#doi2018

As far as ice shows go, this one seemed like the perfect one to start with. ALSO, EARTHQUAKE.

I originally wanted to go to FOI, seeing that I knew more skaters there than this one. But alas, since Yuzu was there, it was next to impossible to get tickets to the Makuhari shows (even if I tried to get them a month before). So for the love of VM, I got tickets to DOI instead.

First off, it was so fucking cold. Good thing I asked for advice from @fukiko​ before the show and brought a thicker jacket but by God, it was still cold. Other people brought down jackets/parkas/fleece blankets. I was so jealous and it was such a #noob thing. Lesson learned.

In the opening, I felt like all of Nathan’s fans were there because he had the biggest cheers. Well, all of the male single skaters had loud cheers too, but Nathan’s were the loudest. VM’s too.

I’ve never seen synchronized skating before and it. was. glorious. Way to go, girls!

The Japanese skaters were amazing. Again, I only know the international skaters but these kids are the future.

BTW I felt like such a dance mom because every time someone fell (and there were a lot of slips tonight), I found myself saying (out loud I might add), “It’s okay, honey!” *then claps enthusiastically*

EARTHQUAKE. 

God, I thought my life flashed before my eyes. A little bit after intermission, a Japanese skater was doing his routine when I felt myself moving. We were in the bleachers and I was thinking, maybe someone is moving on the other end of my row?? but of course my panicked brain is like EARTHQUAKE BITCH. 

It kept on for a few more seconds then I saw the lights on the ice moving. Then the music stopped and the announcer said something in Japanese. Everyone was so calm but as a gaijin, I was so ready to haul ass out of there. The skater was doing something funny to keep the crowd entertained and again at the back of my mind I was like, OH GOD OH GOD I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING. THERE ARE A THOUSAND PEOPLE HERE WHAT ARE GOING TO DO. 

After awhile it did, and we waited a bit for aftershocks and then the show went on.

We gave the dude a standing O after his set. 

Fast forward to Evgenia’s routine. Not sure if it was the same one from earlier (didn’t watch it online coz duh) but maaan that girl can juuump. She seems so smol on TV but she seemed really long and graceful. The crowd loved her.

On Nathan’s set, his felt like it was on a whole other level. His speed and jumps and overall showmanship is crazy. Every time he looked out onto the crowd they went wild (see fan club comment above). After his set, EVERYONE had a US flag out. And I’m like... did I miss the flag selling booth? Everyone just brought their own? Okay coool.

For Aljona and Bruno’s set, I was surprised that they came out with their exhibition then it dawned on me that I won’t be seeing MR today (sad) but anyway. The crowd wasn’t as receptive as they should’ve been with the funny bits (meanwhile I was chuckling the whole time).

ON TO VM: Look, I know they’re running on fumes and it’s the second to the last show for them in Japan (in hindsight, I should’ve gotten the Sunday show). But they are still there for the crowd. Both of them are BEAUTIFUL. Saw them mouth a few words which were cute. They had a few slips but I feel like I noticed it because I’ve seen YRMW so many times now. The first lift, Scott wasn’t able to work with the momentum and Tessa wasn’t able to flip over his shoulder. Basically instead of flipping, they just hugged it out. Then on the Goose, they had a hard time balancing, so they held hands longer and was off beat with MJ’s “woo”. In any case, even with the surprise hiccups, they were still all smiles, and everyone gave them a standing O.

In the finale, Scott seemed re-energized, I mean geez man, woah there. He teased and cheered everyone who passed by him, was the only one who sang the lyrics of the finale song, and hammed up the crowd by going off ice and jumping up and down. Really, it didn’t feel like he’s been on tour for the longest time. Tessa was more chill, and I just want to say GURL YOU BEAUTIFUL.