If you would’ve told me a year ago that I would be emotionally invested in an anime about ice skating, I probably would’ve laughed in your face. Yet here I am posting about the show I didn’t know I needed in my life.
The new anime Yuri!!! on Ice premiered last October, and boy it came in with a bang. This follows the story of Yuri Katsuki, a struggling ice skater returning to his home in Japan after spending his college years in the United States. After having less than favorable results in the Grand Prix finals, he contemplates giving up ice skating all together. While imitating his favorite ice skater and role model throughout his career, Victor Nikiforov, he is unknowingly filmed and the video is posted online. Once Victor sees the video he decides to take a break from competing and goes to Japan to be Yuri’s new coach.
Here’s my short list of reasons as to why you should watch.
1. The Opening Song
Holy cow, Batman, if you ever need a pick me up or a large dose of motivation to feel invincible, then this song is for you. History Maker by Dean Fujioka is one of the happiest songs on Earth that I’m sure has the writers at Disney filled with envy. Not only is the title track pretty awesome, the animation in the title sequence is beautiful. Fun fact, if you watch each episode opening closely, you’ll see more color appearing in Yurio and Yuri’s frames and less color in Victor’s.
2. Yuri Katsuki is relatable AF
Ignoring the fact that I am not male, Japanese, or a figure skater, I do identify with Yuri quite a bit. If you’ve watched the series, you know that there isn’t really a main antagonist. I know Yuri still has competitors, but there’s not really anyone out there wanting to sabotage him or Victor. Yuri has a many internal struggles from not meeting expectations and getting nervous before competitions. He also lacks confidence, which I think is something we can all relate to. Luckily, Victor helps him out with this and helps him find his love for skating again. Also, his love of pork cutlet bowls gives me strength.
3. Yurio just needs a hug
Yuri Plisetsky (nicknamed Yurio), the angry little Russian, is new to the competition ring. He has the same coach as Victor and has high hopes for his first season. Yurio seems to be angry all the time and gets frustrated with people very easily (refer to him and Yuri’s first meeting).
As the story goes along, it has been hinted at he didn’t have the best childhood growing up, but most of his backstory hasn’t been revealed. He does come grow as a person through developing friends in the skating world, something lacking from his life before.
4. Makkachin is adorable
Makkachin is Victor’s large poodle that even inspired Yuri as a child to get a poodle of his own. Even when Victor and Yuri are traveling to competitions, he is still represented in Victor’s tissue box. Makkachin also grows to love Yuri as well and chills with Yuri’s family while they are away.
5. Victor does what’s best for his soul, not what’s expected of him
Victor has been a champion figure skater his entire life and no one even comes close to him, so why would the world’s best figure skater stop competing and become the coach to someone he barely knows? Simple: Victor does what he wants to do and what he think is the best thing for him, not what everyone else expects him to do.
6. Yurio’s hatred of everyone except cats and Otabek.
His tiger shirt, tiger stripe pants, and cat themed everything else is wonderful. Plus the face he makes when he sees the tiger shirt is hilarious.
He starts getting to know Otabek better at the Grand Prix finals, and he ultimately saves Yuri from some Yuri’s Angel fans. This sparks a friendship, which may turn into something more? We’ll have to wait and see.
7. Episode 10 ending
You won’t want to miss it. It explains so much as to why Victor is so confused by Yuri’s behavior towards him in earlier episodes. It also reveals a side of Yuri we didn't know he had.
8. We were born to ship Victuri
Believe me, if you watch this anime, you will join the Victuri ship. Don’t worry, Yuri's skating friend Phichit is the designated captain.
