Meet the Real Skaters Who Inspired These 'Yuri!!! on Ice' Characters

The popular queer anime Yuri!!! on Ice is a perfect example of art imitating life!

While Yuri!!! on Ice is its own little piece of art, it’s pretty clear that creator Mitsurō Kubo and the rest of the team behind the popular anime were huge figure skating nerds. Many characters have a little (or, in some cases, a lot) of inspiration from real life figure skaters! 

Victor and Evegeni Plushenko

Superstar retired Russian skater? Check. Similar mannerisms? Check. Events of his life being part of the basis for the show? Check. (See the next entry for more deets on that.) Kubo has also said Victor’s appearance is heavily inspired by actor John Cameron Mitchell, best known for creating and playing in Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

Victor and Johnny Weir

While this fan of the show has said he sees himself as Yuuri Katsuki, its obvious some of Victor’s visuals were inspired by him.  

Yuuri and Yuzuru Hanyu

Yuzuru Hanyu is another one of the world's best ice skaters, having made history by setting 12 world records in the sport. And he hasn’t been shy about how much he’s inspired by and idolizes Plushenko, recreating his choreography when he was younger. Plus if this doesn’t convince you he’s an inspiration for Yuuri, IDK what will. 

Yuuri and Tatsuki Machida

Kubo hasn’t been shy about this one inspiring Yuuri Katsuki. She is a devoted fan of Machida’s and based much of Yuuri’s career on his, including his skating being so awesome that skater Stéphane Lambiel was inspired to become his choreographer.

Yuri and Yulia Lipnitskaya

The inspiration for Yuri, Yulia is an amazing young lady. She is the youngest Russian to win a gold medal in her FIRST Olympics. Much like her anime counterpart, she does a mean splits and loves her little Siamese.

Yuri and Misha Ge

A Russian/Korean/Chinese skater, Ge not only is an amazing competitive skater, he also choreographers for other skaters when he isn’t on the ice. While he didn’t necessarily inspire Yuri directly, his shenanigans with Yuzuru Hanyu and Denis Ten at the Grand Prix Banquet definitely inspired the best scene in the show.

Chris and Stéphane Lambiel

Not only is this talented Swiss athlete a skater (well known for his spins, Lambiel has the rare skill of being able to spin both directions), choreographer, and coach, he also designs his own outfits, speaks multiple languages fluently, and is one of the actual figure skaters to have a cameo in Yuri!!! on Ice, doing his own voice.

While he may not be quite as much as Chris, this charming cat dad is a great person to be modeled after!

Otabek and Denis Ten

The late, great Denis Ten was an amazing skater for Kazakhstan, becoming the first skater to make podium and the first to win an international skating competition from the country. He was also a talented photographer in addition to his skating skills, and was always particularly warm to the Yuri!!! on Ice community, regularly joking about his connection to Otabek Altin. Rest in power, Denis!

Phichit and Michael Christian Martinez

While there isn’t such a clear cut inspiration for Phichit, Yuuri’s best friend from Thailand, Martinez may be a candidate. He is the first ice skater from Southeast Asia (the Philippines, specifically) and from any tropical country, to qualify for the Winter Olympics.

JJ and Joe Johnson

While Joe Johnson’s connection to Yuri!!! on Ice may have come after the fact, this adorable nerd has throughly thrown himself into the fandom.

Makkachin and Pooh Bear

Many skaters have tokens they have on the ice, inspiring the beloved mascot of the show, Makkachin.