[2024] Echoes of Life - ICE STORY 3rd

[yuzurujenn]

Compilation of articles & interviews relating to Echoes of Life:

- Saitama (Dec 7, 9, 11)

- 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.

 

Spoiler

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."

 

Spoiler

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))))