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The following article was originally published in the Miracle!!! on Ice extra included in the January 2017 issue of Animage. Scans for translation provided by Aliasanonyme. The interview has been translated by Twitter user © 2016 Wave Motion Cannon

- Yuri!!! On ICE represents the first time you've worked on the original story for an anime series, isn't it? -That's a good point. We often find sports manga where the number of lines of dialogue or thoughts doesn't match the time the characters would have had to voice or think them. -And since this is a show about figure skating, the balance with the music is also important, isn't it? -Drawing names as the precursor to turning the story into animation is a rather unique way of doing things. - What other challenges did you have to tackle ?
: Another one was working out how to incorporate non-figure skating scenes into the story. We didn't really have a lot of leeway to include episodes that took place outside of the competitions, so we figured that we could show something of the skaters' lives during the performances. But even though there were a lot of challenges, when I actually saw the completed animation, I realized that while manga could only capture snapshots of movement, those movements could actually be depicted continuously in this way ...and I was just filled with emotion at that. Behind that achievement was an imaginative power that went beyond the names I had drawn. That we can create such rich worlds in this medium...anime really is amazing-I felt really keenly that the manga I'd drawn until that point still had a long way to go. But along with such reflections, I've also been inspired-like, "There's more that I can do, right?!" Being involved in Yuri!!! on ICE has really been a great learning experience for me.
-You were also in charge of creating the original character designs. What specifically did that involve?
: Since you can say that creating the story pretty much equates to creating the characters, we were basically working on them at the same time. Ultimately, we wanted to create characters that fans would be able to love, that they would be able to empathize with. The experience that I'd gleaned from my years as a manga author, along with actual, real life skaters , became the foundation for that. The challenge was how to create something completely new after scraping together all that material and absorbing it into myself, how to show the gradual process through which a particular character changes as the story progresses... And when a character has been completed in that manner, how to get him to stand on his own... Hence, once we'd solidified the profile, personality and appearance of a character to a certain extent, then we'd do a test, something along the lines of " this person would undoubtedly take this course of action." So there were a number of challenges involved in creating the original character designs as well.
-Could you share with us some of the key points of how you came up with Yuri, Victor and Yurio? -After Yurio, who was the next character to be born? -So you developed the characters based on the demands of the story. -And could you tell us about Victor's appearance?
: His appearance is based on the American actor and director, John Cameron Mitchell . I saw the musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch for the first time last year, on Broadway, and was really moved by how much his fans still love him. He's in his fifties now, but he's still got this amazing sensuality about him-Victor's hairstyle is based on his.
-Did you carve out his character based on that visual image? -Certainly, in the first three episodes, Victor comes across as being quite mysterious, someone that you can't quite grasp.
: In the course of writing this story, even I found myself wondering just what kind of person Victor is. From about episode 4, together with Yūri, I started taking a peek into Victor. It was like I was trying to grasp something that I still couldn't see... Even as I was writing Victor, I was often caught up in those kinds of feelings. In that sense, you could say that Victor is a character that moved and grew together with the anime as a whole.
-Moving on, then, how about Yūri? -Did Yūri become a character that overtuns all your expectations?
: Hm...I guess you could say that . How can Yūri come to overturn my own and Director Yamamoto's expectations? That was a thought that we kept in mind as we went about creating this story, so what was fascinating about Yūri kept changing with each and every episode. And in an interesting way . He's the kind of protagonist for whom you can't see what's going to come next, so you feel insecure, but in a good way. We were able to face this story with our hearts going pitter-patter because "Yūri-san is like...dayum...!" and that's just an amazing feeling to have as creators. Furthermore-and this is something that can be said not just about Yūri, but all of the characters-what was fascinating about each one of them has become even more rounded-out in the hands of the director and the animators, such that they are steadily becoming independent from me. Being witness to that process is something that has made me really happy, and I don't think Yuri!!! on ICE would have become the work that it is if it had been a manga I was drawing by myself.
-When his score is announced after his performance, Yūri squints his eyes when he tries to see what he got. Is his eyesight that poor? -And could you tell us a bit about the other characters?
: We wanted even the supporting characters to stand out so much that fans wouldn't think "this one isn't a sub, huh?" So, for each and every one of them, we went all out pitching as many details about them as possible. Even in the real figure skating world, there are many skaters with a lot of individuality. The news media in Japan tends to focus on Japanese skaters, such that even foreign skaters who win a particular championship are not covered all that much. But each and every skater is fighting in order to become "the world's protagonist," so we tried to make sure that they didn't disappear into the background. As a result, fans have come to love characters like Minami-kun, even though they only appear in a handful of episodes, and that makes me incredibly happy. "Everyone, come on! Step up to the front!" That's what we were thinking when creating all of the characters, and I think that's why there are so many fans that have welcomed them into their hearts.
-Certainly, in watching Yuri!!! on ICE , my sense is that it wouldn't be strange for any one of them to be the protagonist.
: In the figure skating world, there are many little things that hint at how amazing a particular person is. We have referenced many of them in this anime, and there are parts where we've tried even harder not to lose to the real world . We went to as many competitions as we could in order to conduct research, so that we could cram into the anime things like the atmosphere of the arena, the conversations of the people on the streets and the food they ate, the Internet culture and the information regarding the skaters .
-Having passed through a whole range of experiences, Yūri and Victor have managed to reach the Grand Prix Final. From your perspective as a creator, could you please give us a commentary on what has happened up to this point in the story (episode 10)?
: The challenge for us in episodes 1 through 4 was to endear fans to Yūri, Victor and Yurio, so that's what we devote d time to. In episode 5, we had the Chugoku-Shikoku-Kyushu regional tournament, which is where, for the first time, we introduced someone (Minami) who sees Yūri from an external point of view, so that we can explore further what kind of person our protagonist is. Until that point, the story develops largely through Yūri's point of view, which emphasizes his view of himself as "a weak person who lost big ," but in actual fact, he's the top skater in Japan.
-Once they leave Hasetsu, we as viewers also find out that he's actually pretty popular. -It seemed like, in his heart, he's uncertain about how he's doing as a coach.
: Episode 7 is the episode where that really comes to the surface. Victor is still inexperienced as a coach, he's still growing on that front. But on the other hand, he's also something of a god to Yūri, a living legend, and that's why he can do something so unreasonable. When we spoke to real skaters as part of our research, we asked them "How do you want your coach to relate to you?" And their response was "Rather than someone considerate, I prefer someone who asks for something unreasonable."
-Since that's comes from the mouths of real life skaters, that's really convincing.
: And on the other side, it seems that coaches are sometimes perplexed about how they should teach people that are, to a large extent, complete as skaters. For skaters at that elite level, more than the technical side, what the coaches deal with leans towards things like the issue of mental fortitude or how they should approach a particular competition. On that point, Yūri is similarly more or less a complete skater on the technical front-he just hasn't been able to perform when it comes down to the crunch. It's that one extra step that he's been unable to take. Since Victor is the person Yūri has looked up to, he has the power to influence Yūri ; and for Yūri, the inspiration he receives from Victor enables him to skate differently. But this chemical reaction between the two of them doesn't fall into some kind of pattern. Rather, through the competitions from episodes 5 through 7, we wanted to capture the feeling of expectation that something different will happen in each episode.
-In episode 7, Victor goes so far as to say "I'll take responsibility by resigning as your coach." -Yūri completely burst into tears.
: The drastic measure that Victor took, "If it's so fragile, then let's just break it," is something that he can do precisely because he's dealing with someone with a hidden mental strength. It's a risky sink-or-swim move. That scene was based on the composition of a certain skater's program. The idea is that it's precisely by smashing your own weakness that you can make a new start; that was the theme behind an actual program that Kenji Miyamoto-sensei choreographed.
-And in overcoming that hurdle, Yūri was actually able to relax and face the rest of the competition. -So, on the one hand, this anime has been praised as a work that tries to be as realistic as possible, but on the other hand you've gone out of your way to include things that you can only do in fiction. -Having overcome Victor's unreasonable challenge, Yūri then shows us that he's leveled up a little, in episodes 8 through 10.
: As a story moves from the middle to the later stages, it's quite common for the protagonist to have something important to him or her taken away. We thought that it was about the right time to do that. That's why we had Victor leave Yūri's side momentarily in episode 8. In a long-running manga serial, it's quite possible that Victor would fall sick or meet with some kind of accident, but we can't take such a roundabout route for a one-cour anime. That's why we had Makkachin steal and eat some buns instead (chuckles). Since Makkachin is pretty old, Victor has the premonition that his last season as a competitive skater might overlap with the last year of Makkachin's life. It's quite possible that he prioritized spending those last few months to a year with Makkachin over his own skating career. I'd say that that's one of the reasons that he came to Hasetsu, and when I spoke with his voice actor, Jun'ichi Suwabe-san, about it, he told me that he felt the same way.
-And Yūri himself had been unable to care for his beloved dog when Vicchan was sick. -But without Victor there beside him, Yūri is unable to achieve the result that he was after. -Finally, in episode 10, we see what the skaters get up to right before the Grand Prix Final. -I was really surprised to see Victor jump into the pool in Barcelona in the middle of winter. -The episode 10 ED sequence was also changed, wasn't it? -And was it a scene from the party after the competition? -In episode 10, we get to meet a new character, Otabek Altin, in person for the first time. I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of performance he has in store for us. -What will the final episode be like? Could you give us a hint? -And could you leave a final message for the fans, one that also touches upon the highlights of the climax?
Kubo: This Grand Prix Final is what Yūri Katsuki has decided will be the stage of his last season. But at the same time, this is a story where all of them are battling to become the protagonist. The truth is, none of the six skaters in this final have ever won the title. Victor has been taking the title year after year, so all of them-from the younger ones in their teens to the oldest, Christophe Giacometti-have never, ever stood at the top of the podium. Whilst he was known as Victor's rival, Giacometti had gotten used to being second. Phichit Chulanont is the first Thai national to have ever made it to the GPF. And needless to say, Yurio, Otabek and JJ have also come to Barcelona with the intent of taking the crown. Each and every one of them is betting on achieving their first win, and desperately aiming for it, so I hope that you will cheer for all of them. I entreat you to watch them through to the end of these last two episodes, through to the conclusion that awaits them. And as for Victor-does he return as a skater, or does he retire and turn to coaching? I'd like you to watch for the decision that he comes to as well. Please stay tuned until after the ED sequence, until the very end.

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Miracle!!! on ICE: How Mitsuro Kubo Created Her Characters(Animage, January 2017)

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The following article was originally published in the Miracle!!! on Ice extra included in the January 2017 issue of Animage. Scans for translation provided by Aliasanonyme. The interview has been translated by Twitter user @karice67 © 2016 Wave Motion Cannon An anime original story and the original character designs: The challenges thrust at me -Yuri!!!

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With Toshiyuki Toyonaga, Jun'ichi Suwabe, Josh Grelle, Jerry Jewell. Japanese figure skater Yuri Katsuki faces a crushing defeat during the Grand Prix finals and heads home, unsure of whether or not he wishes to continue his skating career.

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I never expected to love a show about men's figure skating, but anime has proven me wrong. Yuri on Ice (stylized as Yuri!!! On Ice) debuted this year online to instant love and praise in social spaces like Twitter and Tumblr.

The 12-episode sports anime, directed by Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine's Sayo Yamamoto and written by Mitsurō Kubo, is an intimate look into the lives of international figure skaters. Its finale airs today, but thanks to its easy accessibility online, it's never too late to find out what people are raving about. Here's a basic FAQ to get you started.

What is Yuri on Ice about?

Yuri on Ice is the story of Japanese figure skater Yuri Katsuki. At the start of the show, we see Yuri suffer a crushing loss at the Grand Prix Final. Defeated and depressed, he finishes up college and returns home to sort out his life.

Although Yuri has fallen out of shape since the competition, he still loves the sport. One night he performs a routine originally skated by his idol and competitor, Victor Nikiforov, which a few local kids capture on video and post online. The video goes viral. Victor himself sees the clip and flies to Japan to offer Yuri his help: he'll be his coach and train him to win what is very likely to be Yuri's last season.

Okay, so the guy the show is named after is the star. What about everyone else?

So I briefly mentioned Victor Nikiforov already, but let's talk about him a little more. Victor is a Russian figure skater widely regarded as the top skater in the world. He thrives on thrilling his audience, but after winning yet another competition, worries that he can no longer surprise his fans. He's lost his inspiration... and then he sees Yuri's video.

Honestly, Yurio is kind of a jerk

By moving to Japan to train Yuri, however, he's abandoning another Yuri - Yuri Plisetsky - a fellow Russian skater. Plisetsky, who is playfully rebranded as Yurio to avoid confusion, is a 15-year-old skating prodigy preparing to enter the senior circuit. Victor had promised to choreograph a program for Yurio's senior debut, and so Yurio tracks him down in Japan to see that he pays his dues. Yurio and Yuri have history, too. Honestly, Yurio is kind of a jerk, but he has his reasons.

As the show goes on, the story introduces more important skater types, but those three - Yuri, Victor, and Yurio - are central to its plot.

Alright, a figure skater triangle. So, why should I watch this?

I'm so glad you asked! So, let's start with a few questions. Do you like sports? Do you like drama? How about romance? What about intriguing characters? Beautiful animation?

If you answered yes to any of the above, Yuri on the Ice deserves a shot.

worth watching for its skating sequences alone

Yuri on Ice is about competitive figure skating, and so it has a heavy focus on strength, competition, and the pleasure of winning. As each skater performs their routine, viewers are treated to their innermost thoughts - their hopes, their dreams, their insecurities and reflection on their own movements. In this way, we get a better idea of who each character truly is and what drives them. It's easy to find favorites (hi, Phichit) and not-so-favorites (bye, JJ).

The show also offers a softer side to competition. These characters share a fragile camaraderie with each other; they cheer for each other, they gasp in shock when someone falls. And because so much of skating is focused on beauty and performance, their sincere reactions offer a break from the hyper-macho persona that contact sports are typically associated with. Each skater is a sort of dancer, one whose strength stems from an ability to land moves that look like they belong in a ballet studio.

If I wanted sports and competition, I'd buy Madden every year. What about smoochin'?

If competition bores you, perhaps the show's romance can woo you. Victor and Yuri have incredible chemistry on-screen; they're a couple you want to root for, because they're both so endearingly encouraged by each other.

In case you're still not feeling any of that, believe me when I say Yuri on Ice is worth watching for its skating sequences alone. It includes skating choreography from Kenji Miyamoto, a coach, choreographer, and retired Japanese ice dancer, and the show itself is beautifully animated. Each character performs their routines with such smooth and easy grace that it's almost hypnotic. But, don't take my word for it. Just watch the opening credits.

Dang. Those are some sick moves.

I know, right!

Is there anything that makes Yuri specifically special? Why should I root for this guy? He sounds pretty average.

He really is, and that's what makes him so unique. Yuri is a mediocre skater at best, painfully average when stacked against his competitors. But he excels through his drive and determination. He fights for every inch he gains, because he has to. This is especially obvious when you compare him to Victor, whose talent exceeds any level accomplished only through practice. But competitive skating is a young man's game, and at age 27, Victor has likely reached the peak of his career. Coaching is a logical next step - but as the show demonstrates, there's a real affection between Yuri and Victor than goes beyond the latter aging out of competition.

Is there an English version?

There is! Both a subtitled and dubbed version are available, if you're not a fan of reading your shows.

Where can I watch it?

Well, you've got a few options. I'd recommend Crunchyroll for English subtitles, while Funimation has the dubbed version.

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Yuri on Ice: everything you're too embarrassed to ask

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I never expected to love a show about men's figure skating, but anime has proven me wrong. Yuri on Ice (stylized as Yuri!!! On Ice) debuted this year online to instant love and praise in social spaces like Twitter and Tumblr.

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The official website for the television anime series revealed the character designs, story, key visual, and October premiere on Friday.

The series will star:

Toshiyuki Toyonaga as Yūri Katsuki, a 23-year-old figure skater who is faint-hearted and gains weight easily. He's the "figure skater with the world's biggest glass heart." His favorite dish is a 900kcal breaded pork cutlet bowl. His greatest skating assets are his peculiar sense of rhythm and unique step. However, he is weak to pressure and messes up at crucial moments. He's at a crucial point in his career, and he bets everything on one last skating season.

Kouki Uchiyama as Yuri Plisetsky, a 15-year-old next-generation Russian figure skater who has won three consecutive junior world championships. Because of his looks, he is called the "Russian Fairy," but as soon as he steps off the ice he becomes vulgar and acts more like a delinquent. He is an ambitious person who believes without a doubt he will become the best in the world.

Junichi Suwabe as Victor Nikiforov, a 27-year-old "living legend" who has garnered the attention of the world. He is a skater who has won five consecutive world championships. He is popular with men and women of all ages, and he has a rock star-like charisma. Yūri has been chasing after him since he was a child. Victor begins to take an interest in Yūri for a strange reason.

The show's story revolves around Yūri Katsuki, who carried all of Japan's hopes on his shoulders to win at the Gran Prix Finale ice skating competition, but suffered a crushing defeat. He returns home to Kyushu and half feels like he wants to retire, and half feels like he wants to continue ice skating. With those mixed feelings swirling inside him, he confines himself inside his parents house. Suddenly the five-time consecutive world championship ice skater Victor Nikiforov appears before him, and along with him is Yuri Plisetsky, a young Russian figure skater who is already defeating his seniors. Victor and both Yuris take up the challenge on an unprecedented Gran Prix series.

Mitsurou Kubo (Moteki, 3.3.7 Byooshi) and director Sayo Yamamoto (Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine, Michiko & Hatchin) are credited with the original work for the series. Yamamoto is also directing and overseeing the scripts for the series, and Kubo is designing the original characters and drawing the storyboards. Additionally, Tadashi Hiramatsu (Parasyte -the maxim-) is adapting the character designs for animation, Kenji Miyamoto is credited with the figure skating choreography, Taro Umebayashi (aka milk from PIANO) and Taku Matsushiba (PIANO) are composing the music, and Keisuke Tominaga (Kids on the Slope, Terror in Resonance music director) is the music producer. MAPPA will animate the series.

Yamamoto already directed an "Endless Night" short featuring figuring skating for the Japan Anima(tor)'s Exhibition ( Japan Animator Expo) project from Studio Khara and last August. Atsushi Kamijo designed the characters for the short and Kenji Miyamoto handled choreography. served as key animation director.

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Yuri!!! on Ice TV Anime Reveals Story, Key Visual, Character Designs, October Premiere

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The official website for the television anime series revealed the character designs, story, key visual, and October premiere on Friday. The series will star: Toshiyuki Toyonaga as Yūri Katsuki, a 23-year-old figure skater who is faint-hearted and gains weight easily. He's the "figure skater with the world's biggest glass heart."