[2024] Compilation of translated interview articles with Yuzu

[yuzurujenn]

2024.12.20

 

Source: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000002082.000004702.html

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241220100125/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000002082.000004702.html

 

 

30-year-old Yuzuru Hanyu will reprise his self-homage to "The Beginning of the Blue Rose" with Mika Ninagawa! The photos will be featured in the "Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Tai," set to be released on March 21.

 

The "Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Tai" (scheduled for release on March 21, 2025), currently available for pre-order, will include newly taken photos! For Yuzuru Hanyu, who has just turned 30, Mika Ninagawa has prepared the set from their first photoshoot together, the 2018 "Blue Rose" set.

 

Spoiler

"The sets that Mika-san prepares have a mysterious power that immediately draws you into their world. Mika-san suggested recreating the blue roses, so I approached the shoot with the mindset, 'If I'm going to create a book, I want to make it something special.' I thought, 'Would it be more interesting to try to capture the facial expressions I had back then?' but as I faced Mika-san's camera, my expressions gradually shifted to reflect who I am now. I hope you enjoy the completely different photographs, even though they are set in the same situation." (Yuzuru Hanyu comment)

 

"It has been six years since I first photographed Hanyu-san. For the photobook 'Tai,' we had the opportunity for the fifth photoshoot. This time, we used the same blue rose set from when we first worked together in 2018. Because it's the same set, the photos showcase even more clearly the incredible expressiveness that Hanyu-san has developed over the past six years. I'm very excited to see how Hanyu-san's expression will evolve as he enters his thirties." (Mika Ninagawa comment)

 

 

Yuzuru Hanyu: The Culmination of His 20s and the Starting Line – Six Years Captured by Mika Ninagawa

The photobook Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Tai (scheduled for release on March 21, 2025), which contains the best of the best photos taken by photographer Mika Ninagawa of professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, will also feature newly shot images. For Hanyu-san, who has just turned 30, Ninagawa-san has prepared the same "blue rose" set from their first photoshoot together in 2018.

 

 

Editor’s Comment:

Yuzuru Hanyu turned 30 on December 7th of this year. The background behind the creation of Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Tai lies in Mika Ninagawa's desire to capture the expressions of Hanyu-san in his 20s in one volume.

 

During discussions about the structure of the photobook, Ninagawa-san came up with the idea, "What kind of expression would be created if the current Hanyu-san entered the same 'blue rose' set from 2018?" It was an idea we never imagined, but as soon as I heard it, I was convinced that if it came to life, it would definitely result in an incredible work of art.

 

Both Hanyu-san and Ninagawa-san are active at the top of their fields. While there was some anxiety about whether we could coordinate their busy schedules, with the support of everyone involved, the "reenactment of the blue rose" came to fruition. The hair and makeup artist, as well as the stylist, who worked with us in 2018, also participated in this project.

 

Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Tai contains a wealth of precious photos capturing Hanyu-san at 30. We invite you to look forward to the latest images created by these unique and irreplaceable artists.

 

 

Announcing the Ultimate Collector’s Edition Large-Format Photobook Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Tai (AERA Special Edition / Special Box) – Release Date: March 21, 2025!

The Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Tai (AERA Special Edition / Special Box), featuring the best shots taken by photographer Mika Ninagawa of professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, will be released on Friday, March 21. Hanyu-san has been photographed by Ninagawa four times, starting with a session before the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. This photobook features the best of the best selections from 18 different sessions, encompassing approximately 5,000 shots. It is a collector’s edition meant for permanent preservation.

 

This product is available for pre-order only (pre-order deadline: January 6, 2025 / extended due to popularity!).

 

Yuzuru Hanyu and Mika Ninagawa first met six years ago during a cover shoot for AERA. At the time, Hanyu was 23 years old. His expression, gazing intently at the camera while surrounded by the blue rose set, still showed traces of youthfulness. The AERA cover featuring this "blue rose" shot quickly sold out and became a huge hit.

 

Since Hanyu-san's declaration of turning professional in 2022, he has had sessions about once a year, each time deepening his expressions. These shoots have resulted in four previous photobooks: Yuzuru Hanyu: The Driving Force behind the Leap (2022), Yuzuru Hanyu: A Solitary Driving Force (2023), Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Shin, and Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Gi (2024).

 

This December, the fifth session took place! The photobook Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Tai, scheduled for release in March, will be a culmination of the six-year Yuzuru Hanyu × Mika Ninagawa collaboration, capturing the evolution of Hanyu's expressions and marking a new starting point. In addition to carefully selected shots from the four previous shoots, the book will also include unpublished images and the "reenactment of the blue rose" from the fifth shoot. This photobook will be presented as a large-format edition, measuring 297mm x 297mm, and will be packaged in a special box. The dynamic composition of the photos will allow readers to feel the energy of the shoots. Full of highlights, Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Tai will be available exclusively through pre-order in a special box!

 

 

[Contents of the Special Box]

■ Large-Format Photobook (Photography by Mika Ninagawa)

Presented as a large-format book, measuring 297mm x 297mm!

It includes carefully selected shots from the four previous photo sessions, along with unpublished images.

• The fifth session was captured! Yuzuru Hanyu at 30, photographed in the "Beginning of the Blue Rose" set.

■ Booklet

A reprint of the interviews that AERA has conducted with Yuzuru Hanyu!

The booklet also includes numerous off-shots taken during the photo sessions.

■ Special Calendar

A calendar starting in April 2025! Of course, the photography is by Mika Ninagawa.

The calendar's dates were handwritten by Yuzuru Hanyu.

■ Behind-the-Scenes DVD

Unpublished behind-the-scenes footage from Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Shin and Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Gi.

Includes 2 videos from Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Shin and Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Gi (already released on AERA's official YouTube).

Also includes 4 behind-the-scenes clips from Yuzuru Hanyu: The Driving Force of Solitude (already released on AERA's official YouTube).

• The behind-the-scenes footage of the fifth session will also be included!

 

"Yuzuru Hanyu Photobook Tai" (AERA Special Edition / Special Box Included)
Photobook: 144 pages (planned)

Booklet: 32 pages (planned)

Price: ¥16,500 (¥15,000 + 10% tax)

ISBN: 978-4-02-332376-6

Available on Amazon Japan

 

This product is available for pre-order only (pre-order deadline extended due to high demand! Orders close on January 6, 2025).