[2023.11.11] AERA Special Edition - Yuzuru Hanyu: The Solitary Driving Force

[yuzurujenn]

Info:

https://x.com/AERAnetjp/status/1708679949245100224

https://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/4023323500/

 

BTS video:

 

 

Two consecutive Olympic gold medals, the first solo concert in the history of skaters at the Tokyo Dome, and the announcement of his first solo tour...

Yuzuru Hanyu continues to bring various emotions to the world.

Photographer Mika Ninagawa photographed this rare skater in six different situations.

 

"I took on the challenge while considering Ninagawa's perspective and the atmosphere I wanted to convey" (Yuzuru Hanyu's comment)

This is my third session with Ninagawa. Recently, I have started to objectively consider what kind of composition will be created when I combine the presence of Yuzuru Hanyu with this outfit and set. It may be a bit unexpected, but I imagine listening to the voice of the outfit and asking myself, "How does this kid want to be seen?" In particular, Ninagawa's sets are extremely elaborate, so I took on the challenge while thinking about what emotions and meanings should be given to the set, what perspective Ninagawa is taking the photos from, and what kind of atmosphere he wants to convey.

 

"I was sure that it would be absolutely fine because it's Hanyu-san" (Mika Ninagawa comment)

When I'm photographing Hanyu-san, there are moments when I get scared while looking through the viewfinder. I always feel like I'm being sucked in by the incredible expressiveness that comes from within, which I can't fathom, and I wonder "how far this person will go." He has a unique presence that goes beyond what is called human, and the word "wide range of expression" is not enough to describe it. I also incorporate many situations that would not be possible without the power of the subject himself, such as a set of red roses and big silhouette costumes. But I was sure that it would be absolutely fine because it's Hanyu-san, and after the shoot, I was shown something far beyond that.

 

I've never seen Yuzuru Hanyu like this
Beyond an athlete, a new realm of the "absolute champion"

A 112-page, unrivaled photo book by a solitary artist and Mika Ninagawa

■A completely new photo shoot by Mika Ninagawa! Contains 64 cuts from 6 scenes

Dressed in a bright red costume, commonly known as "red magma," he shows a terrifying expression, then stands ephemerally in front of a beautiful wisteria trellis... We bring you Hanyu as you have never seen him before, cut from six situations. Don't miss out on any of the precious photos created by two of Japan's most representative artists. Look forward to the unreleased shots of "Red Rose" and "Blue Umbrella," which caused a big stir in the "AERA August 14-21 Merger" to be released on August 7, 2023.

■Complete exclusive interview with Hanyu Yuzuru

Last summer, he made a new start as a professional figure skater, and after taking on numerous challenges, he realized the first ever solo performance at the Tokyo Dome. Hanyu continues to make new history in figure skating, with his first solo tour coming up in November. Looking back on the year in which he has paved his own path, we have recorded an interview in which he talks in detail about the harvest he gained there, his thoughts on skating, and the possibilities he has seen. The interviewer is sports writer Takaomi Matsubara.

■Complete record of ice shows one year after turning professional
Since turning professional, he has completed three performances as a professional skater, from his first solo ice show "Prologue" to the Tokyo Dome performance "GIFT" which attracted 35,000 spectators, and "notte stellata" which featured skaters and guests with whom he has a deep connection. He will also record five performances, including "Stars on Ice" and the annual "Fantasy on Ice", with photos.

■100 Questions and 100 Answers with Yuzuru Hanyu
In between filming, we asked Hanyu 100 questions. From casual questions such as "Favorite candy," "Places I'd like to go," "Favorite playground equipment as a child," and "The size of the biggest Winnie the Pooh you own," to 100 questions such as "Moments when I was glad I was skating" and "What will I be doing in 10 years?", Hanyu's straightforward personality is apparent from each answer.

■263 minutes of filming documentation
The magazine will bring you 263 minutes of footage shot by Mika Ninagawa, along with 13 behind-the-scenes shots. It records scenes of him visiting the staff before entering the makeup room, saying "I'll say hello first," as well as the fitting and the interaction during the shoot. See behind the scenes of how the one-of-a-kind photos were born.

■Yuzuru Hanyu's Companions
The magazine also includes interviews with three creators who have supported Hanyu's expression since his days as an athlete. We asked Keiichi Yano, the sound designer who supports the sound of his programs, Shinya Kiyozuka, the pianist who is in charge of music production and is a close friend of his in private, and Satomi Ito, the costume designer who is particular about every detail of his costumes, about the real face of Hanyu that they have seen through their creative work.

 

[CONTENTS]

Hanyu Yuzuru × Ninagawa Mika session1

Front column: "A solitary world that only one person could reach"

Hanyu Yuzuru × Ninagawa Mika session2

Hanyu Yuzuru × Ninagawa Mika session3

Exclusive interview: "I want to make sure I don't lose the comfort of skating and the happiness I can express" (Interviewer: Matsubara Takaomi)

Hanyu Yuzuru × Ninagawa Mika session4

Hanyu Yuzuru × Ninagawa Mika session5

100 Questions and Answers PART1

The world of costume design that brightly colors the ice

Yuzuru Hanyu's companions (Ito Satomi, Kiyozuka Shinya, Yano Keiichi)

Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 2023 Q&A after the GIFT performance

The trajectory of his first year as a professional: A complete record of his ice shows: "To seize the dreams he left behind on the ice"

100 Questions and Answers PART2

DOCUMENT 263min Behind the scenes of the Yuzuru Hanyu × Mika Ninagawa photo session

Hanyu Yuzuru × Mika Ninagawa session6

After Mika Ninagawa's session: "The expression of Yuzuru Hanyu transcends everything"

extra On AERA Covers 2018-2023

[yuzurujenn]

*Machine translation. Inaccuracies exist*

 

 

Source: AERA Special Edition - Yuzuru Hanyu: The Solitary Driving Force

 

100 Q&A with Yuzuru Hanyu

 

Spoiler

1. What time do you wake up in the morning?

This morning? 12:30pm.

 

2. Is it always like that?

It’s usually around 6pm.

 

3. The first words uttered when you wake up in the morning. Is it “sleepy”?

“Sleepy” maybe.

 

4. The first thing you do when you wake up in the morning.

Put away the futon.

 

5. The last thing you ate.

Tofu! It was a cold one.

 

6. The ideal way to spend your holidays.

Wake up, play games, and sleep (laughs). Then, um, wake up again, eat when I’m hungry, lie down and go back to sleep again.

 

7. The ideal breakfast.

I wonder.. break and milk.

 

8. What kind of dinner makes you excited?

Gyoza!

 

9. What do you keep in mind to manage your physical condition?

I keep additives at a minimum. It’s hard to avoid them, but I’m trying to reduce it.

 

10. How do you spend your time on the shinkansen? Check SNS? Sleep?

Either.

 

11. A dream you had recently.

It’s a scary one, I had a dream of jumping into the lake.

 

12. Why the lake?

I was being chased by some scary people, their faces were covered in mosaics. Felt like these people were trying to kill me, so I jumped into a lake.

 

13. What would you end up buying at the convenience store?

Pudding.

 

14. What kind of pudding you prefer? Firm or soft?

Firm.

 

15. Favourite app.

App. I wonder what it is, Pass! I can’t say (laughs).

 

16. Do you drink alcohol?

I can’t drink alcohol. Allergy.

 

17. What do you want to be if you are reborn?

Human! Preferably myself.

 

18. Sweet things, spicy things, bitter things, and sour things. Which do you like?

I guess something sweet.

 

19. When you’re feeling down, what do you do?

Just dance according to the music.

 

20. Mountain or sea, which do you prefer?

Mountain!

 

21. If you could shout something from the top of the mountain?

“Yay!” Or something? Hahaha.

 

22. Who do you talk to when you are feeling troubled?

Myself. Or listen to music.

 

23. Favourite time of the day.

5 or 6 o’clock in the morning.

 

24. Why that time of the day?

It depends on the seasons, but the sun will rise around this time. On cloudy days, although the sun will rise, it will be a bit dim. But it’s not a sinking feeling since it’s sunrise, I like that kind of gloomy morning.

 

25. Frequently used emoji.

What is it? Cry 😭! (Use both hands to express). I use this a lot.

 

26. Favourite animal.

Cat!

 

27. If you were to get a cat, what name would you give it?

Milk. Because what comes to mind right now is a white cat.

 

28. Yuzuru Hanyu expressed in one kanji character.

Well, this is a difficult question. I’ll leave this for later!

 

29. What do you do to boost your spirit?

Take caffeine.

 

30. How do you take it?

I will drink something, like energy drink.

 

31. A habit you want to fix.

Staying up late.

 

32. What’s a word you always end up saying?

Sou desu ne (Indeed/I See).

 

33. Do you believe in fortune telling?

I do. Hehe.

 

34. A place you would like to go.

Ise Jingu and Izumo Taisha.

 

35. Have you been there before?

I went to Ise Jingu once on my way home from an ice show. It was amazing, I felt a lot of energy and power there. I’d like to go there again.

 

36. Favourite place?

Sendai.

 

37. What’s good about Sendai?

It’s a place where the city and forest can co-exist.

 

38. Speaking of Sendai?

Zunda!

 

39. What would you do if you had a different job for just one day?

Occupation? One day only. Um, programmer!

 

40. Do you have any programming experience?

I took programming classes when I was in college, and I’ve been doing it a little bit since. I think it would be fun to do something like that.

 

41. If you have 10 minutes free time?

Play game!

 

42. What game?

Now I’m playing “Fire Emblem”.

 

43. The best movie you’ve seen.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

 

44. Something that makes you think “This is just impossible”.

Bell pepper.

 

45. An episode with bell pepper.

During the ice show the other day the hotel caterer served us curry. Before the actual performance, I can’t eat curry at all because it’s a bit heavy for me. However, I thought I might be able to eat it before rehearsal the night before, so I went to eat it and found that it had bell pepper in it. I was in shock, I couldn’t recover from it. Even though it’s curry, it had bell pepper in it! There were only red and yellow bell peppers (laughs).

 

46. Do you prefer to eat your favourite food first, or last?

Divide it, and eat it the first and the last.

 

47. Your favourite dagashi (penny candy).

Um, gummies. Are gummies dagashi? Not sure?

 

48. Would you put them as dagashi?

And then, there’s that soda candy. Big one. Tastes like cola. Sometimes with gum in them. I like that.

 

49. Something that surprised you recently.

Nothing much. However, that dream surprised me though, I was thinking “I’m going to be killed” (laughs)

 

50. Is there anything surprised you in real life?

Ah yes, bugs! Just at the entrance of my house, there was a relatively rare scarab called the Polyphylla albolineata (Motschulsky). I poked it with my hand to see what it was, and it made a loud sound, which shocked me (laughs). First time seeing that kind of bug.

 

51. Favourite scent?

I like chamomile and jasmine.

 

52. Favourite bento side dish?

Karaage (fried chicken).

 

53. Favourite tea?

Early grey.

 

54. Favourite ingredient in miso soup?

Tofu.

 

55. Favourite onigiri filling?

Now I like kombu!

 

56. Favourite sandwich filling?

Tomatoes.

 

57. Favourite meat?

Pork belly!

 

58. Favourite drink?

Dr. Pepper.

 

59. Favourite colour?

It depends on the time and occasion, but right now it’s yellow-green.

 

60. Favourite manga?

What manga would I recommend. There are quite a few, but hmm, I wonder what is it now. Tokyo Ghoul, I guess.

 

61. Favourite flower?

I wonder… Hydrangea!

 

62. Artists you’re interested in recently?

I’m feeling troubled. I don’t want to say who is popular (laughs), but ah, what should I do. Mrs. GREEN APPLE!

 

63. Your favourite toy as a child?

Jungle gym.

 

64. Do you like being at the top?

I like the top. I think I fell down once when I was a kid though.

 

65. Were you okay?

It’s a small jungle gym for home use. I seemed to have hit somewhere. Hit the forehead.

 

66. Recommended Youtube channel?

“HANYU YUZURU” hahaha.

 

67. Important words?

Daijoubu (It’s okay).

 

68. The moment you felt glad that you were skating?

Probably when I could move as my heart dictates.

 

69. If you could only bring one thing with you to an uninhabited island?

Knife? As long as you have a knife, you can always find a way.

 

70. If you can take a week off starting tomorrow?

Play games!

 

71. If tomorrow is the end of the world, what would you want to eat?

Gyoza. It’s all about gyoza (laughs).

 

72. What would you buy as a gift for yourself?

Earphone.

 

73. Describe your personality in one word.

Well, weird. Hahaha.

 

74. Why do you feel you are like a weird person?

I didn’t feel like I was weird at all originally, but recently I took on a lot of various jobs, and when I was being interviewed, I thought, “I’m such a weirdo”.

 

75. What was the moment that you felt that being weird is good too?

Because I am weird, I think about many different things and observe and make progress from a different perspective than others. Based on this, I don’t think it is a derogatory term, but after all I was a bit shocked to realise I am different from others (laughs).

 

76. Favourite number.

1.

 

77. Favourite novel.

キマイラ (Kimaira). I don’t reach much novels, but I’ve read quite a lot of the Kimaira series.

 

78. How big is the largest Pooh that you own?

(Opening his arms) About this big? It should be this big. Is it about 1 meter, or 80 centimetres?

 

79. What about the smallest Pooh?

That would be the Tsum-Tsum, the plastic kind, there’s a very small one, almost 2cm, the stacking kind.

 

80. If you’re not a figure skater, what would you be?

A baseball player. I liked baseball more (laughs).

 

81. A costume you want to try on for Halloween.

Vampire!

 

82. When did you have your first cell phone?

No, I don’t have one.

 

83. How do you check SNS?

Although I have been using an iPod touch, it has been discontinued. Now I’m using an iPhone without a SIM card. Since I’ve never used a cell phone, I don’t have a number.

 

84. If you could get one thing, what would it be?

I wonder. Hmm… I guess I rather get it on my own than receiving it.

 

85. What kind of nerd (otaku) are you?

Audio.

 

86. What is your specialty dish?

Frozen gyoza (laughs).

 

87. What kind of illustrations are you good at?

I can’t draw Pooh. Ah, but I may have drawn all kinds of wings, and skates.

 

88. Things you tend to collect.

Just earphones, and gyoza (laughs).

 

89. Something you always keep in mind.

Never forget your original intention.

 

90. Words that you dislike.

Right. There is, but I wonder what it is. “Uncool” is definitely something I don’t want to be told.

 

91. A relaxing moment.

When I’m in the futon, lying on my stomach and squeezing the pillow.

 

92. How do you spend your birthday?

I was hardly in Japan for my birthday. There was always the Grand Prix Final, and when I couldn’t go, it’s usually because I was injured or sick.

 

93. On your 28th birthday after turning professional, how did you spend it?

I felt like it was the first time I could spend some time at home. Yeah. It’s like “I’m not fidgeting!” Moreover, I was not injured and not in a bad shape. That’s what I was thinking.

 

94. Were you also off work?

There’s a program called “Classic TV” with Shinya Kiyozuka, and there was a recording of it. However, even though there was a recording session, I was able to spend time at home.

 

95. You will be 29 years old this year. What kind of year would you like to have?

Well, for now, I would like to continue my research and study.

 

96. What kind of research and study?

Performance and expression techniques. I want to learn more about those things, and also learn more skating techniques.

 

97. What do you want to do when you turn 30?

For now, continue jumping quads. Like, “I can jump!” hahaha.

 

98. What will you be doing in 10 years?

I wonder if I will still be skating. My goal is to maintain my health and reduce the risk of injury as much as possible so that I can still skate 10 years from now.

 

99. Once again, “Yuzuru Hanyu” expressed in one kanji character.

Hmm. Core, I guess. I absolutely do not want to waver.

 

100. Lastly, what would you like to ask your fans?

Am I living up to your expectations?

 

[yuzurujenn]

*Machine translation. Inaccuracies exist*

 

 

Source: AERA Special Edition - Yuzuru Hanyu: The Solitary Driving Force pg 80-85

 

Yuzuru Hanyu's COSTUMES by Satomi Ito

Vividly colouring the ice
The World of Satomi Ito's Costume Designs
 

Spoiler

Program
Itsuka Owaru Yume
PROLOGUE / November 4, 2022
Hanyu sent me an image of the colour, and I proposed several design options. I had heard in advance that it was a program without jumps, so I thought it would be nice to have fluttering sleeves and a long hem like a goldfish. To avoid a flat appearance from a distance, I gathered drapes from the front to the back. Since the sleeves and hem are long, I wanted a sense of airiness, so I designed it with an open back. The colours are airbrushed in varying shades of light blue and lavender.

---

Program
CHANGE
PROLOGUE / November 4, 2022
Given the unique arrangement of this piece, I wanted to create a modern, asymmetrical costume rather than a completely Japanese design. I used silk fabric with gold thread embroidery on a black base, which I had purchased years ago at first sight and had kept in storage. It was a precious material, so I hadn’t been able to use it until now, but I believe it would be fulfilling for the fabric to be used in Hanyu’s costume. The left shoulder features a woven decoration, and I paired it with a faux leather belt at the waist to avoid an all-black look.

---

Program
Ashura-chan
GIFT / February 26, 2023
This is a very simple shirt costume compared to what I’ve made so far. Hanyu mentioned, "I want a red satin-like shirt with a glossy finish." Since satin shows stains when it gets wet, I searched for fabric that wouldn’t show stains as much. “There’s a choreography that involves lying on the ice, so that helps,” he said. Because it’s a simple costume, I focused on the quality of the materials as much as possible. The tie was also Hanyu’s request. I initially prepared a blue tie for the fitting, but he sent me an image saying, "I’d like a tie with this pattern." I used that as a reference to design the pattern, printed it, and created a tie specifically for "Ashura-chan."

---

Program
One Summer’s Day
GIFT / February 26, 2023
Hanyu suggested, "I’d like a light blue gradient effect at the split hem," so I incorporated that into the design. For this costume, I had the image of Haku (the white dragon) from "Spirited Away" in my mind. I wanted details that evoke the scales of a dragon, so I prepared three different circular cuts of organza material. I made many pieces in different sizes and colours, attaching each one individually. I also chose fabrics with a translucent quality. I layered the sleeves and added extra layers to the hem. I think the shimmering of the fabric when it moved gave it a dreamy appearance.

---

Program
The Firebird
GIFT / February 26, 2023
When Hanyu told me his image of the song, the first thing I thought was "I want to add large wings." In the initial design I presented, I had added a hair ornament, but I clearly remember Hanyu contacting me, saying, "It will be distracting during the performance, so I don’t think it will work." The costume for "The Firebird" has a strong red impression, but at first it was a bit more white. Hanyu requested, "I want to keep that while adding more colour," so I reflected that in the design, using emerald as an accent and incorporating peacock motifs in various places.

 

 

Costume Designer: Satomi Ito
Never wavering from the core,
Always at the center.

 

Accompanying Creator vol. 1
The exquisite and glamorous costumes beautifully elevate the world contained within the program. Costume designer Satomi Ito has been pursuing a vision of “costumes that only Yuzuru Hanyu can pull off” since the beginning of their collaboration, continuously creating exclusive costumes that belong solely to each piece of music.

 

Spoiler

-Including his competitive era, you have designed many costumes for Hanyu. When did you first meet him?
In 2014, when Hanyu became a gold medalist at the Sochi Olympics, he contacted the company I was working for at the time, asking for an exhibition costume. There were other designers at the company, and many wanted to create costumes for him. A few of the senior designers and I submitted design sketches. Hanyu chose my design, which led to us creating both competitive and exhibition costumes together.

 

-The first costume you made was for "The Final Time Traveler." Hanyu performed in this costume at the Grand Prix Final exhibition. What do you think attracted him to your design sketches?
You should ask him directly (laughs). Although he chose my design, he mentioned that the colour wasn’t quite right, so I had to revise it. I created three new sketches to show him in person during the fitting, and he selected one on the spot to begin production. Once the design was confirmed, we would discuss colours and materials via email. Sometimes, he sends me image references or colour preferences. Depending on the costume and the timing, it usually takes about two months to create. Since the music and program concepts are determined before the design, deadlines can be tight.

 

-You once described Hanyu as 'a designer in his own right.'
For example, Hanyu decided almost everything about "SEIMEI". He had specific requests regarding the colours and wanted the design to stay true to the kariginu. Initially, I had a completely different idea, so in that sense, I see Hanyu as a kind of designer. However, it’s my responsibility to create the patterns, sew the pieces, and add embellishments, so I focus heavily on the details. Since the athletes are the ones who see the costumes up close, I want to create something that they will find impressive.

 

-Working with a skater who continuously evolves—winning consecutive Olympic titles, challenging the quadruple axel, and performing a solo show at Tokyo Dome—must be inspiring, right?
Hanyu is always pursuing higher goals, and naturally, the costumes he wears should also progress in terms of lightness and materials that allow for movement. The first competition costume I made for him was for “The Phantom of the Opera” (2014-15), which weighed about 850 grams, and looking back, that feels a bit heavy. Since then, I have been exploring ways to use materials, and now most of my costumes weigh around 500 grams. The costume for “Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso” (2021-22) is just slightly over 500 grams.

 

[Having stepped away from competition allows for more creative freedom]

 

-Behind the glamour, there's meticulous adjustment down to the gram.
I think athletes find practice wear the easiest to move in, but that alone isn’t enough for competition. I need to design costumes that express the program's worldview while also pursuing functionality. Honestly, design and functionality often conflict, and it’s common to feel, “I want to do this, but I can’t.” However, the most important factor is whether they can perform, so I focus on that when creating.

 

-Has there been any change since Hanyu stepped away from competition? 
It feels refreshing not to worry about weight. I realise, “Now that he’s out of competition, I can design more freely.” For example, in "The Firebird," after hearing Hanyu’s image of the music, my first thought was that “I want to add large wings,” so I designed the costume accordingly. For "Itsuka Owaru Yume," I had heard in advance that it was a program without jumps, so I imagined fluttering sleeves and a long hem like a goldfish. I’ve been able to take on various challenges.
Just because he turned professional doesn’t mean he’s stopped jumping; he’s always moving, spinning, and the ease of movement remains a priority. However, sometimes he says things like, “This program doesn’t have jumps, so it’s okay if it’s a bit heavier,” which opens the door to new challenges (laughs). It’s exciting to explore a wider range of fabrics and decorations.

 

[A strong commitment to "costume for this program"]

 

-When do you feel Hanyu's unique attention to detail when working on costume production?
Although he has never said it directly, I think he is conscious of “a costume that can only be worn by Yuzuru Hanyu.” While style varies from person to person, everyone considers how to design to make the legs look a bit longer or more proportionate, right? Hanyu is tall, so he looks good. There are designs that can only be proposed because it’s him, and he can carry off even the most extravagant costumes.
The purple version of "Origin" costume is a prime example. Inspired by Nijinsky’s “Le Spectre de la Rose,” I added three-dimensional rose decorations and butterflies that weren’t in the original design sketch. This design could only be proposed thanks to Hanyu’s style, skill, and the program. I probably wouldn’t think of such design on any other skater. Even when creating costumes, I often think, 'This would be difficult for anyone other than Hanyu.' I also wonder if Hanyu himself thinks, “If it were me, it should be fine.”

 

-Above all, he is also a skater who values the music. 
He has a strong desire for “a costume made solely for this program,” which he has mentioned during fittings. He holds a clear concept of his program, so if he feels something is off with the design, he’ll say, “This is the image I have in mind,” and then I will make adjustments and work on it.

 

-You’ve been involved in creating costumes for Hanyu for nearly ten years. They are all delicate and beautiful, but are there any costumes that haven’t been revealed yet?
When I propose designs, I usually create 2 to 4 sketches. Sometimes, among the ‘rejected designs’, there are personal favourites, and I hope to unveil those on another occasion. I also think it’s okay not to be confined to figure skating costumes. In fact, I’d love to create costumes outside of figure skating (laughs). My recent goal is to create haute couture just for Hanyu and have it photographed by Mika Ninagawa.

 

-As the executive producer of "GIFT," Yuzuru Hanyu created a spectacular show.
After all, it’s crucial not to let your core waver. I think it's truly amazing that Hanyu takes the lead and keeps himself at the center of it all. I look forward to his future ice shows and performances.

 

 

[yuzurujenn]

*Machine translation. Inaccuracies exist*

 

 

Source: AERA Special Edition - Yuzuru Hanyu: The Solitary Driving Force pg 86-87

 

Pianist: Shinya Kiyozuka
The inescapable "lonely fate" is fleeting and beautiful

 

Accompanying Creator Vol.2
Pianist and composer/arranger Shinya Kiyozuka has regarded Yuzuru Hanyu, who has now become an outstanding performer, as an artist since his competitive days. Through arrangements like 'Haru yo, koi,' he has witnessed Hanyu's deep philosophy toward music and has been supporting him in realising that vision.

 

Spoiler

-Kiyozuka's collaboration with Hanyu began with the performance of 'Haru yo, koi' at Fantasy on Ice in 2018. How did you view the athlete 'Yuzuru Hanyu' at that time?

A 'perfect person,' perhaps. Defining what makes someone perfect is difficult, but there is a system to expression. In music, it relates to whether there are any mistakes or if the performance aligns with one's ideals. Figure skating, too, requires expressing a predetermined set of elements while considering physical balance and executing it as planned. I thought of Hanyu as someone who exhibits ‘systematic perfection’ in his expressive abilities rarely seen in human history.

Like musicians too, such people have a tendency to like perfection in all things. They can be a little sensitive or somewhat unapproachable. Initially, I thought Hanyu might be like that, but he didn’t give off that feeling at all. He is bright, gentle, and always mindful of not making others uncomfortable. I’m sure he understands better than anyone how others perceive him based on his experience. Even if Hanyu doesn’t intend it, he truly is an incredible person. When creating a program together, I thought that this sense of distance might have a negative impact. But, looking back now, I think that even that aspect was perfect (laughs).

 

-His expressions are intricate, and he is a skater with an exceptional sense of balance.

Expressing sensitivity in words is extremely difficult, but throughout the creation process, I caught glimpses of his keen sense of balance many times. Even in his choice of words, it feels like reading poetry. Sometimes literary, sometimes descriptive, and at times very specific. He might say things like, 'It’s like there’s vibrato on the violin,' or make fantastical remarks like, 'If you turn around, you’ll see a whole new world.' He is someone who writes beautifully.

 

-What you created together includes the short program 'Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso' performed at the Beijing Olympics and the exhibition piece 'Haru yo, koi.'

There was no need for him to say it, but after the Olympics, Hanyu sent me a message saying, 'I’m sorry.' In 'Haru yo, koi,' I could feel the various meanings he wanted to convey, and it became clear that he lives in a harsh world where he expresses himself through his performances, which deeply moved me.

However, to be honest, I had already stopped viewing Hanyu’s expression as merely 'competition.' I was seeing him more as an artist, away from the concept of scores. After he announced his transition to professional status, he also told me, 'I will definitely complete this.' I believe he had the desire to present what we created together in a beautiful form.

 

-In the past, you mentioned that in piano competitions, 'Executing the techniques is valued more than entertaining people with beautiful tones.' Hanyu also reflected on his competitive days, saying, 'If I didn’t win, it wouldn’t be remembered.'

 Recently, we have been talking a lot about this kind of thing. We’d have video calls late at night and sometimes end up talking for about two hours without realising it. What started as work-related discussions often turns into deeper conversations. I think Hanyu’s worldview, which he’s trying to express, is very philosophical. Just like musical instruments, there are no words for skating. While you can inspire something, you can’t fully articulate it. Art can convey a stronger message than words. Hanyu has a deep and multifaceted philosophy behind his programs, and he works hard to express it.

 

-He is both an athlete and an artist, in that sense.

I felt that from the moment we met, and that’s what I respect the most.

When I talk with my friend who’s a baseball player, I realise how different the mindsets of artists and athletes are, which I find fascinating. They often use the term 'competition,' while artists rarely do. Artists are simply engaged in the process of bringing their inner selves to the surface, and there’s no win or loss involved. There are numerical indicators like CD sales, but not the concept of scoring.

Hanyu can navigate between both worlds. While I believe he has a certain attachment to scores, rather than placing value solely on the scores, I think it might be more accurate to say that there is a form of expression that can only be conveyed by winning. I’d like to ask Yuzu-chan about this.

 

-Has your relationship with Hanyu changed since he turned professional?

Although there aren’t people around me who call me that, before I knew it, he started calling me 'Kiyo-chan.' I wonder if it’s because he feels we have become people who can create from the same perspective now that he is a professional?

 

-How did you view the Tokyo Dome performance 'GIFT'?

The 'Rondo Capriccioso' might feel like an effort to reclaim Beijing, especially with the six-minute practice included in the performance. However, I see it a bit differently. I think he wanted to express an 'even more complete Rondo Capriccioso' by adding elements that he couldn’t showcase in competitions. Pushing yourself in that way also means you cannot escape a lonely fate. To reach a place where no one has seen, you have to work hard in solitude.

 

-Where does that strength come from?

I think that is the true essence of loneliness, and because he has lived that way, it’s all he can do. That fateful aspect is both fleeting and beautiful, connecting to Hanyu's solitary nature. His performances always carry a sense of mystery that reflects his way of life.

I think he’s the kind of person who can’t say he’s struggling, even when times are tough. It's during those moments that he has the brightest smile. As a friend, there have been times when I’ve asked him, 'Are you okay?' out of concern that he might burn out. But he always laughs ‘Hehehe’ with a super cute smile, as if to say “I know.”

Seeing that makes me realise I can’t approach this with half-hearted feelings. He pours so much of himself into it that I want to fight alongside him at that level. I’m ready to help manifest the world that Yuzu-chan wants to express.

[yuzurujenn]

*Machine translation. Inaccuracies exist*

 

 

Source: AERA Special Edition - Yuzuru Hanyu: The Solitary Driving Force pg 88-89

 

Sound Designer: Keiichi Yano
I finally met an athlete who could perform ‘their own story’

 

Accompanying Creator Vol. 3
Keiichi Yano has been supporting Yuzuru Hanyu’s skating, which combines both precision and grandeur. A “request” from Hanyu marked the beginning of a journey together with this one-of-a-kind performer. The soundscapes created by Yano further solidify Hanyu's worldview.

 

Spoiler

-Hanyu is a skater with a strong passion for sound, but in what ways do you feel his dedication?

The first time I received a request from Hanyu was the year before the Sochi Olympics. He expressed concern about a small noise heard at the transitions of the ‘Romeo & Juliet’ piece and asked if it could be eliminated. It was such a tiny noise that one wouldn’t notice during a performance at the venue, but it seemed to disrupt his focus when listening with earphones.

 

-From there, your collaboration began, and you also produced 'SEIMEI' which Hanyu performed at the PyeongChang Olympics.

The final form of 'SEIMEI' exists because of Hanyu. He had two specific requests: to include the sound of the flute and the final main theme, and then he said, 'The rest, I’m sorry, but I’ll leave it to you.'

At first, I had no idea about his preferences, but I selected sounds, tempos, and atmospheric pieces that would fit his skating from about 50 tracks in the movie 'Onmyoji.' Sometimes, along the process, he would send me a version that he had put together himself, saying, “The tempo of the piano doesn't really match, so I'll go with this tempo.'

Hanyu has a very strict approach to the movements and breathing in his programs. Not all athletes are like this, but when I watch their choreography, I often feel that many skaters aren't fully aware of the music. I feel frustrated and wish that more athletes would be conscious of the music and perform their own stories.

On the other hand, I also heard people saying, 'You shouldn’t be too focused on the music because it will throw you off after a fall.' Since I have never skated, I thought it might actually be difficult.

It was at that time that I met Hanyu. He has the music and choreography so perfectly ingrained in his body that even if he falls, he can quickly get back on track with the next note. I was really happy to see an athlete who could perform the music as if it were his own.

 

-Meeting Hanyu was also a striking experience for you. After competing in PyeongChang and Beijing, Hanyu announced his turn to professional status in July 2022.

When I heard about his turn to professional, I thought, 'Finally, this moment has come.' I also felt a fear of whether I could keep up with him now that he would be able to perform more freely (laughs).

 

-You participated as the sound designer for both 'Prologue' and 'GIFT.' Both were of high quality and truly wonderful. I imagined there must have been many hurdles to overcome to reach that point.

For 'GIFT,' the sound was originally handled by a different company, and I wasn’t scheduled to be involved. However, since they had never done an ice show before, I was asked to take a look at the sound plan. In managing competitions and shows, I always aim to create an acoustic space where the skater’s performance, the music, and the audience can all come together as one. When I reviewed the plan, I feared that it would not be possible to “synchronise with the sound,” which is what he is most particular about.

In figure skating, we hang speakers from the ceiling to ensure that the sound resonates evenly. However, this isn’t possible in a dome. To ensure that the music reaches both Hanyu and the audience simultaneously, I proposed placing speakers around the rink and erecting a sound tower on top, even though that would cause some visual obstruction. This led to a complete overhaul of the sound plan.

 

-Was there difficulty with the live orchestra performance as well?
Since it was the first-ever Tokyo Dome performance in figure skating history, everything was exploratory. I wasn't sure if the sound would be as good as I thought it would be until we actually played the sound at the venue.

My other role was to have the musicians recreate the performance at the same tempo as Hanyu's program. Unlike music editing, it is not possible to make much adjustments in a live performance. It was also quite challenging to request renowned musicians to accommodate our needs.

Additionally, there are two types of sound: the live sound and the sound coming from the speakers. When you get close to the orchestra, the live sound comes through faster, creating a slight delay compared to the sound from the speakers. It's a matter of mere milliseconds, but that can blur the sound image. We tried to fine-tune everything until the last minute, but after the performance, Hanyu mentioned, 'Yano-san, that part just didn’t sync no matter what.'

 

-What kind of exchange did you have with Hanyu when you joined the show midway through?
Actually, we didn’t get into many specific details. I listened to his ideas, and then he entrusted me with the rest, saying, “You understand my program.”

 

-I’m sure Hanyu felt reassured with you on board.
I hope that’s how he felt. As long as I continue to receive requests, I’d like to create his sound environment as I always have. If there’s ever an issue with the music, I’m always willing to help.

 

-It’s hard to believe that it’s only been a year since he turned professional, considering all the challenges he’s taken on.

Until now, it was unimaginable to perform solo. While some aspects can be imagined in a typical show, Hanyu’s vision far exceeds that. I feel that moving forward, it will be a struggle between what is physically possible and what is not. How can we respond when Hanyu requests something that differs from what I imagined? I’m prepared for the increase in challenges.

 

-You will also participate as the sound director for the 'Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 2nd "RE_PRAY" TOUR.'

Just like with 'Prologue' and 'GIFT,' Hanyu’s vision is grand, so there are many challenges to overcome. We are looking for ways to clear each hurdle and move on to the next step. There are still unknowns about what kind of show it will be. But one thing is clear: Hanyu values the audience above all else.