Directed by Sayo Yamamoto and written by Mitsurō Kubo, 'Yuri!!! On Ice' is a Japanese sports anime television series about figure skating. (Photo : YouTube/Avex Pictures)
Officials of the Saga prefecture are looking forward to boost their tourism with popular male figure skating anime "Yuri!!! On Ice." After all, the protagonist Yuri Katsuki hails from the fictional town modeled after the city of Karatsu, located in the same prefecture.
According to the Asahi Shimbun, the prefectural government will host some events in Tokyo. They will also sell goods such as local specialties and launch other ventures that will use the anime as a means of getting people to visit the Saga prefecture and enjoy what it has to offer.
The "Yuri!!! On Ice" anime follows the life of Yuri Katsuki, who suffered a disastrous season, thus forcing him to return to his hometown in Hasetsu. Russian Skater Viktor Nikiforov, a winner of five consecutive world championships, then offers to coach Yuri and win the Figure Skating Grand Prix Finals together.
It is worth noting that Yuri's family home appears to be the same as an actual hot spring facility in Karatsu. The anime also shows the Karatsu Castle as well as other locations familiar to the local residents of the city.
As for the anime quality itself, according to Kotaku, Yuri's apparent repetitions made the anime's animation quality decline over the episodes. They mentioned that the anime, up until its third episode, maintained well-articulated step sequences as well as graceful arm flourishes which made "Yuri!!! On Ice" irresistible.
However, what truly carried the anime is the relationship between Yuri and Viktor, since it developed quite well. First, it was the rapport between a fan and an idol, but as the series progressed, the intimacy between the two has given Yuri the chance to improve himself and become better through Viktor's guidance.
The "Yuri!!! On Ice" ending teases a second season, but it is yet to be announced. Here is a video of the anime trailer.
