[2024-2025] Compilation of translated interview articles with Yuzu

yuzurujenn · July 22, 2024

2024.07.19

Source: https://mainichi.jp/articles/20240719/spp/sp0/004/047000c / https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/07/19/kiji/20240718s00079000374000c.html

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20240719070320/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20240719/spp/sp0/004/047000c  / https://web.archive.org/web/20240719071816/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/07/19/kiji/20240718s00079000374000c.html 

Yuzuru Hanyu's determination: 3rd year as a professional, the legend moves to a new chapter - putting his soul into the cycle

Reveal hidden contents

Yuzuru Hanyu (29), a consecutive Olympic champion in men's figure skating and an active professional skater, celebrated his second year as a professional on the 19th. He has successfully completed a number of solo performances, all of which are unprecedented for an ice show, including his first solo tour "Prologue," the Tokyo Dome tour "GIFT," and his second year "RE_PRAY." Now in his third year as a professional, and turning 30 in December, he spoke at length about his two-year trajectory and future possibilities. The following is a Q&A.

Source: https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/07/19/kiji/20240718s00079000370000c.html

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20240719072301/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/07/19/kiji/20240718s00079000370000c.html

[Yuzuru Hanyu’s two-year journey as a professional (1)] From a “state of uncertainty” to a “clear understanding” of the basis of the expression he seeks

Reveal hidden contents

--Looking back on your journey over the past two years.
"Until now, I've really thought about many things as an athlete in a stoic manner. Not only about technique, but especially because I've always thought about winning. Then, in my first year as a professional, to be honest, I was feeling my way around. The year passed while I was constantly thinking about whether I should do this, whether I should do that, and what I should do. This year was a year in which I came to have a clear understanding of what I wanted to express and what I wanted to do as a professional.”

--What, specifically, have you come to understand clearly?
"In the first year, I had something called 'Prologue'. In it, I was feeling my way around to see if I could skate solo. I was also working on 'GIFT' at the same time. At that time, I wanted to write my own story too. I had always wanted people to experience how the programs they had seen up until now would change depending on how their mindsets changed. I had been thinking about that since competition day. That was realised in the first year. In the second year, with 'RE_PRAY', the ice story was completely formed. It wasn't just about trying to figure out how to skate by myself or changing perspectives by putting what I wanted to express into a story. I think the big thing about the second year was that I was able to clearly define what pieces existed in the story and the kind of story I wanted to tell."

--If that’s the case, will your third year be different as well?
"I have finally established the foundation for what I want to do, and as an extension of that, I want to see how I can improve my skills in terms of expression. In terms of expressing myself, I think that I can't improve my level without a strong technical foundation which I've been talking about since my competitive days, so I feel that my third year will be about strengthening both my techniques and my physical strength."

Source: https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/07/19/kiji/20240718s00079000371000c.html

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20240719093257/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/07/19/kiji/20240718s00079000371000c.html

[Yuzuru Hanyu’s two-year journey as a professional skater (2)] “A prayer for life” is at the heart of what he wants to express

Reveal hidden contents

Source: https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/07/19/kiji/20240718s00079000372000c.html

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20240719100620/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/07/19/kiji/20240718s00079000372000c.html 

[Yuzuru Hanyu’s two-year journey as a professional (3)] Turning 30 in December: “I’ve become clearer about the core of my life”

Reveal hidden contents

yuzurujenn · July 22, 2024

2024.07.19

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20240718-OHT1T51180.html?page=1#

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20240719134624/https://hochi.news/articles/20240718-OHT1T51180.html?page=1

Figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu (29), who marked two years since announcing his decision to turn pro on the 19th, agreed to an interview. He spoke at length about his two years as a professional, his present and the future, his fateful encounter with a program, and the "ideal" he is pursuing. We will be publishing Hanyu's words, who continues to evolve as an athlete and artist, for three consecutive days. The second and final instalment is a stand-alone interview. (Interviewer: Takagi Megumi)

Yuzuru Hanyu: "Pursuing the Ideal" - Interview two years after turning professional - First Part (1)

Reveal hidden contents

Hanyu-san appeared dashingly at the studio in Sendai. As soon as he arrived, he started the interview by saying "Thank you." His quick thinking and agility were as good as ever. His black jersey looked good on him as always.

　"Honestly, my first year as a professional was a bit of a trial-and-error state; I was constantly thinking about whether I should do this, whether I should do that, what I should do. But this (second year) has been a year in which I have clearly understood what I want to express, and what I want to do as a professional."

　Though he was thoughtful at times and carefully choosing his words, he was smiling throughout the interview. Looking back on the past two years, his expression showed how contented he has become as a professional.

　It all started with a one-man show “Prologue”. “GIFT,” the first solo Tokyo Dome performance by a skater in history, lasted two and a half hours in which he skated alone. In "RE_PRAY", the second instalment of the ice story following "GIFT", he took on his first national tour.

　"In the second year, with 'RE_PRAY', the ice story was completely formed. I think the big thing about the second year was that I was able to properly establish what pieces existed in the story and what kind of story I wanted to tell."

　He wrote the story himself, served as executive producer, and performed "Ice Story" by himself. With "RE_PRAY," he created a new form of entertainment that combines gaming and skating.

　"It's the same when I choreograph various programs, but I think that the essence of what I want to express is always the idea of 'living' and the constant presence of something like a 'prayer' towards 'living'."

　He has changed the concept of a professional skater. He can perform quadruple jumps and perform programs in a variety of genres. His evolution as an athlete and an artist continues in his third season.

　"I have finally established the foundation for what I want to do, so as an extension of that, I am wondering how I can improve my skills in terms of expression. In order to convey myself, I believe that I cannot improve my level unless I have a strong technical foundation, as I have always said since my competitive days. I feel that my third year will be a time when I will be working on improving both my technique and my physical strength."

He will be turning 30 in December. He says that his present life is different from the future he envisioned as a teenager. He was supposed to have turned professional after the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics and retire from skating in his 20s.

　"The way my stamina and technique have developed is completely different from what I had imagined, but it gives me a real sense of how much more I can achieve, and a sense of great potential for the future. I now feel that humans can achieve much more than I had thought."

　He won consecutive Olympic gold medals in Pyeongchang and after his third Olympic Games in Beijing, he turned professional. He had an incredibly intense 20s. What will his 30s be like? "Nothing in particular has changed," he continued, tilting his head.

　"While still cherishing who I am, I think that showing my skills and facing skating are a big part of what makes me happy. I want to always have within myself a reason for my existence, a meaning to the past 30 years for everyone. It's not just because my fans watch me, or because skating is all I have, but I want to create more clearly within myself the core of my life in my 30s."

　Skating with soul. "Pursuing the ideal," he wrote on his coloured paper. The story of professional skater Yuzuru Hanyu has just begun.

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20240718-OHT1T51181.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20240720064508/https://hochi.news/articles/20240718-OHT1T51181.html?page=1

Yuzuru Hanyu: "I've become clearer about the core of my life" - Interview two years after turning professional - First Part (2)

Reveal hidden contents

-What have the past two years been like since you turned professional?

　"As an athlete, I have really thought about many things in a stoic way up until now. Of course, this is true in terms of technique, but I think I have always been thinking about victory in particular. To be honest, in my first year as a professional, I was feeling my way around; I spent the whole year constantly thinking about whether I should do this, whether I should do that, what I should do. I think this (second year) has been the year in which I have clearly understood what I want to express, and what I want to do as a professional."

-What have you come to understand clearly?

　"In the first year, I had 'Prologue,' and I was feeling my way around whether I could skate solo. I was also working on 'GIFT' at the same time. At the time, I wanted to write my own story, and I wanted the audience to experience how the programs they had seen up until then would change as they watched them. This was something I had vaguely thought about since my competitive days. I was able to make this a reality in my first year. In my second year, I had 'RE_PRAY,' and I felt like I had completely formed the ice story. It wasn't just about trying to figure out how to skate by myself or changing perspectives by putting what I wanted to express into a story. I think the big thing about my second year was that I was able to properly establish that this story has these pieces, and that this is the story I would like to convey."

-What kind of year will your third year be?

　"I have finally established a foundation for what I want to do, so as an extension of that, I am wondering how I can improve my skills in terms of expression. As for conveying myself, I have always said since my competitive days that I can't improve my level without having strong technique as a foundation. I feel that my third year will be a time when I will be working on improving both my technique and my physical strength."

-Memories from the past two years.

　"There are a lot, of course. I can't really say just one, but I've had so many different, precious experiences. Most recently, the completion of "RE_PRAY". I had that feeling that it was received well. I'm currently in the middle of the production process (laughs). It's my motivation to keep working hard, it's my driving force."

-Are you currently working on any new projects?

　"I've been creating new programs and other things. I've started digging deeper into what I want to express. Because I've been working alone for so long, the emotions that come out of me tend to be biased. My ideas haven't fundamentally changed that much, so my repertoire hasn't expanded that much. But I do feel that my experiences with 'RE_PRAY' and other such things are the driving force behind the birth of new emotions and new expressions."

-Will Ice Story continue to create themes by asking itself these questions?

　"Whether it was when I was creating 'RE_PRAY,' or when I was choreographing programs like 'Goliath,' 'Aqua,' and others, I think that at the core of what I want to express is the idea of 'living,' and the constant presence of something like a 'prayer' towards 'living.' So, what I want to convey on top of that and what I want to dig deeper into may affect the way I present myself depending on the program at hand."

-You'll be turning 30 in December. How does it compare to how you imagined your 30 would be?

　"When I was 18 or 16, to be honest, I imagined I probably wouldn't be skating anymore by 30 (laughs). I would turn professional at 24, immediately after the Pyeongchang Olympics, and I thought I'd be active for about five years and then be done with skating. But the way I've developed my stamina and technique is completely different from what I imagined, and I feel a real sense of realisation that I can still do so much, and a great sense of possibility for the future. Right now, I feel that humans can still do much more than I thought."

-What kind of person do you want to be in your 30s?

　"Nothing has changed in particular. However, the more I polish my way of expression and the more time I spend constantly practicing and facing myself, the stronger my sense of self is becoming, and I feel like my foundation is becoming more and more established. In this way, I will continue to cherish myself in my 30s. But I think that showing my skills and facing skating is a big part of what makes me happy. I want to always have a reason for my existence, a reason for living for the past 30 years. Not just because my fans watch me, or because skating is all I have, but I want to create a clearer core for myself in my 30s."

2024.07.20

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20240719-OHT1T51148.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20240720142422/https://hochi.news/articles/20240719-OHT1T51148.html?page=1 

On the 19th, it has been two years since figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu (29) announced his professional debut. In the second part, he spoke to Sports Hochi in an exclusive interview about his "fateful encounter" with a certain program. (Interviewer: Megumi Takagi)

Yuzuru Hanyu's new professional debut is full of tension: "To be honest, it's really scary". Interview two years after turning professional - Second Part (1)

Reveal hidden contents

-Does time pass differently now compared to when you were an athlete?
　"When I was a competing athlete, I could just keep thinking about things like building my physique or practicing skating. But when I'm creating something or choreographing a program or doing things like that, I don't have time to just practice. So, I thought, 'I won’t be able to practice during this period, so I'll just try to maintain it’, or ‘I'll try to keep it to a certain level, and since I'm currently in the production period, it can't be helped if I cut down on sleep.' I want to provide something good, and when I think about all sorts of things, I can't sleep. To begin with, I'm the kind of person who tends to live an unhealthy lifestyle (laughs). I know I should sleep more for my skating, or eat more of this or that, but it just keeps falling apart."

-How much sleep do you get?
　"It depends on the day. If I feel like I can't take it anymore, sometimes I'll sleep for eight or nine hours straight, and sometimes I fall asleep without realising it. On the other hand, there are also days when I'm awake all day. It's normal to stay up all night even though there's no need to. But it's at times like those that stories are born. It's hard to put into words. It's not that different from writing lyrics or composing music. I guess that's just how it is. I've accepted it and thought that this is just my style."
　
-During the rehearsals for "Notte Stellata" in March, you said you were "nervous about the new program."
　"Of course, I felt nervous about performing it in front of everyone for the first time, wondering if I’ll make a mistake or if everything will be okay, but if anything, I thought it's great, and the people around also thought it's great. But when that circle expands from me to people who are close to me, and then to my fans and to the general public, honestly I'm really scared about what people will think. People have completely different values, and there's no doubt that the impression people get when they hear a program or a song is different for each person. So I do feel a bit scared that it may go in the wrong direction."

-How have you felt about that over the past two years?
　"I've created a lot of programs, including 'RE_PRAY', and it makes me happy to see that people have different preferences for the programs they like. Some people say they like my self-choreographed programs, and others say they prefer programs that are properly choreographed by a choreographer. Some people say they prefer programs that are more like traditional figure skating, and conversely, some people prefer programs that are more over-the-top, like 'MEGALOVANIA', so it really varies. That's also one of my strengths. I'm really happy that everyone has different interpretations of the programs and likes them."

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20240719-OHT1T51151.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20240720142628/https://hochi.news/articles/20240719-OHT1T51151.html?page=1 

Yuzuru Hanyu: "Danny Boy" is a "fateful encounter" - Planning a 15-minute program - Interview two years after turning professional - Second Part (2)

Reveal hidden contents

-What programs would you like to try in the future?
　"I actually want to make a 15-minute program, but I'm worried it might be difficult."

-Is that a physical thing?
　"Of course, it's physically demanding. For example, even if I don't jump that much, I don't want it to become boring. I want to create something with so-called contemporary movements, but I don't think I can keep up."

-There’s a concept.
"I have a vague idea, but I'm not sure if I can go that far yet. I don’t know. I haven't found a song that I want to skate to yet. I just don’t think I’ve found a song that I want to skate to for 15 or 20 minutes."

-"Danny Boy" (※1) has a more empathetic and gentler feel than ever before. Is this due to the fact that your range of expression has expanded over the past two years, or is it a change from within?
　"I do feel like I've become able to express emotions that were already there in new ways. That's true when I skate to 'Notte' (Notte stellata) or 'Spring' (Come, Spring). I've been able to express things like compassion or prayer through the melody, the way I use my hands, the way I use my upper body, and so on. Up until now, I've been doing classical, pop, and instrumental pieces, and 'Come, Spring' was originally a pop song. This time, I used a jazz melody, which was something I hadn't done before, and I think the biggest difference is that I feel like I've finally become able to do it. Of course, I think part of it is that I'm getting older and becoming more mature, but I feel like I’m catching up a bit in the way I use my body to express that, and in my thought processes."

-"Danny Boy" was recommended to you by Hoshino Gen.
　"That's right. I met Gen-san (※2) on the show and he said, ‘This is a good song’. At that moment, I had a feeling that this was it. I decided almost immediately that I was going to skate to this song."

-Did it come in easily?
　"It's hard to find songs that inspire me and songs that, when I first listen to them, I can imagine myself standing there and skating to them. I've been searching really hard for songs, but it's not easy to find one. But that song just came to me. I had a feeling that this was it. The melody was not something I could choreograph by myself, and I felt that this song needed to be skated over and over again to mature, so I immediately thought of David (Wilson, *3) and asked him for help. It was a quick development with the song, and I felt like it was a fateful encounter."

[※1] Performed by Keith Jarrett. Debuted at "Yuzuru Hanyu Notte Stellata 2024" in March this year.
[※2] He appeared as a guest on Hoshino Gen's show "Ogen-san's Sabusuku-do" (NHK, broadcast last August). He played the role of "Ogen-san's younger brother" and talked about music.
[※3] Canadian choreographer. Choreographed "Romeo and Juliet" for the free skating at Sochi Olympics, "Notte Stellata," and "Spring, Come", among others.

2024.07.21

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20240720-OHT1T51199.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20240721060603/https://hochi.news/articles/20240720-OHT1T51199.html?page=1

The final episode of an exclusive interview with figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu (29), who announced his professional debut two years ago on the 19th. He talked about "full effort," "mind, technique, and body," and his "ideal" as an athlete. (Interviewer: Megumi Takagi)

Yuzuru Hanyu: "Remove the limiter" - The full-power dance he's been building up to - Interview two years after turning professional - Final Part (1)

Reveal hidden contents

-During a press conference for "RE_PRAY," you said, "I can still improve the composition."
　"Originally, in practice, I was practicing 'Messenger of Ruin' with the final axel as a 3A3T (a triple 1/2-triple toe loop combination jump). Sometimes I would also practice the first toe loop in the second half as a 4T3T (a quadruple toe loop-triple toe loop combination jump). I probably wouldn't be able to do it in a real performance, but I was practicing it as a way to build up my stamina and improve my skills. I had some time to spare, so I thought I'd like to do it if possible. I tried it on the final day of the Miyagi performance, and there were some flaws. I guess I was hoping that if I practiced more, I'd be able to do it."

-Will there be a composition as difficult as that (※1) this season as well?
　"I would like to do it. However, I think the composition will be completely different depending on what I want to express. Is the challenge a quadruple jump, or something more physically difficult? Also, I think the way it is presented will be completely different depending on whether I am challenging myself expressively. If possible, I would like to improve the composition. However, when it comes to a tour, I wonder if I am really 100% confident that I can deliver something good to everyone. I think it is necessary to always consider the balance and make sure I am not overestimating myself."

-It was the same in the ice shows and exhibitions when you were competing, and of course it's still the same now. Why are you able to give it your all every time?
　"On the contrary, I feel more uncomfortable if I don’t give it my all. Performing in front of people is in itself something that may or may not please them, but in that moment, it may also be a catalyst for a change in someone’s life, even if just a little. If it were my own performance, I don't think I could show a half-hearted performance."

-Is that always the case?
　“Always. I think I've been like that since I was little. I think my physical ability is pretty high, but if I didn't give it my all, I wouldn't reach that level. Therefore, I had to remove that limiter and try to catch up with my sister (Hanyu started skating because of his sister, who is four years older than him) or try to reach her level, since I couldn’t get that far unless I gave it my all. For example, when I was a novice and I couldn't jump the triple or double axel properly. Other kids could jump them, but I was flexible, didn't have much muscle strength, and wasn't blessed with a body that was so good in terms of explosive power, but when I thought about wanting to be better than everyone else, or wanting to catch up with everyone else, that's why I kept giving it my all. I removed my limiter more than other people. Because I didn't want to lose. I wanted to be praised (laughs). So, removing the limiter is normal for me probably from a young age. I have an older sister, so there’s always someone at home to aspire to. So, I guess I had to remove the limiter in everything. And now I have a sense of responsibility. Because I am Yuzuru Hanyu, the question of how far I can go in my pursuit is gradually coming into play and giving it meaning. If I were to talk about my childhood, I think that's probably what it was like."

[※1] In "RE_PRAY"'s "Messenger of Ruin," he completed a highly difficult routine just like in a competition, including a single quadruple Salchow and toe loop, five consecutive quadruple toe loops, and two triple axels.

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20240720-OHT1T51200.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20240721061418/https://hochi.news/articles/20240720-OHT1T51200.html?page=1

Yuzuru Hanyu: "My ideal is getting higher and higher". At the core is "for the fans" - Interview two years after turning professional - Final Part (2)

Reveal hidden contents

-How do you increase your concentration before a performance?
　"In my case, theoretically, I think that if I can get excited or create a situation that I find enjoyable, I will naturally be able to concentrate. So, although I don't sing it out loud, I think that getting into music is what turns on my concentration switch. It's like my blood gets pumping, or like the switch in my brain changes. I guess it's the song, the music."

-You are still a complete athlete. Athletes often use the phrase "Shin-Gi-Tai” *," but where does ‘mind, technique, and body’ fit into your perspective, Hanyu-san?
　"In the end, I think there's no point if you can't find a balance. If you excel in one area... For example, if your heart becomes very strong at one point, but your technique is not strong enough to match the size of your heart, then the heart itself will probably be destroyed and you will be swallowed up. So you definitely need the technique to express your heart. Even if you spread that heart and technique widely, if you don't have the physical strength, if your body itself isn't functioning well, then you will be swallowed up by your technique and your heart. In the end, I think if you really want to level up, you have to make everything bigger."

(*心技体 (Shin-gi-tai) – Shin = mind/heart, Gi= skills/technique, Tai = physique/body)

-What is an athlete?
　"Now, I have the opportunity to work in various professional fields and have more opportunities to come into contact with people whom I really respect, I think that the people I consider to be the very best are all athletes. For example, there is the NHK programme ‘The Professionals’, and people like that are really athletes. Personally, I think the way they use their time, or the way they use their heart and soul, to achieve a certain goal or ideal is what makes them athletes. I don't know whether to call that an athlete or a professional, but that's how I've always been since my competitive days. I think that's what I would like to call myself, an athlete.”

-You've often used the word "ideal" since the latter half of your competitive days. It sounds like a declaration of determination not to compromise on that.
　"The reason I started talking about my 'ideal' towards the end of my competitive days was because, well… To be honest, I wanted to perform a certain way, but after all, it didn’t always lead to positive evaluation. That's when I decided to shift towards pursuing my ideal."

-Perhaps around Autumn Classics?
　"The most significant was Autumn, I guess...Autumn 2019...? At that time, I had no choice but to reconsider and realise that the most important thing was to do what I wanted to do and perform the kind of performance I was aiming for, rather than worrying about scores. I felt that this was equal to making the fans happy. From then on, I am still on that same path. After I become a professional skater, I have to pursue it even more. Because I am skating for the fans. The ideal is getting higher and higher, and I am chasing that ideal."

Post-interview notes
　Last year, one year after turning professional, Hanyu-san sent a message to his fans to Sports Hochi. "I will continue to strive for my ideal and continue to constantly renew that ideal," he wrote. I think that this past year has been exactly like that.
　

The path he should take must have become clearer now. His expression was bright and full of contentment. We asked him to write down his aspiration for his third year on a coloured paper. He wrote, "Pursuing the 'ideal’”. "I'm skating for my fans, so the ‘ideal’ will get higher and higher," he said. Beautiful skating that blends in with the music. A range of expression that can only be achieved with advanced technique. I hope that Hanyu-san will continue to cherish the "ideal" skating that he has carefully cultivated. (Takagi Megumi)

yuzurujenn · July 22, 2024

2024.07.22

Source: https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/society/b83041c2aa0049b0a6834af9a6d25189
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20240722092556/https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/society/b83041c2aa0049b0a6834af9a6d25189

Yuzuru Hanyu and others to hold charity performance in support of Noto reconstruction in September, "I hope we can bring some cheer to people..."

Figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu and other professional skaters will help support the Noto Peninsula earthquake reconstruction efforts. It has been announced that the "Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Charity Performance Challenge" will be held in Ishikawa Prefecture on September 15th.

Top skaters including Yuzuru Hanyu (consecutive Sochi and Pyeongchang Olympic gold medalist), Satoko Miyahara (World Championship 2nd place), Akiko Suzuki (World Championship 3rd place), and Takahito Mura (Four Continents Championship winner) will participate in the event, in support of the desire to connect smiles and energy in Ishikawa. The title "Challenge" also contains a message to overcome difficulties and move forward.

In addition to the skaters' performances, the event will also be linked to the disaster-stricken areas of Noto through video.

Although it will not be possible to watch the event at the venue, it will be streamed live through a video streaming service, and the proceeds from the stream will be donated to Ishikawa Prefecture to support reconstruction efforts. Details such as streaming tickets will be announced on the TV Kanazawa website at a later date.

Reveal hidden contents

yuzurujenn · July 22, 2024

2024.08.05

Source: AERA issue 24.8.12-19 No.37, pg 9-15
Info: https://x.com/AERAnetjp/status/1819281986546020374 / https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0D89L6LS2

person in focus

"After all, it's frustrating when I can't perform well."

A session with photographer Mika Ninagawa for the first time in a year. In a long interview exclusive to this magazine, he talks about the ideals he pursues.

Writer: Takaomi Matsubara

Reveal hidden contents

Professional skater

Yuzuru Hanyu

Born December 7, 1994 in Sendai.

2009 Won the Junior Grand Prix Final at age 14.

2010 Became the youngest Japanese male to win the World Junior Championships.

2011 While practicing at a rink in Sendai, the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred, and he had to live in an evacuation shelter. The rink where he was training was temporarily closed.

2012 First participated in the World Championships, coming in third.

2013 Graduated from Tohoku High School. Enrolled in a correspondence course at the Faculty of Human Sciences at Waseda University, studying human informatics and cognitive sciences. Won his first Grand Prix Final. Won four consecutive titles thereafter.

2014 First Asian gold medal in men's figure skating at the Sochi Olympics. First World Championship win.

2017 Second World Championship win.

2018 Second gold medal in men's figure skating at the Pyeongchang Olympics.

2020 Won his first Four Continents Championship, becoming the first man to win all major international junior and senior competitions.

2022 Participated in the Beijing Olympics. In July, announced his professional career.

The ice show "Prologue" was held in Yokohama in November and in Hachinohe in December.

2023 In February, the ice show "GIFT" was held at Tokyo Dome.

In March, the ice show "notte stellata" was held in Miyagi Prefecture.

In March and April, he appeared in the ice show "Stars on Ice" (Osaka, Iwate, Yokohama).

In May and June, he appeared in the ice show "Fantasy on Ice" (Makuhari, Miyagi, Niigata, Kobe).

In November, the ice show "RE_PRAY" tour began at Saitama Super Arena.

The following year, it was held at SAGA Arena in Saga in January, Pia Arena MM in Yokohama in February, and Sekisui Heim Super Arena in Miyagi in April.

2024 In March, the ice show "notte stellata" was held in Miyagi Prefecture.

In May and June, he appeared in the ice show "Fantasy on Ice" (Makuhari, Aichi).

On September 15th, he will be performing in the "Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Charity Performance Challenge" in Ishikawa Prefecture.

----------------------------

It has been two years since he made a new start as a professional figure skater in the summer of 2022. In 2024, he led three successful ice shows: "RE_PRAY" (Saga, Yokohama, Miyagi performances), "notte stellata" and "Fantasy on Ice".

The shoot with Mika Ninagawa for the first time in a year began with a cheerful greeting from each other, "Thank you for your continued support this year," and "Thank you." When she said to him, "You're still as young as ever!", Hanyu replied with a smile, a little embarrassed, "I'm almost 30."

"Move freely."

With those words, he made expressions and gestures as he pleased.

Various scenes were set up in the vast studio. Hanyu, who changed costumes and was photographed in each scene, moved and made expressions freely, sometimes under instructions and sometimes as if he was imagining (creating) a story himself. The people watching repeatedly let out gasps of amazement as the images were displayed one after another on the computer monitor. It was nothing short of amazing how he instantly exuded various moods - from boyish with a hint of innocence to cool and seductive.

His creativity was not limited to the way he behaved as a subject. When the BGM was played during the shoot, his body naturally responded to the music, and he also requested songs himself when he saw the costumes. There was also a moment when he saw a prop that had been set up and asked, "Do you have one more of these?" This revealed his high level of creative awareness.

The shooting has completed.

"Thank you very much," he said, and there was something light-hearted and cheerful about it. After a year, what he showed in the studio was a more mature and expressive side to him.

Exclusive interview with this magazine

[In pursuit of a distant ideal]

He is now in his third year as a professional figure skater. Reflecting on his days of taking on unprecedented challenges, he spoke about what he has gained from them and what the future holds.

Photo: Mika Ninagawa Writer: Takaomi Matsubara

Yuzuru Hanyu, the journey continues

hair & make up: Noboru Tomizawa
styling: Masataka Hattori
costume: NEEDLES BED j.w. FORD YUKI HASHIMOTO
prop styling: Ayumi Endo

Reveal hidden contents

Yuzuru Hanyu started out as a professional figure skater in 2022. In his first professional ice show, "Prologue," he performed the first solo ice show in history. He skated for nearly two hours, with a structure that richly conveyed his skating career. Following "Prologue," he then performed a solo show at the Tokyo Dome for the first time in history, "GIFT." The ice show filled the gigantic venue, which had never been seen before.

After "Prologue" and "GIFT," he held the performance "notte stellata" in March 2023, which was filled with thoughts and prayers for March 11.

It has been a year since our interview last summer, following those three performances.

Changes in the "depth" of thinking

"When I was interviewed a year ago, it had just been a year since I turned professional. I had a desire to grow and learn more specialized things. In the year since then, I think that my technique, expression, and many other aspects have changed. Among them, I feel that I have had many more opportunities to think about expression. I have been thinking about expression even in my daily life. I think that the way I think about my show, the way I think about each program, the depth of those things has clearly changed."

He talks about what triggered the change in the past year.

"First of all, I had to spend more time thinking about writing a new ice story after GIFT and also about my own performance."

The new ice story is "RE_PRAY", under the title "ICE STORY 2nd".

It opened on November 4, 2023 at Saitama Super Arena. It was performed in Saitama for two days, on that day and the following day, and in the new year it was performed in Saga on January 12th and 14th, and in Yokohama on February 17th and 19th, for a total of six performances in three cities.

After the premiere in Saitama on November 4th, Hanyu said the following.
"First of all, I myself have learned from games, manga, novels, and various other sources, about what life is all about, how precious life is, and other similar things that everyone else roughly feels.

In games, the concept of life is really light in a sense, and you can repeat it, so you can use characters to do all sorts of things and push forward with curiosity. If you apply that to the real world, you might be a person who has the drive to grab hold of dreams, or conversely, from a different perspective, you might be a very terrifying person. But if you could do it all over again, I'm sure people would try it."

24 hours a day, always skating
In this story with a game motif, the question of "choice" is often depicted.

We make choices in our lives, even if we are not aware of it. What if you choose a different option than the one you originally chose? Or would you choose the same option? This story asks the audience, which serves as an opportunity to reexamine their way of life.

Of course, just like "Prologue" and "GIFT," the fact that this story was completed and received with overwhelming acclaim was due to the performance of Hanyu, who was the sole performer. And even after six performances, he did not try to stay in the same place. He continued to evolve.

There were many evidences of this growth at the final performance of the Yokohama show, for example. The movements in the performance of "Chicken, Snake and Pig" where he moved forward as if resisting the shackles. The performance of "Megalovania", following a silent performance without music with only the sound of his edges resonating, was more integrated with the music than in previous performances. Not only in the production aspects, but also in the details of Hanyu's performance itself, there were traces of refinement here and there.

After the Saga performance, Hanyu spent his days preparing more rigorously for the Yokohama performance.

"Of course, I trained and restricted my diet. Well, how should I say it, there are 24 hours in a day, but I spent the entire time on nothing else but skating. In other words, skating was always present, 24 hours a day.”

"That's right. To put it simply, it felt like I was spending every day just working on 'RE_PRAY'."

The reason he spent all his time facing skating was because he had regrets about the Saga performance.

"After all, it's frustrating when I can't perform well."

However, the standards of frustration have changed from when he was a competing athlete.

Still not enough
"Gradually, the focus is shifting from scores to an evaluation. If something technical that I had planned didn't go well, then my evaluation vector changes and my perspective shifts. I couldn't accomplish what I wanted to accomplish in Saga, so I was simply disappointed."

After spending 24 hours focused on skating, the Yokohama performance came. After the final performance, he said, "I feel a sense of accomplishment like winning the Olympics."

While he felt a sense of fulfillment, he wasn't completely satisfied. He also felt that his ability had not yet caught up with what he wanted to do.

"So I feel like there are still things I need to study more. Of course, I think I'm evolving. I think I'm getting better. But I still feel like it's not enough. As I keep digging deeper and deeper, my ideals become higher, and the things I want to express are becoming more and more specific. The more my ideals become more concrete, the more I feel like I'm not catching up."

He is aware that he still has areas where he needs to improve, especially in the finer details. This is something he realises now, which he didn't feel this way when he was competing in the sport.

"It's impossible to realise this when you're a competitive athlete. After all, if you can jump, you win. To be honest, if you couldn’t jump, there was no point in talking about it, as the outcome of the competition was pretty much decided by how many types of quadruple jumps there are and where you put them in the program. For example, what memories do you have of this song, the background of this song, what is the story you want to express, how the story and the song will fit together, or what meaning is in the choreography, to be honest, there’s not much room to think about that. You have to complete all your technical elements in one go in the four minutes of a competition (free skate), so that's all you can focus on."

A world not in first place
Win the match. In a competition, that is set as a goal.

"Since I had already achieved that, there was no way I could go any higher. If you think about it in the world of competition, I won first place, so even if I tried harder, I couldn't get any higher than first place. In other words, I just tried to see how long I could maintain that first place position.
But in the world I'm in right now, even if I think I'm in first place, it may not be. It’s a place where I can think, "I'm still at the bottom". When I look at the various works of art or technically excellent things from around the world, I feel that there are still many things I can't do, so I think that I still have a long way to go."

When he moved from the world of competition, which was fixed in a sense, to a new world, it was no longer a confined space.

However, whether one knows its vastness or not, whether one feels that there is an endlessly wide world out there, is up to the individual. So even though the world is infinite, some people only notice a limited space. Or, there are those who limit the space themselves.

Right now, Hanyu thinks, "I still have a long way to go." He feels like he's at the bottom. This is because he knows that the world is endlessly vast.

The reason he feels this way is because he has the ambition to move forward without being content with the present. So instead of seeing the place he has arrived at as the end point, he knows that there is still space to go beyond that.

Ideals evolve
"I may have surpassed the ideal I had a year ago. But the sense of distance between me and my ideal is probably the same as it was a year ago. For example, if the distance between me and my ideal a year ago was 10 meters, it may be 10 meters, no, 11 meters now. That's how I feel. I'm living and experiencing life, I see information every day, and in the midst of that, my ideal evolves. My ideal gets further and further away. But at the same time, through what I have seen and experienced, I'm sure I’m also one step closer to my ideal."

Then, after a short pause, he continued with a smile.
"As long as I want to, I think I can continue for the rest of my life."

The skater is still on his journey, striving towards the ideals he has built with his own will.

yuzurujenn · July 22, 2024

2024.08.17

Source: AERA issue 24.8.26 No.38, pg 37
Info: https://x.com/AERAnetjp/status/1823993033878114654 / https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0D89L989K

The 29-year-old's "Shin" and "Gi"
An overwhelming presence in both monochrome and colour

During breaks in the photoshoot, he answered questions from fans that had been submitted in advance. At times, he was troubled and thought about the person asking the question, saying “That’s a difficult one”.

Editorial Department: Shiho Fukui
Photo and Video Department: Tetsuya Higashikawa

Reveal hidden contents

During breaks in the photoshoot, he answered questions from fans that had been submitted in advance. At times, he was troubled and thought about the person asking the question, saying “That’s a difficult one”.

The 29-year-old's "Shin" and "Gi"
An overwhelming presence in both monochrome and colour

The light from the projector illuminates his figure as he stands tall in the studio. Even with the simple lighting, he has an overwhelming presence. Two photo books documenting the collaboration between professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu and photographer Mika Ninagawa will be released simultaneously in November.

It has been two years since Hanyu announced that he would turn professional in July 2022. During this period, AERA has produced two photo books, "Yuzuru Hanyu: The Driving Force Behind His Leaps" and "Yuzuru Hanyu: The Driving Force of Solitude." Both were photographed by Ninagawa.

Needless to say, Hanyu is an athlete. But the moment he puts on a haute couture outfit, he brings it to life and captivates with his expression. His way of making the colorful sets prepared by Ninagawa his own always receives a great response.

A collection of photographs by two artists who always aim for the top and pursue expressions that no one has seen before. The reason they decided to produce two new books, the all-black-and-white photo book "Shin" and the all-colour photo book "Gi", again came from their desire to "see things they have never seen before".

At the Sochi Olympics when he was 19 years old, Hanyu won the first gold medal for Japan in men’s figure skating. Four years later, at the Pyeongchang Olympics, he achieved the first two consecutive Olympic victories in 66 years. At the Beijing Olympics, he attempted the unprecedented quad axel. He has continued to hone his skills even after turning professional.

Hanyu turns 30 this year.

How will he celebrate this milestone that everyone considers a turning point? He started skating at the age of four and has been doing it for 25 years. Behind this achievement recognised by everyone, there must have been unimaginable loneliness and suffering. In an interview for "The Driving Force of Solitude," he answered that the kanji that best describes him is "core." His words, "I absolutely do not want to waver," showed his longstanding determination as he continued to face skating head-on.

The pinnacle of skill shown in a world of vibrant colours, and the unchanging depth shown in a world without colour. Look forward to the photobooks that record the last of his twenties.

Note: *心技体 (Shin-Gi-Tai) – Shin = mind/heart, Gi= skills/technique, Tai = physique/body

yuzurujenn · August 31, 2024

2024.08.29

Source: Figure Skating Life Extra "PROFESSIONAL Season 2, pg 50-65
Translation by Pep: https://x.com/pep_on_

Info: https://x.com/fskating_Life/status/1828953371572846812

Alternative translation from me: https://www.tumblr.com/yuzurujenn/761062243828924416/20240829-fs-life-extra-x-yuzuru-hanyu

Interview: HANYU YUZURU
"I realized that there was still so much potential"

Hanyu has now completed his second year as a professional athlete. Having completed his first solo tour, "RE_PRAY," he appears to have explored and elevated his expression to a higher level both as a producer and as an artist. However, the responses he spoke of were unexpected. From this valuable long interview, we explore where Hanyu Yuzuru is now in his third year as a professional and the state he is aiming for. (Interviewed in Sendai on June 17, 2024)

Text by Yumeko Yamamoto; Photos by Toru Yaguchi; Styling by Shogo Yanagi, Hair & Make by Tomomi Kakizaki

Reveal hidden contents

Interviewer: Let's start with your recent activities. How was the overall experience of "Fantasy on Ice," especially the shows in Makuhari and Aichi?

Yuzuru Hanyu: Well, after starting to do solo shows as a tour, my awareness as a professional-like how I want to be as a skater and the kind of effort I want to put into shows-has really solidified. In that sense, even though it was "Fantasy on Ice," I think I approached my performances with a much stronger sense of responsibility than in previous years.

Interviewer: Do you think that this feeling has accumulated as you entered your second year as a professional?

Yuzuru Hanyu: It's still only been two years, but I've become more conscious of the responsibility that comes with performing. The gratitude for being watched and supported, and the feeling that I must cherish and fully live up to those expectations, have grown stronger. Although it wasn't a solo show, I felt like I approached it with the same energy as a solo show. Being with other skaters highlighted these feelings even more within myself. I felt that I've changed since becoming a professional.

Interviewer: Is there a difference in mindset between solo shows and shows with other skaters?

Yuzuru Hanyu: Until last year's "Fantasy," I strongly felt that sense of comfort that comes with it being "Fantasy on Ice." Of course, there were physical challenges, like having to jump quads in the opening, but this year, instead of feeling that comfort, I thought a lot about what it meant to skate here and faced each program with sincerity. But as senior skaters like (Evgeni) Plushenko and Johnny (Weir) have been gradually stepping back-although Stéphane Lambiel is still active, and Oda (Nobunari) wasn't part of the A Tour-I've found myself becoming one of the more senior, prominent skaters within "Fantasy on Ice." In that sense, I felt a sense of responsibility... I felt like I needed to take the lead and deliver performances that were expected of me, just like in a solo show. While skating, I was also thinking about the significance of having two programs, so in that sense, perhaps the atmosphere I aimed to create in "Fantasy" this time was something different when I look back now. As for the collaboration piece, "Meteor," I was skating with a sense of tension. (Takanori) Nishikawa-san was also very passionate about the song, and I think that passion, in sync with my skating, brought out a certain strength and agility in that program.

Interviewer: "Meteor," which is also a theme song for "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED," holds great significance for you as well, doesn't it?

Yuzuru Hanyu: Yes, it's one of the songs I've always really liked, but because I like it so much, it was difficult to imagine skating to it. Usually, when I'm asked to skate to a piece of music that I haven't listened to extensively, I can think about it as a skating program while listening. But since I was already familiar with this song, I thought, "How do I create a skating program from an image that's already so clear in my mind?" It was really challenging, and I remember it being very difficult.

Interviewer: I heard that it took about four weeks to create the choreography for "Meteor."
Yuzuru Hanyu: It really did take a lot of time (laughs). Nishikawa-san's strong vocals played a role too, and I thought a lot about how I should respond to that in my skating. Because I knew the song so well, I could hear all the different sounds, which made it difficult to decide how much to express. I wanted to stay true to the original image, to the feelings Nishikawa-san probably had while singing, but I also wanted to honor my own image as a skater. There were so many complex layers, and it was a tough process. I kept going back and forth, thinking, "This isn't right, that isn't right," while working on the choreography.

Interviewer: It was difficult precisely because you had a strong emotional attachment to it.

Yuzuru Hanyu: Exactly.

Interviewer: The choreography included elements that seemed to evoke a story. Was this intentional, as you wanted to incorporate influences from the stories that have affected you, in addition to just the music?

Yuzuru Hanyu: Yes, I wanted to respect the story, but I also didn't want it to become too theatrical. If I focused too much on the story, the performance would start to feel like acting and lose the essence of the music. When I choreograph, I always think, "The choreography should be unique to this program, and this program should be unique to this choreography." There should always be a relationship where the music and choreography are inseparable, so I paid a lot of attention to expressing the imagery and tempo of the music.

Interviewer: The gesture where you place the bird-like robot on your shoulder made me think, "Could it be...?" even though I'm not that familiar with Gundam.

Yuzuru Hanyu: Yes, exactly (laughs). The protagonist (Kira Yamato) is tied to his past but has to fight because of the expectations placed on him. I'm not someone who is overly tied to the past, but I can relate to the sense of duty to fight, regardless of whether I want to or not. When I skated with those feelings, I thought that if I expressed too much of myself, it wouldn't fit the music. While I hesitated to create choreography that included key moments like placing the robot on my shoulder, I eventually decided that it was necessary to create something that could only be done in this program. Having such elements helps evoke the story for the audience and makes it easier for them to understand. So, I tried to balance my personal satisfaction with the satisfaction of the viewers.

Interviewer: When I first saw it in Makuhari, I didn't know who choreographed it, so I thought, "This choreographer must be a Gundam fan..."

Yuzuru Hanyu: Haha, yes, I'm a fan (laughs). But I think the way I choreographed that program is something that a typical figure skating choreographer wouldn't be able to do. When I choreograph, I often start with the footwork. "Ashura-chan" was like that, and so was "GIFT." | begin with the rhythm in the feet and then add the upper body movements, so the upper body doesn't take the lead. If anything, when it comes to figure skating, most of the work is done from the upper body when creating the choreography. In figure skating, when creating choreography, it's more common for the choreography to start with the upper body. The upper body movements are established first, and then, if you feel that something is a little lacking in certain parts, you think, 'Maybe I should add a turn here, or maybe some steps,' and that's how it comes together. But for me, it starts with the steps and turns, so the programs I create might be a bit different from those created by typical figure skating choreographers. Because I know this, when I'm creating more traditional figure skating programs like "Envoy to Destruction," I sometimes tell myself, "Lead with the upper body!"

Interviewer: You remind yourself to do that.

Yuzuru Hanyu: Yes, exactly. Otherwise, it might not feel like figure skating. I think, “Maybe I should focus more on picking up the melody," or, "I should create parts where I don't pick up the melody to make it feel more like figure skating."

Interviewer: Does this approach of starting from the rhythm in the feet relate to your tendency to pick up on the bass or drum rhythms when you listen to music?

Yuzuru Hanyu: Ah, yes, I do tend to pick those up. It's partly because I just like that kind of rhythm, but it's also something that figure skaters generally can't do with their feet. For example, in the finale of this month's "Fantasy on Ice," during "HIGH PRESSURE," I had my part where I would improvise, and each time it was different. The rhythm in the drums is very fast, and picking it all up with your feet is challenging (laughs). But I did it unconsciously because I've always liked that kind of thing since I was a kid. So it's not something typical for a figure skater; it's more like something that only someone who loves music and hears it deeply can do. In that sense, I might be a bit closer to a dancer. Also, I think I developed this style thanks to Alexei Yagudin and Kurt Browning. Yagudin's "Winter" (2001-2002 Short Program) has that famous toe step, and while he was probably aiming to enhance the music's intensity, I turned it into rhythm. Kurt, on the other hand, used his feet more for rhythm rather than melody. He was incredibly precise, and you could visually perceive the music through his steps, making you hear the music differently. I feel that my style has been influenced by both of them. When I was creating "Meteor," I watched a lot of Yagudin because I couldn't come up with ideas (laughs). The beginning part of the choreography is heavily inspired by the opening scene of "Gladiator," where the character swings his sword around-it's quite similar.

Interviewer: So the cool image you had was Yagudin.

Yuzuru Hanyu: Yes, although I love Plushenko and think he's incredibly cool, his aura comes from within rather than from choreography. The more I listen to music, the more I understand the world Yagudin wanted to express, and I've come to realize just how skilled he was. It's something I've only come to appreciate recently.

Interviewer: In the past, you were completely obsessed with Plushenko.

Yuzuru Hanyu: That's right. I always thought his overwhelming aura was so cool, but this time, I found Yagudin's coolness to be more appealing. 'Meteor' was heavily influenced by him. The edge work of the toe steps near the end of the interlude, just before collapsing, is entirely Yagudin. I did change the rhythm a bit, and the way I use my arms is more Hanyu-like, but the way I move my feet is very Yagudin, at least in my mind.

Interviewer: I'll definitely go back and watch it again.

Yuzuru Hanyu: Please do! (laughs) It was heavily influenced by him. The part right after the intro, when the song starts and at the line 'Frozen~♪,' when I spread my legs wide and turn-that kind of move is something Yagudin often does.

Interviewer: So there's a bit of Yagudin sprinkled throughout?

Yuzuru Hanyu: Yes, there is. (laughs) I always watch it thinking, 'I was influenced by him.' (laughs)

Interviewer: The costume was also very elaborate.

Yuzuru Hanyu: Yes, it was.

Interviewer: How was it designed?

Yuzuru Hanyu: I provided an image of the kind of design I wanted, and they took that and created the design based on it.

Turning Trouble into Opportunity
Interviewer: I see. The decoration on one shoulder was also interesting. What was the inspiration for that?

Yuzuru Hanyu: Oh, that was really just a coincidence! The colors matched the model that came with the limited edition of Nishikawa's CD 'FREEDOM' by chance.

Interviewer: That's amazing!

Yuzuru Hanyu: Originally, I did have that color in mind, but when I first received the costume and checked it, it was much whiter and had a lighter, more pastel blue. At that time, I wasn't aware of the model, but I thought to myself, 'It would stand out more if it were a bit darker.' Then, while checking the costume, I accidentally hit my face and ended up covered in blood (laughs). So, the costume got a lot of blood on it, and I had to get it cleaned right away, but since I didn't compromise, I was able to ask, 'Can you make it a bit darker?' That incident left a permanent scar, but I can't help but think it was a fateful injury (laughs). If I hadn't ended up covered in blood at that moment, I probably wouldn't have been able to say anything. The costume was a softer shade of blue originally. So maybe that's why everything fell into place.

Interviewer: Is your forehead okay now?

Yuzuru Hanyu: The scar is still there, but the pain has mostly gone away. When a big low-pressure system comes, I do still feel some pain. Also, when I roll over in my sleep and it rubs against something, it hurts a bit. But it doesn't hurt while I'm skating, and compared to when I sprained my ankle, it's nothing at all (laughs).

Interviewer: You've had so many painful injuries up until now.

Yuzuru Hanyu: Yes, it's true-only painful injuries (laughs).

Interviewer: And your 'Danny Boy' performance in 'Fantasy' seemed even more evolved than 'notte stellata.'

Yuzuru Hanyu: Wow, thank you!

Interviewer: Was there anything specific you did to make it even better?

Yuzuru Hanyu: I studied a lot in April about how to use my body and express myself. 'Danny Boy' was the program where I could most clearly showcase that. It's about how to incorporate the rhythm into my body, like how to move my feet during jazz, or how to capture the subtle fluctuations in rhythm that only a person who is deeply connected to rhythm can feel. I gradually understood how to bring that out more effectively, and 'Danny Boy' was the program where I could do that best.

Interviewer: So the evolution of your performance in 'Fantasy' came from that study.

Yuzuru Hanyu: That's what I'd like to think (laughs).

Interviewer: I already thought 'notte stellata' was a beautiful program, but at Makuhari, it was even more refined, and I was really moved. The lines were so clean and elegant.

Yuzuru Hanyu: "Thank you! I'm so happy! With that kind of program, the more delicately you can show the lines of your body and the way you use your arms, and how those movements are connected with the rest of your body, the better it is. You want to use big movements, but it's not about using your full range of motion. Even though you're not using your full range, every movement is completely controlled and at just the right angle. You really have to master it for it to look good. On the other hand, the more you master it, the better the program becomes. It's similar to programs like 'Ballade No.1' or 'Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso.'

Interviewer: Until two years ago, you only performed one program, but this time you decided to do two. Why is that?

Yuzuru Hanyu: When I was originally offered the opportunity to perform, I had already decided that I wanted to do two programs. When I heard the music that was suggested for collaboration in this Fantasy on Ice, I thought, 'One program alone probably won't be enough.' There are many people who know my solo performances well, and I have a sense of pride about showing something worthy to the audience, especially when they're paying the same amount or even more to come to 'Fantasy.' I didn't want them to feel it wasn't enough. So when I thought about how to maximize audience satisfaction, I felt that two programs would be the way to go. But it was really tough. In 'notte stellata,' I start with a triple Axel, so I don't have to do any quads. But for the opening of 'Fantasy,' I have to do a quad right away after getting on the ice. That was really hard (laughs). It's one thing to prepare a quad on dry land, but you have to be ready to jump it as soon as you get on the ice. To go from nothing during the six-minute warm-up to landing a quad right away on the ice... It was really tough. And I had 'Danny Boy' right after that, so I was totally exhausted.

Interviewer: Now that 'Fantasy' has ended, I think you've finally had a chance to catch your breath. But are you already feeling restless and looking forward to what's next?

Yuzuru Hanyu: Oh, I'm definitely already thinking about various projects and keeping my antennae up for ideas. I can't go into details, but there's a lot of work I need to do. In that sense, it's pretty tough right now.

Interviewer: Are you in the stage of preparing various things now?

Yuzuru Hanyu: I guess you could say I'm in a phase where I'm actively putting things out there, rather than just nurturing ideas. I tend to be stronger at inputting and outputting simultaneously rather than storing things up and then releasing them all at once. It's kind of like when I'm listening to music and the choreography comes to me ad-lib. My expressions are born while being influenced by something. So, whether it's planning or having a photo shoot, most of the ideas that come to me are often inspired by the music in the moment.

Interviewer: I always wondered how you gather your input.

Yuzuru Hanyu: Surprisingly, it's often from manga, and of course, games. Recently, I've also been reading philosophy books and academic papers, so I might be spending more time on those kinds of texts. I've never disliked reading papers, and I go through about two a week. They don't have to be long; short papers are fine, and if I'm not really in the mood, sometimes I'll just read the abstract (laughs). There are times when I only read the introduction and the conclusion and think, 'Oh, I see, that's what it was about,' and leave it at that. But even just gaining that knowledge increases my repertoire when it comes to expressing myself and gives me more perspectives to consider. So, I make a point to read them for that reason.

Interviewer: How do you find these papers?

Yuzuru Hanyu: Actually, when I created 'RE_PRAY,' I was reading a paper on the narrative elements of video games. The paper analyzed what kinds of elements are included in game stories, and it concluded that games have these specific characteristics. It compared how novels have certain narrative features and games have others. I read a lot of that kind of literature while making 'RE_PRAY.'

Interviewer: How was the 'RE_PRAY' tour for you?

Yuzuru Hanyu: I learned so much from it. It wasn't a tour where we performed multiple times over a month, but rather over an extended period in different locations. Each time, my mental state, my perception of the ice story itself, and the audience's reactions were completely different. It really made me realize just how much expression is linked to one's emotional state and background.

Interviewer: The lighting and projection mapping were really cool. I also felt a sense of newness in those aspects.

Yuzuru Hanyu: Yeah, it made me realize that in the field of ice shows, there's still so much room for improvement in how we use lasers, mapping, and even lighting. With the first ice story, 'GIFT,' I couldn't participate much in the production aspects. I just didn't have the capacity for it. I was also working on 'Prologue,' so there weren't many meetings either.

Interviewer: You were working on 'Prologue' at the same time, weren't you?

Yuzuru Hanyu: Yes, exactly. That's why I couldn't have many meetings back then. But with 'RE_PRAY,' I was more involved in the production, participated in the video aspects, and got involved in various elements, which made me realize how many possibilities are still left unexplored. On the flip side, I also realized how much I hadn't been able to do before.

Interviewer: The animation was also really cute, like the 8-bit pixel art style.

Yuzuru Hanyu: Yeah, we had discussions with the designer who created the pixel art and agreed that this style would work well. When we think about games, they're not just limited to pixel art; there are so many games now with incredible realism. These days, there are so many games that are almost human-like in terms of technology-like watching a movie. But still, for the people who came to see skating, to see Yuzuru Hanyu, it needed to be something that easily communicated 'this is a game,' and that's where we landed on that approach. While I also love realistic games, at first, I was inclined to go for a more realistic style, even for the title screen. But in the end, when we considered both sides, we thought it would be nice to evoke a bit of nostalgia as well, so we chose that pixel art style.

Interviewer: It's so cute, please make some merchandise of it someday.

Yuzuru Hanyu: Yes, we will, so please buy it (laughs).

Interviewer: I'm looking forward to it (laughs). Also, in 'Prologue,' you started with a program featuring jumps like in a competition (with 'SEIMEI'), but in 'RE_PRAY,' you included a piece (with 'Envoy to Destruction') at the end of the first act. And it was a free program setup.

Yuzuru Hanyu: When I did 'Roncapu' at the end of the first act in 'GIFT,' it was quite challenging, and I thought 'this is impossible.' Why did I choose to include it ['Envoy to Destruction'] in the free program?

Interviewer: That was really a challenge (laughs).

Yuzuru Hanyu: When creating the story, or rather, once the structure was set, I already had the idea that 'this piece should be in the free section.' It wasn't about physical endurance; it was more about feeling that this was the best option, so that's what I went with. So, even though people around me were concerned, saying, 'Are you okay? You were already so exhausted in the short program,' I believed that the exhaustion itself would help express 'Envoy to Destruction.' I thought, 'It's okay to be exhausted.' Even though I was confident that the expression would come out of being on the edge, looking back now, I realize I really pushed myself.

Interviewer: But even after pushing yourself like that, you kept moving without taking breaks during the intermissions.

Yuzuru Hanyu: Yes, I had to keep moving. It was really crucial. To avoid messing up my hair, I used an enormous amount of hairspray. It's so hard that a comb doesn't go through, and if you force it, it might pull all the hair out. Sometimes the comb even breaks. So, I had to wash it thoroughly. First, I use a treatment to loosen it because shampoo can't get through initially. Then I shampoo twice and use treatment again, totaling four washes. Instead of a shower, I put my head in the sink (laughs). It takes so much time, and afterward, I have to dry and style my hair quickly before going back on stage. It was really hell (laughs). But I wanted to change the mood from a very stiff hairstyle to something that seemed like it never happened. The theme of 'RE_PRAY' is 'Starting from a save data,' so I didn't want to start with a worn-out look from 'Envoy to Destruction.'

Interviewer: You needed to start fresh from the previous state.

Yuzuru Hanyu: Exactly. I had to start with a fresh look, making it clear that it wasn't exhausted, and present it as if 'the data has been loaded.' In my mind, I thought I could do it in 20 minutes, but it took more time than I expected. So, after finishing 'Envoy to Destruction,' it took about 5 minutes to remove my shoes, then 7 minutes to get to the dressing room, and another 10 minutes to wash my hair. After that, I spent 5-7 minutes styling my hair and then had 7 minutes to get ready before putting on my shoes and heading out. It was hell.

Interviewer: You mentioned on a TV show that if you took a break, fatigue would hit you hard. So, you didn't even have time for breaks.

Yuzuru Hanyu: Yes, that's exactly it. If you stop, you realize how tired you are, so I tried to keep moving, but there wasn't even time to rest (laughs).

Interviewer: I was going to ask when you realized that, but it's quite a revelation (laughs).

Yuzuru Hanyu: Haha (laughs). But because I was doing that in 'RE_PRAY,' I knew that if I stopped, it would be over. During 'notte stellata 2024,' I had a sample of that experience. With 'notte stellata,' 'Carmina Burana,' and 'Danny Boy,' I tried to maintain my physical condition without much rest between the programs, just like during the 'RE_PRAY' solo performances.

Interviewer: It's evolution through experience.

Yuzuru Hanyu: Yes, so this 'Fantasy' was similar in that sense. I was constantly moving.

'notte stellata 2024' is about 'hopes for recovery.'

Interviewer: Can you tell us about the collaboration with Mao Daichi? Did the decision to include 'Carmina Burana' come first, or was the collaboration with Daichi decided first?

Yuzuru Hanyu: Daichi-san came first. Deciding on a collaborator is incredibly challenging. Considering that 'Yuzuru Hanyu' has a strong impact and there are many people who come to see him, it's important to choose someone who can stand out equally. While thinking about this, we* considered someone who can both sing and dance, and thought about someone from the Takarazuka Revue. When we thought about someone who could captivate with just their aura, I wondered if we could ask Daichi-san. [*T/N: there is no pronoun and with the context is unclear if this could be a 'we' or a 'they']

Interviewer: I see. And 'Carmina Burana' was a piece that fans had wanted to see in a program someday, right?

Yuzuru Hanyu: Yes, 'Carmina' is a piece with religious overtones, and it was challenging to use it as part of my program due to differences in religious perspectives. It was difficult. I had wanted to use it for a long time but found it challenging. When the producer of 'notte stellata' decided on 'Carmina Burana,' it was more the producer's choice from the beginning. They wanted to use it and collaborate with Daichi-san, so the selection and arrangement were made, and I just performed it with all my effort.

Interviewer: The atmosphere and aura were incredible.

Yuzuru Hanyu: Yes, 'Carmina Burana' made it clear that it couldn't have been done alone. Each role was essential, and it became a true collaboration that couldn't have been achieved without each participant.

Interviewer: 'notte stellata 2024' had a brighter, more luminous impression compared to the previous time. When did you decide to go in this direction?

Yuzuru Hanyu: After the last 'notte stellata,' we talked about doing it again next year. By then, the idea of making it brighter was already in my mind. Last year, I was still heavily influenced by March 11, and it was really hard. It was my first experience performing on that date, and I had rarely met people on March 11, usually spending it at home. But this year, I wanted to focus not just on my personal feelings but also on those affected by the disasters in Tohoku and Noto. I wanted to put my thoughts into it and do my best.

Interviewer: I am also from Tohoku so I watched it the first time thinking it would still be painful, but this year I felt a lot of hope and light, so I felt a little relieved..

Yuzuru Hanyu: Just like with 'RE_PRAY,' I've started thinking about what I want to convey and what I hope for. I have my own things I want to express, but I also think about what I want the audience to feel and how to convey that. I've started to view things from a broader perspective, thinking about how to express something to make the audience feel a certain way, rather than just pushing my own emotions.

Interviewer: In "RE_PRAY," you mentioned that "the audience is the player." Was that based on such an idea?

Yuzuru Hanyu: Yes, that's right. This is a recent theory of mine, but when you read a novel or manga, the dialogue and narration are ultimately in your own words or the voice of your own mind. Even if you imagine the voice of a voice actor, it's still your own voice echoing in your head. The same goes for games; while the story progresses, the player who advances it is yourself, which is what makes games interesting. I think that in figure skating, where there are no words, there's a lot more open to interpretation, and we leave a lot to the audience's interpretation. Because of that, the degree of freedom in interpretation is greater, and that's why there are emotions that can be felt through that freedom. That's the essence of "RE_PRAY" and ice stories. For example, if you perform "Danny," the way it's received in "Notte" versus "Fantasy" is completely different. With the various programs leading up to "Danny Boy," the way it's perceived changes, the way the music is heard also changes, and of course, the lighting plays a part. That's what I find interesting about skating, and ice stories always seek that. However, until now, I had often just left it to the audience's emotions, but I felt that in "Notte," it was stronger to guide them a bit more. I wanted to subtly guide them to "this way."

Interviewer: Will Ice Stories continue in the future?

Yuzuru Hanyu: Yes!

Interviewer: You also mentioned in "RE_PRAY" that "the end is the beginning of the beginning." Are there any new plans beyond Ice Stories?

Yuzuru Hanyu: I'm thinking about various things. It's difficult to be specific, but entering the third year after spending two years like this, I realized how much I was lacking. It was a year where I realized how shallow the things I had been taking in were. Therefore, I want to absorb a wider range of information and study more, and deepen and expand my expertise gradually. I think that will lead to my own unique figure skating expression. For example, there are expressions that are very ballet-like, very dance-like, and very figure skating-like. I want to make sure these are not just half-hearted but are expressed properly according to the theme. That's my current goal.

Interviewer: Lastly, a quick Q&A outside of the show. As a professional athlete, how do you maintain your motivation? It must be different from competition, right?

Yuzuru Hanyu: Yes, the expectations... Honestly, there's less time when I'm just thinking, "I love skating!" The reality is that practicing skating is tough, and practicing without anyone watching can be challenging. But because of the expectations, I want to meet them and exceed them. That's my goal and motivation.

Interviewer: Are there any plans for SharePractice in the future?

Yuzuru Hanyu: I'd like to do it, but when I thought about doing it once, the security issues were really tough! I don't want to inconvenience the ice rink (Ice Rink Sendai).

Interviewer: What about live streaming?

Yuzuru Hanyu: That might be a good idea, but the problem is that you can't interact with comments if it's not live, which is a bit sad. It's a SharePractice after all. But I do want to do it again someday.

Interviewer: And as for you, Mr. Hanyu, you've always been very thorough in demonstrating your appreciation and gratitude, both now and in the past. What does showing appreciation mean to you?

Yuzuru Hanyu: Thank you. As a professional, I've come to think even more about how I'm able to skate because of the support from those around me. Whether it's about the production, the ice preparation, the management, and the advertising, I feel a lot of human power involved in everything. I've realized that I'm not skating alone, and recently, I've been thinking about how much gratitude I owe to those around me.

Interviewer: Also, congratulations on becoming a GUCCI ambassador. I also saw the photo exhibition in Ginza, "In Focus: Yuzuru Hanyu Lensed by Jiro Konami." Have you become more interested in fashion?

Yuzuru Hanyu: I'm not really interested in fashion (laughs). I don't really have the desire to wear so-called fashionable things in my daily life. I'm not like Steve Jobs, but I don't feel like using my thoughts on that. Besides, it wouldn't feel like me, would it? Suddenly hearing people say, "Wow, Hanyu's gotten so stylish!" would be a bit strange (laughs).

Interviewer: But wouldn't it be great to use this opportunity (laughs)?

Yuzuru Hanyu: I'm turning 30 this year-it's a milestone (laughs). But I feel more comfortable when I'm dressed in something I can move around in, like a tracksuit. I think I want to maintain that kind of athlete-like feel.

Interviewer: As you mentioned, this year is a milestone. What's your ideal image of your 30s, compared to how you viewed it as a teenager?

Yuzuru Hanyu: When I was a teenager, I used to say, "30 is old" (laughs). I distinctly remember Kenji Miyamoto-sensei getting mad at me, saying, "30 isn't old!" (laughs). Back when I was in my teens, I had this strong image that skaters in their late 20s would struggle with jumps and lose their stamina, so I thought that in the competitive figure skating world, 30 was old. But now, after learning various training methods and ways of expression, I've come to realize, "Wow, 30 isn't old at all!" So, I want to keep improving in skating, continue to express myself, and keep evolving in life. Well, I'm vaguely thinking that way. Fufu [haha], I'll do my best in my 30s.

Interviewer: Yuzushenko (ゆづシェンコ) has grown up too, hasn't he?

Yuzuru Hanyu: Yes! (laughs)

Interviewer: Lastly, could you please give a message to your fans?

Yuzuru Hanyu: From now on as well, without changing. I'll continue to do my best without changing anything!

yuzurujenn · August 31, 2024

2024.08.29

Translations by Pep: https://x.com/pep_on_
Source: Figure Skating Life Extra "PROFESSIONAL Season 2, pg 117-120

Info: https://x.com/fskating_Life/status/1828953371572846812

Interview: MAO DAICHI

The way he skates is really special "The one chosen by the Gods"

We asked Mao Daichi, who co-starred in "Carmina Burana" for "notte stellata", about the story behind their first collaboration.

Reveal hidden contents

Interviewer: "Firstly, what were your thoughts when you were approached about the ice show?"

Daichi Mao: "I wondered how I could collaborate when I can't skate at all (laughs). It was something completely outside of my previous stage and acting experience, so I was surprised and a bit confused. But then I thought, 'This might actually be interesting.""

Interviewer: "In the collaboration number, you played the Goddess of Fate to the majestic music of 'Carmina Burana.' What kind of image came to your mind when you first heard about it?"

Daichi Mao: "First of all, since I was going to be part of this, I thought that a quick costume change could be one element to include. I wanted to surprise and entertain the audience by changing my costume in the blink of an eye, so I proposed transforming from a black-themed goddess to a white-themed one."

Interviewer: "So, the idea for the costume change came from you. It was quite surprising when the costume suddenly changed."

Daichi Mao: "Yes, I think it took less than four seconds (laughs). The costume was designed with all the tricks, and the ensemble members helped me coordinate the quick change. The black costume symbolized intimidation and turmoil, while the white costume, in my mind, represented the goddess that the young man played by Yuzuru Hanyu sees as he moves forward."

Interviewer: "The beauty of it was otherworldly and mesmerizing."

Daichi Mao: "Oh, thank you so much. The hair, makeup, costumes, and choreography were all created by highly skilled staff who understood my difficult demands. The quick change was a result of careful planning with the ensemble members, where we synchronized our movements perfectly."

Interviewer: "I understand that each of your performance parts was prepared in advance, and you only practiced with Hanyu-san just before the performance. You rehearsed remotely, but actually working together happened only two days before the show. "How was it when you first practiced together?"

Daichi Mao: "The space was so vast that I was quite surprised, thinking, 'Wow, really?' Since the stage was on the ice rink, it was very cold, and Hanyu-san felt far away. But watching him skate was truly special-I was in awe, thinking he must have been chosen by the gods."

Interviewer: "You mentioned that during the performance, you felt a connection with Hanyu-san multiple times. Was there a kind of resonance between you as fellow performers?"

Daichi Mao: "Yes, although there was physical distance between us, I definitely felt those moments many times during the performance. As fellow performers, it was as if I could actually see a thread connecting us for a split second. The air itself felt connected, and it was as if time momentarily stopped. That happened several times. Although we decided our movements based on counts, since it's classical music, it's not strictly 1, 2, 3, 4, 2, 2, 3, 4. The way you feel and interpret the music depends on each person's sense. When Hanyu-san had his back turned, I tried to adjust to him as much as possible, but when I tried to match him, I ended up being late (laughs). So it really came down to breathing together."

"Challenging the Impossible"

Interviewer: "How did you perceive Yuzuru Hanyu as an 'artist' after performing alongside him?"

Daichi Mao: "He truly possesses remarkable talent as a performer, doesn't he? He kept evolving, especially in terms of 'acting.' Of course, he has always expressed himself on the ice, but this time, it felt like he came closer to my realm. I think he challenged himself with things that might be considered difficult on the ice, performing in a way that's closer to stage acting."

Interviewer: "Did your impression of him change before and after meeting him?"

Daichi Mao: "When we first met, he seemed very humble and nervous, but once we started discussing the content, he became incredibly passionate. I realized he's not the type to hold back; instead, he's someone who pushes forward with great intensity. Given the vastness of the skating rink, I imagine there are physical and logistical challenges, like the time it takes to prepare or to gain momentum, but he worked hard to overcome those obstacles."

Interviewer: "When you were encouraged to suggest "things that seemed impossible", did you make any specific requests or suggestions?"

Daichi Mao: "Yes, he told me, 'Please, just say everything you think is impossible' (laughs). One thing I requested was for him to come onto the stage at the end. I knew that walking on a regular stage could damage the edges of his skate blades, and that it's generally difficult to walk normally in skate shoes, but Hanyu-san still came onto the stage. That moment was incredibly moving."

Interviewer: "So, it was your idea for him to come onto the stage at the end?"

Daichi Mao: "Yes, exactly. In that scene, I transform into a white goddess, guiding the young man, who then confronts his fate. There are stairs involved, and the timing with the music is crucial. I thought it might be a bit of an unreasonable request, but not being familiar with the intricacies of skate shoes was my advantage (laughs), so I asked him anyway. The way the wind blew softly, and the way the lighting was all set up everything came together in such a beautiful way."

Interviewer: "Do you have any other backstage stories you could share with us?"

Daichi Mao: "Before the performance started, he was very focused, but afterward, he greeted us with such a warm and friendly face, saying, 'Good job, everyone!' I think everyone feels the same way before a performance; in a sense, it's like a competition. There's a unique tension that comes with being a professional before a show, and I felt that very strongly."

Interviewer: "Do you yourself feel very nervous before the first performance of a show?"

Daichi Mao: "Of course, I get nervous, but I try to keep things as normal as possible. The fact that I'm consciously trying to stay calm is a sign that I'm nervous, though (laughs)."

Interviewer: "Is that mindset the same for other stage performances as well?"

Daichi Mao: "Yes, especially before the first performance of a show. But this time was different because it was such a unique experience. I didn't know much about ice shows, so I wanted to enjoy the process as much as possible. I also wanted to contribute to Hanyu-san's performance in any way I could, and I saw my role as expressing this unusual collaboration in a fresh way."

An unforgettable work

Interviewer: "Your solo performance in the show was a divine medley of 'Luck Be A Lady' and 'Anything Goes.' Could you tell us the intention behind your song choices?"

Daichi Mao: "First of all, I wanted to offer the audience a medley that allowed them to enjoy both a masculine and a coquettish feel within the limited time we had. I also spent a lot of time thinking about how I could manage the very quick costume changes. While it's common to wear pants under a skirt, it's not often that you have a skirt under your pants (laughs). Considering things like that, we actually ended up changing faster than expected, so I sometimes made my entrance earlier than planned (laughs). Above all, I just wanted to give the audience that 'Wow!' and 'What just happened?' feeling."

Interviewer: "I was so thrilled to see you as Sky Masterson (in 'Luck Be A Lady'), and the audience clearly shared that excitement when you appeared. I'm sure your fans were delighted."

Daichi Mao: "Everyone gave such warm applause and cheers, and that made me really happy. Last year, I celebrated my 50th anniversary since my debut with a concert, and I chose songs from that concert, which I rearranged specifically for 'notte stellata.' I also changed my costumes and hairstyle, and I think that was something the audience appreciated as well."

Interviewer: "Your performance of 'Anything Goes' was so charming and glamorous. The way you seamlessly switched between a male role and a female role was impressive. It seems like that might be difficult, but you made it look effortless."

Daichi Mao: "Oh no, thank you (laughs). It is challenging, of course. The keys of the songs are different, so during the quick change, I have to switch my voice as well. By offering the audience a broad range of expressions, I hope they can enjoy and feel satisfied within the short time we have. Although I could take it easier and not push myself so hard, I somehow end up tightening the noose around my own neck (laughs). But it's because I really want to entertain the audience and make them happy, so I take on those challenges."

Interviewer: "It seems like you share that drive with Yuzuru Hanyu."

Daichi Mao: "Yes, I felt that too. It's not just about doing something or getting through it; it's about how you create it. In that sense, and I say this with all humility, I felt we were similar."

Interviewer: "Did your impression of ice shows change after participating in one?"

Daichi Mao: "At first, I was unsure about how it would turn out, but in the end, I'm genuinely glad I took on the challenge. It's a completely different world, yet I found some common ground. I also felt that the ambition and the spirit we aim for might be the same in some way. An opportunity like this doesn't come often, so 'notte stellata' became an unforgettable experience for me."

Interviewer: "Finally, do you have any message for your fans or for the skating fans?"

Daichi Mao: "Through this collaboration, I received a lot of feedback from Hanyu-san's fans who don't usually watch stage performances. My fans also expressed that they were interested in going to see figure skating, so I'm very grateful for this opportunity to collaborate. I hope that, beyond Hanyu-san's skating, this will encourage people to also watch my future stage and film works. I, too, treasure this connection and will continue to support Hanyu-san."

"Experiencing Yuzuru Hanyu's New Creation "RE_PRAY" as a "Player"

By Fumofumo Column (pg 105-111)

Fumofumo Editor-in-Chief (https://x.com/fumofumocolumn/status/1830380364579422228)
Sports blogger and columnist. I engage in various support activities filled with love for sports every day through my blog "Sports Watching and Telling - Fumofumo Column."

Reveal hidden contents

After thrilling audiences across four cities with eight performances, Yuzuru Hanyu's third solo show, Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 2nd "RE_PRAY" TOUR, reached its grand finale amidst great excitement and fanfare. Since turning professional, Hanyu has continuously broken new ground, with endeavours like his solo performances, hosting an ice show at Tokyo Dome, and integrating advanced technology such as projection mapping into figure skating. The "RE_PRAY" tour is yet another demonstration of his evolution as both a performer and producer. This show wasn't just a novel experience as an ice show; it was a daring undertaking even by the standards of various stage performances.

The most striking aspect of this show was that it wasn't merely something for the audience to "watch." The entire performance was designed as a "game," with the audience positioned to "experience the story as players." When we think of video games, the defining feature that sets them apart from other forms of entertainment is that the "player" themselves becomes the protagonist, experiencing the story firsthand. The audience of "RE_PRAY" indeed took on the role of "players," experiencing the narrative of the show as if they were in a game.

A "Game Experience" Where the Audience Chooses and Decides the Outcome

"RE_PRAY" begins with a large monitor in the venue displaying a frame that mimics a video game screen, along with a title screen for the game. Soon, Hanyu appears on the large screen holding a controller, and he selects "PLAY" and chooses one of the saved game data files. The save data corresponds to the date of that specific performance (for example, the February 15, 2024 performance would display as "20XX/02/15"), reinforcing to the audience that this is something happening "now." From there, Hanyu plays the role of both the "player" and the "character" within the game, unfolding the story of the "player playing the game," with the audience experiencing the story by projecting themselves as the "player."

Hanyu himself emphasized the "audience as player" concept, offering insights after the inaugural performance in Saitama with statements like, "You are the players. You are the gods," and "Each one of you is a player." Moreover, in the official guidebook released after the tour, he addressed the audience with messages like, "To all players, thank you for playing until the end" and "Congratulations on completing the game!" These messages thoroughly established the notion that the "audience = player." The opening performance, with its display of a game-like screen and title, was meant to signify that the audience was about to embark on this game as players.

The point where the concept of "audience = player" became particularly clear was during the "Trolley Problem" segment in the first half of the show. Here, the audience was faced with a dilemma that forced them to choose between two difficult options, and Hanyu called out, "Will you press the switch?" The rink alternately displayed "YES" and "NO" choices, and the large screen showed the audience in the stands. The approximately 20 seconds of "thinking time" gave the audience a palpable sense of hesitation and uncertainty: "Will the show not progress until we make a choice? Should we clap or raise our hands?" The results of the audience's choice determined the next performance-if "YES" was selected, "Hope & Legacy" was performed; if "NO" was chosen, "Ashura-chan" was performed, with the subsequent visual elements diverging in completely different directions depending on the choice.

In reality, the YES or NO route was pre-determined by the date of the performance, irrespective of the audience's reactions. However, encountering this uncertainty and surprise without prior knowledge was undoubtedly a "game experience." It was the moment when the audience realized that "RE_PRAY" was not just something to watch passively, but a game to be experienced and chosen by themselves.

Game-Like Elements Packed into the Performance and the New Game "RE_PRAY"

Throughout the performance, Hanyu incorporated numerous game-like elements into "RE_PRAY." The entire show was structured in two parts: "the first part depicting the playthrough until the game is cleared" and "the second part, where the same game is replayed after the save data is corrupted, forcing a new challenge." The opening scenes and performances in both parts shared common elements, yet by altering the play style, the progression changed midway, giving the audience a sense of replaying the same game. The storyline used original retro-game-style visuals to depict gameplay, including battles between "8-bit Yuzuru" (a pixelated version of Hanyu in his iconic costumes) and giant bosses.

Many of the programs themselves were inspired by games. The opening numbers for both parts, "A Dream That Will End One Day" and "A Dream That Will End One Day; RE," were set to music from Final Fantasy X. Towards the end of the first part, Hanyu performed "MEGALOVANIA" from UNDERTALE, leading into a climactic sequence that included multiple game music pieces, such as "You're Not Alone" from Final Fantasy IX and "Envoy to Destruction" from Final Fantasy VI, culminating in a six-minute skating session. The ending movie of the show also featured a medley of music from the game Lufia II (Estpolis Denki II).

These elements were not just about using the music but were filled with respect and homage to the original works. For example, in the performance "A Dream That Will End One Day" and "A Dream That Will End One Day; RE," Hanyu's costume was reminiscent of the summoner Yuna from the game Final Fantasy X. The dance he performed invoked the image of the "Sending," a ritual in the game that sends the souls of the dead to the afterlife. The projection mapping used during the performance depicted "pyreflies," luminous beings considered to be life energy (souls) in the game, as well as visuals reminiscent of the "Lifestream," a concept representing the cycle of life in the Final Fantasy universe.

In "MEGALOVANIA," Hanyu wore a costume adorned with a skeleton, mimicking the character Sans, a formidable opponent from the game UNDERTALE. Just as the battle with Sans in the game begins in silence, Hanyu's performance also started with only the sound of his skates resonating in the venue. This was followed by various effects: the teleportation ability of Sans, represented by Hanyu appearing on various small screens around the venue; visual effects of bones falling on the screen, mimicking Sans's attacks; and choreography that expressed Sans's relentless attacks from all directions through Hanyu's spins. These elements were so faithful to the game that those familiar with UNDERTALE praised the performance as a perfect recreation of the Sans battle. During the final performance of the tour in Miyagi, Hanyu, embodying Sans even more intensely, delivered an even more grotesque expression and a throat-slitting gesture, saying, "Since it's the last time, I'll give it my all."

In "Envoy to Destruction," Hanyu wore a red beast-like costume, modeled after Trance Kuja, a powerful enemy from Final Fantasy IX. Those who know the original game would immediately recognize that Hanyu was portraying Trance Kuja, not just from the music but also from the costume. The choreography included movements mimicking Ultima, the ultimate spell used by Trance Kuja when he finally accepts his impending death, making this homage truly meticulous in its dedication.

In the ending, the performance showed Hanyu skating while wearing the costumes from the various programs of the first half of the show. As each program (character) completed its role, it transformed into a ball of light, accompanying the subsequent performances. This imagery overlapped with the ending of the game Lufia II, where the souls of the protagonist Maxim and his beloved Selan turn into orbs of light and traverse the world that has regained peace.

These programs and performances were not merely acted out as homages. Rather, it seems that Hanyu carefully reconstructed them into a new "game" while cherishing the influence these works had on him and aligning them with the thoughts he wanted to convey in this show. In a message shared before the show, Hanyu expressed, "Life is a one-time experience; games can be played repeatedly. I believe there are many important things to be found in these two seemingly contradictory concepts." After the first performance in Saitama, he offered some interpretative hints, saying, "In the relentless flow of everyday life, as we calmly go about things in the same way, I want you to think deeply about the small choices you make, little by little," and "And I hope you will ponder, even if just vaguely, the idea of life cycling and returning-that's what 'RE_PRAY' is about."

In this new work "RE_PRAY," viewed through the lens of the games that influenced Hanyu, there is a pervasive theme of reflection on the nature of life.

The game Final Fantasy X tells the story of the summoner Yuna, who sacrifices her own life to save the world, and the protagonist Tidus, who is destined to disappear once their mission is accomplished. In UNDERTALE, the player can choose multiple paths: by continually defeating monsters, they follow the "Genocide Route" and eventually face Sans as an enemy; conversely, if they progress without defeating any monsters, they follow the "Pacifist Route," where they return to the human world with the monsters. In Final Fantasy IX, the villain Kuja, driven to destroy the world along with himself due to his despair of imminent death, is ultimately freed from his despair after losing everything in a battle against the protagonists, and finally, he saves them, saying, "I think I finally understood what it means to live." In Lufia II, the first game in the series, the player relives the adventure of "past heroes who sacrificed their lives to save the world" from 99 years ago, experiencing it firsthand as one of those heroes.

Each of these original stories, with their portrayals of life, death, and the choices of the characters, converged into "RE_PRAY," which encapsulates the concept of "a journey where something must inevitably be lost along the way." The "Player" (i.e., the audience) faces this choice. After clearing Part 1 and replaying Part 2, they navigate toward a new path. Through these stages, "RE_PRAY" allows the "Player" to repeatedly experience "life and death," a process that can be experienced differently with each choice, because it is, after all, a game. In this sense, "RE_PRAY" is a new game that was born by drawing influence from many preceding works. It possesses a consistent theme of "how to live a finite life," a theme that the "Player" (the audience) can experience.

In the final moments of the second part of the performance, where the story of "RE_PRAY" reaches its culmination, the command on the game's screen changes from "PLAY" in Part 1, to "RE_PLAY" in Part 2, and finally to "RE_PRAY." Accompanied by a narration that says, "Keep praying, even if it eventually ends," "As long as you don't truly choose to stop, it will continue," and "No matter what future awaits, live with determination," the performance ends with a call to keep praying so that hope, dreams, and life may continue to be connected.

This conclusion, in which the "Player" has arrived by experiencing various forms of life, death, and ways of living, felt as though it was telling the audience, "From here on, this is your story." This ending itself felt very much like something out of a game. Although it wasn't directly featured in this performance, one of the game series Hanyu loves and which influenced UNDERTALE is the MOTHER series, specifically its second installment, EarthBound, where during the final battle with Giygas, the command "pray" becomes the decisive factor for victory. When the "pray" command is used during the Giygas battle, it sends the player's thoughts to the people they met along their journey, and the collective prayers of those people weaken Giygas. When the prayer reaches the "Player" of the game, it is the "Player's" own prayer that delivers the final blow to defeat Giygas. The scene where the screen goes dark, displaying only the message "ooo (the player's name) prayed continuously," was a uniquely game-like way of incorporating the player's reflection in the monitor as one of the characters. Similarly, the act of praying in "RE_PRAY" also seems to involve the "Player" (audience) in a way that is characteristic of a game. It feels like the creators are hoping that through the audience's own prayers-wishing for hope, dreams, and life to continue-some spark may be lit in their lives, allowing them to overcome difficult battles.

Depending on how you look at it, "RE_PRAY" could be seen as a biography tracing someone's life, or it could be a standalone narrative like a movie or a play. But its essence is still a "game," one that is only complete with the existence of the "audience/players." The story of "RE_PRAY" is only fully realized when we consider how the players (audience) are influenced by this work, how they interpret it, and what choices they will make in their lives moving forward.

The memories of traveling to each city to follow "RE_PRAY" over the past six months have become a cherished "experience" that I hope to carry forward into my life. It was a truly unforgettable "adventure" in every sense of the word. As is customary with games, I hope there will be a "remake" someday. By that time, I hope I will have made some progress in my own life and will have developed new interpretations and new choices. I will continue to pray for the release of a remake so that I may someday replay "RE_PRAY."

yuzurujenn · September 3, 2024

2024.08.29

Source: Figure Skating Life Extra "PROFESSIONAL Season 2, pg 92-95
Info: https://x.com/fskating_Life/status/1828953371572846812

Interview: TANAKA KEIJI

The depth of his dedication to his performance is like he's putting his life into it

As peers who have spent their second year as professionals, with a common bond, we asked him about his thoughts on skating.
Text by Yumeko Yamamoto

Reveal hidden contents

This year, you performed with Yuzuru Hanyu in "Notte Stellata 2024" and "Fantasy on Ice." How was each of them?

-The concept of last year's ‘notte stellata’ (to send out hope to areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake) was carried over for the second time. Compared to normal ice shows, the ‘notte stellata’ show is not so much about ‘fun’ as it is a show with a deeper meaning given the time of the year, so in that sense there was a rather solemn atmosphere last year. Although the direction was similar to other shows—aiming for audience to enjoy themselves—I felt that Yuzu's own emotions were a bit heavier. I felt that while skating as a fellow performer, and I was able to approach it with a very focused attitude. This year, the event took place at a slightly different time (March 8th-10th) and not on March 11th, but my own impression was that Yuzu skated with a slightly brighter, more forward-looking feeling compared to last year.

Hanyu also said that after last year's performance, he thought about making next year a little brighter. It's impressive that you understood that without even him having to say it.

-Yes, I felt that way.

What made you feel that way?

-At the venue, his focus was always the same from practice to the actual show, but maybe it's during the practice and rehearsals. I just felt that way a little.

This was your first performance of your program "HOPE." What was the meaning behind the program?

-At first, I wasn't thinking of performing it at "notte stellata," and I had prepared it as an exhibition for this season. However, as the title of the song suggests, it also has the implication that moving towards hope is not something you can do in a straight line, and it expresses the idea that you can only reach your goal after facing pain, setbacks, and obstacles.

The choreography was done by Kohei Yoshino, right?

-Yes. Thank you, Kohei-sensei. Last summer, I told him, "I want to skate to this song," and we had many discussions about how to edit and direct it, and then we decided on it.

It's a program with a lot of innovative and cool movements.

-It's quite rap-like, so if you capture all the sounds, the movements would be choppy, so we edited it a little bit. Like, put in a different part in between, stop, and then start moving again. Kohei-sensei also researched how to create that kind of image. That's how we choreographed it, matching each other's senses. I think it's interesting to discuss and create together. Kohei-sensei and (Sasahara) Keiichiro-sensei (choreographer for "Run Boy Run" and "The Phantom of the Opera") are about the same generation, so before we start choreographing, we would have a discussion like "What should we do with this?" We would have a long chat (laughs). I think that's how it becomes quite elaborate.

Both of them are Gundam otaku

So, what did you think of "Fantasy on Ice"?

-Yuzu only performed "Fantasy" in the first half this year in A Tour. "Fantasy" was the same as usual, but this year I was really excited (laughs). I was talking about it with Yuzu and I asked him, "What are you collaborating on?" and he said, "Meteor," and I was like, "Seriously?" (laughs). Yuzu had said that he choreographed it himself, and I thought, "That’s great". We were both talking in a geeky way (laughs). I think it was a song that got him really excited, and that he had a lot of feelings for, so it was well-made and I think that’s what led to that performance.

Did you see the performance?

-Yes, I did. We had the same practice time. I was like, "He must really like (Gundam)~" (laughs). I really felt that he loved it and did a lot of research on it.

Did you see the costume?

-I know the show too, so I was wondering who it would be based on, then I saw it and thought, "Ah that one?" (laughs).

What did you think it would be like?

-I thought maybe it was the main character, but then I thought about it more and decided it was more like Gundam. That was the right answer (laughs).

A Mobile Suit Gundam collab is sure to get you excited.

-At first, I wondered what Nishikawa Takanori would be singing as a guest. I had no idea until I arrived at the rehearsal venue. Of course, I knew my own songs, and I also knew who else would be skating with me, and that Yuzu would be collaborating with him, but I wondered what song Yuzu would collaborate on. After all, it's Nishikawa-san, and I figured Yuzu might be a Gundam fan, and he did pick the best part (laughs). I was happy just to hear "Meteor."

Did you want to skate to "Meteor" yourself?

-Well, I'd be happy no matter what song came up, but I thought it would be even more fun if Nishikawa-san sang a Gundam song.

So, when you were asked to do "BEYOND THE TIME"...

-I was really excited (laughs).

Your costume was bright red, so the moment you came out I thought, "That's Char!"

-I tried to go all out (laughs). Kenji Miyamoto, the choreographer, wasn't very familiar with Gundam, so I had to explain it to him, but in the first place, I hadn't seen Char’s Counterattack, so I watched the whole series up to that point. I watched the first one, and then ‘Z’.

So, you watched it after you received the song.

-Yes. From the very first Amuro (Ray) to Char’s Counterattack, it took me about half a month to watch all of them (laughs). I’ve probably watched about 100 episodes. After all, the story started with the first Gundam. It was a good series, no doubt. Originally, I had watched the recent Gundam movie “Gundam SEED FREEDOM”. But revisiting the start of Gundam made me realise that this was where it all began. I can see why this is a series that has a lot of fans.

What kind of thoughts did you put into the program?

-Is it okay to talk about this first? It's going to be a long story (laughs). I talked too much at the "Fantasy" fan meeting too.

Well, I'll ask you about that separately (laughs), but please tell us if you have any stories about your time with Hanyu during the ice show.

-We had the same practice time for "Fantasy," so we spent a lot of time on the ice together, but that also meant that we didn't have much time to talk. But I watched him practice a lot. This time, Yuzu skated to two programs, so I got the impression that he was practicing those two programs and warming up the whole time once the show started.

I had the impression of Hanyu always being next to you during rehearsals, but what did you talk about this year? You said that last year you only had casual conversations that didn't stick in your memory.

-Ah, we did talk. But I don't remember it this year either (laughs). I don't recall it... Even though I've been with (Fantasy) for three years, I do look forward to the collaborations with other artists. Watching Yuzu, I can definitely feel the effort he puts into that, and I’m trying to follow his example. I wonder what kind of feelings he has when he performs.

Embodying the image of a professional

You've both just finished your second year as professionals, but have you noticed any changes in yourself or Hanyu?

-I think Yuzu embodies what it means to be a professional. He's in a place that no one can imitate, and even though we can't imitate him, there are things we need to learn from him. Of course, I can learn a lot from him as a professional skater, and although it may be difficult to get the chance, I think there are things that current skaters can learn from him and things they need to learn from him. So, I hope everyone will watch him.

What do you think you have learned from him, and what do you want current skaters to see in him?

-It’s related to both, on how he concentrates on the ice show and how seriously he takes each performance. Of course, everyone takes it seriously. But among them, it’s his level of concentration, and his attitude of using all his nerves and exerting himself mentally to perform. He stays focused throughout the performance, so even when you think he might get tired and unable to move, he still stays focused right to the end. It feels like he's burning his life into it. I want everyone to see how passionate he is about skating.

Now we’re both focused on skating

Finally, do you have a message for Hanyu here?

-A message in the magazine (laughs). Eh, um... he wasn't on the B Tour this year, so I wish he'd been there? (laughs).

Did you miss him?

-I'm only in my third year with Fantasy, but I felt that the atmosphere was different from usual. But rather than feeling lonely... (at the Shizuoka performance) I had the opportunity to go to a hot spring, so I wished we could have gone together (laughs). After all, we were in the same show, and he really showed me the attitude to have as a professional, so as I've always said, I hope that when he can take a break, we can spend time together with the old members.

You certainly said that last year as well.

-Yes, I’ve been saying that for a long time (laughs). Now, it feels like we can really face each other properly at the skating stage. It’s also easier to talk when we’re focused on skating in the same space. I’m curious to see what kind of conversations we’ll have when we eventually strip away all of that someday.

At the moment, as a professional skater, I’m meeting new artists and having opportunities to speak with various people. I often think that if I weren’t doing this, I wouldn’t have had these encounters. So, I think it will be more enjoyable to have a relaxing chat in the hot spring after we’ve explored this phase a bit more, but now we’re focused on skating, with that awareness, I think there are more suitable things to talk about from that position.

Source: Figure Skating Life Extra "PROFESSIONAL Season 2, pg 96-99

Interview: YAMAMOTO SOTA

I really admire his passion for the moment

This year, they once again performed together on "Fantasy on Ice." What is the secret of the ‘aura’ that Yamamoto felt?
Text by Yumeko Yamamoto

Reveal hidden contents

How was it to perform in "Fantasy on Ice" for the second time?

-First of all, I was very happy to receive the offer again, and since Hanyu-kun has done many solo shows, for this year's "Fantasy" he was only in the A tour. This time, I also participated in the A tour only, and I was able to learn a lot from him backstage and during the show, so it was really fun and I was very happy to be able to perform with him again. “Fantasy” is an ice show that I really love, and this year, many people came to see it, and the energy in the venue was truly amazing. The cheers when Hanyu-kun was going for the quadruple jump in the opening were incredible! Even before he reached the center position to start the opening choreography, by just entering the rink from backstage, the cheers were so loud it felt like my ears were going to burst. It’s the kind of excitement that you can only experience in "Fantasy", so it was a really special moment, and I think everyone had a great time and enjoyed the show.

What did you think of this year's opening and finale?

-The opening is usually a one-trick performance, and the choreography is almost the same each time, but the costumes are unique to "Fantasy". This time, the costumes exposed the shoulders quite a bit, which was quite innovative and fresh. For the finale, we had Nishikawa-san’s 'HIGH PRESSURE,' which began with the men sitting on the Roomba (mobile stage). The choreography effectively used the Roomba and I thought it was a very cool part. "HIGH PRESSURE" was truly a high-energy finale. No matter where you look, every moment was really wonderful.

Everyone looked like they were having a lot of fun dancing.

-That's right (laughs). I think it's rare for such a large venue to be filled to capacity, so the time felt really special, and it was an unforgettable experience for me too. I'd like to work hard this season so I can perform there again next year.

It was also fun to see Hanyu moving between the skaters in groups while dancing in the finale.

-That's right. The song ended right at the transition part, and I thought it matched the music really well. You could hear the cheers of the audience wherever Hanyu-kun went (laughs). It was a lot of fun, and when he came to our group, he danced like crazy to keep the excitement going (laughs).

You were in the same group as Javier Fernandez and the others.

-Yes. During rehearsals we were asked to split into four groups and that was the group I happened to be split into. Tanaka Keiji and the other Japanese skaters were in another group, so I was the only Japanese in my group (laughs). I wasn't sure if I could handle it, but when it was time for the show, everyone danced like crazy, so I think I was able to dance with enthusiasm too.

It looked like fun (lol).

-It was fun (lol).

Have you seen Hanyu's "Danny Boy" and "Meteor"?

-Yes, of course. First of all, the costumes for both "Danny Boy" and "Meteor" were really cool. I thought the costume for "Meteor" was really striking and glittering, very Gundam-like, and "Danny Boy" is a song that envelops you in a sense of tranquillity with just the sound of the piano, which he conveyed through the expression in his fingertips, jumps, spins, steps, and other elements. In the silence, you could hear the sound of edges and the sound of the ice being scraped, which was very refreshing. It was a program where you could even enjoy such details. There were moments when the track stopped, and you wouldn’t usually hear these sounds during the song, so being able to clearly hear the edge sound was something new and I thought it was really great.

You're not from the Gundam generation, are you?

-I'm not from that generation, but I've seen pictures on social media comparing the costume to the video clip, and I thought they looked really similar. I thought the costume looked really cool on its own, and it was amazing that someone could pull it off.

Apparently, it was self-choreographed.

-Ehh! Amazing! "Meteor" also has some mechanical-like movements... I'm sorry, I don’t know much about Gundam, but there were machine-like movements scattered throughout the beginning, and I thought the patterns of those movements were really beautiful. They matched well with Nishikawa-san's vocals, and I thought it was great how every part fitted the music perfectly. He did a triple axel at the end, and his jumps were also sharper, which was cool.

Every time, I feel the greatness of seeing it live

After watching it, is there anything that you would like to incorporate into your performance?

-I would like to incorporate it, but it's difficult at my current level (laughs). When I see him up close, I think, "Wow, he's really amazing." I mean, his greatness, his aura. I think I still have a long way to go to be able to show that kind of thing, and when I look back at my performances, whether it's exhibition programs or competitive programs, there are a lot of things I want to do better. First of all, I hope to hone myself and then, if there are elements I can incorporate, that would be great. Even in jumps, I'm not so good with the Axel, but when I see him jump the Axel at the end, I think I have to work harder. And the precision of his expression... I think that he can express himself skillfully in beautiful songs, and I think that kind of breathtaking expressiveness is unique to only Hanyu. It's true when I watch it on video, but I especially feel its greatness when I see it live at the venue every time. I would like to learn from him how to create an aura or atmosphere, his expressive ability, and his precise footwork, and I would like to be able to incorporate these things into my own competitive programs.

Where do you think that aura comes from?

-He’s serious about the moment. The passion he has for every moment is incredible. In the opening of Fantasy, everyone performs one trick at the start, and towards the end, Hanyu-kun jumps a quadruple toe loop. To his fans, Hanyu-kun’s quad toe loop might seem like just another jump (since he also performs other quads like the Salchow and Loop), but performing a 4T right after coming onto the ice and in the midst of deafening cheers must be incredibly challenging. What’s even more impressive was seeing him making the final adjustments in the backstage right up until the opening begins. Witnessing him manage all these aspects up close, I strongly feel the weight he is carrying and the immense pressure he faces. Despite this, his ability to always give 120% is truly admirable, and I want to learn from him. I think that such qualities naturally emanate as his aura.

Did you have a chance to chat with Hanyu this year?

-Well, during the actual show, everyone was focused on their own performances, but we had a chance to talk a little after it was over and at dinner hall. Apparently, Hanyu-kun does a lot of training, and he told me that there’s a sauna at the gym. He brought up this topic because I was there (laughs). I asked him, "Really? I'd like to go too. Do you use the sauna, Hanyu-kun?" and he said, "I'm not really keen" (laughs). Apparently, in the past, Tsuzuki (Shoichiro)-sensei would take him to the bath or sauna, but he said, "I'm not good with it." We had that kind of conversation, and I don't know what else. We were just talking about really trivial things. Last year we talked about skating quite a bit, but this year it was this kind of talk.

I would like to talk to you again if I have the opportunity.

What did you think of your own program, Yamamoto? This was the first time you did a collaboration this year.

-Well, last year I did two individual programs, but this year I finally got to do my long-awaited collaboration number. "Ich bin ich bin Musik" was the song that was sent to me by the organizers, and I felt that they prepared a program that suited each skater. My song was also very easy to express, and I think it was a musical program that allowed me to really express my emotions alongside Shirota Yu's vocals.

It was a really wonderful program that it's a shame it can only be seen on Fantasy.

-I'd like to perform it in various places too. I heard from Keiji-kun and (Miyamoto) Kenji-sensei that "if I get permission, I can use it." If there's an opportunity, I'd like to perform it again someday.

And how was your solo "Beat It"? There was a lot of cheering.

-Um, on the short side, like this...

The part where (the chest area of the costume) was exposed too much, right.

-Ahaha, right (laughs). There was a choreography that exposed the part a little, but I was happy to see everyone’s reaction to it, and this time there was a live broadcast and live viewing, so there was a camera (for broadcasting) there (laughs). The cameras were positioned to match the audience's viewpoint on screen, but in fact they were quite low down. So, during the live broadcast, I made an effort to appeal to those cameras as well. People who watched said things like 'It felt like we made eye contact,' and it was fun for me too.

What did you gain from this year's "Fantasy"?

-After all, ice shows are entertainment that is different from competitions, and although I am still an athlete, I want people to enjoy such events as entertainment. There are many different ice shows, and I want to do my best as a member of each show. I was able to learn a lot from Hanyu-kun and the other skaters at "Fantasy" about various expressions, how to engage the audience, and how to liven up the atmosphere, and I also realised the importance of being aware of the audience in different areas, like the upper sections of the venue or at live viewings. I am learning more and more every year about how to express myself and liven up the show so that people can enjoy themselves.

Please give a message to Hanyu-san.

-I've always been shy, and since it’s an ice show, it's hard for me to find the courage or timing to speak to you directly, but this time I'm going to excuse myself (laughs). I really wish to communicate and talk to you more, and I was really happy to be able to work with you again in this year's "Fantasy", and although it was a really trivial conversation, I was really happy to be able to talk to you. If I'm invited back to "Fantasy" next year, or if we have the opportunity to work together somewhere, I hope we can have lots of fun conversations about trivial things, saunas, about myself, and skating. If there's another ice show this year, I'd like to go see it if I get the chance, so I look forward to seeing you then. Do your best! I look forward to working with you again!

And please give a message to your fans.

-I was able to appear in "Fantasy" again this season, and I was able to learn a lot about how to express myself to the audience, how to direct my gaze, facial expressions, and so on. I hope that the expressions conveyed in “Fantasy” will be reflected in my competitive programs as well. I will continue to give my all this season to create such moments again, so I would be happy if you would support me. I will do my best this season as well. Thank you very much!

yuzurujenn · September 3, 2024

2024.08.29

Translations by Pep: https://x.com/pep_on_
Source: Figure Skating Life Extra "PROFESSIONAL Season 2, pg 124-128

Info: https://x.com/fskating_Life/status/1828953371572846812

The World of "Sekkisei Miyabi" & Yuzuru Hanyu's Beauty

Yuzuru Hanyu is the global muse of KOSE's "Sekkisei Miyabi." With both Hanyu and the brand relentlessly pursuing beauty towards their ideal, a new advertisement has been created. Enjoy the profound and mystical worldview they present.

Reveal hidden contents

Behind the Scenes of the "Wakatake no Kimi" Visual Production
KOSE's "Sekkisei Miyabi" features the "Moisture Protect Serum." We interviewed the visual concept and production team behind the stunning advertisement, also known as "Wakatake no Kimi" (Young Bamboo Prince), to uncover the concept, shooting episodes, and public reaction.

Yuzuru Hanyu, who serves as the global muse for KOSE's highest-end line, "Sekkisei Miyabi," was chosen for a reason. Saori Yanagihara of KOSE's Green Brand Division explains:

"We selected Hanyu as the global muse for the "Sekkisei Miyabi" line, the top tier of the Sekkisei brand, because of the series' concept: 'No compromise. Transparency, redefined,' which resonates with Hanyu's uncompromising approach to figure skating and his strong spirit. Additionally, since 'Sekkisei Miyabi' is being actively promoted overseas, we wanted someone like Hanyu, who is not only immensely popular in Japan but also highly admired internationally, to represent us as the global muse." (Yanagihara)

Today, concepts like "diversity" and "genderless" are becoming more mainstream, but when Hanyu, a male athlete, was first used in a cosmetic brand advertisement, it created a significant reaction.

"At that time, there was a strong association between cosmetics and women, and few cosmetic brands would feature a man in their advertisements. However, in recent years, our company has promoted the '3G' concept to attract new customers. '3G' stands for Global, Gender, and Generation, meaning that we aim to create products that cater to a wide range of customers, regardless of gender or age. We believe Hanyu perfectly embodies this concept, helping us convey that we want our products to be loved by as many people as possible, men and women alike, all over the world."

"When we released the key visual of Hanyu for the 'Sekkisei Miyabi' Moisture Protect Serum, we received many reactions on social media like, 'It's okay for men to use this too?' Thanks to Hanyu, we feel that more people have come to resonate with our 3G philosophy," (Yanagihara explains). Hanyu shines not only on the ice but also on the advertising stage.

We asked Mayumi Takeuchi and Shihoko Yonehara from the PR department, who have been on set many times during Hanyu's shoots, about their impressions.

"Hanyu already has beautiful skin, but when you see him in person, his inner radiance combines with his outer beauty, creating a truly exceptional appearance. During the photoshoots, every detail, right down to his fingertips, is carefully thought out, and each pose is artistic. Not only does he respond to our requests to improve the shots, but he also suggests, 'How about showing it this way?' When we ask him to move freely during the shoot, he jumps and spins dynamically, almost as if we were on an ice rink, surprising us with his imaginative movements," (Yonehara).

"Even during the photoshoots, Hanyu always treats it like a serious competition, constantly challenging himself to express more, wondering, 'How far can I show myself?' He truly is a performer. After each shot, he asks, 'Is this okay? How did it look?' and then applies our feedback to his next move. Every time, we are left in awe, with goosebumps from the emotional impact he delivers." (Takeuchi)

The Visual Production Behind "Wakatake no Kimi”
When "Sekkisei Miyabi Moisture Protect Serum" was released in 2023, the key visual of Hanyu, wearing a somewhat Japanese-style outfit and exuding a seductive aura, became a hot topic.

Nicknamed "Young Bamboo Prince," his photos and costumes have been exhibited in various locations, drawing large crowds to the area, and this elegant nickname was apparently born from among his fans. "This product [the serum] contains kumazasa (*1) extract in addition to the main ingredients in the Sekkisei skincare series, such as Job's Tears and Angelica Root (*2), so we developed a product design with a bamboo motif. The advertisement began with the idea of what would happen if a modern-day Hanyu were to portray Princess Kaguya (*3), who is associated with bamboo, and it was an unexpected delight to be given the wonderful nickname "Young Bamboo Prince." (Yonehara)

We were given a special look at the design drawings this time. (See page 126) (*4)

"We integrated the image of Japanese culture that 'Sekkisei Miyabi' represents, along with the concept of portraying Princess Kaguya in a modern way, to create a design that has a modern touch within its traditional Japanese roots," (Yonehara)

"When collaborating with costume designer Mr. Sawadaishi, we brainstormed ideas like, 'How would Yuzuru look in this costume? How would he move while wearing it?' Hanyu is not only beautiful but also embodies both strength and beauty. So, with a focus on contrast, we aimed for a costume that reflected elements like the bravery of a young warrior mixed with elegance, fierceness paired with grace, and strength coupled with kindness. I believe the final design was one that Hanyu was pleased with," (Ms. Takeuchi)

"I clearly remember photographer Mr. Uroku continuously pressing the shutter, trying not to miss a single expression from Yuzuru. Hanyu knows exactly how to move in a way that shows off the costume beautifully, and he made the long sleeves flow like a kimono's as he demonstrated various movements. During the fitting session, he even gave input when asked how tight or loose the chest area should be, saying, 'I think this feels just right.' He also said, 'If it gets out of place while moving, I'll fix it right away,' demonstrating his deep knowledge of costumes," (Ms. Yonehara)

"For hair and makeup, we worked with Hiro Odagiri to create a visual image that was fitting for the concept. I think we were able to showcase a new side of Yuzuru that fans hadn't seen before," (Ms. Takeuchi)

In October 2023, when this costume was first displayed at Ginza Mitsukoshi, the reaction was overwhelming.

"From the very first day, there were so many people lining up that we had to distribute tickets just to handle the crowd. We later displayed the costume at several other locations, and the response was so great that we held another exhibition at Hanshin Department Store in Osaka in July (concluded on July 9). 'Sekkisei Miyabi' is only available in limited stores, but thanks to this exhibition, many people visited our stores for the first time. I believe many people discovered the appeal of 'Sekkisei Miyabi' thanks to Yuzuru Hanyu.

Additionally, to celebrate the first anniversary of the 'Moisture Protect Serum,' we created a special bamboo-themed space at Maison KOSE Ginza, where we displayed photo panels and Hanyu's autographed skating boots. We also set up a course where visitors could experience the same makeup as Hanyu in the key visual, and it was extremely popular. Many people came to the store specifically for this experience, and it gave them the opportunity to try other products besides the 'Moisture Protect Serum.' This was a great success for us," (Ms. Yanagihara)

Currently, the "Moisture Protect Serum" campaign features a new visual of Hanyu in a fresh, white shirt, replacing the "Wakatake no Kimi" visual.

"This time, we focused on transparency, so we chose a white outfit. While it may look simple with only one color, the detailed design includes frills and beads. It gives off a clean yet fresh image," (Ms. Yanagihara)

Due to the immense popularity of last year's campaign, which gave away an original acrylic keychain of Yuzuru Hanyu to customers who purchased the "Moisture Protect Serum," the campaign was repeated this year. Last year's keychain featured Hanyu in his "Wakatake no Kimi" costume with a graceful pose and expression, but this time, he is seen in a white outfit with a bright smile and a thumbs-up gesture, which has also been a hit.

"Hanyu's expressions are truly diverse. While we mentioned duality earlier, in reality, he has three or even four sides to him, which makes him incredibly captivating. Even for the same product, his expressions completely change based on the concept. It's clear that he carefully considers, 'How should I present myself today?' It's fascinating to watch," (Ms. Takeuchi)

Graceful Moments that Touch the Heart
KOSE also offers a special audio content series called "A Graceful Moment" featuring Hanyu's voice. The first season began in 2021, and the series has now reached the 16th episode of its third season.

"We release the content at night so that people can listen to it while relaxing, perhaps during their skincare routine. That's why we refer to each episode as the 'first night,' 'second night,' and so on, rather than calling them 'episodes.' Each ‘night' has a theme, and Hanyu speaks about it in his own words. Instead of providing a script, we would ask questions like, 'The theme for this time is flexibility and balance; have you had such experiences in your life?' and he would reflect on his experiences and speak honestly about them," (Ms. Yanagihara)

His narration is done in a relaxed tempo, with a slightly low tone that is gentle and soothing to the heart. Even regarding his speech style, it's all up to Hanyu. "He has such a pleasant voice, and the way he weaves his words together is so beautiful. We haven't requested anything in particular regarding his speaking style. He's naturally a good speaker, so we let him go at his own pace. He doesn't use a script, but speaks directly from his heart, which has been very well received, and we've gotten feedback like, 'I'm glad I got to see a new side of Hanyu' and 'It was great to hear the real Hanyu," (Ms. Yanagihara)

The visual for "A Graceful Moment," where Hanyu sports a refined hairstyle with his forehead showing, portrays him in a suit, with a somewhat melancholic expression that's simply stunning. "We always conduct the voice recording and visual photoshoot on the same day. The blue suit he wears in the third season's visual was custom-made for him. With his tall and slender frame, tailored clothing fits him perfectly. This suit was also a big hit with fans, so we displayed it at Hanshin Department Store and Maison KOSE Ginza.

Each year, during the visual shoot for 'A Graceful Moment,' Hanyu presents various expressions that align with the mood we're going for. There are always so many great expressions to choose from that it's difficult to narrow them down. The unused photos are just too good to keep hidden, so we produced the 'Sekkisei Original Photo Book' as a way to share them with everyone," (Ms. Yanagihara)

The photo book was made in two versions, "Rin" and "Hana," with a variety of photos featured in each. The campaign, held this April, was a huge success for the second year in a row. In 2023, both versions included previously unreleased visuals from "A Graceful Moment," but this year, "Rin" features only new, unreleased cuts, while "Hana" includes key visuals from the 2023 holiday season and never-before-seen cuts from the key visuals of the "Sekkisei Miyabi Moisture Protect Serum" and "Sekkisei Miyabi Cream Nectal."KOSE continues to support beauty from various angles, while Hanyu embodies beauty beyond known boundaries. The ongoing collaboration between the two is something we cannot take our eyes off.

Comment from Photographer Uroku
This time, I had the honor of photographing the ad visuals for Sekkisei Miyabi's "Moisture Protect Serum."

Since the product design was based on the motif of bamboo, when considering the lighting for Yuzuru Hanyu's visual, I wrote down several keywords such as "bamboo," "sasa (bamboo leaves)," "Princess Kaguya," "moon," "night," and "moonlight" to solidify the concept. After much trial and error, the final lighting setup was something ethereal, like a full moon illuminating the dark, quiet night.

In the photoshoot set, Yuzuru, clad in his kimono, danced elegantly as if enveloped in moonlight within the stillness of the rustling bamboo leaves. He looked divine, as though he had taken on the aura of a modern-day Princess Kaguya, passionately yet gracefully embodying the significance of his existence.

I found myself unable to take my eyes away from the viewfinder, continuously pressing the shutter. One thing I regret is that I could only witness Hanyu's performance through the viewfinder. I envy everyone else at the studio who got to see him with their own eyes.

Comment from Costume Designer Kazuhiro Sawadaishi

Regarding the costume for Sekkisei Miyabi:
To express a modernized "Japanese" aesthetic and showcase the world of beauty, I designed two types of dresses for consideration: a maxi-length, tailored jacket dress, and a kimono dress made using traditional Japanese tailoring techniques.

The final dress combines elements of both-tailored based on jacket designs for the body and featuring modified kimono sleeves. The wide-collared kimono represents an androgynous beauty, the tailored body symbolizes the beauty of the physique, and the flowing sleeves represent purification and the elegance of movement.

For the fabric, a master of hand-dyeing created a delicate and soft impression using motifs of bamboo, water, and light. Finally, couture embroidery atelier Lemmikko embellished the fabric with snowflake-inspired embroidery. This culminated in a costume that embodies the fantastical world of bamboo, water, light, and snowflakes.

Impressions from the Photoshoot:
When Yuzuru entered the studio in the costume, he performed a vibrant, sometimes grand, dance. It felt like witnessing a mythological world, and I think everyone in the studio was holding their breath, mesmerized by the beautiful moment.

After the shoot, when Yuzuru returned to the dressing room, he affectionately pointed to the dress and said, "How did this one do?" referring to the dress as if it were a trusted partner. He then added, "As long as this one (*5) looks beautiful, that's all that matters." I believe he truly saw the costume as his partner in expressing himself. It was a deeply memorable shoot for me.

Items Used During the Photoshoot
Base Makeup:
• Sekkisei Miyabi Moisture Protect Serum
• Sekkisei Miyabi UL The Cream Foundation 405
• Sekkisei Miyabi Face Powder 01
Eyebrows:
• Addiction Pressed Duo Eyebrow 004
Eyes:
• Addiction The Eyeshadow 023P
• Addiction The Eyeshadow 016P
• Addiction The Eyeshadow 029M
Lips:
• Jill Stuart Bloom Drop Lip & Cheek Chiffon 04
Nails:
• Jill Stuart Color Base & Top Coat 101

Ad Campaign Team
• Executive Creative Director: Mayumi Takeuchi (KOSE)
• Creative Director: Shihoko Yonehara (KOSE)
• Art Director: Yuko Fukumoto (KOSE)
• Copywriters: Miho Shiomi, Mitsuki Abe (KOSE)
• Photography: Uroku
• Costume: Kazuhiro Sawadaishi
• Hair & Makeup: Hiro Odagiri (Nous)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Kumazasa (scientific name sasa veitchii) is a bamboo native to Japan and Sakhalin.
2 Job's Tears, also known as adlay or adlay millet, is a perennial tropical plant native to Southeast Asia and introduced to Northern China and India in remote antiquity. Angelica Root (scientific name angelica archangelica) is an edible plant used in traditional medicine in different places, including Escandinavia, Chinea, Korea, and Japan.
3 Main female character of "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter", a Japanese fictional story (monogatari) written by an unknown author in the late 9th or early 10th century during the Heian period.
4 T/N: this is part of the original text. It refers to the drawing published in the magazine. See p.5 of this document.
5 T/N: ‘koitsu’ can also be translated as this fellow; this guy; this person. It can be used to refer to both people and objects, and it is often used with a sense of familiarity or affection.

Source: Figure Skating Life Extra "PROFESSIONAL Season 2, pg 48-49

The Underlying Thoughtfulness in Yuzuru Hanyu's Expression, His Empathy Toward Others

By photographer: Toru Yaguchi

Reveal hidden contents

I wanted to capture his eyes peeking through his fingers as he placed both hands on his face. When I conveyed my intent for the shoot, Yuzuru slightly tilted his head two or three times. Dressed in a mint-green dress shirt, he began moving to the music he had selected. For several seconds, he kept his arms down and didn't strike the pose I had requested. "Did I not explain it well enough?" I wondered to myself, but soon realized that wasn't the case. As I waited for the right moment while taking photos, Yuzuru's hands slowly moved toward his face, as though it were part of his choreography. The pose and expression were slightly different from what I had imagined, but it was Yuzuru's interpretation that had shaped them. With a sense of surprise at the unexpected, I felt a rush of joy. Even without checking the images, I knew a powerful photo had been born.

I believe that Yuzuru values not just surface beauty but the flow of emotions and movements of his body that lead him to a particular pose. For him, it is surely a process of putting his heart into his expression. This process is something that can't be captured in a single moment of photography. However, the final expression he creates carries warmth. The way he opens his eyes, bends his fingers, or tilts his neck-these subtleties convey the underlying emotions. That's why the feelings behind his expressions come through in his portraits.

Yuzuru carefully considers the photographer's intent, reflects on it, and then expresses it through his own body. At the core of this meticulous process is his kindness and thoughtfulness toward others. It's because of his empathy and gentleness that he can choose the best way to express himself while considering how others will perceive it. Without technique, this cannot be conveyed. But technique alone is also not enough.

The shoot ended more than 20 minutes past our scheduled time. The sun, nearing the summer solstice, had softened its glow as it began to lose its intensity. Feeling both apologetic and deeply grateful for Yuzuru's full commitment, I bowed my head to him. When I looked up, Yuzuru was still bowing, his right hand placed over his chest.

Two years have passed since Yuzuru transitioned to being a professional skater, and I feel that his empathy toward others has only deepened. Perhaps this has been nurtured through his encounters with various creators and staff in the process of bringing works to life, through both painful and joyful times during his new challenges. I found myself wanting more people to know Yuzuru's current figure skating, his words, and his expression. The strength and warmth that Yuzuru possesses now are even greater than before he began walking this new path.

yuzurujenn · September 6, 2024

2024.08.30

Source: https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/950917
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20240831154129/https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/950917

A special conversation between Yuzuru Hanyu and Daiajari Ryojun Shionuma on the theme of "The meaning of life" is published across 12 pages in the October issue of Kateigaho, on sale today.

Reveal hidden contents

yuzurujenn · September 6, 2024

2024.08.30

Source: https://www.kateigaho.com/article/detail/177647
Alternative source (CN): https://weibo.com/5437806211/Ov6fSqbGO
Info: https://www.kateigaho.com/article/detail/177345

"Kateigaho" 800th commemorative issue · Ryojun Shionuma x Yuzuru Hanyu: The Meaning of Life

"Unmoved by the eight winds, sitting upright on the purple lotus - The words of the soul that give life the power of enlightenment" serialization

In the 800th commemorative issue of this magazine, a miraculous special conversation was realized. Ryojun Shionuma, the abbot of Jigenji Temple in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, and Yuzuru Hanyu, a legendary figure skater who has repeatedly reached the peak of the figure skating world and has engraved his name and left countless milestones in its history. The two of them have always been regarded as the beacon of hope by people, and the profound yet light-hearted communication between them has the power to illuminate our way forward. The meaning of life, the way to accept pain, and other words of the soul that are relevant now will all be conveyed to you in this conversation.

Reveal hidden contents

[The most difficult pilgrimage, "Omine Thousand Days Trip to the Peak", completed by Ryojun Shionuma. The great ajari Ryojun Shionuma was born in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture in 1968. He is the abbot of Jigenji Temple. He graduated from Tohoku High School. He became a monk at Kinpusenji Temple on Mount Yoshino in 1987. He completed the Omine Thousand Days Trip to the Peak in 1999. He completed the Four No-Practices* (no food, no water, no sleep, no lying down for nine days straight) and the Great Goma Offering of 8,000 Pieces* (after abstaining from the five grains -rice, barley, wheat, red beans, soybeans, and salt for 100 days, one continues to burn 8,000 goma for 24 hours without eating, drinking, sleeping or lying down). In 2003, he established Jigenji Temple in his hometown of Akiu, Sendai. He has written many books. In June 2004, he published "Kurashi no Shio Kagen" at his own expense.]

[Consecutive Olympic gold medallist and four-time Grand Prix Final champion - Yuzuru Hanyu. Yuzuru Hanyu was born in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture in 1994. He is a professional figure skater. He graduated from Tohoku High School and Waseda University. Gold medallist of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. He is the first male singles athlete to win consecutive Olympic gold medal in 66 years. He is scheduled to appear in the "Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Charity Performance: Challenge!" on September 15, 2024 (no audience/live broadcast only).]

Precious words woven by two people who have experienced countless hardships.

[Dai Ajari and Yuzuru Hanyu, who decided on their current paths at a young age]

Dai Ajari Shionuma (hereinafter referred to as Shionuma): I’m happy to welcome Hanyu-san to Jigenji Temple again after a long time.

Hanyu-san (hereinafter referred to as Hanyu): I have been looking forward to seeing you again. It's great to see you unchanged.

Shionuma: This time, we will discuss important topics such as "What is the meaning of life?" and "What is life?". But when did you start to think about wanting to become the "Yuzuru Hanyu" that you are today?

Hanyu: I started skating at the age of four, and right away I was saying, 'I will win a gold medal at the Olympics.' It wasn't just that I wanted to; winning became a predetermined path for me. I was a strange kid (laughs).

Shionuma: Speaking of strange kids, can I share my story too? (laughs). I was in fifth grade when I saw a documentary about the "Thousand Days Journey to the Peak" on TV and thought, "I want to do that." I held onto that dream, and after graduating high school, I went to Mount Yoshino’s Kinpusen-ji for training. Even though I was still a novice, I was already convinced that I could definitely complete the 1,000-day pilgrimage. I was a strange kid, wasn't I (laughs).

Hanyu: But when you actually tried it, wasn’t it extremely tough?

Shionuma: Yes, it was very tough.

Hanyu: For me, too, the path was completely different from what I had imagined when I was a child. I had a much easier image of “I won a gold medal,” but it was really hard. Why do we humans tend to choose the difficult path? (smiles wryly)

Shionuma: Perhaps it’s because we continue to seek “truth.” When we face ourselves stoically, unnecessary things are stripped away, and our hearts become clearer. We also have guidelines like walking 1000 days or 48 kilometres a day, but those are merely training periods necessary for inner growth. This is exactly the difference between adventurers and explorers who are fascinated by nature and ascetics.

Hanyu: So, you push yourself for inner growth. When I'm doing physical training or strength training, it might feel somewhat similar to ascetic practice. Since becoming a professional figure skater, I've started to think more deeply about "expression," and I feel like I've been spending more time facing myself. I realised that I couldn't express the way I wanted to unless I really thought about who I am and what life is, and started to form my own core. I think there are some states of being that can only be seen when you are pushed to the point of no escape.

Shionuma: That's true. But unless you're engaged in work that requires you to raise your gear and efficiency for training or performance, it's probably better to live a life where you're not under too much pressure (wry smile).

Hanyu: That's right. However, I feel that being pressured with deadlines, such as tests and homework when you're a student, can help you develop concentration.

Shionuma: The experience of facing oneself when pushed to the limit may indeed be effective for awakening new insights and states of being.

Hanyu: I felt that I wasn’t truly myself unless I kept challenging myself, so I incorporated difficult moves with a success rate of 10% or 20% into my competitions. When I think back on why I got into skating, I believe it was because I could confront challenges within an extraordinary experience.

Shionuma: Once you experience success in the face of extreme difficulties, you can’t stop trying.

Hanyu: But to be honest, I still have dreams about failure. Recently I had a dream about a competition, and even though the start time had passed, I still hadn't put on my costume or skates. I was in a panic (wry smile).

Shionuma: Do you not have dreams about success?

Hanyu: I don’t have them often. But I did have a dream about successfully jumping a quadruple axel before. I remember thinking, “I did it now, but this is a dream. However, this feeling is so real, I should remember it... Oh, I’m starting to wake up, so I’ll do some image training for the quadruple axel once I’m up.” I approached it with that kind of enthusiasm, using the dream to its fullest. (laughs) How about you, Ajari-san? Do you dream of your training?

Shionuma: I still sometimes dream about walking in the mountains. I don't feel like the 1000-day pilgrimage has ended; each day feels like the 1000th day. In fact, I only wrote in my journal during my training up to the 999th day. I guess my training is still continuing somewhere in my heart.

[The state of mind I discovered and reached through writing in my diary]

Hanyu: Did you write in your diary every day?

Shionuma: Yes. I wrote every day until the 999th day without missing a single day. Before I started my 1000-day pilgrimage, I decided to write a white circle in my journal on days when I went to training with the mindset of "Let’s go!" despite any pressure or stress, and a black circle on days when I felt, "I don’t want to go today..." But there was not a single day when I went to the training with a negative feeling. They were all white circles. That’s what still gives me confidence today.

Hanyu: That's amazing. Did writing down your thoughts give you the mental support of 'Let's do it again tomorrow!' or make you think that you had to change yourself?

Shionuma: That might be part of it. I also wrote down the feelings and realisations I had at the time every day so that I wouldn't forget them.

Hanyu: Ajari-san, I’m the same. You're completely an athlete (laughs). My skating coach told me, "Write down in your notebook on the same day how it felt to be able to jump if you did it this way," so I've been writing since I was little. I've had the habit of writing things down in my skating notebook since I was young, so I still write down things I notice.

Shionuma: I see. The reason your words, which express your inner thoughts, resonate with people all over the world is due to that accumulation. When you write in your skating notebook, do you often write with a positive mindset?

Hanyu: I think I should accept and acknowledge all negativity as negativity. It's not good to vent your negative feelings on others, so I write everything in my skating notebook. I write it, tear it up, throw it away, and that's it! That kind of pattern. I think I've thrown away as many worries as the number of pages in the notebook I tore up (laughs).

Shionuma: That's a good method. In Buddhism, the greatest enlightenment is to let go of attachments. The Zen phrase "Eight winds blow but I remain unmoved" really resonates with me right now. When the eight winds (prosperity, decline, disgrace, honour, praise, censure, suffering, and pleasure) that disturb our minds come, our minds are inevitably shaken. Of course, we may react and become disturbed temporarily. The important thing is not to be caught up in that for too long. The teaching is that the way humans should aim for in life is to let go (throw away, discard) everything and encounter a new state of being, and that is exactly what Hanyu has been doing. I will do it that way from now on too. I may end up writing a huge amount, thinking, "Am I really writing and throwing away all this in one day?" (laughs).

Hanyu: No way (laughs).

[Concentration that can only be achieved in extreme situations]

Shionuma: By the way, I was moved when I saw your solo performance "ICE STORY 2023 "GIFT"" held at the Tokyo Dome in February 2023, the first time in the history of skaters to do so. What is the driving force that allows you to perform in such extreme situations?

Hanyu: Because everyone has high expectations of me. That's the only reason. I'm currently putting on an ice show where I'm the only skater for over two hours, and it's because I'm pushed to the limit and have my physical and mental strength worn down that my performance can be filled with tenderness, or conversely, even create a bit of a destructive atmosphere. There are times when I find myself thinking, "Why am I trying so hard? What am I doing this for?" But the reactions and energy of the audience when I deliver my performance is really enjoyable and makes me happy. I do it because I want to experience that pleasure.

Shionuma: I wondered what this power is.

Hanyu: If I don't do that much, I can't perform in a way that moves people's hearts. To begin with, I don't have much confidence... Everyone says I'm "mentally strong," but it's precisely because I'm not strong that I have to practice and prepare a lot to be able to endure. Also, I was thinking recently, "Why am I called a narcissist?" As a skater, I have many opportunities to look in the mirror, but it's not like I like looking at it. Even when I'm asked to check the photos during a shoot, I don't really think I need to check my own face.

Shionuma: That's bad. Maybe I'm the narcissist... When my photo was taken just now, I said, "Show me the photo! It's good, it's good" (laughs).

Hanyu: Ahahah (laughs). I'm not confident to begin with, so I can't do things half-heartedly. For example, when I'm warming up, I often concentrate so much that I'm immersed in my own world. People tend to think that I'm "intoxicated with myself" because I'm not embarrassed when they see me lip-syncing enthusiastically, but it's not that I'm self-absorbed. I have to go that far to perform at my best. Maybe I'm labeled a narcissist because I go all out more than the average person...

Shionuma: In general, people only have access to a very limited amount of information, which can lead to an image that is perceived as completely different from reality.

Hanyu: Well~ I want to loudly refute the allegations that I’m a narcissist (smiles wryly)

Shionuma: Let me make it clear here. People tend to think that I must be a very special person for having completed the 1000-day pilgrimage, which only two people have succeeded in over 1300 years. However, I'm often told, 'When I meet you, you're just an ordinary person.' This makes me very happy.

[100-year-old active monk + 100-year-old active skater]

Hanyu: But I’ve been aware that I was a strange kid since I was little. Ajari-san must have been quite a strange kid too, deciding to do the 1000-day pilgrimage in fifth grade (laughs). If you could go back to the time when you first saw the 1000-day pilgrimage program, would you make the same decision again?

Shionuma: (answers immediately) Yes. Even if I were reborn, I will definitely embark on the same path again.

Hanyu: That’s amazing. I’d probably choose to take a different path if possible. If there is reincarnation, I would like to devote everything I can to skating in this life and complete it to the point where I feel like I've accomplished everything! Well, maybe I’ll be an ant in my next life (laughs).

Shionuma: Seriously, ant?! (laughs)! Right now, I enjoy every day from the time I wake up in the morning until I go to bed at night. Monks often do great work after they turn 80, but if you think of life as a mountain climb, then at 56 years old I'm still only at the second station. Since I was given this life, I feel I've been able to maintain a pretty good mental state, so I’ve decided to continue studying until I'm 80 and to keep working on the front lines until I’m 100.

And, this is just my own desire, but when I complete this life and move on to the next world, I want the gods, Buddha, and my teachers to say to me, 'You did well.' This is what motivates me to keep walking the difficult path I have chosen without giving up, in order to contribute to everyone's happiness. Hanyu-san, what are your thoughts on the meaning of life and your own role?

Hanyu: I think a lot about the meaning and role of my life. I don't go so far as to say it's for the sake of the world or for others, but I think the meaning of my life is to exist for someone. For me, that tool happens to be skating, and I feel that my current role is to connect with everyone through it.

Shionuma: I see. I said that I want to learn until I'm 80 and continue to work at the front line until I'm 100, but what do you want to do from now on, Hanyu-san?

Hanyu: Working on the front lines until 100? A 100-year-old active skater is amazing, isn’t it? (laughs) Right now, I’m in the midst of a transformation myself, so to be honest, this is the most unpredictable time for me... I can definitely feel the reality of living as I change rapidly. Since skating is a physical activity, I can’t predict when something might happen, including injuries, or how it might all end. However, I hope to live in a way that allows me to truly feel my own role and the meaning of my existence in each moment.

Shionuma: You’re experiencing change, I see. When difficult things happen, how do you face them?

Hanyu: I would let myself fall to the lowest point. After feeling exhausted, pained, and frustrated, I’ll then think, "Ah, let’s try my best." But I also think that without these difficult moments, it would have been hard to see hope for the future. Having experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake at 16, I’ve had many opportunities to visit affected areas, and I feel that many people compare their own pain to that of others and endure it by thinking, 'Compared to them, I'm not suffering as much.' While this is a virtue unique to the Japanese, I've been thinking lately that it’s okay to accept that pain is pain.

Shionuma: That's right. I think the only thing we can do is to acknowledge the pain and turn it into sustenance for moving forward.

Hanyu: I think so too. On the contrary, if you always say, "I’m not suffering," you may not have the strength to take the next step. That’s just the way it is, isn’t it?

[Acknowledging the pain gives you the strength to take the next step]

Shionuma: That’s true. Do you think you can accept your pain as it is and turn it into nourishment?

Hanyu: But I feel like my mental state is getting weaker every year. Is this what turning 30 feels like? It’s definitely different from my teenage years (wry smile).

Shionuma: Really? I’ve become more confident and positive now that I’m 56 (laughs). Sometimes unexpected obstacles or accidents occur. During those times, I make sure not to be passive. When something happens, I try to tackle it head-on. I believe that if I can overcome this pain and turn it into nourishment, I can definitely rise again. I think that kind of confidence is very important in life.

Hanyu: Impressive. Do you ever feel down?

Shionuma: I don’t feel down… (laughs) I’m moving around so much every day that I hardly have time to dwell on things. Of course, I feel deeply upset when I make mistakes or act inappropriately, but I try to quickly regain my composure and make amends. I want to maintain a positive mindset and stay on track.

Hanyu: I wonder if in another 20 years I’ll be able to reach a state where I’ll never feel down (laughs). Today, I had a lot of discussion with Ajari-san about how to face oneself and what it means to live. In this age of social media, where uncertain topics abound, and given the unstable global situation, I hope this conversation provides a chance to reflect on ourselves and offers insights to think about who we are and whether we can clearly discern the truth. I want to live with the belief that if one person changes, the people around them will change, the country will change, and the world will change.

Shionuma: Just as you said. Everyone, let's proceed with the mindset of "unmoved by the eight winds."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Reflecting deeply about how to express (this issue) is also a consideration of the meaning of life." - Yuzuru Hanyu

"Still learning at the age of 80, still at the forefront at the age of 100." - Ryojun Shionuma

"I write down the negatives in a notebook and then tear it up; the number of pages torn represents the worries discarded." - Yuzuru Hanyu

"Suffering can come to anyone, the only thing you can do is to accept it and turn it into sustenance for moving forward.” - Ryojun Shionuma

[End of the conversation]

[Message to the other party]

Dai Ajari Shionuma to Yuzuru Hanyu: [Strong and gentle, mysterious and beautiful]

“Although we haven’t met for many years, from his words, I can clearly sense that he has accumulated a wealth of experience and depth in his life. As a rare figure skater, the weight he carries on his shoulders is immeasurable, and I sincerely hope that this conversation can show the truest Yuzuru Hanyu, and convey his unique charisma that combines gentleness, resilience, and sensitivity. I sincerely hope that more people can gain inspiration about life from this, even if it is just one more person.

Yuzuru Hanyu to Dai Ajari Shionuma: [The meaning of existing here, the meaning of being yourself is ‘life’]

“I came to visit with a teacher from Tohoku High School when I was a teenager. I was a little nervous when I first arrived, but Dai Ajari greeted me with a series of cold jokes, and it was the same this time (laughs). Sharing the significant growth and changes I’ve experienced over the years with him has been very reassuring, so we discussed many topics I had never talked about before. For those who read this conversation, I would be very happy if you could find some words that touch your heart and brings us closer together.

yuzurujenn · September 12, 2024

2024.09.12

Source: https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/316414?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20240911235143/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/316414?page=1

"Is there anything I can do for Noto?" Yuzuru Hanyu's thoughts on the disaster-stricken area; charity performance to be held on the 15th.

Reveal hidden contents

Bringing smiles and energy through his performance. Yuzuru Hanyu (29), a professional skater who won two consecutive Olympic gold medals in men's figure skating, and others will appear in the "Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Charity Performance" on the 15th in Ishikawa Prefecture, which was severely damaged by the Noto Peninsula earthquake in January. Due to venue restrictions, the event will be streamed online. Proceeds from the live and on-demand streams will be donated to Ishikawa Prefecture. A representative from Kanazawa TV, the local station that organised the performance, spoke to us in an interview and revealed Hanyu's wishes for reconstruction.

"Is there anything I can do for Noto?". Hanyu, who was affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, had mixed feelings about the current situation in Noto.

The Noto Peninsula has poor transportation access, and even eight months after the earthquake, recovery has not progressed sufficiently. Hearing Hanyu's strong desire to help, Kanazawa TV's representative explained, “We hope for a swift recovery and wish for the people to regain their vitality quickly. Despite the many difficulties, we wanted to overcome them together and move toward a brighter future. We thought about what we could do and decided to collaborate with Hanyu.”

Meetings began in earnest in late April. The project was titled "Challenge." The person in charge recalled, "Hanyu told us, 'If there's anything I can do, I want to do it.' We empathized with that sentiment and the project moved forward. The title was chosen to convey the message, 'There will be difficulties, but let's all work together to overcome them and aim for a brighter future.' When we explained the idea to Hanyu, he agreed, saying, 'I think that's a good idea.'"

Hanyu shared ideas through emails and remote meetings in between his busy schedules. The person in charge said, "We asked Hanyu and his team to think about what kind of songs would be appropriate, taking into consideration his thoughts, and we also discussed whether it would be possible for people from Noto to participate." The performance will feature not only Hanyu and Akiko Suzuki, a bronze medalist at the 2012 World Championships, but also Noto High School’s calligraphy club and the Wajima Taiko group, “Wajima Taiko Toranosuke.” In addition, there are plans to connect video with the Noto area and interact with the disaster victims.

Recovery is still only halfway through. That is why Hanyu himself is particularly determined to hold the event in Ishikawa Prefecture. The representative spoke sincerely, “Hanyu has visited Noto and walked around various places. He said, ‘I want to skate in a way that will help cheer up the local people, even if only a little. I feel that it is meaningful to perform in Ishikawa.’ We hope to create an event that can support and encourage people to move forward with energy and positivity.”

Public viewing venues will be set up in four locations in the Noto area to distribute the video of the performance to those affected by the disaster. Hanyu expressed his determination through Kanazawa TV, "There are people who are suffering right now, so I hope I can somehow give them some strength. I really want to skate with all my heart." As a skater who knows the feelings of the disaster victims, he brings hope to Ishikawa Prefecture.

yuzurujenn · September 15, 2024

2024.09.14 - 2024.09.15

Source: https://docomo-mirai.tda.docomo.ne.jp/field/report/yuzuru-hanyu_2401/

Info: https://www.tvkanazawa.co.jp/event/notocharity

Experience the world of professional figure skating. A close look at the experience event "Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Charity Performance"!

On Saturday, September 14th and Sunday, September 15th, 2024, we invited 20 elementary school students from Ishikawa, Fukui, and Toyama prefectures to an event where they could experience the world of professional figure skating!

On the first day, there was a skating class and a behind-the-scenes look at a live broadcast, and on the second day, the "Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Charity Performance - Challenge" was held, where they could watch the performances of professional figure skaters including Yuzuru Hanyu up close.

1. With Yuzuru Hanyu and Satoko Miyahara as instructors!
A skating class full of smiles

Reveal hidden contents

The children gathered together, looking a little nervous about the upcoming event. They immediately headed to the skating rink and prepared for the skating class.

The children were confused even just standing on their first skates. Before moving to the rink, they did careful warm-up exercises to avoid injury! Once they had gotten used to the skates, they moved to the rink.

Most of the children who participated were skating for the first time. At the rink, they started by practicing crab walking while holding onto the wall. They fell over and over, but they didn't give up and tried their best, first learning to let go and stand.

As they were learning the basic movements, special instructors Yuzuru Hanyu and Satoko Miyahara appeared! The appearance of these two professional figure skaters brought smiles to the faces of even the nervous children!

Together with Hanyu and Miyahara, we practiced putting our hands out in front of us to keep our balance and taking turns putting our left and right feet forward. There were times when the children stumbled or fell, but with the support of the two, everyone enjoyed skating.

They also tried a mini game where they had to go through an arch made by the two and their coach! At first, the children had a hard time keeping their balance, but in a short time they improved their skating! The parents and other people watching burst into applause.

At the end of the skating class, we all took a group photo! It was hard to stop where we wanted and even lining up was difficult, but everyone managed to line up nicely and pose for the photo with smiles on their faces.

At the end, I gave a high five to Hanyu and left the rink.
I would like to thank Hanyu, Miyahara, and all the coaches for their kind support so that even beginners could enjoy skating!

After the skating lesson, the children happily shared their impressions, saying, "It was scary at first, but skating was fun!", "Hanyu and Miyahara were really good at skating!", and "They praised me for being good!"

2. Learn what goes on behind the scenes at live broadcasts!

Sneak peek into TV Kanazawa

Reveal hidden contents

3. A roundtable discussion with Hanyu and Miyahara will also be held!

Charity performance viewing

Reveal hidden contents

On the second day, the "Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Charity Performance - Challenge" was held, where visitors had the opportunity to watch up close the performances of professional figure skaters including Yuzuru Hanyu.

Children were captivated by the professional figure skaters dancing gracefully on the ice to the music of Wajima Wadaiko Toranosuke.

The children's eyes sparkled as they watched the powerful performance, where they could even hear the sound of the ice being scraped. Watching with my very own eyes, I realized they were skating at a speed much faster than I had imagined, and I was able to appreciate the incredible performance of the professional skaters, who showed me a variety of expressions and difficult-looking poses one after another in time with the music.

Their wonderful performance conveyed the desire to "connect people in Ishikawa with smiles and energy", giving the children courage and hope and bringing smiles to their faces.

The final event was a roundtable discussion with Hanyu-san and Miyahara-san after the performance. Announcer Hirayama kept the atmosphere lively with his entertaining hosting.

We asked each person one by one the questions that were prepared in advance and had them answer all of our questions!

Q: "Have you ever wanted to quit skating?"
Hanyu: "When I was little, I often thought about quitting because the teachers were scary and it hurts to fall. But I worked really hard, and I felt that if I gave up here, it would leave me feeling really frustrated, so I told myself that no matter how hard it was, I would keep trying my best!"
Miyahara: "I did feel like quitting at one point, but it was just a year before the Olympic selection. I thought about how hard I had worked to aim for the Olympics, and if I quit now, what would that have been for? So, I decided to keep going and push forward towards my goal."

Q: "What is your dream for the future?"
Hanyu: "I hope to bring smiles to everyone, even just a little!"
Miyahara: "I hope I can convey cheerfulness through my skating."

Q: "How much did you practice per day when you were in elementary school?"
Hanyu: "Before the rink was closed, I practiced about 4 to 5 hours a day, except on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day."
Miyahara: "I was the same; I practiced about 2 to 3 hours a day before the rink was closed."

Q: "How can I become better at skating?"
Hanyu: "You just have to practice hard, and if you listen carefully to what your teachers and parents say, you will definitely get better. When you become an adult, you'll be glad that you listened to them back then."
Miyahara: "I hope you never forget that skating is fun."

Q: "What has been your happiest moment so far?"
Hanyu: "Winning the gold medal at the Olympics!"
Miyahara: "Probably when I toured overseas for the first time for an ice show."

Q: "What do you value most?"
Hanyu: "My skates and my life!"
Miyahara: "I agree, and also being able to smile every day."

We were able to hear many convincing stories from both of them, reflecting their years of hard work. There were also many questions about their favourite foods, anime, music, and colours. The roundtable was held in a friendly atmosphere filled with laughter.

Thank you to Hanyu-san and Miyahara-san for kindly answering everyone’s questions with smiles until the end, giving the children wonderful memories over these two days!

yuzurujenn · September 23, 2024

2024.09.15

Source: https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/202409150001171.html

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20240915122102/https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/202409150001171.html
https://web.archive.org/web/20240915135516/https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/202409150001171.html?Page=2

https://web.archive.org/web/20240915141509/https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/202409150001171.html?Page=3

https://web.archive.org/web/20240915142225/https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/202409150001171.html?Page=4

Info: https://www.tvkanazawa.co.jp/event/notocharity

[Figure Skating] Yuzuru Hanyu’s Thoughts on the Noto Reconstruction Support Show: “Delivering a wave of energy from this place” – Full Comments

On the 15th, a charity performance titled "Challenge" to support the reconstruction of the Noto Peninsula was held in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. The event featured Yuzuru Hanyu (29), two-time Olympic gold medalist in men's figure skating, along with other skaters such as Takahito Mura, Akiko Suzuki, and Satoko Miyahara. They collaborated with the traditional Japanese drum group Taiko Toranosuke and the calligraphy club of Noto High School to create a performance aimed at supporting those affected by the severe damage from the January Noto Peninsula earthquake. Due to venue constraints, the show was livestreamed, and the proceeds from both the live and on-demand streams will be donated to Ishikawa Prefecture.

After the performance, the four skaters spoke with the media. Here are their comments:

Reveal hidden contents

- Can each of you share your thoughts on what you wanted to convey through your performance?

Mura: It is not easy to hold a charity event, even if it is just once, but we were able to hold the event with the help of Yuzu-kun. I feel that it was very meaningful for me to skate here, and I hope that I could convey the message of “It's going to be OK,” which is in the lyrics of the song “San San” that I skated, to the audience and many others who watched the stream this time. I participated in this event with the hope that the audience would find the energy to face tomorrow and move on to the next step.

Hanyu: I know there are people from all walks of life who are watching the event, some who are suffering and others who are doing okay. I skated with the hope that, even just a little, it could spread smiles among those watching.

Miyahara: I am happy that I was able to participate in this charity show, an opportunity that does not come along very often. I performed with the hope that my skating could be of some help to people.

Suzuki: Every time an earthquake like this happens, I feel so powerless. However, I hoped that we could convey something meaningful through this opportunity. With that feeling in my heart, I skated with all my might today. Thank you for this opportunity.

- I’d like to ask Hanyu-san. Since becoming a professional, have there been any changes in how you approach disaster-stricken areas or what you feel you can do?

Hanyu: For me, one of the major goals I had, alongside winning two Olympic gold medals, was to start supporting and caring for disaster-stricken areas from here on out, so I've always worked hard at my sport. Now that I’ve finally turned professional, I’m gradually beginning to focus my heart on disaster areas and various calamities. I am a skater first and foremost, so I thought I would like to support people, to help them emotionally, through my performance. For example, "Notte Stellata" is about various disasters that occur from time to time, including the 3.11 earthquake. This time, we specifically did it as a charity for the earthquake in the Noto region.

- I don't think Hanyu has had many opportunities to perform "Haru yo, Koi" with such bright lighting.

Hanyu: First of all, the reason why we considered to perform without lighting (spotlight) was to minimise the budget and donate as much money as possible to the charity. The primary goal was to keep the scale as small as possible. Ultimately, we decided to go without show lighting to reduce production costs, which gave the performance a different look. I’m happy that regular viewers could experience a different perspective, and for us, performing for charity also brought a completely different emotional experience, and we performed with a clear intention directed specifically towards the people of the Noto region.

Suzuki: It’s been a while since we performed without show lighting. I felt like I was being watched as I made my entrance, but it was also very refreshing to skate today.

- Please tell us about the finale, "Que Sera Sera".

Hanyu: Personally, I really like Mrs. GREEN APPLE. The song itself has a kind of Okinawan "nankurunaisa" spirit (T/N: “everything will be alright in the end”). Akiko Suzuki-san choreographed it with the feeling of telling yourself to move forward no matter what happens. I feel that we all really cherished the vocals and each note of the song, and skated with hope in our hearts.

- When you skated to "Haru yo, Koi," it seemed like you lowered your upper body into the ice more than usual.

It's a technique called hydroblading, and it is originally intended at that level in the program, so there's nothing particularly profound about it, but even though this site, and the surrounding area itself, wasn't an area that suffered major damage, the region as a whole suffered particularly severe damage; or to put it more broadly, the ground around here shook violently, so I felt like I wanted things to calm down.

- The memory of the Noto earthquake is fading. I think it was meaningful for Hanyu to skate. Please tell us your thoughts on this again.

Hanyu: Just like with the 3.11 disaster, the farther we are from the capital, the less coverage it receives, and progress tends to make the news only occasionally. It's an area where reconstruction is slow and the road restrictions are much greater than in normal places, so I think it must be really tough, both when I saw the news and when I went there in person. It's difficult for us to do much about the fading memory of the disaster, but as I said earlier, I wanted to support disaster relief and achieve back-to-back Olympic titles, to use this achievement in a positive way, to use this fame to contribute, and the same goes for those who bought tickets to the stream this time, I hope to be of some help, even if just a little, whether through money or attention.

- I heard that you actually visited the disaster area and interacted with the junior high school students. What did you say to them during that time?

Hanyu: I've had many opportunities to see the current situation on the news and in the newspapers, but when I actually saw it in person, I was very shocked to see how much of it was left as it was. I can’t make any deep comments on whether it’s making progress or not, but I felt that the scars were still very raw. The local people also said that time had stopped, and that they still remember "this happened here" every time they go there, or that "this place was destroyed." I also heard them say "I don't want to go back there." That really struck me deeply, and it was painful.

When I met the children, I told them that no matter how difficult things may be, eventually, you have to do something when the time comes. No matter how much they don't want to do it, no matter how much they fail to make progress, when the deadline comes, they still have to move forward. I said this to them. It’s been more than six months since the disaster, and I think people are thinking about what they can do and what progress is being made. Sometimes things will come in their own time, and if they don’t, there’s nothing you can do but accept it. However, I hope that within that acceptance, there are still plenty of smiles and hard work put into it at that time.

- Please tell us why it was important to you to skate in Ishikawa even in the form of a live stream.

Hanyu: When we first decided to do this broadcast format, we could have skated in other regions, and I think we could have done a lot of different things if we had wanted to. However, I wanted to skate as close as possible to those who have suffered, those who are currently struggling, and those who are facing various difficulties. We really feel the power of the region and the atmosphere on site while we skate, so I wanted to honour the importance of that atmosphere and hoped that, even a little, the energy from this place would resonate and reach everyone through the broadcast.

yuzurujenn · September 25, 2024

2024.09.21

Source: https://worldfigureskating-web.jp/news/8695/
https://worldfigureskating-web.jp/news/8695/2/
https://worldfigureskating-web.jp/news/8695/3/

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20240921092716/https://worldfigureskating-web.jp/news/8695/
https://web.archive.org/web/20240921092804/https://worldfigureskating-web.jp/news/8695/2/
https://web.archive.org/web/20240921092856/https://worldfigureskating-web.jp/news/8695/3/

Info: https://www.tvkanazawa.co.jp/event/notocharity

“Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Charity Performance ~Challenge~”
Yuzuru Hanyu & his friends deliver prayers for the recovery of Noto

September 21, 2024 By WFS Editorial Department

The "Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Charity Performance - Challenge" was held in Kanazawa City on September 15th, where Yuzuru Hanyu performed an emotional skating performance alongside Takahito Mura, Akiko Suzuki, and Satoko Miyahara. The event was held via video connecting two venues, the ice rink and Noto High School, featuring the Noto High School calligraphy club and the young Japanese drum (taiko) team "Wajima Wadaiko Toranosuke". The performance, which was based on the theme of "Challenge", was exclusively live-streamed on Docomo's video distribution service "Lemino" from 3:00 pm. The on-demand viewing will be available until September 30, 2024.

Reveal hidden contents

Live broadcast connecting Kanazawa rink and Noto High School

All proceeds from the stream will be donated to Ishikawa Prefecture. First, the skaters appeared on the rink to the powerful music of the young taiko team "Wajima Wadaiko Toranosuke", followed by a graceful yet powerful presentation from the Noto High School calligraphy club paired with a performance by Wajima-based taiko drummer Imai Subaru.

In the solo segments, Takahito Mura performed "Sansan," Akiko Suzuki skated to "Hymn to Love," Satoko Miyahara chose "Stabat Mater," and Yuzuru Hanyu closed the segment with his beloved exhibition piece, "Haru yo, Koi." His performance was so moving that it seemed as if prayers for recovery were radiating from his entire body. For the finale, Mrs. Green Apple's "Que Sera Sera," Hanyu hummed the lyrics and skated his steps with a smile. At the end, the four skaters finished with their left hands raised high, their faces shining with joy.

During the Q&A session, the teenage students asked questions such as, "How do you overcome difficult times?", "How do you deal with nervousness?", "Who designs the costumes?", and "What do you do when you can't come up with an idea for the choreography?" At the end, each skater sent a message, bringing the hour-long performance to a close. 20 elementary school students from Ishikawa, Fukui, and Toyama prefectures were invited to the rink to watch the professional skaters perform up close. Public viewing (free of charge) of the performance was also held in four locations: Suzu City, Wajima City, Shiga Town, and Nanao City. According to the organizers, as of the 13th, more than 10,000 people had purchased tickets to watch the live stream. The on-demand stream will be available until September 30th. Additional sales of the charity T-shirts has also been decided, expanding the support network.

To cut costs, there was no (show) lighting. The performance took place on a bright rink.

After the performance, Yuzuru Hanyu, Akiko Suzuki, Takahito Mura, and Satoko Miyahara appeared in charity T-shirts. The four showed no signs of fatigue as they responded to questions from the press.

- Thank you for your hard work at the charity performance. What thoughts did you all put into your performance?
Mura: It’s quite rare to have a charity performance like this, especially when it was challenging to hold such an event, but thanks to Hanyu-kun’s influence it was made possible, and it gave great significance to skating here. I hope that I can convey the message of "It's going to be okay" that is also in the lyrics of the song I skated to this time, "Sansan," to the people who watched the live stream. I participated with the hope that this performance could provide some energy to face tomorrow and move on to the next step.

Hanyu: I think that there are people in all different situations who are watching, including some who are suffering and others who are doing well. I skated hoping that I could spread a circle of smiles among all of those people, even just a little.

Miyahara: I'm really happy to have had the opportunity to take part in such a rare charity show, and I skated hoping that I could help people through my performance.

Suzuki: Every time something like this happens, I feel so powerless, but today I came here with the feeling that by skating on an occasion like this, we might be able to convey something, and with that feeling firmly in my heart, I skated as hard as I could. (To Hanyu) Thank you so much for this opportunity.

Hanyu: Thank you.

- (To Hanyu) As a professional skater, has your approach to disaster-stricken areas changed?
Hanyu: Well, one of my biggest goals in wanting to win two (Olympic) gold medals was that once I won two consecutive titles, I wanted to start showing support and compassion to the disaster-stricken areas, so I had always worked hard during my active years as an athlete.
Now that I’ve finally turned professional, I've gradually started to think about disaster-stricken areas and the various disasters that have occurred. However, I still see myself first and foremost as a skater. I hope that through my performances, I can provide some support or a bit of emotional relief to everyone.

"notte (notte stellata)" is a project that is aimed at various disasters that occur from time to time, such as 3.11. This time, we held the project as a charity specifically for the earthquake disaster in the Noto region.

- (To Hanyu) I wonder if there has ever been a performance of "Haru yo, Koi" in such bright lighting...
Hanyu: Maybe not.

- When the lighting is dim, it feels like it resonates deeply within, but today there was a sense of various things bursting forth right from the start. Is there a different idea behind "Haru yo, Koi" in this atmosphere and place?
Hanyu: First of all, the reason we thought about the situation of no (show) lighting this time was because we wanted to keep the budget as small as possible and donate most of the money since it's a charity, so our first goal was to keep the scale as small as possible. In the end, as we were trying to cut down on production costs, we ended up going without (show) lighting, but it looks different and I'm glad that the people who usually watch it can feel a different sensation from usual. We ourselves also had a completely different feeling because it was a charity performance, and I think that we skated with a clearer intention directed towards the Noto region in our program.

- Like, it needs to be shown more clearly?
Hanyu: You mean technically?

- Including technical aspects.
Hanyu: Regardless, I always put my heart and soul into my skating, and since I practice under such lighting conditions, so I guess there was not much change in that aspect.

- Is that the case for the other three as well?
Suzuki: It might be a while since I felt this way.
Hanyu: Because they are all professionals. (laughs)
Suzuki: Well, as I made my entrance...

- Is it difficult?
Suzuki: There’s a sense of being watched, but that also made it really refreshing to skate today.

- (To Hanyu) Did you choose Mrs. Green Apple's "Que Sera Sera" for the finale that the four of you skated to?
Hanyu: No, it was the person in charge of the project who chose it. But I personally really like Mrs. Green Apple. The song itself has a "Nankurunaisa" spirit, which may sound Okinawan. Akiko Suzuki choreographed the song to express that feeling of telling yourself that no matter what happens, you have to look forward to the future. I think we expressed that feeling, and I feel like everyone really cherished each and every note of the song, including the vocals, and skated with hope in our hearts.

Hanyu: "I wanted to skate close to those who are struggling with various things."

- (Question from local media) The Noto earthquake is fading from memory, and we here in Ishikawa have the sense that it has been forgotten by the public. Today, your skating became the number one trending topic on "X," and I think it was very meaningful. Could you reiterate your thoughts on this, and also, one more thing, when you were skating while rotating, it seemed like you were lowering your upper body closer to the ground more than usual.

Hanyu: First, regarding the technique called "hydroblading," it’s meant to be executed in this program, so it doesn’t have a particularly deep meaning, but while this land, this surrounding area, wasn't a place that suffered great damage, this region as a whole suffered severe damage. More broadly, the ground around here shook greatly, so I felt like I wanted things to calm down.

About the fading memory of the Noto earthquake, it’s similar to the situation with "3.11." As we move further from the metropolitan area, it’s not often reported. There might be news when there are developments, but it’s a place where recovery is slow. The transportation restrictions are also greater here than in other areas, which I’ve realised both through the news and during my visits.

It’s difficult for us to comment on the fading memory, but as I mentioned earlier, I want to support disaster relief. I aimed to win two Olympic gold medals for that purpose. By using this recognition in a positive way, I hope to help those who purchased streaming tickets and contribute in whatever small way I can. Whether it’s financial support or attention, I hope that I can help even a little.

- What did you say to the junior high school students when you actually visited the disaster area in June this year?
Hanyu: I had seen the situation through news reports and articles many times, but actually seeing it in person was shocking. The rawness of the scars left behind was striking. I can’t make deep comments on whether recovery is progressing, but it was clear that the wounds were still very vivid.

And it seems like time has stopped for the local people. They still remember what happened here every time they go there, or they remember how this place was destroyed, or they said they don't want to go back there anymore. I felt something pierced my heart when I heard them say that.

When I met the children, I told them, "No matter how hard things are, when the time comes, you have to do something." "No matter how much you don't want to do it, no matter how much you haven't made much progress, when the deadline comes, you have to move forward." That's what I said. It's been more than six months since the disaster, and I'm sure they're thinking about what can be done and what progress has been made, but sometimes things come and sometimes they don't, so there are times when you just have to think, "It can't be helped." But I hope that within that acceptance, there are plenty of smiles and the determination from that time.

- Why did you choose to skate in Ishikawa Prefecture, even in the form of live stream?
Hanyu: When I first decided to do this stream, I could have skated in other areas, and I think I could have done a lot of different things if I had wanted to. But I wanted to skate as close as possible to those who have suffered, those who are suffering now, and those who are struggling with various things. We skated while really feeling the power of the local area and the atmosphere at the venue, and I wanted to convey the importance of that energy and send out a ripple effect from this place, even just a little, hoping it would reach everyone through the broadcast.

Sign In

[2024-2025] Compilation of translated interview articles with Yuzu

Recommended Posts

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

Create an account

Sign in