[2024] Echoes of Life - ICE STORY 3rd (Saitama)

[yuzurujenn]

Compilation of articles & interviews relating to Echoes of Life:

2024:

- Saitama (Dec 7, 9, 11)

2025:

- Hiroshima (Jan 3, 5)

- Chiba (Feb 7, 9)

 

 

Info: 

https://echoesoflife.jp/

https://x.com/echoesoflife_jp

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2024.10.28

 

Source: https://victorysportsnews.com/articles/8932

 

 

Yuzuru Hanyu Now: A Message He Continues to Deliver through Ice Shows

 

Yuzuru Hanyu (29), a professional skater who won two consecutive Olympic gold medals in men's figure skating, announced at 11:11 a.m. on October 4 that he will appear in and serve as executive producer of the third installment of ICE STORY, titled 'ICE STORY 3rd - Echoes of Life - TOUR.' This performance will take place from 2024 to 2025 across three locations nationwide: Saitama (Saitama Super Arena), Hiroshima (Hiroshima Green Arena), and Chiba (Lala Arena Tokyo Bay). Ahead of this new challenge, we delve into the resolve glimpsed in his past ice shows.

 

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Even now, the answer has not been found. Hanyu continues to move forward with sincerity in the face of this eternal question.

 

March 11, 2011. The Great East Japan Earthquake brought devastating damage primarily to the Tohoku region, completely changed everyday lives. Hanyu, a first-year student at Tohoku High School in MIyagi Prefecture, was practicing at the Sendai Ice Rink when the disaster struck. He escaped the building while still wearing his skates. His home in Sendai was declared a total loss, and he and his family of four had to live in an evacuation shelter.

 

The earthquake claimed the lives of 15,900 people across 12 prefectures, with over 2,500 people still missing. Amidst the grief that many carried, Hanyu sometimes wondered whether it was appropriate to evoke memories through his performances. Nevertheless, he was determined to deliver a "story" through his performance.

 

February 26, 2023. At Tokyo Dome, where many idols and artists have left their mark, one skater captivated an audience of about 35,000. He named the performance "GIFT," with the hope of 'providing a place to return to when one feels alone.'

 

Opening with the powerful "Firebird," Hanyu presented a three-hour show featuring 12 programs, including "Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso" and "SEIMEI." The Tokyo Dome remained filled with enthusiasm until the very end. Yet, Hanyu reflected, "Honestly, when I entered this venue, what I thought was, 'How small of a person I am.'" The scale of the ice show was unlike any other he had experienced, evoking similar feelings to those during the earthquake.

 

"It was a bit like my memory of not being able to do anything if I was alone."

 

"GIFT" was enhanced by various productions, including projection mapping and live orchestral performances by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.

 

"Thanks to the support of the 35,000 people and everyone who contributed to the production using this entire space, even though I am just a small person, I think I was able to reach out to everyone."

 

There are things that can only be conveyed when everyone comes together. He hoped that this can be a catalyst for healing the wounds in people's hearts, even if just a little. This was a thought that only Hanyu, who has struggled with loneliness, could have.

 

From November 2023 to April 2024, the "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 2nd 'RE_PRAY' TOUR" was held at four locations nationwide, featuring a performance that incorporated ethics and values from the world of gaming. Following "GIFT," it was an unprecedented challenge, yet he never backed down.

 

"I sometimes feel afraid to involve so many people in creating something that I want to express, but I want to push myself to my limits as an athlete and perform well."

 

The first performance in Saitama had everyone on the edge of their seats. The story began with the song "Itsuka Owaru Yume" from "Final Fantasy X," intertwining the world of gaming with his life story. After a six-minute practice akin to a competition, he performed the new program "Messenger of Ruin," landing both a quadruple Salchow and a toe loop. His performance maintained the sharpness of his competitive days. When the word "CLEAR" appeared on the monitor, Hanyu raised his fist in triumph. Even for him, nothing is ever 100%. This emotion stemmed from performing with the pride of an athlete.

 

In front of about 14,000 people, he passionately performed 12 programs, including three new ones. His willingness to take on new challenges reflects his determination to keep moving forward.

 

"This ice show is completely different from what I’ve done before. It’s not just a single program, but various programs woven into one work. There are programs that I have done before, but when they are incorporated into the story, they appear completely different. I envision the program itself as the 'final boss,' and when I achieve 'clear' at the end, it feels like I've finally conquered it after battling through."

 

How to blend gaming with figure skating must have been a source of deep contemplation for him. Yet, Hanyu never wavered. Through his relentless pursuit of perfection, he gained invaluable insights.

 

"I hope that I can improve my level every time, and gain experience and show myself as a more technically advanced person, which is also part of my story."

 

After his performance in Yokohama in February, Hanyu's expression seemed brighter than usual as he spoke about his success. Of course, he hasn't found the right answer yet. However, Hanyu's beliefs are conveyed through his skating.

 

Most recently, he appeared in the "Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Charity Performance" held in September. He performed "Haru yo, Koi" in Ishikawa prefecture, which was hit hard by the Noto Peninsula earthquake in January. For the finale, he performed "Que Sera Sera" by Mrs. GREEN APPLE, alongside fellow skaters Akiko Suzuki, Satoko Miyahara, and Takahito Mura.

 

Hanyu's desire to do something for Noto reached the local station, TV Kanazawa, leading to the realisation of the performance. "I think there are people in all different situations, some who are suffering and some who are doing well. I hope to spread a circle of smiles among all of those people, even if just a little," he said, expressing his hopes through his skating.

 

The proceeds from the live streaming and sales of charity T-shirts were donated to Ishikawa Prefecture. To deliver as much support as possible, various measures were taken, such as avoiding the use of special lighting.

 

"After winning the Olympic gold medal for the second time in a row, I had the desire to initiate support and compassion for the disaster-stricken areas. I hope it warms everyone’s hearts, even if just a little."

 

What can I do now? What can I do because I am Yuzuru Hanyu? As he reflects and asks himself these questions, a vision of his path forward naturally takes shape.

 

Whether it was fate or coincidence, the first performance of the third ICE STORY instalment, "ICE STORY 3rd―Echoes of Life―TOUR," will be held on December 7th, Hanyu's 30th birthday. As he continues to deliver messages through his evolving performances, one wonders what form he will take this time. We quietly await news of the next chapter in his story.

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

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]

2024.12.07

 

Source: https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/202412070001216.html

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241209014057/https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/202412070001216.html

 

 

Yuzuru Hanyu's 30th birthday premiere "Setlist" captivated with 15 songs, including a piano collection of five short pieces

 

On the 7th, Yuzuru Hanyu, the two-time Winter Olympic figure skating men's champion and in his third year as a professional, celebrated his 30th birthday and kicked off his national tour for the solo ice show "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 3rd – Echoes of Life – TOUR" at the Saitama Super Arena.

 

Set List:

1. First Pulse

2. 産声～めぐり (First Echo and Circulation)

3. Utai IV ~Reawakening

4. Mass Destruction－Reload－

5. ピアノコレクション (Piano Collection) 

i. 6Pieces for Piano, Op. 118:No.3,Ballade in G Minor.Allegro energio

ii. The Well－Tempered Clavier,Book 1:No2,Prelude and Fugue in C Minor, BWV 847

iii. Keyboard Sonata in D Minor,K.141

iv. 12Etudes, Op. 25: No. 12 in C Minor "Ocean"

v. 12Etudes, Op. 10: No. 4 in C－Sharp Minor "Torrent"

6. Ballade No.1 in G Miner,Op.23

7. Goliath (2024Remix)

8. アクアの旅路（Piano Solo Ver.）(Aqua's Journey)

9. Eclipse／blue

10. GATE OF STEINER－Aesthetics on Ice

11. Danny Boy

12. 全ての人の魂の詩 (Hymn of the Soul)

EC1. Let Me Entertain You

EC2. 阿修羅ちゃん (Ashura chan)

EC3. SEIMEI

 

This performance is the third installment of the "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY" series, overseen by the executive producer. Following "GIFT at Tokyo Dome" and "RE_PRAY TOUR," it will continue its unique storytelling with seven performances across three cities until February next year. [Jun Kinoshita]

 

 

 

2024.12.07

 

Source: https://olympics.com/en/news/hanyu-yuzuru-echoes-of-life-opening-show

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241208161815/https://olympics.com/en/news/hanyu-yuzuru-echoes-of-life-opening-show

 

 

Hanyu Yuzuru celebrates turning 30 with 'Echoes of Life' opening

 

On his birthday, the Olympic champion raises the curtain on his latest solo show at Saitama Super Arena to pose the question of what it means to live.

 

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Yes, he may not look like it, but Hanyu Yuzuru is actually 30.

 

But he has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.

 

“I thought to myself, ‘Wow, I’m 30,’” Hanyu told reporters on Saturday (7 December), his birthday, after performing the opening show of Echoes of Life to a sellout crowd of 14,000 at Saitama Super Arena.

 

“It hasn’t completely sunk in but the 30 I thought of when I was a kid and actually being 30 now is completely different - physically, mentally.

 

“I feel like I still have a lot to offer, can keep going.”

 

Hanyu Yuzuru: 'I used to think 30 meant old man'

Echoes of Life is the third chapter in Hanyu’s Ice Story saga which he has acted alone, following Gift in 2022 and Re_Pray last year.

 

Still appearing not much different to when he quit competitive skating two years ago, the two-time Olympic champion performed for close to three hours as his faithful shrieked in overwhelming bliss on this night, when they sang him Happy Birthday during the encore.

 

Hanyu said he has a completely different perception of age, now that he has entered the third decade of his life.

 

“I used to think 30 meant old man. But having lived in the now to the fullest, 30 looks different to me,” he said.

 

“I always thought there’d be regression at this age as a figure skater. But if you look at baseball or football, 30 is when you start putting it all together - the experience, the technique. This is where you start to hone the craft.

 

“I want to hold on to hope for my future and seize the opportunities that come along.”

 

Saturday’s installment was markedly different from the first two shows in that Hanyu increased his time on the main screen, in cinema-like form perhaps cognizant of the global audience.

 

Hanyu quickly shut the door on a future acting career - he looked impressive, contrary to his self-appraisal - but seemed fulfilled that he was finally able to scratch a lifelong itch on the theme of life itself, one he chased at Waseda University.

 

“I’ve been in a movie once before and I just thought I wasn’t made for it,” he said. “I don’t have much desire to be in the movies but portraying Nova, the main character, felt seamless. It’s my story and I felt compelled to act the character myself.

 

“I’ve thought about bioethics since I was little and it’s something I pursued at university. I always found the philosophy behind life fascinating.

"There was a lot swirling in my head and I studied the thought process, the theory of it all. In times like these, I wanted to produce a performance that might help people find their meaning of life which led to Echoes of Life.

 

“In Echoes, we ask about the future, the past. I think the future is much, much brighter than I expect.”

 

Echoes of Life runs through February. The show moves to Hiroshima next month before wrapping in Chiba.

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2024.12.07

 

 Source: https://the-ans.jp/news/487305/

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241207110908/https://the-ans.jp/news/487305/

 

 

Yuzuru Hanyu kicks off nationwide tour on his 30th birthday, "It's my birthday! Yay!" The packed crowd cheers him on and sings him a birthday song in return

 

The third installment of the Ice Story series, "ICE STORY 3rd -Echoes of Life- TOUR," starring and executive produced by Yuzuru Hanyu, a professional skater who won consecutive Olympic gold medals in men's figure skating at Sochi in 2014 and Pyeongchang in 2018, kicked off at Saitama Super Arena on the 7th. It will be held at the same venue on the 9th and 11th, and will continue on the national tour, visiting Hiroshima in January and Chiba in February. Hanyu's soulful skating, which was his 30th birthday, drew a standing ovation from the packed audience.

 

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Fans began gathering at Saitama Super Arena more than four hours before the show. It was not uncommon to see spectators from abroad, including China and South Korea. The venue was filled to capacity. When Yuzuru Hanyu, dressed in black, stepped onto the ice, applause and cheers erupted. The story, which sought answers to questions such as "What is life?" and "What does it mean to be born?", was told through a combination of carefully curated costumes, sound, lighting, and visuals, with Hanyu gracefully skating at the center.

 

He raised the energy of the venue with rhythmic steps and high, beautiful jumps, before captivating the audience with a more subtle, flowing performance set to piano music. He performed pieces like "Ballade No. 1" and "Danny Boy," entertaining the crowd until the very end.

 

Hanyu bowed deeply on the ice. "Many people are looking forward to this performance. The expectations, pressure, and responsibility... we’ve all felt these things, and really, really, a lot of time and energy went into creating this. I hope that this performance will become a source of strength for all of you," he said.

 

"Honestly, I was really nervous. I felt like my stomach was turning, like it might flip upside down. It was that kind of nervousness, but I’m really glad we all worked so hard together. I feel a great sense of accomplishment," he shared.

 

On this day, Hanyu turned 30. "It’s my birthday! Yay! I was born! I was born!" he exclaimed. He asked the audience to sing "Happy Birthday" to him, and he was met with a shower of birthday songs from tens of thousands of people, making him smile.

 

For the encore, after performing "Let Me Entertain You" and "Ashura-chan," Hanyu also performed "SEIMEI," calling it "an extremely important program for me." The performance ended with a standing ovation.

 

Hanyu announced his transition to professional skating in July 2022, after participating in the Beijing Olympics. In November of the same year, he held his first solo performance, "Prologue," in Yokohama and Hachinohe. On February 26, 2023, he held the first-ever solo performance by a skater at Tokyo Dome, titled "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 2023 GIFT at Tokyo Dome." He then went on to perform his third solo show, "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 2nd 'RE_PRAY' TOUR," in Saitama, Saga, and Yokohama. An additional performance of the "RE_PRAY" TOUR took place in Miyagi in April 2024.

 

 

 

Source: https://the-ans.jp/news/487304/

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241210004749/https://the-ans.jp/news/487304/

 

Yuzuru Hanyu: "30 years old was completely different from what I imagined" National tour begins on his birthday "If you compare it to baseball or soccer, it's the time when I'm in my prime" [Full text of the interview]

 

The third installment of the Ice Story series, "ICE STORY 3rd -Echoes of Life- TOUR," starring and executive produced by Yuzuru Hanyu, a professional skater who won consecutive Olympic gold medals in men's figure skating at Sochi in 2014 and Pyeongchang in 2018, kicked off at Saitama Super Arena on the 7th. It will be held at the same venue on the 9th and 11th, and will continue on the national tour, visiting Hiroshima in January and Chiba in February. Hanyu, who turned 30 on this day, said in a press conference, "It was completely different from what I imagined."

 

  Reveal hidden contents

National tour "ICE STORY 3rd -Echoes of Life- TOUR" begins

Professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, who achieved consecutive Olympic victories in 2014 Sochi and 2018 PyeongChang, appeared in and is the executive producer of the third installment of his ice story series, "ICE STORY 3rd -Echoes of Life- TOUR," which began on the 7th at Saitama Super Arena. The tour will also be held at the same venue on the 9th and 11th, and will travel to Hiroshima in January and Chiba in February. On his 30th birthday, Hanyu shared in a press interview, "It was completely different from what I imagined."

 

Fans began gathering at Saitama Super Arena more than four hours before the show started. It was not unusual for visitors from overseas, such as China and Korea, to be present. The 14,000-seat venue was completely filled. Every detail, from costumes and sound to lighting and visuals, was carefully considered, with Hanyu gracefully performing at the center of it all. His rhythmic steps and high, beautiful jumps raised the energy in the arena, while his smooth skating to piano music captivated the audience. He performed pieces like "Ballade No. 1" and "Danny Boy," entertaining the crowd until the very end.

 

During the encore, after performing "Let Me Entertain You" and "Ashura-chan," he also showcased "SEIMEI," a program that he described as "very important to me." The performance ended with a standing ovation.

 

Here are some highlights from the post-performance press conference:

 

Q: How do you feel after the first show?

A: "It really feels like the tour has finally started. I was very nervous, and of course, I’ve spent a lot of time training and practicing every day, but you never really know how it will go until you perform in front of an audience. Whether it’s a success or failure, there’s always uncertainty. Honestly, I feel like it’s finally begun, and I’m just relieved that I was able to complete the first show without injury and tell the story."

 

Q: The theme of the show is 'living.'

A: "Since I was a child, I’ve thought a lot about bioethics, and I’ve studied the philosophy of 'living' both personally and academically. This has been something I’ve been reflecting on for a long time. Through this show, I wanted to create a philosophical experience where everyone can think about 'living' and come to their own conclusions in a world that’s constantly changing."

 

Q: How do you feel about being celebrated by fans on your 30th birthday?

A: "It’s hard to believe I’m turning 30 (laughs). When people pointed it out, I thought, 'Wow, 30…' But the way I feel now, physically and mentally, is so different from what I imagined when I was younger. I thought 30 would be the age when I’d start slowing down, but now I feel like I still have so much more to give. The future holds much more than I imagined, and I’m excited to continue making the most of the present. Looking at it this way, I feel like I've entered my 30s in a way that’s very different from what I used to think."

 

Q: What are your goals for your 30s?

A: "As a figure skater, I initially thought of 30 as the age when I would begin to deteriorate, but if you think about it in terms of other sports, like baseball or soccer, this is actually the time when experience and technique begin to peak. I feel a sense of hope for the future and a determination to seize opportunities, so I want to keep that mindset in my training, practice, and performances."

 

Q: The idea of turning words into music is fascinating. How did that concept come about?

A: "Originally, I’ve always had experiences where things like colors or emotions would turn into sounds. To put it simply, for example, the color 'red' might evoke feelings of passion for some people, while others might associate it with fear. It’s all about individual interpretation, but I’ve always perceived these things as sounds, even from a young age. It’s not that I have perfect pitch, but I would hear them in a somewhat melodic way. With that kind of experience, when I was writing fiction and thinking about what kind of abilities I should give my characters, I reflected on the intonations and meanings of words I use as part of my training, and I incorporated that into the story. The entire philosophy of it enters the body as sound. That philosophy turns into music, and a program is formed. This was the concept I explored while writing the story."

 

"Acting is 'not my thing'... but for the protagonist, 'I have to play the role myself.'"

 

Q: There were many words in today's story that made me want to write them down. If you had to choose one to share your thoughts on.

"I composed this work after rereading various things, such as books about life and books by professors whose classes I had taken at university. Well... I learned that 'fate' is a series of coincidences while reading various philosophical books. I believe that each and every person has a fate that is really very fragile and makes you wonder how such coincidences came together. When you reflect on it, or when you feel fate in real-time, there is a joy in experiencing such rare and miraculous coincidences. I hope you can feel that sense of wonder, and this is one of the messages I wanted to express in the story."

 

Q: There are many new costumes in this show. Which one holds the most meaning to you?

A: "The NOVA costume, I would say. I had never really linked costumes from video performances to actual performances before. It was challenging to wear something that could be considered fashion on the ice, but the costume for NOVA, the protagonist, has a very deep personal significance for me. This time, we had both people who specialize in figure skating costumes and others who hadn’t worked in this field join the team. We created multiple versions, constantly adjusting to perfect the designs. This Ice Story is quite different from previous works like 'RE_PRAY' or 'GIFT.' The costumes, including the fabric and texture, are something you can only see in 'Echoes.' I really hope the audience feels that uniqueness."

 

Q: The performance had a cinematic feel. How long did it take to film, and did you originally want to try acting for the screen?

A: "As for the second question, I did appear in a film once, and I realized that acting isn’t really my thing (laughs). I never really had the desire to pursue a film career. But when it comes to playing the character of NOVA, there was no hesitation at all. Since it’s a story I wrote, I felt it was necessary for me to portray the protagonist myself. The filming took about three days. We spent two full days on it, then another half day, and another half day later on. Plus, I had to record the narration, which took another two days. It was quite a lot of work (laughs)."

 

Q: Can you share your thoughts on the music selection and how you express the themes?

A: "In 'RE_PRAY,' I created a game-like atmosphere, but for this performance, I wanted something simpler, with more classical elements. Since the theme is philosophy, I selected many piano pieces that evoke a sense of stillness. Within the story, I thought about which moments needed to convey a sense of struggle, resolve, or the pure use of words. The most challenging part for me was the fifth piece, right after the classical piano section, transitioning into 'Ballade No. 1.' I had never done something like this before, where I performed continuously for about 30 seconds without exiting. I studied classical music with Shinya Kiyotake and collaborated closely with Jeffrey Buttle on the choreography to create a program that truly represented my vision."

 

(The Answer editorial team)

 

 

 

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2024.12.07

 

Source: https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/326481

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241212025133/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/326481

 

 

Yuzuru Hanyu's Tour Kicks Off on His 30th Birthday, Long Queues Already Forming at the Venue... Some Booths Have Wait Times Over an Hour

 

Professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu (30), who has won two consecutive Olympic gold medals, is producing and directing the third installment of his ice story, "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 3rd - Echoes of Life - TOUR." Ahead of the tour's opening, long queues have already formed around the venue.

 

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The ice show kicked off on the 7th, Hanyu’s 30th birthday, at Saitama Super Arena. Although the first performance started at 5 PM, many fans had already gathered by 3 PM. At the nearest station, Saitama Shintoshin, a street pianist played songs closely associated with Hanyu, drawing a crowd.

 

At the venue, official partner companies had booths set up. Phiten, a company specializing in body care products, sold commemorative bracelets for the sponsorship, with fans lining up for about an hour to purchase them. A representative from Phiten expressed gratitude, saying, "We are very thankful."

 

Pharmaceutical company Towa Pharmaceutical set up a photo spot. According to their staff, even with a one-minute time limit per person for photos, visitors would need to wait more than 40 minutes.

 

On this day, not only Japanese fans but also many from the Asian region, especially China, attended. Some fans held banners with Hanyu’s name, and others were seen signing a banner that read, "Happy Birthday Yuzu."

 

 

 

Source: https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/326514

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241212170530/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/326514

 

Yuzuru Hanyu's "30th Birthday" Performance: Realizing There is Room for Improvement in His Own Skating, "I Can Still Do More"

 

Yuzuru Hanyu, the figure skater who achieved back-to-back Olympic gold medals, feels that there is still room for growth in his skating.

 

  Reveal hidden contents

Hanyu's self-produced and directed ice story, "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 3rd - Echoes of Life - TOUR," began on the 7th at Saitama Super Arena. He performed 15 pieces, including the main program and an encore, captivating approximately 14,000 fans over the course of about two and a half hours. Reflecting on the performance, he said, "I was very nervous, and I spent a lot of time every day training and practicing. But until you actually skate in front of everyone, you don't know how things will turn out. I'm just happy that I was able to complete the story without any injuries on the first day."

 

It was also Hanyu's 30th birthday. As the fans sang a loud "Happy Birthday," he responded with a big smile, saying, "Thank you." He then shared, "The 30s I imagined when I was younger are completely different from how I feel now, both physically and mentally. I feel like I still have so much more to give. When I was younger, I thought 30 was 'old,' but now, I feel like I've entered a very different kind of 30s."

 

This ice show, themed around "life," explores the essence of "living." "I hope this performance, this story, becomes something that nourishes your life," Hanyu said, expressing his desire to give back to his fans and continue skating with all his heart.

 

 

 

Source: https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/326521

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241209175320/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/326521

 

Yuzuru Hanyu's third performance tour begins... His "attention to detail" in song selection: "A lot of songs that make you feel dignified"

 

Olympic two-time gold medalist and professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu revealed the attention to detail he puts into his music selections.

 

  Reveal hidden contents

The third installment of his self-produced and directed Ice Story series, "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 3rd - Echoes of Life - TOUR," opened on the 7th at the Saitama Super Arena. He performed 15 songs, including the main program and an encore, over approximately two and a half hours. In the first half, titled "Piano Collection," Hanyu showcased a program made up of five piano pieces, including a quad salchow among other elements.

 

Demonstrating a wide range of expression, Hanyu sought a different style from his second Ice Story, "RE_PRAY."

 

"Since 'RE_PRAY' was more game-oriented, I wanted to include more classical pieces this time," he explained. "For this performance, I focused more on philosophy as a theme, so I selected more piano melodies and songs that give you a sense of dignity. While creating the story, I thought about moments like, 'This is where I want to fight' or 'This is where I need to stay strong' or 'This is where I want to use the words exactly as they are.' I considered a lot of those elements."

 

The Saitama performances will continue on the 9th and 11th, followed by shows in Hiroshima (January 3 and 5, next year) and Chiba (February 7 and 9, next year). Hanyu, who began this new chapter of his career on his 30th birthday, shared, "In this world, I want to create a performance that allows everyone to find their own answer about what it means to live and gives them the opportunity to think philosophically." Through his performances, he will continue to convey his thoughts.

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2024.12.07

 

Source: https://worldfigureskating-web.jp/news/9382/

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241208160903/https://worldfigureskating-web.jp/news/9382/

 

 

Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 3rd "Echoes of Life" Tour kicks off in Saitama

 

Yuzuru Hanyu's self-produced and directed Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 3rd "Echoes of Life" TOUR kicked off on December 7, which coincided with his 30th birthday, at the Saitama Super Arena.

 

Following "GIFT" and "RE_PRAY," this marks the third installment of the ICE STORY series. For this edition, Hanyu starts from a near-future dystopian, post-civilization world and explores various philosophical questions such as "What does it mean to live?" "What is 'I'?" and "What is fate?" The world is portrayed through a polished and diverse program along with visuals, while the story is narrated by Hanyu himself. One highlight is at the end of the first act, where Hanyu skates to five classical piano pieces, performing passages that are both noble and rich in variation. The final part features a full performance of "Ballad No. 1." This program, which combines skating, art, and philosophy, crystallizes the beautiful moments Hanyu has reached in his career.

 

At the end of the performance, after receiving birthday wishes from the audience singing "Happy Birthday," Hanyu, dressed in a T-shirt, performed "Let Me Entertain You," "Ashura-chan," and "SEIMEI." The final moments of the show were accompanied by "I Am the Strongest," as Hanyu completed a lap around the rink with a fulfilled smile. The next page features a full interview conducted after the performance.

 

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"Echoes of Life" --Questioning "what it means to live" in this world

 

Q: After successfully completing the first day of the performance, can you share your honest thoughts right now?

Hanyu: The strongest feeling I have right now is that it has finally started. I was really nervous. Of course, I’ve spent a lot of time training and practicing every day, but when it comes down to the performance itself, you can’t really know until you skate in front of everyone. Was it a success or a failure? There was that uncertainty. So, honestly, I feel like, "It’s finally begun," and I’m relieved that I could finish the first day without injury and that the story was able to be completed.

 

Q: This third installment of ICE STORY focuses on the theme of "living." Could you share your thoughts and wishes behind this theme?

Hanyu: I’ve always been interested in the philosophy of "living" since I was little, especially the ethics of life. I also studied this subject in university. Over the years, I've had many thoughts and theories on this topic swirling in my mind. I’ve revisited and studied it again. I wanted to create a performance where the audience, too, can find their own answers to the question of "what does it mean to live?" I wanted it to be a performance where everyone could develop their own philosophy on this, and that’s why I wrote "Echoes of Life."

 

Q: Once again, happy birthday!

Hanyu: Thank you! (laughs)

 

Q: There were so many fans singing "Happy Birthday" to you and holding banners in celebration. How did it feel to celebrate your 30th birthday surrounded by such a scene?

Hanyu: "It's hard to believe I'll be turning 30" (laughs). When I hear '30,' I think, 'Oh, it's 30.' But when I compare the 30s I imagined as a child with how I feel now—physically and mentally—it’s completely different from what I expected. I feel like I still have a lot more to do. In 'Echoes,' there are questions like, 'What is the future?' or 'What is the past?' But honestly, the future will be even better than I imagined, and by doing my best in the present, I feel like I've entered my 30s in a way that's different from the 'old man' version I once imagined.

 

Q: Now, for your 30th birthday resolution, please share your thoughts.

Hanyu: "I used to have a vague image that, as a figure skater, I'd start to deteriorate with age. But if I compare it to sports like baseball or soccer, I believe that now is when experience, my senses, and skills will really start to develop. So, with hope for my future, I want to approach practice, training, and performances with the mindset that I will absolutely seize every opportunity."

 

[Philosophy enters the body as sound]

 

Q: The idea that words can turn into sound was really interesting. What were your thoughts behind that?

Hanyu: Originally, I’ve always experienced visuals... for example, colors turning into sounds or emotions. To put it simply, some people might associate the color red with passion, while others might feel fear from it. It's all about individual interpretation. But for me, I’ve always heard these things as sound, starting from a young age. It’s not that I have perfect pitch, but rather, I sense them in a melodic way. When thinking about how to give this character (Nova) a certain ability in the story, I thought about the intonations and meanings of words that I use in my training and how I could express those in the narrative. By incorporating that into the story, I could make philosophy enter the body as sound, which would then turn into music. That’s how I imagined and developed this story, letting various ideas come together to form a program.

 

Q: I think there were many words in today’s story that you’d want to write down, and while it’s hard to choose just one, could you pick one and share your thoughts on it?

Hanyu: I really revisited many philosophy books, particularly those about life, and also books from professors I studied with in university. While reading these, I wrote various thoughts down... Hmm... One thing I learned from many philosophical texts is that “fate” is a series of coincidences. Fate is something really fragile, and I kept wondering why these coincidences connected. I think everyone has their own version of this, and when you look back on your life or when you feel like you're currently living it, you might think about how rare it is to encounter such miracles or unexpected events. I wanted people to feel that joy, that sense of encountering something miraculous through those words.

 

Q: I think there were a lot of new costumes in this performance. What do you think about the costumes in the ICE STORY series, and which one is the one you're most attached to this time?

Hanyu: The costume I feel the most attached to this time is definitely Nova's. Until now, I hadn't had the chance to wear costumes that were both in the video and also used for actual performance on the ice. It was really difficult to wear something that could also be used as a fashion item on ice, but the costume for Nova, the main character, holds a lot of emotional significance for me. Also, this time, some new people who hadn't previously made figure skating costumes joined in, along with those who have been specializing in figure skating costumes for a long time. There were many outfits that went through various iterations and arrangements. This time, it's a completely different feel from RE_PRAY, GIFT, and Prologue, and even with the costumes, I wanted to create a sense that they are unlike anything you'd normally see in figure skating—especially in Echoes, with fabrics and designs that would be hard to find anywhere else. I really want people to feel that.

 

Q: You’ve used movie-like visuals in this performance. How long did it take you to shoot the film and whether you originally wanted to try acting on screen or drama?

Hanyu: First, about the second question, I once acted in a movie, but I really thought, "Oh, I'm not suited for this." So I didn't have any desire to appear in a movie or anything like that. However, when it comes to playing the character of Nova, the protagonist, I didn’t feel any discomfort. Since it was a story I wrote myself and a protagonist I could fully immerse myself in, I felt a strong sense that I needed to perform that role. The filming took about two full days… actually, it took about three days in total. We filmed for two full days, then half a day, and then another half-day of filming. Plus, I had to record the narration, which also took about two days. It was a lot of work.

 

Q: As for the music, you’ve used classical, folk music, and contemporary music in this performance. Could you share your thoughts on the selection and expression of each genre?

Hanyu: With "RE_PRAY," I focused more on a game-like atmosphere, but with this new program, I really wanted to incorporate more classical elements, especially considering the philosophical theme. So, I selected more piano melodies and tracks that convey a sense of strength and elegance. As I developed the story, I thought about where I wanted to convey conflict, where to maintain a sense of core strength, and where to use words directly. I carefully selected the music based on those ideas. One of the hardest parts was the fifth piece, the continuous piano classical section leading into "Ballade No. 1." In this section, I perform for about 30 seconds at a time without leaving the ice, something I’ve never done before. For this part, I worked with Shinya Kiyozuka to study the classical elements and understand the meaning behind the music. I also asked Jeffrey Buttle to choreograph it. We really worked closely together, calculating and refining the movements, and created a program that lasts for over ten minutes.

 

(As the interview time has ended, the interview concludes.)

 

Q: Thank you very much. We got to see a different version of "DANNY BOY."

Hanyu: There are war scenes as well, so I think "Danny Boy" really stood out. Thank you so much.

 

 

[Wintek]

2024.12.07 

 

*Machine Translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

MIKIKO -Echoes of Life Official Pamphlet 

 

How do you interpret—
A limitless canvas called the rink
MIKIKO INTERVIEW

 

  Reveal hidden contents

Q How did you first encounter Echoes of Life?
MIKIKO:
After we finished RE_PRAY, we casually talked about themes for the new ICE STORY. During that conversation, Hanyu-kun mentioned things like “philosophy” and how he wanted “the words to leave an impression.” Hearing that, I thought, “That’s so like Hanyu-kun; it sounds like it could be really interesting,” and, “It feels different from what he’s done before, which is great.” Later, he gave me a rough outline of the story he had in mind, and then I received the full storyline.

 

Q What did you feel when you read the story?
MIKIKO:
Since it was written as a novel, I found it easier to read.
However, I noticed how it focused on fine details, like specific scenes or situations, with a distinct beauty in the nuances of the Japanese language. That made me think, “This is hard! (laughs)” It’s challenging from a direction standpoint. Because I read it while imagining how to adapt it into an ice show, I wondered how much of it I could effectively bring to life on the rink.

 

Q Were there specific passages that you found particularly challenging?
MIKIKO:
For example, descriptions like “my stomach breaks into a cold sweat.” When you’re reading it, it’s fascinating, but I had to think about how to translate that kind of expression into visuals or a performance. However, what’s even more interesting is that, more than with RE_PRAY, the way each staff member interpreted the story varied after reading it. That’s what made it intriguing, but it also took time to align everyone’s visions. With RE_PRAY, we had a similar experience, where it wasn’t until the final performance came together that we truly understood, “Ah, this is what Hanyu-kun was trying to convey.” I feel it may be the same this time.

 

Q What do you focus on when directing?
MIKIKO:
Usually, when directing live performances or choreographing individual pieces, I aim to make the work resonate with its creator. For example, when choreographing a song, I want the composer and lyricist to feel like their creation shines even more. The same goes for directing.
For Echoes of Life, since the creator himself is also the performer, my top priority is to capture his vision as much as possible. At the same time, I must maintain objectivity. So, for example, I try to put myself in Hanyu-kun’s mindset when he was writing, in the perspective of someone watching the performance for the first time, or in the shoes of his biggest fans. I even consider the viewpoint of someone who knows nothing about him. By shifting among these perspectives, I work to integrate them into the direction.
When I’m being objective like this, I have to set aside my own subjective views. The final result might still feel like “MIKIKO’s style,” but while creating, I completely strip away my personal bias—or at least that’s my intention.

 

Q Did you choreograph any of Hanyu’s programs for Echoes of Life?
MIKIKO:
I choreographed one new program and made adjustments to others. Between RE_PRAY and Echoes of Life, Hanyu-kun underwent extensive foundational dance training. He learned all the exercises that professional dancers typically do, and I think he’s been incorporating those into his daily skating training. So, when choreographing his programs this time, I felt like his body had transformed, almost as if his entire approach to movement had been restructured. That impression left a strong mark on me.

 

Q How has the process changed compared to before?
MIKIKO:
Last time, the focus was on how to adapt movements to a figure skater’s body. This time, it felt more like working with professional dancers. Hanyu-kun is naturally skilled at mirroring movements. Previously, he would memorize the shapes, then work hard to fit his body into those forms, even if it felt awkward at first. He likely took what he learned home and practiced intensely. This time, the process was reversed — he started by understanding how to use his body, then incorporated the shapes. I think this made it easier for him to grasp the movements this time.

 

Q What specific techniques did you teach him?
MIKIKO:
Really, it was the very basics. Dancers always incorporate ballet techniques, so I introduced some of those, along with stretches. There’s also a practice where you imagine balancing a plate on your palm and move your body while keeping the plate from falling. To ensure the plate doesn’t fall even when seen from behind, the back must be flexible. This training helps create a three-dimensional body. Movements are all connected—they should flow seamlessly in curves or circles. However, if a joint is stiff, the movement can become jerky. So, we worked on making all movements as smooth as possible by reducing stiffness in the joints. These techniques helped enhance his body awareness and control down to the smallest details.

 

Q: It sounds like Hanyu-san is integrating even more new elements into his performances.
MIKIKO:
He told me that he had been self-taught up to now. So, I think the techniques he had been analyzing on his own—like thinking, “To achieve this shape, the body must move this way”—finally clicked for him. It felt like confirming the answers and resolving lingering questions.

 

Q: This is your third time directing one of his ice shows. What is unique about the experience of directing an ice show?
MIKIKO:
Ice shows are still filled with new challenges for me. One unique aspect is that the size of the rink is always fixed, so the challenge is figuring out how to create a different visual experience within those parameters. While the fixed size is limiting, it’s also exciting. Compared to other performances, where space might be more restricted, ice shows offer a luxurious amount of space to work with. It feels like working on a canvas of infinite possibilities, and figuring out how to transform the rink visually is a rewarding challenge.

 

Q: After “RE_PRAY,” you mentioned you were already thinking about what you could try next.
MIKIKO:
While working on “RE_PRAY,” I kept thinking about what might come next. Visually, I considered the possibilities I just mentioned, and in terms of the story, I felt that with “GIFT” and “RE_PRAY,” Hanyu-kun had written a lot about himself. I wondered if his next project would step away from that. Then, this time, he created a completely new story with “Nova” as the protagonist. I didn’t expect such a dramatic shift.

 

Q: As a director, how do you view “Echoes of Life”?
MIKIKO:
It’s a piece with even greater showmanship potential. Until now, the focus was on how to showcase Yuzuru Hanyu as an artist and how to present figure skating. But this time, the focus has shifted to telling a single cohesive story. It feels fresh, and honestly, I feel like I’m being tested (laughs).

 

Q: Following on from “RE_PRAY,” this tour covers three venues again. What is the appeal of touring?
MIKIKO:
Each venue offers a different perspective and atmosphere. The challenge is adapting quickly to each location, but that’s also the beauty of touring—the same show feels completely different depending on the venue. I want to take full advantage of each venue’s unique characteristics.

 

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

 

Q: What are your thoughts on working with this team?
MIKIKO:
Every live performance or stage production is challenging, but ice shows are on a completely different scale. When I first received this project, it felt like an enormous mountain towering in front of me (laughs). We’ve had to tackle it step by step, and we’re still nowhere near the summit. It’s a collaborative effort, climbing this mountain together as a team. Ice shows like this, especially “ICE STORY,” are created with meticulous care, going against the current trend of quick, cost-efficient productions. They require us to go back to basics, and while that’s tough, it’s also incredibly fulfilling. I think this approach is deeply influenced by Hanyu-kun’s dedication and discipline. Everyone involved in the project shares that same mindset.

 

Q: You’re climbing a mountain where you still can’t see the summit, aren’t you?
MIKIKO:
Yes, it’s like starting from a point where nothing is visible, and then gradually getting a glimpse of the summit. Once we enter the venue, there’s this feeling of being suddenly pulled upwards in one big sweep. That shared sense of heading toward the same goal together—it’s fun. And perhaps I’d call it fulfilling, too. At this moment, people from various fields and locations come together. We live in an era where efficiency and cost-cutting are often prioritized, but this project is the opposite. It’s about taking the time to carefully address each step and deliberately choosing to do things that are labor-intensive. That’s what ICE STORY is—a work that brings us back to basics. It’s tough for me as well, but that’s the essence of ICE STORY. I think such an approach probably stems from Hanyu-kun’s own relentless dedication. Everyone involved in this project seems to share that same mindset.

 

[Wintek]

2024.12.07

 

*Machine Translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

Yuzuru Hanyu -Echoes of Life Official Pamphlet

 

Things like budding-------

To be born,

thinking about life,

YUZURU HANYU INTERVIEW

  Reveal hidden contents

— Could you share how the theme and concept of Echoes of Life came to be?

From the start, I had a broad idea that I wanted to explore philosophy as a theme. As I thought about what kind of story would work, I came up with around seven ideas and eventually narrowed them down to philosophy again. It aligns with things I’ve been thinking about for a long time, like bioethics, my experience as a disaster survivor, or the fact that nearly 80 years have passed since the war. In the midst of fading memories, I wondered—what is life? From all these perspectives on life, I wanted to encompass a variety of ideas into a theme that invites philosophical exploration. That’s the concept this time.

 

— How did working on GIFT and RE_PRAY influence the themes or subject matter?

GIFT wasn’t an autobiography, but it was a piece where I expressed, through my existence, the value of dreams—how everyone has dreams, even if they’ve forgotten about them, and how striving toward them can give meaning to your life. On the other hand, RE_PRAY was more about exploring how to elevate something I truly love into a form of expression while conveying a meaningful theme.

When creating ICE STORY 3rd, what stood out to me was the impact of the "game" theme in RE_PRAY. I felt that people would likely focus heavily on the theme or the subject matter itself. With that in mind, I thought, if it’s just a story, it might feel unsatisfying. So I wondered, should it take the form of a medium—perhaps a book, a game, or even a town? After much thought, I decided that a novel format would be the best fit. That’s where the idea of blending in philosophy came about.

 

— This time, audiences can read the storybook before the performance.

For this project, rather than writing in a way that reflected my breathing rhythm, including pauses and stops, I deliberately aimed for a more literary style, like a novel, with structured sentences in a written, narrative form.

In the past, my approach was closer to assembling a collection of emotional outpourings—whether my own feelings or those of the characters—and shaping that into a story. But this time, I incorporated complete scenes and descriptions into the storyline. My hope was for audiences to experience the visuals and performance while being aware of those elements.

Of course, we’ve also worked to ensure that people who watch the performance without knowing the story can still feel something from it. But by understanding the story beforehand, you can grasp details about "Nova" (the protagonist) or the intricacies of the world itself. That’s the kind of experience I wanted to create.

That said, I felt that simply recreating what I wrote verbatim would feel too cheap or overly predictable. So, as I worked on the visuals while considering how best to express this as a skating show, I decided to leave the descriptive elements written in the text as they were. That’s why we thought it would be ideal to let audiences see the storybook first.

 

— How did you go about writing the story?

I wrote it by hand. I always write by hand

GIFT and RE_PRAY were both written by hand as well. I often write on loose-leaf paper or blank printer paper. While it wasn’t exactly the original idea, I’ve collected things I want to talk about or quotes from various influences in my phone’s memo app, and I tend to write based on those. Writing by hand feels more directly connected to my brain, or rather, it's easier to receive instructions from my brain that way. Also, when I type on a phone or computer, predictive text comes up, and that makes it feel like the words aren’t really mine. I don’t want to be influenced by predictive text, so I prefer to write by hand. After that, I read through it in my mind, thinking things like "this part should be cut," and gradually structure it before typing it out on a computer.

For this one, I already had a story written, but after deciding on the title Echoes of Life, I rewrote the entire story from scratch. I stayed up for three nights straight, writing by hand, typing it out, and finishing it.

 

— Writing the story in three days and staying up for three nights is impressive.

This time, I really wanted it to be a cohesive story. I felt like, "If I don’t finish writing it here, the image in my mind of the story will collapse." Well, there was also the deadline (laughs). I had to get it done soon.

 

— What did you base your writing on?

For example, with GIFT, I was influenced by the lyrics of songs that I love. In RE_PRAY, it wasn’t so much lyrics, but rather words from instrumental music and games. This time, I read about four philosophy books and five novels. I’m not really a "book person," so I only thought I could write in spoken language. The words that come out of me are pretty much like the way I speak, so I thought it would sound rough if I put that into a novel. When I write in poetry form, it’s fine, but for writing prose, I felt I needed to properly immerse myself in prose first. So, I read a few novels that I was interested in. I’m not great at following written text, so I’d listen to the narration of the books while following along with my eyes, writing down parts that I liked. Of course, this time too, I was influenced by games and lyrics.

 

— What kind of books did you read?

The book that influenced me the most this time was The Trouble With Being Born. I also read Underwater Philosophers. The philosophy of life that I studied in university, and the thoughts I’ve had since childhood about "what is life?" or "what am I?" were all woven together. While doing that, I realized I needed to study more to fully grasp it, so I studied philosophy more deeply before writing.

 

— You also have new programs, right?

Yes, I have a lot.

 

— I'm looking forward to them. Why did you decide to include so many new programs?

It kind of happened like, "This piece fits here," and then it all came together. When I was working on RE_PRAY, it was a bit like that too. To be honest, though, RE_PRAY had some moments where I was a bit nervous. Since it was based on a video game theme, it was very different from GIFT, and I thought that if I made it too much of my personal tastes, it might put off the people who had been watching figure skating until then. So, while there were many songs I wanted to use, I decided to structure the first half with game elements, and then make the second half more classical, with more traditional figure skating programs. That turned out to be the right way to express a side of myself, like the duality of life. But this time, since the story is completely new, the new programs are exactly what I wanted. Also, I didn’t have to worry as much this time. These new programs aren’t all just based on personal taste, so the songs came together more smoothly—“This program works, this song works” kind of feeling.

 

— How has it been working with MIKIKO-sensei and the team on the ice show?

Since RE_PRAY was a tour, there were a lot of moments where we had to make improvements, and I also realized there were many areas where I needed to evolve myself. I spent a lot of time engaging with the direction of the show, so I started thinking not only about my performance, but also about things like, "What kind of lighting would be best here?" or "What should come after this visual?" When I was creating the story, I also had to think about what I should be showing the audience, and that kind of broad perspective really grew in me.

Additionally, I think I’ve become better at relying on others. There are many moments now where I think, "This isn’t my area, so I’ll leave it to the others, trusting them with my vision and ideas." On the other hand, there are points that I absolutely can’t compromise on, so the balancing of those moments is both a challenge and a dilemma. But I think it’s something I’ve been thinking about deeply.

 

— The first performance of Echoes of Life is on your 30th birthday, right? Congratulations!

Thank you, though it’s not quite my birthday yet (laughs).

 

— How do you feel about the first performance coinciding with your birthday, and about turning 30?

Of course, I’ve been thinking about a lot of things, but first of all, Echoes of Life is about contemplating life, birth, and growth, so the fact that it aligns with my birthday feels like a destined connection. It feels a little like the start of Echoes of Life is a reflection of my own life beginning. Also, starting it on a milestone birthday—either a multiple of five or ten—feels somewhat fateful. As for turning 30, I’m transitioning from my late 20s to my thirties, so it’s just that (laughs).

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

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

 

  Reveal hidden contents

(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]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

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:

  Reveal hidden contents

〈1〉First Pulse

〈2〉First Cry ~ Meguri

〈3〉Utai IV ~ Reawakening

〈4〉Mass Destruction―Reload―

〈5〉Piano Collection

5-1 6 Pieces for Piano, Op. 118: No. 3, Ballade in G Minor. Allegro energico

5-2 The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1: No. 2, Prelude and Fugue in C Minor, BWV 847

5-3 Keyboard Sonata in D Minor, K. 141

5-4 12 Etudes, Op. 25: No. 12 in C Minor "Ocean"

5-5 12 Etudes, Op. 10: No. 4 in C-sharp Minor "Torrent"

〈6〉Ballade No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 23

〈7〉Goliath (2024 Remix)

〈8〉Aqua's Journey (Piano Solo Ver.)

〈9〉Eclipse / blue

〈10〉GATE OF STEINER―Aesthetics on Ice

〈11〉Danny Boy

〈12〉Hymn of the Soul

(Encore)

〈1〉Let Me Entertain You

〈2〉Ashura-chan

〈3〉SEIMEI

 

 

 

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.

 

  Reveal hidden contents

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."

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

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):

  Reveal hidden contents

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):

  Reveal hidden contents

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):

  Reveal hidden contents

Regarding the use of movie-like visuals:

"Ah, I see. First, about the question from the back, I had actually appeared in a movie before. I did some acting, and honestly, at that time, I realized that I wasn’t suited for it. So, I’ve never really had the desire to act in films. However, when it came to playing the role of the protagonist, NOVA, I didn’t feel any discomfort in portraying the character. Since this is a story I wrote myself, and I created the protagonist, I felt that I had to play the role myself. As for the time spent filming, it took about two full days, plus another half day, and then another half day to finish the last parts. On top of that, I had to record the narration, so I spent another two days recording that. It was a lot of work (laughs)."

 

Regarding the music selection and expression:

"For 'RE_PAY,' I made it more game-oriented, so while creating the new story, I had a strong desire to include more classical elements. Also, since the theme of this program is philosophy, I chose more piano melodies and songs that make you feel dignified. While creating the story, I thought about where I wanted to portray a battle, where I needed to show strength, and where I wanted to use the words as they are. I carefully selected the music based on these thoughts. The most difficult part was deciding on the 1, 2..., 1, 2, 3, 4...5th, maybe? The fifth piece, which starts with a series of classical piano pieces and transitions into "Ballade No. 1," is something I've never done before.I continuously perform the program without leaving the stage, for about 30 seconds at a time, without any breaks. I studied classical music with Shinya Kiyozuka and discussed the meaning behind the music. I also worked with Jeffrey Buttle on the choreography, and we meticulously planned how I wanted to skate, calculating every detail. It's a really detailed 10-minute program."

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2024.12.08

 

Source: https://www.daily.co.jp/general/2024/12/08/0018424976.shtml

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241208151041/https://www.daily.co.jp/general/2024/12/08/0018424976.shtml

 

 

Q&A with Yuzuru Hanyu (1) "30 years old, still have a lot to do" "This is the time when my senses and techniques are at their peak"

 

Professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu (30), the gold medalist in men's figure skating at the 2014 Sochi and 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, held the opening performance of his new tour "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 3rd - Echoes of Life" on the 7th at Saitama Super Arena. This day also marked Hanyu's 30th birthday. A crowd of 14,000 spectators sang "Happy Birthday" to him, creating a warm atmosphere.

 

Here is a Q&A session after the performance:

  Reveal hidden contents

Q: How do you feel after successfully completing the opening performance?

"The strongest feeling I have is that it finally started. I was really nervous, and of course, I spent a lot of time every day training and practicing. But, in the end, you can’t know if it’s a success or failure until you perform in front of everyone. Honestly, I feel that it’s finally begun, and I’m just happy that we were able to complete the first day safely and finish the story without injury."

 

Q: This performance seems to have the theme of 'living.' Could you share your thoughts and intentions behind this?

"Since I was little, I’ve been interested in the philosophy of life, and I studied bioethics in university. I’ve always been thinking about life and its meaning. Through revisiting these thoughts and theories, I wanted to create a performance that could inspire others to form their own philosophical views on life, especially in this world. That’s why I titled this show 'Echoes of Life.'"

 

Q: Once again, happy birthday!

"Thank you."

 

Q: There were many banners and birthday wishes from your fans. How did it feel to celebrate your 30th birthday surrounded by such a scene?

"I was thinking, 'I’m turning 30.' (laughs) When I was told I was 30, I thought, 'Wow, 30.' But when I compare the 30s I had imagined when I was younger with how I feel now—physically and mentally—it’s completely different. I feel like I still have so much to offer. Even in 'Echoes,' there’s this theme of what the future is and what the past is. I believe the future will turn out even better than I imagined, and by doing my best in the present, I’ve been able to approach my 30s in a way that feels different from when I thought of 30 as being 'old.'"

 

Q: What are your aspirations for your 30s?

"In my mind, I had a vague image that, as a figure skater, I would start to deteriorate with age. But if I compare it to sports like baseball or soccer, I think this is the time when experience, my senses, and my skills will truly start to peak. So, I want to approach the future with hope, always holding onto the belief that I will definitely seize every opportunity. I plan to approach my practice, training, and performances with that mindset."

 

 

Source: https://www.daily.co.jp/general/2024/12/08/0018425074.shtml

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241208145627/https://www.daily.co.jp/general/2024/12/08/0018425074.shtml

 

 

Q&A with Yuzuru Hanyu (2) Piano piece that was "created with careful calculation" Filming the performance was "tough for about three days (laughs)"

 

Q&A session part 2:

  Reveal hidden contents

Q: What inspired your idea of turning words into sound?

"Originally, I’ve always had this feeling where scenes, like colors, turn into sounds or emotions. To put it simply, for example, some people might associate the color red with 'passion,' while others might associate it with 'fear.' It’s all based on individual interpretation. For me, since I was little, I would hear these things as sounds. It’s not like I have perfect pitch, but I would hear it more as a melody or a kind of sensation. With that experience in mind, when I was writing fiction, I thought about what kind of ability I should give to a character. I incorporated into the story the intonation, meaning, and expressions I use in my own training. The philosophy I have flows through the body as sound, and that philosophy becomes music, which then creates the program. That’s how I developed the story, letting my imagination run with these ideas."

 

Q: There were so many words in today’s story that one would want to write down. Could you pick one and share your thoughts on it?

"I’ve read many philosophical books, particularly those related to life, and some books by professors I studied under in college. Through those readings, I started to learn about fate and the idea that it’s a series of coincidences. Fate, as I’ve learned from philosophy, is very fragile, and I’ve wondered why these coincidences happen. I think everyone must have their own unique fate. When people look back or feel like they are currently experiencing their own fate, I want them to feel joy or perhaps a sense of a miracle. I want them to appreciate these rare, coincidental events they encounter in life, and that’s one of the messages I wanted to convey in the writing."

 

Q: What do you think of the costumes in the ICE STORY, and is there one that holds particular meaning for you?

"I think the costume for 'NOVA' stands out. I had never linked the costume in a video to an actual performance before, so it was quite difficult to wear something that could be considered a fashionable piece on the ice. But the costume for 'NOVA,' the protagonist, has a very strong emotional connection for me. This time, we had people who specialize in figure skating costumes, as well as some who had never created figure skating costumes before, participating in the creation process. Many different outfits were created, after numerous adjustments. Compared to previous works like 'RE_PRAY,' 'GIFT,' and 'Prologue,' this is a different style of ICE STORY. The costumes have a unique feel that you can only experience in 'Echoes,' with a fabric texture and design that you wouldn’t typically see in figure skating. I really want everyone to experience that."

 

Q: This time, you used a lot of film-like visuals. How much time did the filming take? Did you originally want to try acting for the screen?

"First, regarding the question at the back, I’ve actually been in a movie before and tried acting, but honestly, I realized that it’s not really suited to me (laughs). So, I never had a desire to act in movies. However, with the character of NOVA, I didn’t feel any discomfort in portraying him. It’s my own story, and I’m depicting a protagonist that I can completely immerse myself in, so I felt like it was something I had to act out. As for the filming, it took about three days. We spent two full days on it, then half a day, and then another half day. Plus, I had to record the narration, which also took another two days. It was quite a lot of work (laughs)."

 

Q: About the music, what were your thoughts on the song selection and any particular preferences?

"For 'RE_PRAY,' I made it more game-oriented, but while creating a new story, I really wanted to incorporate more classical elements. Also, with the theme of philosophy in mind for this project, I chose many piano melodies and pieces that evoke a sense of composure. As I developed the story, I thought about where I wanted to express strength, where I wanted to be firm, and where I wanted to use the words exactly as they are. Based on all of this, I was very particular about my song selection. The song I struggled the most with this time was the fifth track, which starts with a series of classical piano pieces leading into 'Ballade No. 1.' This is something I’ve never done before: performing continuously without exiting, around 30 seconds at a time, throughout the program. I worked with Shinya Kiyozuka to study classical music and think about what kind of meaning to convey while playing. I also asked Jeffrey Buttle to choreograph, and we discussed how I wanted to skate to this particular image. It was a very detailed and calculated program, which ended up being about 10 minutes long. Thank you. Thank you so much, everyone. I’m truly grateful. Ah, I’m exhausted (laughs). I’m kind of wobbling here (laughs)."

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2024.12.08

 

Source: https://mainichi.jp/articles/20241208/k00/00m/050/009000c

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241209145110/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20241208/k00/00m/050/009000c

 

 

Yuzuru Hanyu: "I'm very interested in the philosophy of life" - Echoes of Life premiere

 

Yuzuru Hanyu, who achieved back-to-back Winter Olympic golds in men's figure skating and is now active as a professional skater, launched his national tour of the ice show "Echoes of Life" on the 7th at the Saitama Super Arena. This is the third installment of his "ICE STORY" series, which he directs, and it tells a story questioning the essence of "life" and "living."

 

Main quotes from Hanyu after the performance:

"I was able to welcome a different kind of 30s."

 

  Reveal hidden contents

<Honest thoughts on the performance:>

"I feel like, finally, it has begun. I was really nervous, and of course, I’ve spent a lot of time training and practicing every day, but still, when it came down to the actual performance, I couldn’t know for sure whether it was a success or a failure until I skated in front of everyone. So, honestly, I feel like, finally, it has started. And I’m just relieved that the first day was completed without any injuries and that the story was able to come to a conclusion."

 

<Thoughts and intentions behind the project:>

"Originally, I’ve been very interested in the philosophy of life, especially in the context of bioethics, since I was a child. I also studied it in university. I’ve always had these thoughts and theories swirling in my mind, and after revisiting them, I wanted to create a performance where everyone, because they live in this world, could find their own answer to what it means to live. I wanted it to be a philosophical experience, which is why I continued with 'Echoes of Life.'"

 

<Once again, happy birthday!>

"Thank you."

 

<How did it feel to welcome your 30s surrounded by so many fans like that?>

"It’s the feeling of realizing, ‘I’m turning 30.’ When I was told, 'You’re 30,' I thought, 'Wow, I’m 30 now.' But when I think about how I imagined being in my 30s when I was younger, and then compare that to how I feel physically and mentally now, it’s completely different from what I had imagined. I feel like there’s still so much more I can do. In 'Echoes,' there are also parts that explore what the future and the past mean. I truly believe that the future will be better than I could ever have imagined, and by doing my best in the present, I feel like I’ve entered my 30s in a way that’s different from how I once thought I would, when I used to think of 30 as being 'old.'”

 

<Aspirations for your 30s:>

"Initially, I had this vague image that, as a figure skater, my age would start to show and I would deteriorate. But if I think about it in terms of sports like baseball or soccer, I believe that from now on, this is the time when my experience, sense, and technique will really come into their own. So, I want to approach my future with hope and the determination to grab every opportunity that comes my way. I want to always keep that mindset while facing practice, training, and performances."

 

<The idea of turning words into sound is interesting:>

"Originally, I’ve always had this experience where things like colors or emotions turn into sounds. For example, some people may associate the color red with passion, while others may see it as fear. There’s no right or wrong; it’s a personal interpretation. For me, from a young age, I started hearing these things as sounds. It’s not that I have perfect pitch, but more like a sense of melody that I hear in everything.

 

When I was thinking about what kind of ability to give to a character in a story, I reflected on my own experiences and also the training I do with the nuances of words and their meanings. I wanted to express that in the story. The philosophy of the story would come into the body as sound, and this philosophy would turn into music, shaping the program. It’s a story where I let my imagination fly and wrote based on those ideas."

 

"Everyone has their own destiny"

 

<There were many words that made you want to write them down. Please pick one and share your thoughts.>

"I reread various philosophical books, including those by professors I studied under at university, and I started writing down my thoughts. While reading about fate and the concept of coincidence, I learned that fate is a series of random connections. It was fascinating to think about why certain coincidences align. I believe everyone has their own unique fate. When you reflect on your life, or even in moments when you feel you're in the middle of it, I want people to feel the joy of encountering such rare coincidences and even experience something like a miracle. That’s one of the ideas I wanted to convey in my writing."

 

<About the costumes:>

"The costume I feel most connected to is probably Nova's. Until now, I’ve never really linked the costume worn for a performance on stage with the one seen in a video, so wearing a truly fashion-forward outfit on ice was quite challenging. But I have a strong emotional attachment to the costume of Nova, the protagonist.

 

This time, both professionals who specialize in figure skating and people who hadn't been involved in creating figure skating costumes before joined in. Many outfits were created by repeating different adjustments. So, the 'Echoes of Life' costumes are different from the ones in 'Re_Pray,' 'Gift,' and 'Prologue.' I want people to feel the fabric and texture of these costumes, which are not your typical figure skating costumes, and experience something you can only see in 'Echoes.'"

 

<There were a lot of cinematic visuals in the performance. How much time did the filming take, and did you want to try acting or perform in a movie?>

"Regarding the second question, I actually appeared in a film once and tried acting, but I realized I wasn’t suited for it (laughs). So I never really had the desire to be in movies. However, when it comes to portraying Nova, the protagonist, I didn't feel any discomfort. Since it's a story I wrote and I'm depicting a protagonist I can fully immerse myself in, I felt I had to play that role.

 

As for the filming, it took about three days. We worked continuously for two full days, then another half-day, and finally another half-day. Plus, I had to record the narration, which took another two days. It was tough (laughs)."

 

<About the music:>

"In 'Re_Pray,' I leaned more toward a game-like style, but this time, I really wanted to incorporate classical elements, especially with the theme being philosophy. So, I focused on selecting more piano melodies and pieces that evoke deep emotion. While creating the story, I thought about the different moments – where I wanted to fight, where I needed to remain grounded, and where I wanted to use words directly. I was very particular about the song selection to match those moments.

 

I think the fifth piece was the hardest for me this time. The fifth piece, which starts with a series of classical piano pieces and ends with a ballade (Ballade No. 1), is something I've never done before, where I perform the program for about 30 seconds each without even leaving the rink. I studied classical music with (pianist) Shinya Kiyozuka and played the piece with a lot of meaning in mind, and I also asked Jeffrey Battle to choreograph it. Jeff and I worked closely together to come up with the image we wanted to skate to, and we created a program that's about 10 minutes long."

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2024.12.08

 

Source: https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/202412080000406.html

Archived: hhttps://web.archive.org/web/20241208163059/https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/202412080000406.html

 

 

Yuzuru Hanyu proves his evolution at 30 with a nearly doubled 170-minute solo performance, showcasing his 'prime' as over 400,000 viewers in China watch

 

On the 7th, Yuzuru Hanyu, the two-time Winter Olympic figure skating champion and third-year professional, kicked off his solo ice show national tour, "Echoes of Life," at Saitama Super Arena to celebrate his 30th birthday. He performed 15 new songs, including "産声～めぐり" (First Cry ~ Circulation), his signature "Ballad No. 1," and "SEIMEI," receiving a warm birthday celebration from the nearly 14,000-strong full house, and expressed his joy by saying, "I'm glad I was born." The tour will run through February next year with seven performances in three cities.

 

  Reveal hidden contents

The first day of his 30th birthday was just a step in his progress. Hanyu performed nonstop for 63 minutes, including new songs such as "Piano Collection," which is a compilation of five short pieces. At the 40-minute mark, where fatigue typically sets in, he intentionally landed quad toe loops and salchows. While his debut in 2022 ("Prologue") had a 90-minute runtime, this performance, with a break for ice maintenance, lasted about 170 minutes—nearly double the length. After the main performance, he also entertained the audience with a movie-like making-of video and concluded the show with an encore of "SEIMEI."

 

Reflecting on this special day, he said, "I was so nervous that it felt like my stomach flipped inside out." Drawing inspiration from the "bioethics" course he took at Waseda University School of Human Sciences (correspondence course), Hanyu starred in a philosophical, fictional world. The theme of the performance was 'sound,' unique to the man who received a perfect score for his otherworldly 'interpretation of music' at the same venue during the 2021 All Japan Championships. He showcased graceful steps that you wouldn't expect on ice, and a dance performed not to music, but to narration.

 

The tickets for the show sold out immediately, and around 14,000 fans celebrated his 30th with him. In China, where the performance was also broadcast, it was reported that at least 400,000 fans watched. With a global audience waiting for the perfect timing to join in the chorus, Hanyu shared his joy by shouting, "It's my birthday, yay!" and finished by screaming, "I'm glad I was born!" in gratitude.

 

Hanyu is still on an upward trajectory. He laughed and said, "30, huh?" adding, "It's not the 30s I imagined when I was younger, the 'old man' version of 30. I thought I'd be in decline in terms of skating age, but if you compare it to baseball or soccer, this is the time when experience, senses, and technique really start to peak. I'm stepping forward with hope for the future."【Jun Kinoshita】

 

 

Stream: Ahead of his 30th birthday, an exclusive interview with Hanyu will be available on the "Nikkan Sports Premium" members-only service on the 7th and 14th, where he shares his determination to improve in his 30s and discusses his progress in his third year as a professional.