by Beloved Figure Skating Anime Marks a Decade Since Its 2016 Debut
The award-winning TV anime Yuri!!! on ICE is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026 with a series of special events for longtime fans and newcomers alike. To commemorate the milestone, all 12 episodes of the anime will be available for free streaming on YouTube beginning July 17, 2026, alongside the announcement of a premium 10th Anniversary Special Blu-ray & CD Box scheduled for release later this year.
The anniversary celebration also includes heartfelt messages from the anime’s voice cast and theme song artists, reflecting on the series’ lasting impact both in Japan and around the world.
A Decade of Yuri!!! on ICE
Created by Mitsurou Kubo and directed by Sayo Yamamoto, Yuri!!! on ICE premiered in October 2016. Produced by MAPPA, the original anime quickly became one of the studio’s most internationally acclaimed works.
Unlike traditional sports anime, Yuri!!! on ICE focused on the highly competitive world of men’s figure skating, combining realistic performances, emotional storytelling, and stunning animation.
One of the series’ greatest strengths was its authentic skating choreography. Renowned professional choreographer Kenji Miyamoto designed every skating routine featured in the anime, giving each character a unique performance style inspired by real competitive figure skating.
The result was a visually breathtaking sports drama that captivated audiences across the globe and helped introduce many viewers to the beauty of figure skating.
The Story That Captured Hearts Worldwide
The anime follows Yuri Katsuki, a talented but struggling Japanese figure skater whose confidence is shattered after a disappointing performance at the Grand Prix Final.
Just as Yuri considers giving up on his dream, legendary Russian champion Victor Nikiforov unexpectedly arrives in Japan and offers to become his coach.
Together, they embark on an emotional journey through the Grand Prix Series, facing fierce rivals including Russian prodigy Yuri Plisetsky while exploring themes of perseverance, self-confidence, friendship, identity, and personal growth.
Its heartfelt storytelling, unforgettable performances, and memorable soundtrack transformed Yuri!!! on ICE into one of the defining sports anime of its generation.
All 12 Episodes Will Stream on YouTube
As part of the anniversary celebration, fans can relive the entire series during a special online event.
Beginning at 8:00 PM JST on July 17, 2026, all 12 episodes—running for approximately five hours—will premiere on YouTube.
Episodes will be available on:
- avex Pictures Official YouTube Channel
- MAPPA CHANNEL
The premiere will feature live chat, allowing fans from around the world to watch together, share reactions, and celebrate one of anime’s most beloved sports series in real time.
Following the premiere event, the episodes will remain available for free streaming until August 17, 2026.
Special 10th Anniversary Blu-ray & CD BOX Announced
To celebrate the franchise’s milestone, a Yuri!!! on ICE 10th Anniversary Special Blu-ray & CD BOX (Limited Edition) will launch on December 23, 2026.
Priced at ¥41,800 (tax included), the collector’s edition is packed with premium content designed for dedicated fans.
Blu-ray Collection Includes
- Complete TV series (Episodes 1–12)
- Original audio commentaries
- Figure skating choreography videos by Kenji Miyamoto
- Non-credit opening and ending sequences
- Yuri Plisetsky’s famous exhibition performance, “Welcome to The Madness”
- Stéphane Lambiel collaboration skating footage
- Newly recorded special collaboration video
- Yuri!!! on CONCERT performance
Five-Disc CD Collection
The anniversary set also includes five CDs featuring:
- Original skate music collection
- Complete original soundtrack
- Opening theme “History Maker” by Dean Fujioka
- Ending theme “You Only Live Once”
- Live recordings from Yuri!!! on CONCERT
- Yuri Katsuki’s free skating music
Exclusive Collector’s Bonuses
Fans purchasing the box will also receive numerous collectible items, including:
- Special film-style booklet
- Illustration card set featuring artwork by Mitsurou Kubo
- Airline ticket-style collectible card
- Yuri Katsuki’s skating music selection memo
- Grand Prix Series press materials
- Premium collector’s packaging featuring a newly illustrated 10th Anniversary visual by character designer Tadashi Hiramatsu
Cast Members Reflect on 10 Incredible Years
The anniversary also prompted emotional messages from the series’ cast and musicians, many of whom described Yuri!!! on ICE as one of the defining projects of their careers.
Toshiyuki Toyonaga (Yuri Katsuki)
Toyonaga shared that the series remains one of the most meaningful works of his career, noting that it earned him the Best Lead Actor Award at the Seiyu Awards.
He reflected on the tremendous passion poured into the production despite its single-season run and expressed gratitude that the anime continues to inspire fans around the world.
“Yuri, Victor, Yuri, and all of the skaters continue to live in the hearts of everyone who supported this series. I’m truly honored to have played Yuri Katsuki.”
Junichi Suwabe (Victor Nikiforov)
Suwabe said the anniversary feels both “like only yesterday” and “a lifetime ago.”
He expressed his appreciation for being part of a story loved by fans across the globe and admitted he still imagines what kind of future Victor and the other characters might have experienced after the anime concluded.
Koki Uchiyama (Yuri Plisetsky)
Uchiyama recalled the excitement of recording an original anime before anyone knew how successful it would become.
Looking back ten years later, he said it remains an unforgettable experience and hopes future generations of anime fans continue discovering the series.
Yoshimasa Hosoya (Otabek Altin)
Hosoya fondly remembered portraying the quiet yet dependable Otabek and reflected on how much emotion could be conveyed through skating, even when dialogue was minimal.
Hiroki Yasumoto (Christophe Giacometti)
Yasumoto described Christophe as one of his most memorable characters and thanked fans for keeping the series alive in their hearts for an entire decade.
Mamoru Miyano (Jean-Jacques Leroy)
Miyano humorously revealed that he originally auditioned for Victor before eventually being cast as Jean-Jacques “JJ” Leroy.
Calling JJ one of his favorite characters, he expressed hope that he might someday have another opportunity to perform the role.
Wataru Hatano (Georgi Popovich / Ending Theme Artist)
Hatano, who also performed the ending theme “You Only Live Once,” thanked fans for their unwavering support over the past ten years.
He said participating both as a voice actor and singer made the series especially meaningful and expressed pride that Yuri!!! on ICE continues to be loved by audiences worldwide.
A Legacy That Changed Sports Anime
More than just a figure skating anime, Yuri!!! on ICE became a cultural phenomenon.
Its cinematic skating performances, emotionally rich storytelling, memorable soundtrack, and celebration of personal growth resonated with audiences around the globe. The series also received widespread praise for its nuanced character relationships and helped expand international interest in both anime and competitive figure skating.
Even a decade after its debut, the anime continues to inspire passionate discussions, fan art, cosplay, live concerts, and community events around the world.
Streaming Schedule
Free Streaming Period
- Premiere: July 17, 2026, at 8:00 PM (JST)
- Available Until: August 17, 2026, at 12:00 PM (JST)
Streaming Platforms
- avex Pictures Official YouTube Channel
- MAPPA CHANNEL
Final Thoughts
Ten years after its television debut, Yuri!!! on ICE remains one of the most beloved sports anime ever produced. Its unforgettable performances, emotionally resonant storytelling, and iconic soundtrack continue to inspire both longtime fans and first-time viewers.
With a free YouTube marathon, a deluxe anniversary Blu-ray & CD Box, and heartfelt messages from the cast and creators, the 10th anniversary celebration offers the perfect opportunity to revisit—or discover for the first time—the anime that made history on and off the ice.
