Tsukasa Akeuraji, a former ice dancer turned coach, commands attention with his towering 186 cm frame, athletic physique, and vibrant spiked orange-blond hair. Drawn to skating at 14 by Jun Yodaka’s performance, he overcame financial limitations and a late start through relentless self-training. By 20, he reached nationals in ice dance with partner Hitomi Takamine, only to face retirement after a critical lift error and insurmountable economic strain.
Post-competition, he balanced part-time work with aspirations to join ice shows as an extra until encountering 11-year-old prodigy Inori Yuitsuka. Her determination reignited his passion, leading him to coach her with a focus on technical precision over jumps—a strategy that defied skepticism and accelerated her rise.
Tsukasa’s personality blends theatrical enthusiasm with raw vulnerability, marked by exaggerated reactions to triumphs and setbacks. He motivates students with exuberant cries of “Joy Level GOE +5!!” while maintaining formal respect for all, regardless of age. His ice dance background honed the “Hawk’s Eye,” an ability to dissect and replicate routines after one viewing.
Contrasting his bold coaching, Tsukasa harbors a visceral fear of worms and snakes. He cultivates bonsai, savors donuts and broccoli, yet avoids leftovers. His surname, derived from “Apollo,” reflects Olympic aspirations, while his given name signifies guidance.
Notable relationships include Hitomi, who later facilitated his coaching career, and Rioh Sonidori, a student initially dismissive of Tsukasa’s methods before acknowledging their efficacy. His coaching ethos centers on perseverance and self-belief, epitomized by his vow to dedicate his lifetime to Inori’s success.
Family dynamics reveal a closer bond with older brother Hajime than younger siblings. A career-altering accident—dropping Hitomi during a lift—spurred rigorous bodyweight training to build strength. Post-retirement self-doubt faded through mentoring Inori, channeling unmet ambitions into her development with unwavering resolve.