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

yuzurujenn · December 1, 2024

2024.11.29

Source: https://www.ninomiyasports.com/archives/128083

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241130060113/https://www.ninomiyasports.com/archives/128083

Yuzuru Hanyu is someone who gives me the opportunity to think.

"I don't want people to give me answers, but I want them to think. I want this to be one of the opportunities to get people thinking."

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The above comment was made by professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu. He said this during a press interview after the first day of the "ICE STORY 2nd 'RE_PRAY' TOUR" performance at Saitama Super Arena on November 4th last year.

The concept of RE_PRAY was inspired by games, and Hanyu spoke about this after the first performance:

"I myself have received a lot from various works, like games, manga, and novels, that make me think about life, the preciousness of life, and things that I hope you all feel as well.

In games, the concept of life can feel somewhat light because it's something that can be repeated. The characters can be used again and again, allowing you to play with curiosity. If you apply that to the real world, someone who has the drive to reach their dreams might seem like a powerful person, but from a different perspective, they could also be a very frightening person. I thought that if life were something you could repeat, people might try to do it.

There are choices you make. Suppose that the path that leads to destruction lies ahead of you. If you could overcome all obstacles to achieve your dreams and achieve your goals, what would you choose and how would you feel? I want you to think about this through this ice story."

With December 7th approaching, many are probably looking forward to what kind of inspiration Hanyu will give in the "ICE STORY 3rd 'Echoes of Life' TOUR."

Even before the third edition begins, Hanyu has already provided a prompt to think. His message on the official "Echoes of Life" website includes the phrase: "In a society overflowing with information, we risk losing sight of ourselves," which struck me deeply as someone who transmits information. This reminded me of a past Instagram post Hanyu made.

Posted on December 26, 2023. It was heartbreaking and made me want to cover my eyes. The crumpled paper, the way the lines were broken, and the writing conveyed his anger.

I work in the media industry, and I felt regretful of being part of it. I felt emptiness in being part of the media.

After asking myself, "What can I do in this situation?" I came to a temporary answer: Perhaps the only thing I can do is continue to be part of the media. Since coming to this conclusion, my sense of what I should do has become clearer. And I realized the importance of "stopping and thinking." He also taught me that humour is sometimes essential. I felt this when he did a turn during the 50th Anniversary of Japan-China Diplomatic Normalization Ceremony.

Yuzuru Hanyu is someone who gives others a reason to think. I can't wait for the opening of the ice story, which will speak to the audience.

((((text/Yuki Oki))))

yuzurujenn · December 2, 2024

2024.12.01

Source: https://esse-online.jp/articles/-/30829

Info: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0DG5GJCC7 

Yuzuru Hanyu feels a change in his mindset in his third year as a professional. "I've become able to rely on the strength of those around me."

Yuzuru Hanyu, a figure skater who continues to challenge himself to create new forms of expression even after turning professional, is attracting a lot of attention by appearing on the cover of the new year's issue of ESSE. We asked him about his changes in his mindset and the thoughts he holds dear.

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During the shoot, the background music he chose was his best friend's song

Yuzuru Hanyu headed to the crimson filming set, picked up his smartphone and selected the background music himself. The songs he chose were "Ryakudatsu" and "Last Ambient" by Taisei Miyagawa, a musician who is also his good friend and with whom he has collaborated on an ice show. The staff cheered as he moved his body gracefully, just like in a real show.

Since making a new start as a professional in 2022, Hanyu has been taking on unprecedented challenges, including becoming the first skater to perform a solo show at the Tokyo Dome and successfully completing a national tour. Now in his third year as a professional, he says, "I've become able to rely on the people around me."

Because I've learned to care for those around me, I'm able to care for myself too

"When I was competing, I felt the pressure of having to carry the hopes of everyone and produce good results. But since I became a professional and started producing and structuring shows, I've been able to expand my world with the help of experts in each field. Maybe it's because I've grown up (laughs). I feel like I'm able to take care of myself now because I've learned to take care of those around me."

Hanyu is constantly evolving. We can't wait to see what new horizons he will show us in 2025.

The January issue of ESSE, which goes on sale on December 2nd, features a full interview with Yuzuru Hanyu, covering everything from the worldview of his national tour "Echoes of Life" that begins on December 7th to his favorite dishes he's looking forward to during the New Year. He also appears on the cover and poster of the [Special Edition], and on a different poster of the [Regular Edition]. Be sure to check it out.

It was photographer Toru Yaguchi's idea to have Hanyu hold an apple. On the day of the shoot, apples of various colors and lustres were prepared, and the shoot was shot with "Jonagold" apples, which best suited the atmosphere.

Costume credits: <Black costume> Shirt ¥46,200 (GALAABEND/3RD[ i ] VISIONPR) Ear cuff ¥11,000 (LION HEART/Sian PR) Pants (stylist's personal item) <White costume> Blouse ¥44,000, scarf ¥12,100 (both GALAABEND/3RD[ i ] VISIONPR

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Yuzuru Hanyu

Born in Miyagi Prefecture in 1994, Yuzuru Hanyu started figure skating at the age of four, and has won two world championships and two consecutive Olympic gold medals. In 2018, he received the People's Honor Award. In 2022, he will turn professional skater. The third installment of "ICE STORY," in which he stars and serves as executive producer, "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 3rd -Echoes of Life- TOUR," will begin on December 7th. With themes of life's journey and growth, the tour will explore the essence of "living."

Photography: Toru Yaguchi / Stylist: Minako Orihara (Mi-knot Inc) / Hair & Makeup: Tomomi Kakizaki / Interview and Original Text: Hanae Kudo

yuzurujenn · December 3, 2024

2024.12.02

Source: ESSE January 2025 Special Edition, pg 71-73
https://esse-online.jp/articles/-/30880

New Year Special Interview
Yuzuru Hanyu

The person who graces the cover of the New Year issue is figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, who continues to challenge himself with new expressions even after turning professional. He shares a message to welcome a fulfilling year ahead.

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“Entering his third year as a professional, he has become able to rely on those around him.”

Yuzuru Hanyu, heading towards the crimson-themed photo shoot set, picked up his smartphone and chose the background music for the shoot: the songs "Ryakudatsu" and "Last Ambient" by his close friend, Taisei Miyagawa, with whom he had previously collaborated in an ice show. The staff cheered as he moved his body gracefully, just as if he were performing in a real show.

Since starting his career as a professional in 2022, Hanyu has continued to take on unprecedented challenges, including becoming the first-ever skater to hold a solo show at Tokyo Dome and successfully completing a national tour. Now entering his third year as a professional, he shared, "I've become able to rely on the people around me."

"During my competitive days, there was pressure to carry the expectations of everyone and deliver results. But after getting involved in directing and planning shows as a professional, I’ve been able to expand my world by leveraging the expertise of professionals in various fields. I guess that’s a sign I’ve grown up (laughs). Because I’ve learned to cherish the people around me, I feel like I’m also able to take better care of myself."

"I believe that an athlete is someone who pushes themselves to their limits."

His current challenge is how to create the world of his national tour "Echoes of Life," which will take place from the end of this year into next year.

"I’m nervous about how the upcoming show will be received, but right now, I just want to get better at skating (laughs). Depending on the program, the way I use my stamina changes, so I need to figure out how to manage it this time, and I also need to create the choreography... Right now, I’m in the most intense, tight situation."

The ice shows Hanyu has been involved with since turning professional have all been physically and technically demanding.

"The structure is such that after the show, I’m often so exhausted I can’t stand, so it's hard every time. Actually, I saw something on SNS today that said: 'Even if you can run 10 meters per second, you shouldn’t think you can run a full marathon at the same speed.' I thought that’s true... but I’m the type who tries to run a full marathon at 9.5 meters per second (laughs). But I believe that pushing yourself to the limit is what makes an athlete, and if you compromise, it can't be called art."

"It's important to acknowledge your own hard work."

Yuzuru Hanyu, who is pursuing his potential even more stoically than during his competitive years, has put in an unimaginable amount of effort behind the scenes.

"But I don't think it's just me; everyone is doing their best in their own places. I have dreams to pursue and a stage to perform on in front of people, so I'm giving it my all, using up all my lung capacity... But even if someone's way of using energy is more subtle or long-lasting, I believe that’s their own form of giving their all. We live in a world where it’s hard to understand the meaning of our existence right now. That’s why, rather than comparing themselves to others, I want everyone to recognize the efforts they've put in and acknowledge their own hard work."

In his 25 years of skating, Hanyu has sometimes felt discouraged, but he has always managed to pick himself up and move forward. One of the keys to maintaining a positive mindset is "falling into despair to the fullest."

"I believe that if you don't half-heartedly suppress your feelings and just let yourself hit rock bottom, a chance to find hope will eventually come. That could be a phrase from a podcast you happened to hear or lyrics from a song playing on the street. I’d be happy if it came from my performance too. But that kind of opportunity doesn’t come just by waiting for it. No matter how down I feel, I make sure not to stop reaching out so I can grab the chance when it comes."

“Nabe and ozoni with ponzu sauce are wintertime delights.”

The performance of "Echoes of Life" is coming up early in 2025, but will there be time to enjoy New Year's food?

"I love ozoni. Ours is soy sauce-based, with chicken, seri (Japanese parsley), and shredded daikon radish and carrots called 'ohikina,' topped with ikura (salmon roe). In the winter, we often eat nabe (hot pot) as well. I'm not good at eating a lot of raw vegetables, so nabe is perfect because I can get plenty of cooked vegetables. It's also easy to make. I like to eat it with a refreshing ponzu sauce."

The first day of the tour, December 7, is also Hanyu’s 30th birthday. When he was a teenager, he thought, "People in their 30s are old," but does he have any habits that help him stay youthful, contrary to those words?

"Keep seeking freshness in both hobbies and work. This is something I've been conscious of since my competitive days, as there is data showing that people are more likely to focus better on new things. For example, in beauty, instead of applying lotion out of habit, I believe that if you learn new knowledge about the right temperature or method of application, it can motivate you. I think accumulating such experiences helps you stay youthful."

Hanyu is constantly evolving. We can't wait to see what new frontiers he will show in 2025.

yuzurujenn · December 4, 2024

2024.12.02

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20241201-OHT1T51228.html?page=1

Yuzuru Hanyu's birthday countdown series starts in Sports Hochi on the 3rd

Professional skater Yuzuru Hanyu will celebrate his 30th birthday on December 7, the opening day of his ice show "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 3rd 'Echoes of Life' TOUR" at the Saitama Super Arena. "Sports Hochi" will publish a five-day countdown series starting on December 3. The series will reflect on Hanyu's journey, from his childhood to his career, which saw him reach the pinnacle of the sport with two Olympic gold medals, and continues to shine in the professional world.

2024.12.03

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20241202-OHT1T51184.html?page=1#
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241203001106/https://hochi.news/articles/20241202-OHT1T51184.html?page=1

Yuzuru Hanyu: Meeting figure skating at the age of 4 and living with it; Olympic champion at 19; Countdown to 30 years old.

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Professional skater Yuzuru Hanyu will celebrate his 30th birthday on the 7th. After reaching the pinnacle of his career with two Olympic gold medals, Hanyu continues to take on challenges in the professional world. In this countdown series, we look back on his journey, starting from his early years when he first encountered figure skating to the evolution that led him to become the first Asian Olympic champion at the age of 19.

Yuzuru Hanyu met figure skating at the age of 4, an encounter that became something he could devote his entire life and energy to. With a deep, cherished love for skating, he grew from a boy into an adult.

Soon after starting the sport, he met a future "rival"—his 9-year-old self. "I’ve always been in battle with the 9-year-old version of myself. I feel like that confident, unshakable self is always telling me, 'You're still not there yet,'" he said in a 2019 NHK interview. The "invincible self" he encountered when he won his first national novice B competition continued to support him throughout his career.

On March 11, 2011, at the age of 16, he was affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and was forced to live in a shelter. There was a time when he resented being seen not as a figure skater, but as a "representative of the disaster area." The turning point came the following year in March.

In his first World Championships appearance in Nice, he won the bronze medal. "I could truly feel the support for the disaster area, and it brought tears to my eyes," he said. After recovering from 7th place, he reached the podium. "I could truly feel that people were supporting me. I realized I wasn't in the position of supporting others, but being supported." He decided to shoulder this responsibility, accept it, and move forward.

In February 2014, Hanyu was in Sochi. He stood on the Olympic rink, a dream he'd had since childhood. In the short program, he achieved the first-ever score of over 100 points, opening the door to history. His gold medal was the first ever for an Asian figure skater. "Now that I became an Olympic gold medalist, I feel there are things I can do for the disaster area and reconstruction. This is the start of that." At 19, he was already looking ahead.

Two months later, 92,000 people gathered in Sendai for his victory parade. "The gold medal was thanks to everyone's support. I think it's proof that we became one," he expressed his gratitude. The ambition to improve his skating skills and the ability to accept the support of others led him to reach the pinnacle in his teens. He would go on to break many more "firsts" in the years that followed.

(Written by Megumi Takagi) —敬称略—

On his 30th birthday, Hanyu will premiere the third installment of his ice show, "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 3rd 'Echoes of Life' TOUR," at the Saitama Super Arena. The tour will begin with performances in Saitama (December 7, 9, 11) and continue with shows in Hiroshima (January 3, 5, 2025) and Chiba (February 7, 9, 2025) at the Lala Arena Tokyo Bay.

yuzurujenn · December 4, 2024

2024.12.04

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20241203-OHT1T51160.html?page=1
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241204001534/https://hochi.news/articles/20241203-OHT1T51160.html?page=1

Yuzuru Hanyu: 'Beyond the Wall is Another Wall' – His Ongoing Challenge in His 20s, Consecutive Victories in PyeongChang, Pride in Beijing, and the Countdown to 30

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Professional skater Yuzuru Hanyu will celebrate his 30th birthday on the 7th. The second installment of the countdown series reflects on his 20s, the era of his competitive career that left an indelible mark in both records and memories, including his historic consecutive victories at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, the first in 66 years for a male figure skater.

Hanyu’s evolution continued as he turned 20. As an athlete who has etched his name in history, he advanced through records and into the memories of fans. After winning his third consecutive title at the 2014 Japan National Championships, he said, "I overcame the wall, but beyond that, I saw another wall. Beyond the wall, there was only another wall." Living his 20s in this world, where only a hero aiming for the highest peak can truly see, Hanyu continued his journey.

In the 2015 NHK Trophy, he led figure skating into a new era. After updating his own world record in the short program (SP), he became the first skater in history to surpass 200 points in the free program and 300 points overall. Two weeks later, in the Grand Prix Final in Barcelona, he set another triple world record. "I’m happy and honored by the evaluation of having the world’s highest score, but more than that, the important thing is how much I can refine my own performance," said the reigning king of figure skating.

A skater who can turn pressure into strength is a strong one. At the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, he overcame adversity and achieved a historic consecutive victory for the first time in 66 years in men's figure skating. In November of the previous year, just a day before the start of the NHK Trophy, he fell during practice and was diagnosed with a "right ankle lateral ligament injury." His first competition in four months, since the Russian Cup, would be on the Olympic stage. He delivered a perfect performance in the short program and fought through the free program with gritted teeth. "I wondered what I would do if I had to quit skating. I’ve poured everything into skating and given up so many things." His passion was unwavering, and he dedicated himself fully to the sport.

At the 2022 Beijing Olympics, his third Olympic appearance, Hanyu attempted the quad axel (4.5 rotations) in the free program "Heaven and Earth". He attempted the jump despite injuring his right ankle in the official practice the day before. "It was an Olympic performance where I gave it my all, a challenge filled with my pride." For a skater who had reached a realm that couldn't be measured by points, it was inevitable that he would move on to a new stage. On July 19, 2022, Hanyu announced his transition to a professional career at a hotel in Tokyo. "I made this decision because I want to become stronger. While cherishing figure skating as a sport and as a professional athlete, I want to keep striving toward the ideal of Yuzuru Hanyu." As a professional, Hanyu is now carving out a new path.

yuzurujenn · December 18, 2024

2024.12.05

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20241204-OHT1T51179.html?page=1
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241204224734/https://hochi.news/articles/20241204-OHT1T51179.html?page=1

Yuzuru Hanyu 'thoroughly picks up every detail of the sound,' Takahito Mura talks about his otherworldly sensitivity as the countdown to his 30th birthday begins.

Even after Yuzuru Hanyu (29) turned professional, Takahito Mura (33), his 'older brother' who has performed together with him in ice shows such as 'notte stellata' (March, Miyagi) and the 'Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Charity Performance' (September, Ishikawa), spoke from a fellow skater's perspective about the greatness of 'Professional Skater Yuzuru Hanyu.' (Interview and composition by Megumi Takagi)

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If I had to describe Yuzu's professional activities in one word, it would be 'otherworldly.' It's exactly what he said at his press conference when he declared, 'a professional athlete.' He must be training incredibly hard, and his preparation and curiosity to deliver the maximum performance are extraordinary. I went to see his first solo show, 'Prologue' (November 2022, Yokohama). What I want to say loud and clear is that it’s not normal to perform a full ice show by yourself. If it were a 15-minute or 30-minute set, that would be understandable, but 90 minutes? Seriously... I was truly shocked. It really was beyond ordinary. From start to finish, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of Yuzuru Hanyu.

Since last year, I’ve participated in 'Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata' for two years in a row. For Yuzu, this ice show deeply reflects his thoughts on the Great East Japan Earthquake. While preparing and rehearsing together, Yuzu also spoke about these feelings, and you could really sense it in his approach. While skating alongside him, I could feel the intense dedication he pours into each show.

In September, I performed with Yuzu, Akiko Suzuki, and Satoko Miyahara at the 'Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Charity Performance.' The opening song was "Noto Kuni Kiriko Festival" by the Wajima City Japanese drum team Toranosuke. It was my first time skating to a taiko drum piece, and it was difficult. When you listen to it midway through, it's impossible to tell where it begins. We had to figure out, 'This part has so many beats, so we should start moving after the nth beat.' Yuzu worked hard, listening intensely until the last minute.

For the finale, we did a duet to 'Que Sera Sera' by Mrs. GREEN APPLE, which Yuzu choreographed. His ability to pick up on the music and the beats is amazing. He captures twice as many sounds as a normal person would. For every lyric or note in the song, he adds multiple movements. The rhythm Yuzu takes from the music is different from the one we usually use. I think this ability to pick up the sound comes from his sensitivity. He picks up every little detail of the sound thoroughly.

While we take a beat like '1, 2, 3,' Yuzu might take it at '0.5' first, and then wait a little before moving. He doesn't always take the sound in a regular pattern. It was a fresh surprise to see how he took it here. After everyone's practice was over, Yuzu said, 'I'll stay and practice a bit more until I'm more confident,' and he stayed behind. Once he decides to do something, he’ll keep going until he's satisfied.

I'm really looking forward to Yuzu's 30s. He even said that after turning professional, 'I think my body might be in better shape now.' I'm sure he'll show us even more evolved skating. Back when he was competing, I used to think, 'Since Yuzu is doing his best, I have to do my best too.' If there's anything I can do for Yuzu, I want to repay him.

yuzurujenn · December 18, 2024

2024.12.06

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20241205-OHT1T51142.html?page=1
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241206223728/https://hochi.news/articles/20241205-OHT1T51142.html?page=1

MIKIKO: Yuzuru Hanyu - “You still have that talent hidden inside you?” Countdown to his 30th birthday

Yuzuru Hanyu (29) will kick off his 'Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 3rd "Echoes of Life" TOUR' on the 7th at Saitama Super Arena, the day of his 30th birthday. The production will be directed by MIKIKO, one of Japan's leading choreographers. MIKIKO, who also worked on 'GIFT' and 'RE_PRAY,' spoke about the evolution of 'Professional Skater Yuzuru Hanyu' and her thoughts on the 'ICE STORY' they will be creating together. (Interview and Composition by: Megumi Takagi)

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― How did you feel when you first received the request to direct "Echoes of Life"?

"I was approached right after finishing 'RE_PRAY,' so I honestly had concerns about whether I could create a new piece within a year. But I immediately started thinking, 'What can we do next?'"

― How did your experience and learnings from 'GIFT' influence 'RE_PRAY,' and how do they connect to this third installment?

"I feel that we are getting closer and closer to the ideal shape we’ve envisioned. Since it’s an 'ICE STORY,' the ideal would be a new kind of work where the 2D world of a film and the 3D world of a performance intersect in a delicate balance, making the audience feel like they are watching a movie and a play. In 'RE_PRAY,' we used the motif of a game and tried to bring the world from the screen directly into the venue space. This time, since it’s a story written by Hanyu, I hope that, based on the lessons learned from the past two works, the audience can immerse themselves even more deeply into the world of the story."

― The beauty of the projection mapping is always overwhelming. What are some of the unique aspects and joys of using the entire ice rink as a canvas in an ice show?

"We focus on using the speed and dynamism that only skating can offer, so we are particular about linking the choreography and the projections. The synergy between Hanyu-kun's precise skating and the projections is truly amazing, and I'm looking forward to it as a spectator too."

― 'The Chicken, Snake, and Pig' was the first performance you choreographed in full. What was the reason for choosing this song, and what did you focus on in your choreography?

"When I first read the original draft for 'RE_PRAY,' the lyrics and worldview of the song 'The Chicken, Snake, and Pig' came to mind, so I suggested it. I envisioned choreography that would make you feel that Hanyu's figure—struggling and suffering as he moves forward on a path where there is no choice but to continue—is so beautiful that it’s almost frightening! I created it with the intention of conveying raw emotions through the upper body movements in the choreography."

― 'RE_PRAY' was Hanyu’s first solo tour. What new discoveries did you make during the tour?

"I think it’s tough for the performer to maintain motivation and stamina, but the charm of a tour is that, even with the same performance, each time it feels like a different show. It was very enjoyable to continue refining the direction to match each venue."

― Even during his competitive years, it was impressive how he poured all his energy into the exhibition after the competition. From your perspective, MIKIKO, who is working most closely with him to create the show, how do you see Hanyu's passion, effort, and curiosity?

"I am constantly amazed, thinking, 'You still have that talent hidden inside you?' Hanyu-kun is a genius who works hard, and it requires determination and readiness from the staff around him, including me. But I think this mutual synergy is an ideal relationship in creative work. But that level of passion is probably just natural for him, so I hope it will continue to influence everyone unconsciously moving forward."

― July marked two years since he turned professional. From MIKIKO's perspective, how has "professional Hanyu Yuzuru" evolved and changed?

"I think his perspective has definitely broadened, and he no longer seems afraid of challenging new things. His 'otaku' qualities (a compliment) that he had accumulated outside of skating are now being used in his creative work, and I believe he’s evolving both as an artist and as a creator."

― As a professional yourself, MIKIKO, what does 'professionalism' mean to you?

"The power to believe, the power to never give up, and the power to have fun."

― As a fellow professional performer, what is the scenery you see with Hanyu?

"A vivid, beautiful, tranquil, sacred scenery."

― The press release for 'Echoes' described it as 'a story that questions the essence of 'life' and 'living,' with the theme of life's journey and growth.' What kind of tour do you want this to be?

"We're putting our heart and soul into this tour so that it will reach the hearts of the audience who come to see it. I would be happy if this tour can become a source of strength for as many people as possible, helping them find the power to 'live' from tomorrow onward."

― The opening performance will be on Hanyu’s 30th birthday. Please give a message to him as he enters his 30s.

"You're finally 30! Age has caught up with you. Use your boyish purity and god-like insight to gain experiences that only someone in their 30s can have, become an even cooler person, and save the world!"

(*Note: One of the three new programs performed at “RE_PRAY,” a song by Ringo Shiina. He danced bewitchingly in a narrow, straight space lit by red light, wearing a black costume.)

◆Hanyu's past "ICE STORY" series
　▼GIFT　On February 26, 2023, he held the first solo performance by a figure skater in history at the Tokyo Dome. He performed 12 pieces, including new songs, for two and a half hours. 35,000 people attended.
　▼RE_PRAY　His first solo tour performance, incorporating the ethics and values of the world of games. From November 2023 to April 2024, he toured Saitama, Saga, Yokohama, and Miyagi. He performed 12 pieces for about two and a half hours.

◆MIKIKO: Head of the dance company "ELEVENPLAY." As a director and choreographer, she is active in a wide range of fields including art, music, and technology. She is one of Japan's leading choreographers, and has choreographed music videos, anime, commercials, and stage productions for various artists including Perfume and BABYMETAL.

◆ "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 3rd "Echoes of Life" TOUR"
　▼ Saitama performance (Saitama Super Arena): December 7th, 9th, 11th, 2024
　▼ Hiroshima performance (Hiroshima Green Arena): January 3rd and 5th, 2025
　▼ Chiba performance (LaLa Arena Tokyo Bay): February 7th and 9th, 2025

yuzurujenn · December 18, 2024

2024.12.06

Source: https://www.city.sendai.jp/kyoshokuinninyo/documents/1-g.pdf pg 3
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241229081919/https://www.city.sendai.jp/kyoshokuinninyo/documents/1-g.pdf
Info: https://www.city.sendai.jp/kyoshokuinninyo/kyousai_interviews.html

Sendai City School Teacher Recruitment Guide 2025

Message from Yuzuru Hanyu

"How much do you understand?"

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yuzurujenn · December 19, 2024

2024.12.07

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20241206-OHT1T51227.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241206224613/https://hochi.news/articles/20241206-OHT1T51227.html?page=1

Yuzuru Hanyu celebrates his 30th birthday today with the "Echoes of Life" tour. Countdown final episode

Professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu celebrated his 30th birthday on the 7th. On the same day, the third installment of his ice story, Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 3rd "Echoes of Life" TOUR, opened at the Saitama Super Arena. In the final installment of the countdown series, reporter Megumi Takagi reflects on Hanyu’s "life beyond 30" through her interview notes.

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An interview with Hanyu before the start of the 2010 World Junior Championships, where he later won, remains in the Tohoku edition of the Sports Hochi newspaper.

"I think the results of this Junior World Skating Championships are important in determining whether I can win a medal in Sochi four years from now. I absolutely want to win the gold medal. I want to compete in the Olympics from this (Sendai) rink and win, just like (Shizuka) Arakawa. Ultimately, I want to become a professional. In order to do that, I want to achieve the best results and then go professional. In the future, I want to become a professional and give back to everyone who has supported me up until now."

This was the vision Hanyu, just 15 years old, had for his future: full of effort, passion, and dedication. Hanyu has lived his life exactly like that. He visited disaster-stricken areas and made people smile. He has hosted ice shows for disaster recovery efforts, shining a light of hope through skating.

His commitment, unchanged from his competitive days, extends beyond "just skating." Whether it's in photography, interviews, or coaching, Hanyu gives his all.

At the charity performance for Noto Peninsula recovery in September, his lesson for local skaters lasted 50 minutes—much longer than the originally planned 30 minutes. A few days before, he had prioritized practice for the skating class over his own. He thought about what would benefit the children, what movements were best, and adapted exercises that could be done off-ice, since the rink was not permanent. He designed a training plan for improving skating, put it into practice, and conveyed it to them.

In an interview just before his second anniversary as a professional in July, Hanyu revealed again, "When I was around 18 or 16, honestly, I probably thought I wouldn't be skating at 30." After the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, he planned to turn professional and retire from skating after about five years of activity. Yet, he continues to skate, astonishingly evolving all the while.

"The way my physical strength and skills have developed is completely different from what I had imagined. I really feel like I can still do so much more, and I feel that there is a lot of potential for the future," he continued.

Since turning professional, the word "responsibility" has appeared more frequently in his vocabulary. He will likely continue to give his all and surpass his own limits. All the paths he has walked so far will beautifully and rightfully lead him beyond 30.

yuzurujenn · December 20, 2024

2024.12.07

Source:

https://weibo.com/6473801248/P4gBakkFH

https://weibo.com/6473801248/P4m5t0zmH

https://weibo.com/6473801248/P5aCiDUf7

Echoes of Life Official Pamphlet - Yuzuru Hanyu Interview

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Q: How did the theme and concept of "Echoes of Life" come about?
A: At first, I roughly thought of using philosophy as the theme. Later, when thinking about what kind of story to tell, I came up with around seven potential ideas in my mind. After filtering them, I ultimately settled on philosophy.

Q: After "GIFT" and "RE_PRAY," how did these experiences influence the theme and subject matter of this new project?
A: "GIFT" was a bit like an autobiography. Through my existence, it told the preciousness of dreams. Everyone has dreams, but they might have forgotten them, and working towards those dreams is the meaning of my existence, something along those lines. "RE_PRAY," on the other hand, was about challenging how to express something I particularly like and elevate it along with the theme I wanted to convey. When creating "ICE STORY 3rd," I felt that the game theme in "RE_PRAY" had a strong impact, so the attention to the theme and subject matter would be stronger. I thought that just having a story might not be enough. I considered whether I should use a book, a game, or a town as a medium. After thinking about various possibilities, I concluded that a novel format would be the best, with philosophical elements woven into it.

Q: This time, you can read the storybook before the performance.
A: This time, I decided to write it in the style of a novel, using literary style including punctuation and sentence structure, rather than my own conversational tone. Up until now, while I haven’t written in a poetic form, I have directly organized my personal feelings or the emotions of the characters into a story. But this time, I’ve added more situational details and descriptions to the story line. I hope that, by understanding these aspects, the audience can experience the images and performances at the same time. Of course, we’ve thought about how to make the audience feel something when watching the performance even if they don’t know the story. But if they know the story, they’ll be able to understand the details of "Nova" (the protagonist) and the world more deeply.

Also, I feel that reproducing exactly what I wrote might come across as cheap or too indulgent. While thinking about how to present it as a skating performance and create the visuals, I decided to leave the textual descriptions to the text itself. It might be better if the audience reads the storybook first.

Q: How did you write this story?
A: I wrote it by hand. I always write by hand, even for "GIFT" and "RE_PRAY." I scribble on loose-leaf paper or blank sheets. Although I don't record the material exactly as it is, I often accumulate the content I want to tell and quotes that have influenced me in the notes app on my phone, and then write based on that. Writing by hand feels like a more direct connection to the brain, and it's easier for the brain to give instructions. Also, when typing on a phone or computer, predictive text comes up, and I feel like my words stop being my own. I don’t want to be led by predictive text, so I prefer writing by hand. Then, as I read it in my mind, thinking "maybe I should delete this part," I type it little by little into the computer. This time, I actually already had a story written, but after deciding on the title 'Echoes of Life,' I started over and wrote a new story from scratch. From writing by hand to typing and editing, I stayed up for three nights straight to complete it.

Q: Writing the story in three days or staying up for three nights is pretty intense!
A: This time, I really wanted a cohesive story, so I thought, "If I don’t finish writing it now, the imagery of the story in my mind will collapse." Of course, it’s also because I had a deadline… If I didn’t submit it soon, it’ll be a problem! (laughs)

Q: What did you base your writing on?
A: For "GIFT," I was influenced by lyrics from songs I liked. In "RE_PRAY," I was more influenced by instrumental music and the dialogue from games than by lyrics. This time, I read about four philosophy books and five novels. I’m not really someone who excels at writing, and I thought I only know how to write in a conversational tone. The words that come from my heart are very close to how I speak, and I thought if I just wrote them directly as a novel, it would feel too rough. Writing in poetry allows for that kind of expression, but if I'm writing a prose, I need to first internalize the structure of an essay, so I read several novels that interested me. I'm not good at continuously reading text, so I listened to the book's narration while following along with the written words, jotting down parts that I thought, "Ah, I really like this." Of course, this time, I was also influenced by games and lyrics.

Q: What books did you read?
A: The books that influenced me the most this time were " The Trouble with Being Born " (by Emil Cioran) and "Underwater Philosophers" (by Rei Nagai). I combined the philosophy of life I learned in university with questions I’ve been pondering since young, like "What is life?" and "What am I?" Through this process, I realized that I needed to study more to fully grasp it, so I revisited philosophy more deeply and based the story on that knowledge.

Q: Are there new programs this time?
A: Yes, there are quite a few!

Q: That’s very exciting! Why did you decide to include so many new programs?
A: I just thought, "This song fits perfectly here," and chose the music accordingly. It ended up naturally turning out this way. When I worked on RE_PRAY, I arranged the songs the same way. But honestly, the theme of RE_PRAY was, in some ways, a bit bold. Since it was based on a game theme, it was very different from GIFT’s style, so if I had made it entirely based on my own interests, it might have alienated the audience that follows figure skating. So, although I had a lot of songs I wanted to use, I ultimately decided to focus on showcasing the game elements in the first half, and in the second half, I went with a more traditional style, integrating more figure skating-like programs. This ended up aligning with what I wanted to express, which was the duality of life. But this time, since it's a completely new story, I felt that using new programs was the best way to present it. Also, I seem to have become less concerned with overthinking things now. Or perhaps, because this time isn't just focused on my own interests, I thought, "This program works well" and "This song is nice too," so the song selection process went very smoothly.

Q: What is it like working with MIKIKO-sensei and the team to create ice shows?
Since 'RE_PRAY' was a tour, we made many adjustments and identified many areas that needed attention. I also felt there were many aspects that required further evolution. Because I’ve spent a lot of time involved with stage direction, I’ve become able to view my performance not only from an acting perspective, but also start thinking, 'Maybe this lighting would be better,' or 'It would be better to add this program after this scene,' and even when creating the story, I think, “It should be shown this way.” I’ve really started to approach things from a more overarching perspective.

Additionally, I feel that I’ve become more reliant on others. There are many more situations where I think, 'This is not my area of expertise, so I’ll let go and entrust my worldview and concept to everyone.' On the other hand, there are places where I absolutely cannot compromise, and this tug-of-war is also a troublesome dilemma, but I’ve started to be able to think deeply about it.

Q: The premiere of Echoes of Life is also your 30th birthday! Happy Birthday!
A: Thank you, but it's not actually my birthday yet (laughs).

Q: What are your thoughts on the premiere coinciding with your birthday, and turning 30?
A: Of course, I have many thoughts. First, since Echoes of Life is themed around life, birth, and growth, I feel like the overlap with my birthday gives it a fateful feeling. From that day onward, Echoes of Life begins, and I think this mirrors the beginning of my own life in some way. Plus, it starts on a birthday that’s a multiple of 5 or 10, which makes it feel even more like destiny. As for turning 30... well, it’s more like the shift from “almost 30” to “in my 30s” (laughs).

Q: It's exactly 30, huh?
A: Yeah, but I don’t feel like my body is deteriorating as I once imagined, and I can still skate so well! And even in this state, I am still needed by many people, and this once again makes me feel so touched, or rather, so happy. I feel that I must push myself and work hard!

Q: I only mentioned your turning 30 because it’s a nice round number, but honestly, I don’t feel your age. What I feel is that since the RE_PRAY tour, you’ve been strengthening your body again, and you seem even stronger now.
A: As I got older, my expressiveness deepens, which is something that can happen in any field. But my foundation, the most important part, is as an athlete. I’ve been figure skating for 25 years, and that part of me continues to evolve even at the age of 30. That makes me really happy, and I’m able to still have hope for myself, or rather, I feel anticipation for the future.

Q: By the way, do you remember anything from when you were 20?
A: Of course I do! It was during Barcelona Grand Prix Final. I was super restless on my 20th birthday, as if the world would change just because I turned 20. That’s how anxious I was (laughs).

Q: Did the world change?
A: Not at all (laughs). After that experience, I feel that even if it’s my 30th birthday, a year or a day will just pass by as a commemoration, and basically, nothing will change. But after all, I am an athlete, so I will definitely feel the changes in my body more and more. DNA will continue to be damaged anyway, so I think there will definitely be changes. However, I don’t think these changes will necessarily happen in multiples of five years. Change will come when it’s time, and the opportunity for change isn’t measured in time units like years. So, I’m relatively optimistic about this aspect. I don’t think, "My body will change at this moment." When I was 24, I really felt that my body had changed deeply, and I was troubled by the thought, "I’m getting old, and I can’t do it." But once I got past that point, I felt, "It’s still early!" "There are so many things I can do—why am I talking about being old?!" "It’s just things I haven’t done yet!" (laughs). I’ve learned a lot so far, and I’ll continue to learn in the future. As long as there’s room for continuous learning and improvement, even if I’m approaching 40—an age generally associated with a decline in physical strength—I think the gains from evolution will far outweigh the losses from decline.

Q: After hearing such inspiring words, I have one more question. Do you remember anything from your 10th birthday?
A: I went to Tampere when I was 10.

Q: Oh, that’s when you competed at the Santa Claus Cup in Tampere, Finland, right?
A: Yes, when I was 10, it was my first international competition. After winning that first international competition, I was on the plane home, listening to Bridge of Glory and crying... I was looking out the window, thinking, “Have I really made it this far?” And I just cried there (laughs). It’s funny, right? Don’t you think it’s funny? (laughs)

Q: That’s very cute (laughs), you must have been really emotional.
A: Yeah, I was really happy. It was 2004, the Athens Olympics were in the summer, so the theme song was Bridge of Glory (NHK’s official theme for the Athens Olympics). I listened to it on my MD player. Every time I hear that song, I remember being in that airplane cabin (laughs). That was when I was at my strongest.

Q: Now, 20 years later, what are your thoughts on Echoes of Life?
A: Right now, there are still many new programs that need choreography, and I need to focus on creating them. As the title Echoes of Life suggests, I want to pour my soul into every part of the creation process. Even though the tour means the program will constantly evolve, first and foremost, I want to create the perfect and best performance for the premiere. I will do my best!

Source: https://weibo.com/6473801248/P4ePVBkFG / https://weibo.com/6473801248/P7L0autwm

Echoes of Life Official Pamphlet - MIKIKO Interview

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Q: How did you first encounter "Echoes of Life"?
A: After finishing RE_PRAY, we started discussing the theme for the new ICE STORY, and Hanyu-kun frequently mentioned “philosophy” and having “words to leave an impression.” When I heard this, I told him, "This really sounds like your style, and it seems like it will be really interesting!" I also said, "It feels like it will be different from past works, which is great." Later, I received a rough outline of the plot, and soon after, I got the full story.

Q: What was your impression after reading the story?
A: Since it was written in the form of a novel, it felt lighter to read. However, the detailed scenes and the depiction of emotions in the language were very much infused with the unique beauty of Japanese language nuances, so I thought, "This is really difficult!" (laughs) It was hard to translate it into a performance. Since I was imagining how to bring it to life on the ice while reading, from the perspective of how to express the story, it was really challenging.

Q: What specific parts did you find difficult to represent?
A: For example, the line “a slight cold sweat broke out in my stomach” is interesting to read, but then I had to think about how to turn that expression into an image or a performance. Additionally, like with RE_PRAY, each team member had different interpretations of the story after reading it. While this made it interesting, it also took a lot of time to harmonize. Just like with RE_PRAY, I think we’ll only understand after the official performance, “Ah, so this is what Hanyu-kun wanted to convey!”

Q: Was there anything special in your approach to the stage design?
A: Normally, I’m responsible for directing live concerts or choreography for each song. For example, when I choreograph, I want the composers and lyricists to feel that their work is being presented even better and shine even more. The same goes for directing. In Echoes of Life, the original creator himself is performing, so I think the most important thing is to understand his intentions as much as possible. However, I also have to look at the work as objectively as possible. So, I try to view it from multiple perspectives—Hanyu-kun’s perspective when he was writing, the audience’s perspective, the perspective of his most loyal fans, or even someone who doesn’t know anything about him. I incorporate all of these viewpoints into the stage design. During this process, I try to set aside my own subjective thoughts. Even though it may still end up with a “MIKIKO style,” I believe I completely stripped my own biases while creating it.

Q: Did you choreograph for Hanyu in Echoes of Life?
A: Yes, I choreographed a new program and also made adjustments to others. From RE_PRAY to Echoes of Life, Hanyu has done a lot of foundational dance training. I taught him all the training techniques that professional dancers go through. I think he’s probably been integrating those movements into his figure skating training day by day. So, when I choreographed for him this time, I felt like his body had almost found a new way of expressing itself. This physical transformation left a strong impression on me.

Q: What exactly was the change?
A: Last time, it felt like he was trying to somehow integrate dance into his figure skating body. But this time, it felt more like I was choreographing for a professional dancer. He’s always been great at mirroring movements, so before, he probably focused on memorizing the 'form' of the movements and then forcing his body, which felt awkward, into that 'form,' practicing it repeatedly. Now, however, it’s become more about understanding how to use the body and then adding the 'form' on top of that. This reverse approach, I think, makes it easier for him.

Q: What specific techniques did you teach, MIKIKO-sensei?
A: It was really basic, foundational training. Dancers will incorporate ballet techniques, so that was part of it, along with some stretching methods. Also, as a body meant to be appreciated in 360 degrees, there’s a training method where you place a plate on your palm and perform movements without letting the plate fall. Even if the front of the body can ensure the plate doesn’t fall, to prevent it from falling from the back, you need to keep the back flexible. This kind of training helps to create a more three-dimensional body. So-called dance movements are all connected; curves and circles need to be completed in one continuous motion. If a joint is stiff in any part, the movement becomes rigid. And we try to make all movements flow as curves. I also taught him exercises to relieve joint stiffness, so I feel that now his nerves can more effectively reach every corner of his body.

Q: Hanyu has incorporated so many new things!
A: He said he was originally self-taught, analysing 'to perform this kind of movement, I probably need to use my body this way.' I think his analysis has come together this time. It’s like he not only solved the current problems but also answered some of the questions he had before.

Q: This is your third time directing one of his ice shows. What is unique about the experience of directing an ice show?
A: Ice shows continue to present new challenges for me. One distinctive aspect is that the size of the rink is always fixed, so the challenge lies in creating a unique visual experience within those constraints. While the fixed size can be limiting, it’s also exciting. In contrast to performances with more confined spaces, ice shows offer a generous amount of space to work with. It feels like painting on a canvas full of endless possibilities, and finding ways to transform the rink visually is a deeply rewarding challenge.

Q: You once said at the end of RE_PRAY, “I wonder what kind of work I would make next if I had the chance.”
A: While working on “RE_PRAY,” I kept thinking about what might come next. From a visual perspective, I was certainly pondering that very question. As for the story, I felt that Hanyu-kun had fully expressed his own story through GIFT and RE_PRAY. So, I was looking forward to seeing if he would step outside of his own framework and what kind of story might emerge if he did. In the end, he created an entirely new protagonist, "Nova," and wrote a completely different story. I really didn’t expect it to change this much.

Q: As a director, how would you describe Echoes of Life?
A: I think it’s a work that can showcase greater potential. In past works, the focus was more on how to showcase Hanyu Yuzuru as an artist and how to design a performance within the framework of figure skating. This time, it feels like the subject has shifted, and the focus is more on presenting a cohesive story. It feels fresh and also makes me feel like I’m being tested (laughs).

Q: Following RE_PRAY, this time you’ll also be touring in three cities. What is the appeal of touring?
A: Yes, each venue has different perspectives, so it really tests our ability to adjust once we enter the venue. But the essence of touring is that the same work can offer completely different experiences and feelings in different venues. So, I plan to fully make use of the characteristics of each venue.

Q: One of the venues is Hiroshima, your hometown.
A: It’s rare to secure the Hiroshima Green Arena. Echoes of Life explores themes of life and peace, and performing it in Hiroshima, especially around the time when the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations received the Nobel Peace Prize, feels almost like a miracle.

Q: What is it like working with this team?
A: While all concerts and stage performances are difficult, the mountain we have to climb in ice performances is something that no other project can compare to. When I first received the original work, I instantly felt like a very high mountain was in front of me (laughs). Facing this towering mountain, we can only take it step by step, and right now, we can’t even see the summit. We can only start climbing from here, hand in hand (laughs). We’ve been thinking about how to make the audience understand this piece clearly within two and a half hours. The fundamental theme of the work is life and the things Hanyu has always cherished, so we must approach it with sincerity. The sense of unity, as everyone comes together to face this challenge, is especially strong.

Q: You’re climbing a mountain whose peak you can’t see yet.
A: It feels like starting from a place where nothing is visible, and gradually being able to faintly see a hint of the summit. And when we step onto the stage, there's this feeling of being suddenly pulled to a higher place. The feeling of everyone working together toward that goal is truly joyful. Perhaps it's through this that we experience the value of what we’re doing. People from different fields come together at this point in time. 'How to minimize costs in a short period and complete the work efficiently'—these are the demands of the times. But this work allows us to set those concerns aside for a while, to handle things carefully, and to deliberately choose the tasks that are time-consuming and labour-intensive. That’s ICE STORY. It gives a sense of returning to the original intention. Although returning to that intention is also quite tough for me, this is the essence of ICE STORY. I think this quality may stem from Hanyu’s focus and self-discipline... I believe everyone involved in this work probably shares the same feeling.

yuzurujenn · December 20, 2024

2024.12.07

Source: https://www.nikkansports.com/premium/sports/figure/news/202412030000592.html

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241225125852/https://www.nikkansports.com/premium/sports/figure/news/202412030000592.html?nsgid=U2FsdGVkX1%2BOO2dAZlgPuhMr3Nk%2BVqXUww4yDfb57TR1afZdz9CFKkjcRY6YeZndG%2BjPcrQPm8xbmDZsD4R3Mfo73Cfv6mmAahAvyMO1FZoLokGD%2FT4I0Q9xsu40IR2K

Part 1: [Celebrating his 30th birthday] Yuzuru Hanyu interview: "I can definitely get better in my 30s"

Figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, who achieved back-to-back gold medals in the Winter Olympics, celebrates his 30th birthday today, the 7th, and is kicking off his nationwide ice show tour "Echoes of Life."

This is the third installment of the "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY" series, where he performs solo and serves as the creative director. The tour begins at Saitama Super Arena and will continue through seven performances in three cities until February next year, weaving a unique story. In a recent exclusive interview, he discussed the progress and changes he has experienced as an athlete in his third year as a professional. (Honorifics omitted hereafter.)

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At age 19, he won an Olympic gold medal in figure skating. At age 23, he became the first Asian to win two consecutive titles. At age 27, he turned professional. Hanyu, the extraordinary skater who became the youngest individual recipient of the People's Honor Award, has just celebrated his 30th birthday.

"It hasn't changed. Human DNA inevitably gets damaged with age, but I believe the body changes in both good and bad directions. I want to find the good direction. There are things now that I can feel, which I couldn’t at 10 or 20. I’m sure I can continue to improve in my 30s. Of course, compared to my teenage years, my recovery cycle, the way I handle tension and pressure, and the development of my muscles have all changed, but by considering how to care for my body and listening to it, I hope to spend each day thinking, 'I’ve definitely gotten better than I was before, and I’ll always get better than yesterday.'"

He has proven his progress through action. During his competitive years, if we put it in extreme terms, the short program (SP) was only 2 minutes and 40 seconds, and the free program was 4 minutes, and those performances happened only once a day. Now, he performs shows lasting 90 to 150 minutes alone.

"For example, in the 'RE_PRAY TOUR' (the second tour from a year ago), after about 40 minutes into the first half of the 50-minute segment, I perform a quadruple jump. By then, I’m already exhausted... but practicing to be able to perform under those conditions is essential."

Before achieving his second consecutive victory at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, he focused on strengthening 'oxidative energy metabolism.' He practiced high-difficulty jumps and ran through his programs, and after giving everything, he would even skate an additional 30 minutes, covering 80 laps (about 11 kilometers) on the rink.

"Back then, I was doing training to build endurance and increase my metabolism, so I practiced skating continuously for 30 minutes. But now, just doing the entire program (for a show) takes an hour and a half (laughs). I focus on 'run-through practices,' and just doing that is enough to feel like my stamina has improved and evolved."

In the previous show, he skated through 12 programs. If you also include basic jump training and the meticulous checking of details, like the precise movements where 'the gods reside,' it would take twice that amount of time.

"It always takes more than three hours, so if I can only set aside three hours for practice on a day, I might just barely finish it. Plus, I have to think about the timing for building the foundation, the strength to skate for long periods, and working on explosive power. In the end, I end up doing more off-ice and land-based training as well. I have to think about the direction and structure myself, and I also need to set aside the rest time necessary to improve the quality... it's really tough (laughs)."

Third year since turning professional. Achieving everything on his own. That’s why he has also progressed as an athlete.

"Until now, I was taught by a coach, but gradually I became more independent, and after COVID-19, I returned from my base in Canada and started training alone. If I don’t acquire knowledge on my own, I won’t be able to win, and I’ll become weaker. I’ve researched a lot on my own, studying myself. When I was younger, I was only taught figure skating, but now I'm self-taught, studying what top athletes in other sports are doing and the kinesiology of fields where research is advancing. Recently, I've been drawing inspiration from sports like basketball, focusing on aspects like acceleration, stopping, and jumping."

An ice show typically involves 10 to 20 skaters taking turns, but he performs alone. There is no precedent for this anywhere in the world. He has no choice but to carve his own solitary path.

"To begin with, there isn't much scientific knowledge about figure skating. It's a minor sport (considering the number of competitors), and it's difficult to measure movements on a large 30m x 60m rink. That's why I compare it with my own intuition and experience (as a two-time Olympic champion), form hypotheses about whether practicing in this way will yield results, and then go through a process of trial and error. I have a clear goal from the start, and I believe that if I follow these steps, I'll definitely reach it."

At the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where he attempted the unprecedented quadruple Axel (4A), he pinned his hopes of success on the 'tendon reflex,' utilizing the elastic energy of the tendons that connect muscles and bones, acting like a 'spring.'

"Actually, I now have two types of tendon reflexes. One type produces power in a very short period of time, while the other generates power over a slightly longer period. I use them differently. As sports science research progresses, I am incorporating this approach into my ice shows as well."

In the previous tour, he performed five consecutive jumps starting with a quadruple toe loop, a feat not recognized in competitions. Yuzuru Hanyu, now 30 years old, continues to perform courageously in a world without limits. The curtain rises on the stage as he promises, 'I will skate with all my heart and soul to give you the best experience possible.'"

2024.12.14

Source: https://www.nikkansports.com/premium/sports/figure/news/202412050000738.html

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241225130157/https://www.nikkansports.com/premium/sports/figure/news/202412050000738.html?nsgid=U2FsdGVkX18LQnh9SIT76rUUGMFs2rnGaKvgHckfpzFJ6jzaGF%2FOI7IuIUDmrDaU0r2pVPwMgFBWsJQbqgXjBY1sR14TXuX8NIuEaQxmIFF03vlB80u0DxqqrUW1LIbA

Part 2: [Celebrating his 30th birthday] Yuzuru Hanyu interview: "Studying with my own body" - The evolution of his athletic side

In the second part of the solo interview, he looks back on his progress in his third year as a professional and shares his impressions of watching the Paris Olympics this summer.

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--Two years have passed since your declaration of intent on July 19, 2022, and you’ve entered your third year as a professional. Looking back, from an athlete’s perspective, are there any areas where you feel you've grown or improved, in terms of measurable progress?

"I've definitely become much physically stronger. Plus, I was 'thinking,' as they call it. For example, when I focused on how to move while jumping or expressing myself, I would lose oxygen due to the mental effort. Thinking is a tiring task, isn't it? I worked on skating as much as possible to minimize the amount of thinking. As a result, I feel that the quality of my performance has improved as well."

--Over the past two years, you’ve essentially been doing all the thinking for yourself.
"Yes, that's right. I've really been thinking things through on my own. It’s tough, but because I’m thinking, I feel a sense of conviction when it comes to my body. For example, if I were just given everything—like the practice methods, for instance—I’d end up doing it every day without having time to think to myself, "Is this really correct...!?" In that case, it feels like the only thing I can remember is what I'm taught."

--Compared to when you were competing in competitions, have there been any significant changes in the way you look after yourself, your diet, or your lifestyle schedule?

"I really feel like I've improved since I turned professional. The way I use my body is completely different now, and the way I build it has also changed a lot. Even with timing my meals, for example, when I was in Toronto (Canada), I had to adjust for the time difference. Eating is also a moment where I consume energy. So, I’m always thinking about when to eat to fuel my body, but the process of digesting food takes quite a bit of physical energy, which is surprising. After eating something heavy, it feels like I get tired, in a way. So, I have to be mindful of when to allocate time for using that energy or when my blood is working to digest the food. I try to be conscious of that, and also, I want to make sure that nutrients get into my body without using too much energy. So, I'm always thinking about what kinds of foods I should eat and what I should intake. I've started to think about this more carefully than when I was competing. I think I've evolved in that aspect as well."

--Literally, there's nothing but evolution.

"I think it's the same as the progress of science (laughs). Scientists work in a lab, managing budgets and conducting experiments to produce results, right? In my case, it's like I'm conducting research using my own body. So, I believe I'm always evolving. For example, there are studies out there that may not have a direct connection to our real lives. Even if research results come out, you might wonder, "What does that mean for me?" If quantum mechanics research advances, for instance, you might think, "But how does that directly relate to our lives now?" There are things like that. You can't know right now, at this moment. I, too, experience moments in my skating practice where I try something, but it doesn’t yield the results I expected. But when that happens, I just think, "Okay, that didn’t work—so maybe I’ll try this next time," constantly moving forward while thinking about what to do next. In the end, I think it all leads to evolution as a result."

--You practice, think, and prepare not only the technical aspects but also the composition of the performance and the direction of the show itself... I imagine you don’t get enough sleep, so are there more days when you can’t sleep? When you were an athlete, I assume you focused on getting enough sleep.

"Basically, the amount of time I need to spend on skating has increased. So, not only do I need to eat, but I also need to sleep, and I have to calculate when and how much time I should allocate for both. I can only live my life by making these calculations. There have been days when I couldn't sleep at all, but on the other hand, I'm always thinking, 'I only got this much sleep yesterday, but today I might be able to catch up during this spare time. How much time can I make up?' It’s a tough balance."

--This summer, the Summer Olympics took place in Paris. It's been two and a half years since the Beijing Olympics. I imagine this was the first Olympics you watched from a professional standpoint. How did you feel about it?

"That's true. I think the Olympics is 'entertainment' for the people, not just from an outsider's perspective. There was a lot of buzz about judo, skateboarding's popularity, and also breakdancing, which was included for the first time. The opportunity for the general public to watch these sports, even without knowing much about them, is something that only the Olympics can provide. In that moment, being able to deliver results is everything for us. But I also realized that if we don't get complacent just because we achieve results, and continue to push forward, people will think we're cool in the future."

Info:

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yuzurujenn · December 20, 2024

2024.12.07

Source: https://digital.kyodonews.jp/deepedge/comment/87490/

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241207184037/https://digital.kyodonews.jp/deepedge/comment/87490/

"I was able to welcome my 30s in a different way than when I thought, '30, I'm an old man.'" From now on, my experience, senses, and techniques will finally reach their peak. I can still do more." Yuzuru Hanyu's full comments after the premiere of "Echoes of Life"

Yuzuru Hanyu - Full Comments After the Premiere of "Echoes of Life"
December 7, 2024, Saitama Super Arena

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(Hanyu-san appears in the interview area, saying, "Thank you for your time!" The interview with about 40 reporters begins.)

--Thank you for your hard work.
"Thank you very much."

--How do you feel after the first performance?
"The strongest feeling I have is that it finally started. I was really nervous, and of course, I spent a lot of time training and practicing every day. However, once it was time for the performance, I realized there were aspects I couldn’t understand until I skated in front of everyone, like whether it was a success or failure. Honestly, it’s a feeling of, 'Finally, it’s begun,' and I’m just happy that the first day went well, without injury, and that the story was able to be completed."

--This performance, "Echoes of Life," was created with the theme of life. Could you share your thoughts on that?
"From a young age, I’ve always thought a lot about bioethics and, during my time at university, I studied philosophy about life and became deeply interested in it. I’ve been pondering these thoughts and theories for a long time, and after studying them again, I wanted to create a performance where everyone, through this world, could find their own answers and philosophy on what it means to live. That's why I wrote 'Echoes.'"

--Once again, happy birthday!
"Thank you very much."

--There were a lot of fans singing happy birthday and holding banners. How did it feel to celebrate your 30th birthday surrounded by such scenes?
"It was a feeling of 'Wow, I’m turning 30' (laughs). Now that I’m 30, I thought, 'Oh, I’m 30,' but when I think about the 30s I imagined when I was younger, compared to how I feel physically and mentally now, it’s completely different from what I had imagined. I feel like I can still do a lot. In 'Echoes,' there’s this theme of the future and the past, but I believe the future will turn out to be even better than I imagined, and by doing my best in the present, I can reach a 30s that is different from the 'old man' version I thought of back then."

--Could you share your goals for your 30s?
"Honestly, I had this vague image that, in terms of figure skating, I might start deteriorating. But if I think about it in terms of sports like baseball or soccer, I believe that now is the time when my experience, senses, and techniques will start to peak. So, I want to approach my future with hope, always believing that I’ll seize the opportunities that come my way, while continuing to practice, train, and face performances with that mindset."

--The idea of turning words into sound was fascinating. How did that come to you?
"Originally, I have always experienced things like colors or emotions transforming into sound. To put it simply, for example, some people might associate the color red with passion, while others might associate it with fear. It's up to individual interpretation, but for me, I have always heard those things as sounds from a young age. It's not that I have perfect pitch, but I felt like I heard things in a melodic way. Based on these personal experiences, and while thinking about what kind of abilities to give a character in a fictional story, I considered the intonations and meanings of words that I practice as part of my training, and I incorporated them into the narrative. The overall philosophy enters the body as sound, and that philosophy becomes music, which ultimately forms the program. This is how I came up with the concept for the story."

--In today’s story, there were many lines that made me want to write them down. I know it’s hard to pick just one, but could you choose one and share your thoughts on it?
"I really revisited many philosophical books related to life, including books from the professors I studied with in university. I read through them and continued writing. One thing I learned while reading various philosophy books is about destiny, and how it is a series of coincidences. It’s really fragile, and you wonder, 'Why did all these coincidences connect?' I believe everyone has their own kind of destiny. And when people look back at their lives or feel that they are currently experiencing their own destiny, I want them to feel the joy of encountering something so rare—something like a miracle. That’s one of the messages I wanted to express in this writing."

--There were many new costumes this time. What do you think about the costumes for the Ice Story series? Which costume do you have the strongest attachment to?
"I think it's probably the Nova costume (the main character he played in the show). Until now, I had never linked the costume in the video with the actual performance costume, so honestly, it was quite difficult to wear clothes that could be considered fashion on the ice. But the Nova costume, for the character of Nova, I have a strong attachment to. This time, we worked with people who have always specialized in figure skating costumes, as well as some new participants who hadn't made figure skating costumes before. We made many different designs and arrangements. There are costumes that are quite different from past shows like 'RE PRAY,' 'GIFT,' and 'Prologue.' So, this Ice Story is a little different in character, and I want people to feel the unique fabric textures and the non-figure skating-like costumes that you can only see in 'Echoes.'"

--There were many cinematic-style visuals used in this production. How long did the filming take? Also, did you originally want to challenge yourself with acting in front of a screen?
"Ah, I see. First, regarding the second question, I have actually appeared in a movie before, and I did some acting, but honestly, I realized that I’m not suited for it. So, I don’t have any particular desire to act in movies. However, when it came to portraying the character of Nova, I didn’t feel any discomfort. After all, it’s a story I wrote, and the character is one that I can completely immerse myself in, so I felt that I needed to perform that character. As for the filming, it took about three days. We filmed for a full two days, then half a day, and then another half day. Also, I had to do some narration recording, which took another two days, so it was a lot of work."

(Staff members signal that it’s the last question.)

--About the music: You used classical, folk, and modern music, and it all came together perfectly as a single piece. Could you share your thoughts on the selection and expression of the music?
"Thank you. Since 'RE PRAY' had a more game-like style, I wanted to try something more classical while making the new program. Since the theme of this show is philosophy, I selected more piano melodies and songs that have a dignified feeling. Within that, I thought about where I wanted to portray a battle, where the core of the story should be, and where I wanted to use the words directly, among other things. So, I really put a lot of thought into the music selection. The hardest part for me this time was probably the fifth piece—the continuous piano section that leads into 'Ballade No. 1.' I’ve never done this before: performing for about 30 seconds at a time, continuously without leaving the stage. I worked closely with Shinya Kiyozuka, studying classical music, and we discussed how to convey the meaning while performing. I also asked Jeffrey Buttle to choreograph it, and Jeff and I really calculated a lot of things like, "I want to skate to this image," and created a program that's 10 minutes long."

"Thank you, everyone. I really appreciate it. (As he’s leaving) Ah, I’m tired. I’m kind of wobbling (laughs)."

--It was a different take on "Danny Boy" this time.

"That's true, there are also war scenes, so I think Danny really stood out. Thank you. I look forward to seeing you again!"

yuzurujenn · December 20, 2024

2024.12.07

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20241207-OHT1T51153.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241210061411/https://hochi.news/articles/20241207-OHT1T51153.html?page=1

Yuzuru Hanyu celebrates his 30th birthday with a chorus of birthday songs: "I'm so happy!" He performs 15 songs over two and a half hours

Professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu's third Ice Story production, "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 3rd 'Echoes of Life' TOUR," opened on the 7th at the Saitama Super Arena. It was also Hanyu's 30th birthday. In front of a full house of 14,000 fans, he performed passionately for over two and a half hours.

During the encore, after expressing his gratitude to the fans and staff, Hanyu said, "So, it's my birthday," and the excitement reached its peak. The venue erupted into a chorus of "Happy birthday to you." Hanyu, bouncing on the ice, smiled broadly and said, "Thank you! I did it! I'm so happy!"

The show featured 12 songs in the main program, including many new tracks, and 15 songs in total, including the encore. The first half's "Piano Collection" section was made up of five piano pieces. From there, Hanyu transitioned into the short program "Ballade No. 1," performed during the PyeongChang Olympics, where he won the gold medal. He dazzled the audience with a quadruple Salchow and a triple Axel (a three-and-a-half rotation jump), creating an exciting atmosphere.

Following the first Ice Story, "GIFT," and the second, "RE_PRAY," Hanyu once again took on the role of performer and general producer, with MIKIKO directing. This time, Hanyu himself crafted the story, which explores the themes of life's journey and growth, questioning the essence of "life" and "living."

Set list:

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2024.12.08

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20241207-OHT1T51186.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241208143920/https://hochi.news/articles/20241207-OHT1T51186.html?page=1

"I'm glad to be born" - 14,000 people celebrate Yuzuru Hanyu's 30th birthday on the first day of the tour

On the 7th, the day of his 30th birthday, professional skater Yuzuru Hanyu kicked off his new tour, "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 3rd "Echoes of Life" TOUR" at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama. In front of a packed house of 14,000 fans, he performed 15 songs over 2 hours and 50 minutes. During the encore, the audience sang "Happy Birthday to You," and Hanyu expressed his joy. "The future will be even better than I imagine." With hope, his 30s began.

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Surrounded by the love of 14,000 fans, Yuzuru Hanyu began his 30s. After his speech during the encore, he said, "So, today is my birthday," and the excitement in the venue reached its peak. "Thank you! Yay! I was born, I was born!" he said as he raised his right hand. He listened to the chorus of the birthday song "Dear Yuzu~" and bounced joyfully on the ice.

The ICE STORY series, in which Hanyu serves as the star and executive producer, reached its third installment. The story, themed around the journey of life and growth, explores the essence of "life" and "living." Hanyu, once again, crafted the storyline himself. "I thought a lot about it and carefully selected the songs," he said, blending a variety of genres. He passionately performed 15 songs, including many new ones such as "First Cry ~ Meguri." The highlight of the performance was the "Piano Collection" segment, which consisted of five songs. Following this, he performed the short program (SP) "Ballade No. 1" from the Pyeongchang Olympics, where he won the gold medal, executing a quadruple Salchow among other elements.

He skated solo for approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes. At the end, he left the rink with a heartfelt message: "I'm glad I was born. Thank you very much." "Finally, my experience, senses, and technique are starting to come together. I want to approach practice, training, and performances with the mindset of having hope for my own future, and always feeling that I will definitely seize the opportunities that come my way." The evolving professional skater is looking forward to the days of his 30s that lie ahead.

The performances will be held at Saitama Super Arena on the 9th and 11th, followed by shows in Hiroshima in January and Chiba in February. (Takagi Megumi)

Ask Yuzu

After the first day:

"It really feels like it’s finally begun. I was really nervous, and I’ve spent a lot of time training and practicing every day, but you never know how things will go until you’re actually performing in front of everyone. I’m glad I could complete the performance without injury and that the story came together."

Entering your 30s in this kind of atmosphere:

"I’m feeling like, 'Wow, I’m turning 30.' The 30s I imagined when I was younger and the physical and mental state I feel now are completely different from what I had imagined. I feel like I still have a lot I can do. I’ve arrived at my 30s in a very different way than I thought, back when I used to think of 30 as 'being old.'"

Aspirations for your 30s:

"In terms of figure skating, I used to have a vague image of decline, but when I think about it in comparison to baseball or soccer, it’s actually a time when experience, instincts, and skills really start to come together. I want to approach practice, training, and performances with hope for my future and the constant belief that I will definitely seize the opportunities that come my way."

2024.12.07

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20241207-OHT1T51222.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241207131145/https://hochi.news/articles/20241207-OHT1T51222.html?page=1

Yuzuru Hanyu: "I can still do more" - Entering his 30s with a packed house of 14,000 people: "This is the time when my senses and techniques are at their peak." - Q&A (1)

Professional skater Yuzuru Hanyu's third ice show, "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 3rd ‘Echoes of Life’ TOUR," kicked off on the 7th at the Saitama Super Arena. The solo performance lasted over two and a half hours, captivating an audience of 14,000 fans who filled the venue. This day also marked Hanyu's 30th birthday, and he was celebrated with a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday."

Post-performance Q&A with Hanyu (part 1):

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Your honest feelings after successfully completing the performance:

"I really feel like it has finally started. I was very nervous, and of course, I spent a lot of time training and practicing every day. However, when it comes to the actual performance, you can’t really know whether it will be a success or failure until you perform in front of everyone. Honestly, I feel like, ‘It’s finally begun,’ and I'm just glad that, for the first day, I was able to finish the performance without injury and complete the story."

Your thoughts and intentions behind this show:

"From a young age, I was very interested in the philosophy of life and the ethics of life. I also studied it in university. I’ve always been thinking about this, and I wanted to take those thoughts and ideas, study them further, and create a performance where everyone could come up with their own answers and form their own philosophy about life. This is why I wrote ‘Echoes of Life.’"

Entering your 30s amidst this scene, how does it feel?

"I feel like, ‘I’m turning 30.’ When I was told I was 30, I thought, ‘Wow, I’m 30 now.’ But the 30s I imagined when I was younger, compared to how I feel now—both in my physical sense and mental state—are completely different. I still feel like I have a lot to offer. In 'Echoes,' there are questions like, ‘What is the future?’ and ‘What is the past?’ but I really feel like the future will be even better than I imagined. By doing my best in the present, I think I’m able to welcome this new decade in a way that’s very different from what I imagined when I thought of 30 as an old man."

Your goals for your 30s:

"I used to have this vague image that, in terms of figure skating, I would be deteriorating as I got older, but when I think about it in the context of sports like baseball or soccer, I feel like now is the time when my experience, senses, and techniques will really start to come together. I really want to hold on to the hope for my future, always thinking that I will definitely seize the opportunities that come my way, and approach both my practice and training as well as the actual performances with that mindset."

2024.12.08

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20241208-OHT1T51010.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241219074007/https://hochi.news/articles/20241208-OHT1T51010.html?page=1

Yuzuru Hanyu: "The costumes that I created by repeatedly making adjustments" — Q&A (2)

Post-performance Q&A with Hanyu (part 2):

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The idea of turning words into sound:

"Originally, I have always perceived scenes, like colors, turning into sound or emotion. To put it simply, for example, when you think of the color 'red,' some might associate it with 'passion,' while others might interpret it as 'fear.' It's all based on personal interpretation, but I’ve often experienced hearing these things as sounds, not necessarily in perfect pitch, but more like a melodic feeling. As I considered how to develop the story and what abilities to give the characters, I thought about how I express intonation, meaning, and emotion through my own training and applied those ideas to the story. So, the philosophy I tried to express would manifest as sound that enters the body. That philosophy then turns into music, and the program takes form, which is how I created the story.”

A memorable line from today’s story:

"I've read many philosophical books, especially those about life and others that I studied during university, and I re-read them for inspiration. There’s one concept, destiny, which I explored in depth—how it's a series of coincidences. I learned this from reading various philosophy books, and I realized how fragile it can be. I wonder how such coincidences come together. I think everyone must have their own sense of fate. I want everyone to experience the joy of encountering such rare coincidences or miracles in life, and that's one of the messages I wanted to convey in the story."

Thoughts on the new costumes:

"I think the most significant costume for me is the one from 'NOVA.' I’ve never performed in a costume that has such a strong link between the visual image and the actual performance. Honestly, wearing something that could also be seen as fashion on the ice was quite difficult, but I have a strong attachment to the costume for the character NOVA. This time, we had specialists who’ve worked on figure skating costumes, as well as new participants who hadn’t designed figure skating costumes before. There were many iterations of the costumes, so it's been a challenging but rewarding process. Compared to previous works like 'RE_PRAY,' 'GIFT,' and 'Prologue,' this Ice Story has a different feel. The costumes are also unlike typical figure skating attire, with materials and textures unique to 'Echoes.' I hope the audience will appreciate that distinctiveness and feel the difference in the fabric and design."

2024.12.08

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20241208-OHT1T51012.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241207205950/https://hochi.news/articles/20241208-OHT1T51012.html?page=1

Yuzuru Hanyu: "I really created it while calculating meticulously" — A 10-minute piano program Q&A (3)

Post-performance Q&A with Hanyu (part 3):

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yuzurujenn · December 20, 2024

2024.12.08

Source: https://jbpress.ismedia.jp/articles/-/85349

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241212192556/https://jbpress.ismedia.jp/articles/-/85349

https://web.archive.org/web/20241208094940/https://jbpress.ismedia.jp/articles/-/85349?page=2

https://web.archive.org/web/20241208094812/https://jbpress.ismedia.jp/articles/-/85349?page=3

https://web.archive.org/web/20241208123105/https://jbpress.ismedia.jp/articles/-/85349?page=4

https://web.archive.org/web/20241208094825/https://jbpress.ismedia.jp/articles/-/85349?page=5

【Full Report: Yuzuru Hanyu's Performance at 30 Years Old, Part 1】 The Story of "Life" He Wrote Himself, and the Reason He Skates... The Philosophical Realm He Has Reached as a Professional Skater

The new solo performance "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 3rd 'Echoes of Life' TOUR" by professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu premiered on December 7 at Saitama Super Arena. The third installment of the Ice Story series, which Hanyu both performed in and directed, brought to life a grand story on ice that questions the meaning of "life."

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Having spent much of his 20s striving for the pinnacle of competitive figure skating within the constraints of performance elements and scoring, Hanyu celebrated his 30th birthday by showcasing a broader range of expression as a professional skater. What made this possible was the carefully crafted concept, meticulous direction, and his exceptional on-ice performance, which remains impressive even as he ages.

"It feels like my stomach is turned inside out."

The solo performance lasted about two hours and 50 minutes. When the main performance ended, Hanyu reappeared on the rink to loud applause and cheers, and bowed deeply.

"Thank you so much for coming today!"

"I know many people were looking forward to this performance, and I, along with all the staff members, felt the pressure, expectations, and heavy responsibility. We really, really put in a lot of time and energy to create this."

Rather than skating a series of solo performances, Hanyu linked several programs together, performing them as a cohesive story. The Ice Story that the professional skater Yuzuru Hanyu is taking on is a world where there is no established "successful model" beyond the two works he has previously created.

That is why the audience's reaction on the opening night holds significant meaning as the first gauge of evaluation for this performance.

Seeing the heated atmosphere in the audience, Hanyu spoke with a relieved expression:

"I was really nervous (laughs). How can I describe it? I was so nervous, I felt like my stomach was turning inside out. I haven't properly watched the footage yet, but I feel a strong sense of accomplishment knowing that we all worked so hard to create this. It feels good."

The original storybook for the performance, "Echoes of Life," was written by Hanyu himself.

Why perform a story about "life"?

The story unfolds around the protagonist, named "Nova." In a world that has crumbled, the protagonist, whose memories are faint and hazy, embarks on a journey in search of an answer to the philosophical question: "What is life?"

In response to the story, Yuzuru Hanyu performed 12 songs, including many new tracks such as "First Cry ~ Meguri," with Nova eventually reaching the "answer to life."

What are the thoughts behind the third installment of the Ice Story?

"I've always been interested in the philosophy of life, having thought about bioethics since I was a child and taking courses on the subject at university. From there, I continuously revisited my own thoughts and theories. I wanted to create a performance that would allow everyone to find their own answers to 'living,' because we are in this world, and that's how 'Echoes of Life' came to be."

How to embody one's own perspective and ideas? True to his approach since his competitive days, where he was meticulous about every detail of his expression, Hanyu maintained an uncompromising attitude.

"I revisited books, including those by the professor I studied with in university, about life, and created this Ice Story based on that."

Even in the written expressions within the original work, traces of his attention to detail can be seen in the way the words are strung together.

"Fate is a series of coincidences"

During the press conference, one journalist, who was overwhelmed by the impactful words depicted on the ice during the performance, asked the following question:

——In today's story, there were many words that made me want to write them down. If you had to choose one phrase and share your thoughts about it, which one would it be?

Hanyu faced the question, took a brief moment to reflect, and then responded with the following words.

"The idea that 'fate' is a series of coincidences—this is something I learned while reading philosophy books. It's really, really fragile, and I thought about how fate, like a string of coincidences, must exist for everyone in their own unique way. When you look back on your life or feel like you're currently experiencing fate, I hope you can feel the joy of encountering those rare, coincidental moments or even something like a miracle. This is one of the passages I wrote with that thought in mind."

"Echoes of Life" unfolds with "sound" as its key theme.

What was said during the MC

The protagonist feels words and letters as "sound" and is able to embody them. This ability allows them to express the qualities and words of knowledge as "sound." This concept comes from Hanyu's own experiences.

"Originally, I was the type of person who heard colors and emotions as 'sound' since I was young. To put it simply, for example, with the color 'red,' some people might associate it with passion, while others might feel it as fear. It's a matter of personal interpretation. I don’t have perfect pitch, but I’ve always felt like I could hear it in a melodic sense, almost as if the interpretation itself was based on melody. This story was created as I reflected on my own experiences while writing it as fiction."

After the main performance, Yuzuru Hanyu shared this episode during the microphone performance:

"When I handed the storybook (that I wrote) to the video team, they said, 'Looks good,' but then they asked, 'How do we turn this into an Ice Story?' (laughs). I worked with the director of the video team, and we came up with ideas like 'What should we do? How about this?' We went through many moments where we thought, 'What should we do now?' and 'Ahh!' but somehow managed to bring it together. When everything came together, including the direction and my skating, I was able to think, 'We’ve created something good.'"

What kind of behind-the-scenes process unfolded during this? The video footage, essential for the story's development, was highly detailed and cinematic, with a clear focus on quality throughout. In fact, Hanyu dedicated a significant amount of time to filming and video production.

"As for the time spent on filming... it was about three days. I spent two full days shooting, then about half a day more, and another half day of shooting... Plus, I also had to do the narration recording, which took another two days. It was tough (laughs)."

There were many scenes featuring himself, but his uncompromising attitude in overseeing the production reflected the deep attachment he had to the main character.

No deterioration in skating at 30

"Regarding playing the character Nova, since it was a story I wrote myself, and I created a protagonist that I could fully immerse myself in, I felt that I had to play the role myself."

The emphasis on piano music in the performance was due to his desire to incorporate classical elements. "Since the theme was philosophy, I wanted to include melodies and pieces that would evoke a feeling of clarity and strength. I chose more pieces that would create that kind of atmosphere. In the process of creating the story, I thought about where I wanted to depict a battle, where I needed to have a strong core, and where I wanted to use the words exactly as they were. These were some of the considerations I had in mind."

In addition to the visuals and music selection, he also paid great attention to the protagonist’s costume.

"Until now, I had never linked the costumes in the visuals with the actual performance outfits. For Nova's costume, I wanted something that could actually be worn as fashion on the ice, which made it quite difficult. But, of course, I have very strong feelings about the costume for the protagonist."

"This time, in addition to the people who have always specialized in creating figure skating costumes, we also had people who had never made figure skating costumes before join the team. There are many costumes that went through repeated arrangements and refinements. This Ice Story has turned out differently from the past, and I hope people can feel the fabric and the unique texture of the costumes that can only be seen in Echoes of Life."

The final crucial piece to the carefully crafted direction is his outstanding performance on the ice. Despite once imagining a decline in his skating skills by the time he turned 30, his abilities have deepened, and most importantly, his quadruple jumps and triple axels (3.5-turn jumps) remain as strong as ever.

The epic story came to fruition thanks to the carefully crafted production concept, from the story structure to its development on the ice, along with the techniques supported by the effort to bring it to life.

Source: https://jbpress.ismedia.jp/articles/-/85351

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241208091511/https://jbpress.ismedia.jp/articles/-/85351

https://web.archive.org/web/20241213182156/https://jbpress.ismedia.jp/articles/-/85351?page=2

https://web.archive.org/web/20241209022556/https://jbpress.ismedia.jp/articles/-/85351?page=3

【Full Report: Yuzuru Hanyu's Performance at 30 Years Old, Part 2】 Overwhelming "Hospitality" for His Fans... The Best Part of His Solo Performance Starts from the Ending

After achieving back-to-back Olympic victories, figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, who transitioned to professional skating, kicked off his new solo performance, "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 3rd 'Echoes of Life' TOUR," on December 7 at Saitama Super Arena. This is the third installment of his "Ice Story," in which he takes on both the role of performer and executive producer.

The grand story, which centers around the philosophical theme of questioning the meaning of "life," came to fruition on the ice. This performance also marked the milestone of Hanyu's 30th birthday. After performing 12 songs, including many new songs such as "First Cry- Meguri," Hanyu appeared on the rink again, "unmasked," immediately after the end credits rolled. The sense of unity between Hanyu's MC, as he shed the armor of an artist, and the audience, along with the encore of three songs including the spectacular "SEIMEI," represented the "second chapter" of the solo performance, which was another highlight of the show.

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The solo performance will be "Yuzuru Hanyu Birthday Celebration 2024"

"Ah, thank you all for coming today! This was our first performance, so how was it? To everyone watching the stream around the world, and to those of you here feeling the atmosphere in person, I want to express my gratitude. So many people have been looking forward to this performance, and together with the staff, we’ve felt the pressure, the expectations, and the responsibility. We’ve put in so much time and energy to create this. I hope, even just a little, that this performance and this story can become a source of strength for all of you. Thank you so much for today!"

Dressed in a white T-shirt, Hanyu, slightly relieved from the pressure of the opening night performance, stepped onto the ice once again, and the atmosphere in the venue was filled with a different kind of energy.

His gentle MC part, which had become a regular part of the show, unfolded.

On this day, there was a special announcement.

December 7th—Hanyu’s birthday.

After encouraging the audience to applaud the members who contributed to the performance, he changed his tone and, with a slightly shy voice, shouted:

"So, it's my birthday! Yay! I was born, I was born! Ready, set!"

Voices of "Thank you" echoed from the audience.

"Wait, wait! I see, so that's the trend (rather than congratulations) (laughs)," he said, confused, before smiling happily as the audience sang a birthday song for him.

"Thank you so much! You don't often get such a big Happy Birthday, do you? I’m really happy. I wonder how many tens of thousands of people are watching, both at the venue and in front of the TV, singing along. I'm really happy. Thank you so much!"

Hanyu's solo performance, which tackled a grand philosophical theme, has suddenly had its title changed to "Hanyu Yuzuru Birthday Festival 2024."

Then, Hanyu made an announcement into the microphone.

Sharp dance moves unite fans

"I would like to do the choreography together with everyone during the Hanyu Yuzuru Birthday Celebration 2024. It's not that difficult, so I hope everyone will do it together. I would like to do the choreography together to the chorus part of 'Let Me Entertain You.'"

He demonstrated the moves himself, then practiced them using gestures in front of the packed audience of 14,000 people on three sides.

"That's right, that's right!"

With the audience now in sync, the encore program began.

The audience was energized as they joined in the choreography during the first song, "Let Me Entertain You." Then, Hanyu continued, "Alright, let's keep going for a little while longer. There are times when you feel like "ugh" about the world, or like "Fuzzy" on a personal level. Today, I want everyone to scream and have fun together," and he performed a sharp dance to the song "Ashura-chan," filling the venue with an exhilarating atmosphere.

At the end of the performance, Hanyu presented a special program.

It was the powerful free program "SEIMEI," which had created countless legendary moments during his competitive years. Introducing it as "an important, very important program," he brought the iconic scene back to life on the ice.

After performing a total of 15 songs, both in the main program and the encore, Hanyu circled the rink, waving at the audience with a smile. He conveyed his gratitude with a beaming face to the rinkside, the upper-tier seats, and the screen. Finally, he placed the microphone down and, with his own voice, shouted "Thank you!" echoing throughout the vast arena.

He officially announced his retirement from competition and transition to professional skating in July 2022. Now, in his third year as a professional, his presence on the ice has only grown, with his level of attention surpassing even that during his competitive career.

Sports Hochi ran a countdown series leading up to the opening night of the performance, which also happened to be Hanyu's birthday, while Nikkan Sports featured a large exclusive interview on the day of the premiere. The Sports Hochi and Daily Sports also ran front-page coverage of the premiere on December 8th in their papers.

It wasn't just the newspapers. The monthly magazine ESSE featured Hanyu on the cover of its January 2025 special edition, including a special interview. The business-oriented Weekly Toyo Keizai also covered his journey since turning professional in its November 30, 2024 issue, approaching his story from the perspective of an "evolving entertainer."

As a sign of his popularity, tickets for his solo performances remain difficult to obtain, even for inbound visitors. Of course, this is proof that Hanyu has continued to respond to expectations and heavy responsibilities with performances that exceed them without relying on his past fame.

At the solo performance that day, there was a spectacular highlight in the first half.

A "bundle of ambition" who continues to take on challenges.

Without ever stepping backstage, Hanyu smoothly completed the intense program that began with "Piano Collection" and continued with Chopin's "Ballade No. 1".

What kind of life will Hanyu have in his 30s?

"I believe the future will turn out even better than I can imagine. I think this is the time when my experiences, my senses, and my techniques will start to really come together. I want to continue to have hope for my future, and I will always keep the mindset of grabbing the next opportunity, while approaching practice, training, and performances with that in mind."

The words that came out were full of ambition.

As has been reiterated, Hanyu has continued to evolve without ever stopping since his competitive days.

In response to the immense pressure of rising expectations, he has taken pride in delivering overwhelming performances that surpass them, and has earned the recognition that comes with it.

He is in charge of both the performance and the production, and he never forgets to show his gratitude to the members who support him and to take care to "entertain" the fans and audience until the very end. After the media interview, Hanyu also added words of gratitude. There must be many "doors" that Hanyu has yet to open. On the first day of his 30s, this extraordinary performer demonstrated the potential that lies ahead.

yuzurujenn · December 21, 2024

2024.12.09

Source: https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/326722

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241212195434/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/326722

Yuzuru Hanyu reveals the "common thoughts" he puts into his skating to an Italian newspaper: "If the earthquake hadn't Happened"

Olympic gold medalist Yuzuru Hanyu (30), who achieved back-to-back victories in men's figure skating, revealed the "common thoughts" he puts into his ice shows.

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

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