. It takes a lot out of you especially with things one after the other. I hope he has time to rest and bring his A game for world's. I don't understand the crazies out there what happens happens it's all for a reason.
Plus to put nationals just 10 days after GPF was quite a dumb move from the federation, considering that Uno was supposed to be there as well. Here's to how to tire their top skaters pontlessly
Raquelgrl3271 Sure Jan. Nathan Chen goes to one of the top schools in the world, trains with no coach and skates to new programs (Hanyu repeated his from last season). Does Hanyu do anything else besides skating?
Hanyu can’t understand that he is not young any more and he can not compete all season all events, it’s time he starts to prioritize which competitions are worth competing and which are not (cough gp series). He can be like javi in the Olympic season getting ready for important comps
Shyntae stamina was never his strong side but it’s not stamina only. It’s about constant full run throughs to keep him at the peak almost all season. It’s impossible in his age
Trenton D true she had 4 full senior and 2 full junior seasons. Since that I think she competed in 4 comps in 4 years which was too much not enough but I get your point. For Hanyu I 5ink he did not miss a comp since 2009, too much
@@rop888 ding ding ding ding! It's true! He is being purposely dumb and reckless! But I also, can't wait to see that 4A! Hope he doesn't get injured though.
