ユーリ!!! on ICE
"Born to make history. Destined for victory."
Yuri!!! on Ice - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
Pork Cutlet Bowl (Katsudon)
The pork cutlet bowl, or katsudon, symbolizes comfort, home, and Yuri Katsuki's initial, simple understanding of love and sensuality (Eros). It represents the rewarding feeling of satisfaction and the familiar comforts that ground him. His declaration, "I'm a pork cutlet bowl fatale that enthralls men," is his first attempt at understanding how to be seductive on the ice. The dish is also a source of conflict regarding his weight, symbolizing the constant battle between indulgence and the discipline required of an elite athlete.
It is introduced early on as Yuri's favorite food, which he indulges in after his defeat, causing him to gain weight. When Victor asks him to define "Eros," Yuri's first thought is of a pork cutlet bowl. Later, Yuri Plisetsky becomes intrigued by it, and his grandfather creates a fusion dish, the Katsudon Pirozhki, symbolizing a bridge between their cultures and a gesture of grandfatherly love.
The Gold Rings
The matching gold rings that Yuri buys for himself and Victor in Barcelona are the most direct symbol of their commitment and bond. While Yuri initially calls them a "good-luck charm," Victor immediately and publicly refers to them as engagement rings. They symbolize their partnership, both professional and personal, and represent a promise to support each other. For the audience, it is the undeniable confirmation of the romantic nature of their relationship.
In Episode 10, while shopping in Barcelona before the Grand Prix Final, Yuri impulsively buys two gold rings. He gives one to Victor at a church, and Victor puts them on their respective right ring fingers. This event is a pivotal moment in their relationship, solidifying their bond just before the final, high-stakes competition.
The Ice Rink
The ice rink serves as a sacred space, a stage, and a sanctuary. It is a world where emotions that cannot be spoken can be expressed through performance. Victor's final line of the series, "We call everything on the ice 'love,'" reinforces the rink as a place where passion, ambition, struggle, and connection are all laid bare. It is both a battlefield for competition and a private world where characters connect on a deeper level.
The entire series is set in and around ice rinks across the world, from Yuri's hometown rink in Hasetsu to grand arenas in China, Russia, and Spain. The rink is where Yuri and Victor's partnership is forged, where the two Yuris have their "Hot Springs on Ice" face-off, and where every major emotional and plot development is performed and witnessed.
Philosophical Questions
What is the true nature of inspiration?
The series constantly explores whether inspiration is an internal or external force. Victor, a creative genius, finds his wellspring of inspiration has run dry. He seeks it externally in Yuri, believing he can create a masterpiece out of him. Yuri, conversely, has the passion but needs Victor's external belief to unlock his own internal confidence and artistry. The series suggests that inspiration is not a one-way street but a dynamic, symbiotic exchange. True, lasting inspiration comes from the connection between people, where one's passion can reignite another's, creating a cycle of mutual growth and creativity.
Can love be defined, or is it an all-encompassing force?
"Yuri!!! on Ice" deliberately challenges a narrow definition of love. It presents various forms: Yuri's hero worship of Victor, Victor's nurturing mentorship, Yuri P.'s familial love for his grandfather, Phichit's friendly support, and the burgeoning romance between the two leads. The themes of "Eros" and "Agape" are presented as two sides of a coin, with the skaters learning that both sensual and selfless love are necessary for a complete emotional life. By having characters state they are skating their "love" or that everything on the ice is "love," the show posits that love is the fundamental energy behind passion, ambition, and human connection itself.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "Yuri!!! on Ice" revolves around the idea that love, in all its forms, is the ultimate source of inspiration and strength. The creators, Sayo Yamamoto and Mitsurō Kubo, wanted to portray a narrative where personal connection and emotional vulnerability are not weaknesses but the very catalysts for artistic and athletic greatness. The series posits that to truly succeed and find meaning, one must look beyond personal ambition and connect with others, allowing their support and belief to foster self-belief. As Victor states, "We call everything on the ice 'love'." This encapsulates the show's message: the passion for a craft, the bond between a coach and student, familial support, friendship, and romantic affection are all intertwined forces that propel individuals to overcome their limitations and discover their true potential.