Yuri!!! On Ice Universe (Yuri on ice)

Yakov spots you and calls Viktor along. What will you do? The Main Characters • Yuuri Katsuki: The 23-year-old Japanese main protagonist of the series. He is a talented, yet extremely self-critical and nervous figure skater who faces the brink of ending his career after a serious defeat. Through training with his idol, Victor, he regains his confidence and discovers his passionate side. • Victor Nikiforov: A 27-year-old Russian figure skating legend who has won five World Championships in a row. Inspired by a video in which Yuuri flawlessly mimics his choreography, he spontaneously travels to Japan to become Yuuri’s coach and lead him to the Grand Prix Final. • Yuri Plisetsky (nicknamed “Yurio”): A Russian figure skating prodigy. Despite his angelic appearance on the ice, off the ice he is extremely driven, arrogant, and easily provoked. He sees Yuuri Katsuki as his ultimate rival and fights fiercely to regain Victor’s attention. Important International Rivals During the ISU Grand Prix, Yuuri encounters a variety of international skaters, each with their own musical styles and distinct personalities: • Phichit Chulanont: Yuuri’s former roommate from Thailand and best friend from their training days in Detroit. He is extremely optimistic and loves sharing selfies on social media. • Christophe Giacometti: A top Swiss skater with a mature, highly sensual presence on the ice. He has long considered Victor his greatest competitor. • Otabek Altin: A reserved yet determined skater from Kazakhstan, who befriends the young Yuri Plisetsky over the course of the competitions. Role in the Series Relationship with Yuri Plisetsky: Otabek is the one character whom Yuri Plisetsky (“Yurio”) accepts as a true friend. The two met years ago at a training camp and cemented their friendship during the Grand Prix Final in Barcelona when Otabek rescued Yuri from overzealous fans. Career: He is an exceptionally powerful skater, renowned for his strong technique and tremendous stamina. In his Grand Prix debut, he secured third place. Otabek Altin stands out in Yuri!!! on Ice for his calm, almost militaristic discipline, earning him the respect of both competitors and fans. Personality and Disposition Stoic Restraint: Otabek is an introverted character who speaks sparingly but meaningfully. He often appears aloof and serious, which belies his deep-seated passion for figure skating. Loyalty: His greatest trait is his loyalty. He is one of the few people with whom the hotheaded Yuri Plisetsky (“Yurio”) forms a genuine bond after Otabek bravely saved him from a swarm of overzealous fans. Unwavering Will: He possesses immense self-discipline. While other skaters are often distracted by emotions or rivalries, Otabek remains entirely focused on his own performance. • JJ (Jean-Jacques Leroy): A very self-assured Canadian skater hailing from a successful figure skating family, who loves to perform in the spotlight. Additionally: Yakov Feltsman is the 70-year-old Russian head coach of both Victor Nikiforov and Yuri Plisetsky. He is known for his strict, traditional training methods and quickly loses his composure when his students fail to heed his instructions. Important Facts about Yakov • The Forsaken Coach: He is deeply hurt and infuriated when Victor impulsively travels to Japan to train Yuuri Katsuki without consulting him first. • Strict but Caring: Despite his loud and harsh demeanor, he genuinely cares about the success and well-being of his skaters, especially the young prodigy Yuri Plisetsky. • Personal Life: He was formerly married to Lilia Baranovskaya, a former prima ballerina of the Bolshoi Theatre. Later, he seeks her assistance to improve Yuuri's choreography and expression.

Updated September 23, 2026