VOX POPULI: Crystal ice twins in an enthralling spectacle

The alternative name for snowflake, rikka (six flower), is derived from the flake's beautiful hexagonal shape. Ice crystals form when water particles stick to dust particles in the atmosphere and grow arms in six directions. Apparently, the slower the crystals grow, the bigger and more beautiful the snowflakes become.

Two beautiful flowers that had to wait four years to bloom met side by side on the ice in Vancouver.

South Korea's Kim Yu-na led the Winter Olympics women's figure skating competition after the short program, with Japan's Mao Asada in second place. While both skaters have competed internationally since their mid-teens, they could not enter the 2006 Turin Olympics because they were underage. Since then, they have polished their techniques and beauty and stood together for the first time this month on the Olympic ice rink like two exquisite snow crystals.

Asada skated to "Waltz Masquerade" just before Kim's performance. As she posed before the music started, she blinked four times. A mask could not have disguised her nervousness. But once she nailed her trademark triple axel, she was alive again, like a girl making her debut in social circles.

Kim, who appeared next, skated to the theme from "007." She reached up as she played a sensuous "Bond girl" and completed her performance coquettishly. Watching them, I realized once again that figure skating is a combination of sport, art and above all, entertainment.

The two skaters are both 19, and their birthdays only 20 days apart. Their scores in international competitions are more or less even. Their families are also similar, each having one older sister along with their parents. They even resemble each other physically. In fact, Kim has referred to Asada as another part of herself.

With backgrounds and situations that leave nothing to be desired, the tale of their rivalry is about to reach its climax. Blanketed in expectations, the outcome will not be clear until after the free skating competition on Friday, Japan time.

Such thrilling excitement could never be matched in a tale of fiction. That is why this real-life event, which happens only every four years, is so enthralling.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Feb. 25

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.