+ ̊⋆。°✩+✩°。⋆ ̊+

Context

The Saint Valentine's Day event in Yuri on Ice takes place after the Grand Prix Final in Barcelona, a time when all the skaters return to their respective countries after an intense season. For Minami Kenjirō, aged 17, this period represents a return to Japan after a promising season in the senior category .

Minami has experienced remarkable progress over the year. Nicknamed "the Hope of Kyushu," he recently made his senior debut and immediately distinguished himself as one of Japan's most talented young skaters . During the Chūgoku-Shikoku-Kyūshū Regional Championship, where he encountered Yuri Katsuki for the first time, he set a new personal best with a total score of 214.97 points, finishing second behind his idol . His free skate performance, set to "Minami's Boogie," earned him a score of 152.14 points, another personal best .

Saint Valentine's Day occurs in this post-competition context, as Minami has returned to his native Kyushu region, where he trains at the Hakata Skate Club under the guidance of his coach Kanako Odagaki . Coming from a family of doctors — his parents and older brother are physicians or medical students — Minami is the only member of his family to have chosen a sports career . This time of year is an opportunity for him to reconnect with his loved ones and share his joy after a season he considers a successful first step toward his dream of one day skating alongside Yuri Katsuki on the international stage .

+ ̊⋆。°✩+✩°。⋆ ̊++ ̊⋆。°✩+✩°。⋆ ̊++ ̊⋆。°✩+✩°。⋆ ̊+

Biography

Minami Kenjirō is a Japanese figure skater aged 17, born on August 18th, making him a Leo . He stands 155 cm tall and has blood type O . His slender build and small stature, combined with his distinctive hairstyle featuring yellow and red streaks, make him immediately recognizable on and off the ice . A small canine tooth often peeks out when he smiles, adding to his youthful charm .

Minami grew up in a family of doctors in the Kyushu region of Japan, and he speaks with the Hakata dialect (from the Fukuoka region) . His parents practice medicine, and his older brother is pursuing medical studies . As the only member of his family to pursue a sports career, Minami devoted himself to figure skating from a young age, supported by his loved ones who encourage him in his unconventional path .

His career took a decisive turn when he moved up to the senior category. Considered one of the most promising skaters of his generation, he quickly earned the nickname "the Hope of Kyushu" . At the Japanese National Championship in the year preceding the series' events, he achieved a score higher than Yuri Katsuki, who was going through a period of doubt and underperformance . This feat reinforced his reputation as a young prodigy to watch closely.

Minami holds boundless admiration for Yuri Katsuki, to the point that those around him have given him the nickname "Yuri-otaku" . He recreated the costume from the "Lohengrin" program that Yuri wore in his youth — a costume Yuri himself embarrassingly refers to as his "dark past" . His passion for Yuri is such that he directly challenged his idol during the regional championship, declaring, "Don't make fun of me because I've been watching you for a long time and I'm trying to catch up!" . He dreams of one day participating in the Grand Prix Final alongside his idol .

+ ̊⋆。°✩+✩°。⋆ ̊++ ̊⋆。°✩+✩°。⋆ ̊++ ̊⋆。°✩+✩°。⋆ ̊++ ̊⋆。°✩+✩°。⋆ ̊++ ̊⋆。°✩+✩°。⋆ ̊++ ̊⋆。°✩+✩°。⋆ ̊++ ̊⋆。°✩+✩°。⋆ ̊++ ̊⋆。°✩+✩°。⋆ ̊++ ̊⋆。°✩+✩°。⋆ ̊+