yuzurujenn Posted December 30, 2024 Share Posted December 30, 2024 Compilation of articles & interviews relating to notte stellata 2025. Date: March 7-9th, 2025 Venue: Sekisui Heim Super Arena, Miyagi (Grande 21) Info: https://nottestellata.com/ https://x.com/notte_2025 2024.12.24 Source: https://the-ans.jp/news/491544/ Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241227133058/https://the-ans.jp/news/491544/ "Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata" to be held in March next year. The ice show that delivers hope from Miyagi will be held for the third time. "I want to skate with all my heart" It was announced on the 24th that "Hanyu Yuzuru Notte Stellata" will be held at Sekisui Heim Super Arena (Grandi 21) in Miyagi in March of next year. This will be the third time the show is held. Yuzuru Hanyu, a professional skater who has won consecutive Olympic gold medals in figure skating, will act as the host of this ice show, which will send out "hope" from Miyagi, an area affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. He will deliver hope together with his fellow professional skaters who are active around the world. Reveal hidden contents Professional Skaters Gather to Promote Disaster Prevention and Regional Contribution It was announced on the 24th that "Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata" will be held in March next year at the Sekisui Heim Super Arena (Grandé 21) in Miyagi. This will be the third time the event is held. The two-time Olympic champion figure skater, Yuzuru Hanyu, will serve as the host of the ice show, which aims to send "hope" from the disaster-stricken Miyagi area following the Great East Japan Earthquake. Hanyu will deliver this hope alongside fellow professional skaters who are active globally. "Notte stellata" is the program that Hanyu performed in the Pyeongchang Olympics exhibition. The title is Italian for "starry night." It was named after the beautiful "starry sky" Hanyu saw during a power outage in the aftermath of the disaster in his hometown, Sendai, from which he felt a sense of hope. This ice show also works on disaster prevention and regional contribution. Merchandise sold at the venue will primarily focus on disaster preparedness items. The goal is to encourage attendees to think about disaster prevention while enjoying the ice show. Additionally, local gourmet food stalls will be set up to contribute to regional revitalization. Yuzuru Hanyu's Comments Regarding the upcoming "Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata" show: "As 'notte stellata' enters its third year, I’ve been reflecting on 3.11 repeatedly, searching for what I can do, and thinking about many things to get to this point. I hope we can deliver hope once again, and I want to make this a bright show that leaves everyone who sees it with a smile on their face." On his performance: "I want to skate with the hope, prayer, and wish that everyone will feel a bit brighter toward the future." Regarding the cast: "My fellow skaters (who will be performing) will be reflecting on 3.11, as well as my thoughts and feelings about the recovery from the earthquake. They will skate with emotion and in agreement with these sentiments, and I hope that the audience will be able to feel those emotions." Schedule: March 7, 2025 (Friday) 16:00 Doors open / 17:00 Show begins (TBA) March 8, 2025 (Saturday) 17:30 Doors open / 18:30 Show begins (TBA) March 9, 2025 (Sunday) 15:00 Doors open / 16:00 Show begins (TBA) Each performance will last about 2 hours. Venue: Sekisui Heim Super Arena (Grandé 21), Miyagi Performers: Yuzuru Hanyu and others Cast will be announced sequentially on the official website. Organizers: NTV, BS NTV, Miyagi Television Supporters: Miyagi Prefecture Cooperation: Miyagi Prefecture Sports Association Sponsors: JTB and others Advisors: CIC Planning and Production: NTV News Every. Ticket Sales: E-plus Early Access (Lottery) January 7 (Tuesday) 12:00 to January 21 (Tuesday) 12:00 For ticket details, please check the official website. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yuzurujenn Posted January 1 Author Share Posted January 1 *machine translation, inaccuracies exist* 2024.12.27 Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20241227-OHT1T51113.html?page=1 Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241227131055/https://hochi.news/articles/20241227-OHT1T51113.html?page=1 Yuzuru Hanyu and Mansai Nomura to perform together for the first time in a dreamlike collaboration; special guest decided for "NOTTESTELLATA" in March next year It was announced on the official X account of the ice show "Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata 2025" (to be held from March 7–9, 2025, at the Sekisui Heim Super Arena in Miyagi) that the renowned kyogen performer Mansai Nomura will appear as a special guest. Reveal hidden contents Yuzuru Hanyu, the two-time Olympic gold medalist, used music from Mansai Nomura's film Onmyoji for his free program at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. The performance, titled "SEIMEI," was inspired by the traditional kariginu (hunting robes) and showcased a "Wa" (Japanese) world. Hanyu had also met with Nomura to learn about the subtleties of movements and gestures. Hanyu commented, “I want to make sure that I can fully express the significance of having Mansai-san here with us.” Nomura, who will also be involved in the collaboration's choreography, expressed his excitement for their first joint performance, saying, “This is the first time, so I'm still feeling my way around what I can do and what will be effective, but I'm starting to get a feel for it as I talk with Hanyu.” "Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata" will be held for the third consecutive year in 2025. In 2023, gymnast Kohei Uchimura joined as a special guest, and this year, actress Mao Daichi appeared, both showcasing exquisite collaborative performances. The skaters participating in the show include Javier Fernández, Jason Brown, Shae-Lynn Bourne, Satoko Miyahara, Akiko Suzuki, Keiji Tanaka, Takahito Mura, Rika Hongo, and Violetta Afanasieva. Source: https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/society/61e218a3c1fe45a2848074626e36f7cf Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20241227134018/https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/society/61e218a3c1fe45a2848074626e36f7cf Yuzuru Hanyu and Mansai Nomura to collaborate for the first time in ice show next March Kyogen performer Mansai Nomura will be appearing in "Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata 2025," which will be held in Miyagi next March. Reveal hidden contents Yuzuru Hanyu, who will be serving as the host, has been a big fan of Nomura since he was a child. During the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, where Hanyu achieved back-to-back victories, he performed to the theme song of the movie Onmyoji in which Nomura starred. Although the two have had a conversation together in 2015, this will be their first time collaborating on stage. Hanyu, smiling about his collaboration with his idol, said, "I'm glad I worked hard to get here." He expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I want to make sure the meaning of having Mansai-san with us is clearly expressed." Meanwhile, Mansai Nomura, who will also be involved in the direction for the collaboration with Hanyu, said, "Since this is a first for me, I'm still figuring out what can be done and what is effective, but as I talk with Hanyu-san, I'm starting to grasp the right feeling." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yuzurujenn Posted January 1 Author Share Posted January 1 *machine translation, inaccuracies exist* 2025.01.01 Source: https://wedge.ismedia.jp/articles/-/36190 Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250101010353/https://wedge.ismedia.jp/articles/-/36190 ＜What Yuzuru Hanyu wants to convey to the Noto Peninsula earthquake disaster area＞ The Incredible "Power of Action" and "Persistence" in Supporting the Victims. It has been decided that the ice show "Hanyu Yuzuru Note Stellate," chaired by professional figure skater Hanyu Yuzuru, will be held for the third year in a row. The show will be held at the Sekisui Heim Super Arena in his hometown of Miyagi from March 7th to 9th, coinciding with the 14th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Reveal hidden contents The third installment of his solo ice show, "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 3rd—Echoes of Life—TOUR," will kick off with performances in Hiroshima on January 3 and 5 (Hiroshima Green Arena) and in Chiba on February 7 and 9 (Lala Arena Tokyo Bay), marking the beginning of an energetic start to the new year. Throughout all of this, his thoughts on the disaster-stricken areas remain unwaveringly strong. In 2024, his third year as a professional, in addition to 'Notte Stellata' in March, he also delivered a charity performance for the Noto Peninsula earthquake reconstruction on September 15th, which was streamed live from the site. The words that connect Hanyu to the earthquake disaster are 'power of action' and 'persistence.' A Performance in Ishikawa Prefecture "I've heard that on that day, the local people were greatly encouraged by watching Hanyu and his team's performance on TV. In fact, we have turned the autographs from Hanyu and the others into a panel, which we have displayed above the ticket vending machine. Users often say, 'Oh, Hanyu was here,' and take pictures with their smartphones, expressing how happy they are. We've even received inquiries from fans outside the prefecture asking, 'Do you have any photos? Any autographs?' and we guide them to the panel." I spoke by phone at the end of last year with Yoshimasa Sankai, the director of the Kenmin Sporec Plaza in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, the venue of the 'Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Charity Performance' held on September 15th last year. Director Sankai was surprised by the size of the response. In a press conference after the performance, Hanyu mentioned that he wanted to donate as much of the proceeds as possible, so he kept the costs down by minimizing equipment like lighting. However, it wasn’t just about that. According to Director Sankai, the conditions on the ice were not suitable for top skaters to perform. "In September, it was still hot, and the difference in temperature between the outside and the indoor space caused condensation to form on the ceiling, which then fell onto the rink and froze into several small lumps. We did what we could to smooth the ice and used dehumidifiers, but there were limits. I felt sorry about it, but the skaters, including Hanyu, performed beautifully without complaining in those conditions. As they were leaving, Hanyu even thanked us, saying, 'Thank you for allowing us to skate during a time when the ice is usually not laid down.' I knew that Hanyu, having experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake himself, has strong feelings for those affected by disasters, but I’m truly grateful for his kindness." The charity performance was all driven by Hanyu’s "power of action." "Is there something I can do for those affected by the Noto disaster?" After the earthquake in January, Hanyu turned his empathy for the affected areas into action. In June of the previous year, he visited Wajima City, which was also affected, during a segment for the NTV program "news every." He personally went to the site and listened to the voices of the victims. One of the most frightening things for disaster-stricken areas is the "fading" of public interest over time. In the affected areas, the scars of the earthquake still remain. In addition to the collapse of buildings caused by the initial earthquake, one week after Hanyu's visit, there were areas that experienced flooding due to heavy rain, with rivers overflowing. Mudslides also inundated the areas surrounding community centers and temporary housing. To be self-reflective, the media reports on the devastation with many reporters and journalists in the immediate aftermath, but over time, the focus tends to shift away. Despite the charity performance being a live-streamed event with no audience, Hanyu insisted on performing in Ishikawa Prefecture. “Regarding 3.11, and in response to the fading of memories, it might be difficult for us to do something about it. Even so, I want to help with earthquake relief efforts,” Hanyu said in an interview after the performance. Olympic Back-to-Back Victories as a Way to Remember the Affected Areas It is said that his achievements since turning professional have surpassed those of his competitive days. In fact, standing in the professional realm and being freed from the restrictions of competitive rules, his expressive capabilities have expanded magnificently. Hanyu’s evolution as a “professional skater” also reflects his insatiable drive to continue moving forward without dwelling on the past. On the other hand, there is one thing that never fades and continues to shine, no matter how much time passes: the two gold medals he won at the Olympics. Moreover, it was the first time in 66 years that someone had won two consecutive gold medals in men's figure skating. The one moment when Hanyu might rely on the prestige of his two gold medals is when he faces disaster-stricken areas. "Personally, one of my big goals in wanting to win two Olympic gold medals was to start supporting the affected areas and spreading empathy from that point onwards. I’ve always worked hard, trying to be the best in my sport. Now, as a professional, I am gradually starting to think more about the disaster-stricken areas." Despite this, Hanyu emphasized that, above all, he is a skater, and through his performances, he hopes to provide some support and emotional aid to those affected by disasters. "Not only 3.11, but also various other disasters that have happened over time," he said. Having achieved the extraordinary feat of back-to-back Olympic victories, Hanyu has garnered considerable attention, and with that, comes the opportunity to do something meaningful—not just for Noto. After the Sochi Olympics, Hanyu visited Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture as part of the earthquake recovery project for Nippon Television charity program "24-Hour TV." As part of the 24-Hour TV project, he also held a special ice show at "Ice Rink Sendai" in Sendai City, inviting residents of Naraha Town in Fukushima Prefecture, where he had visited before. He has also visited other disaster-stricken areas, such as those affected by the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake. His supporting efforts are diverse. He has made donations from the profits of goods sold at the “Yuzuru Hanyu Exhibition” organized by the Yomiuri Shimbun. His continued substantial donations to his training base, Ice Rink Sendai, are widely known. Above all, his unbroken "persistence" is what is most meaningful. When a major disaster occurs, it is not uncommon for many people to think about what they can do. Celebrities and athletes with significant influence also turn their attention to the affected areas at the onset. They visit the site, help with support activities, and call for donations. As a journalist, I have reported on such actions of many athletes numerous times. 'We must not let the current situation in the disaster areas fade from people's memory.' 'It is important to continue for the next ten years.' Everyone says these admirable things. However, after one year, then two, three years pass, and most people distance themselves from the affected areas. There are various reasons for this. They may be busy or unable to adjust their schedules. But Hanyu is different. He took action on his own and has continued to help even as time has passed. What does it mean to be close to the disaster-stricken areas? What can one do? He has thought about this, made it happen, and continued without interruption. "I hope I can deliver hope again" Hanyu appeared in many media outlets in 2024. Among them, two magazine features stood out. The October 1st issue of Newsweek Japan featured a special titled "What Yuzuru Hanyu Wants to Convey to Noto," and the November 30th issue of Weekly Toyo Keizai had a feature titled "Commitment to Supporting the Disaster Areas." The reader demographic likely doesn't overlap with his usual fan base. This shows that a different side of 'Professional Skater Yuzuru Hanyu,' which inspires businessmen, is attracting new attention. Hanyu's comment about the third consecutive "Notte Stellata" was as follows: "The fact that 'Notte Stellata' is now reaching its third year makes me reflect on the events of 3.11 many times and think about whether there is something else I can do. I feel like I’ve come this far after considering many things while searching for ways to help. I hope I can continue to deliver hope, and I want to make this show something bright where everyone who watches it can leave with a smile." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yuzurujenn Posted March 4 Author Share Posted March 4 *machine translation, inaccuracies exist* 2025.03.04 Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20250304-OHT1T51174.html?page=1 Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250304104111/https://hochi.news/articles/20250304-OHT1T51174.html?page=1 Yuzuru Hanyu starts rehearsals - "Notte Stellata" in Miyagi from the 7th The ice show "Yuzuru Hanyu Notete Stellata 2025," hosted by professional skater Yuzuru Hanyu (30), who won consecutive gold medals in men's figure skating at the 2014 Sochi and 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Games, will be held for three days from the 7th at the Sekisui Heim Super Arena in Miyagi Prefecture. Hanyu began rehearsals on the 4th at an ice rink in Miyagi Prefecture. Together with fellow performers Satoko Miyahara, Akiko Suzuki, Keiji Tanaka, and Takahito Mura, they reviewed the finale and other aspects for about four hours. He was also seen hugging others as he reunited with Pyeongchang Olympic bronze medalist Javier Fernandez, choreographer David Wilson, and Shae-Lynn Bourne. The name of the performance, "notte sellata," means "a sky full of stars" in Italian. On the 11th, it will be 14 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. The performance will send a message of hope from his hometown, Miyagi. ◇Streaming "Towa Pharmaceutical Presents Yuzuru Hanyu Notete Stellata 2025" will be streamed live on the Hulu Store. Streaming tickets with bonus footage exclusive to the Hulu Store are also on sale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yuzurujenn Posted March 5 Author Share Posted March 5 *machine translation, inaccuracies exist* 2025.03.05 Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20250304-OHT1T51233.html?page=1 Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250304233048/https://hochi.news/articles/20250304-OHT1T51233.html?page=1 Yuzuru Hanyu delivers hope and prayers from Miyagi - "Notete Stellata" begins on the 7th, 14 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake The ice show "Yuzuru Hanyu Notete Stellata 2025" hosted by professional skater Yuzuru Hanyu (30) will be held for three days from the 7th at the Sekisui Heim Super Arena in Miyagi. On the 4th, rehearsals for Hanyu and other performers began at a skating rink in Miyagi Prefecture. It has been 14 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Reporter Megumi Takagi, who is in charge of the show, "witnessed" the journey to the third annual memorial ice show this year. Reveal hidden contents Rehearsals were heating up ahead of the first day of the performance on the 7th. Hanyu, along with fellow skaters Akiko Suzuki and Takahito Mura, spent about four hours carefully going over the finale and other parts of the show. Hanyu was delighted to be reunited with 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic bronze medalist Javier Fernandez, choreographer David Wilson, and Shae-Lynn Bourne, and shared hugs to deepen their bond. This year marks the third time the show has been held, with thoughts for the disaster-stricken areas. The title also contains a special meaning. "Notte Stellata" is a program that Hanyu skated to in the exhibition at the Pyeongchang Olympics, where he won consecutive gold medals, and means "a sky full of stars" in Italian. The Great East Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011. Hanyu was affected by the disaster in Sendai city and was forced to live in an evacuation center. Power outages continued in the surrounding area, and when he looked up in the darkness, a sky full of stars was shining. Even as an athlete, he has visited disaster-stricken areas during the Nippon Television news program "news every." His driving force behind winning two consecutive Olympic gold medals was wanting to help the disaster-stricken areas through his skating. "After winning two consecutive gold medals, I wanted to start showing support and compassion for the disaster-stricken areas, so I've always worked hard at the sport itself. Since I turned professional, I've slowly started to be able to send my heart out to the disaster-stricken areas," he once said. Nippon Television, the organizer, first proposed this ice show to Hanyu in 2018. The date of the show in March and the venue at Grandi 21 were Hanyu's strong preference. The performance on March 11, 2023 is still burned into my memory. Before the show began, Hanyu and the other performers held a moment of silence at 2:46 pm, the time the disaster occurred, and there were tears in his eyes. He later revealed that he had struggled with the idea of setting the ice here and skating himself. His performance, filled with all his emotions, at a venue that had once been a morgue, spoke louder than any words could. When the event was announced in December last year, Hanyu commented, "I want to skate with hope, prayer, and the wish that I can make people feel a little more cheerful about the future." 14 years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake. Hanyu is conveying through his own example the importance of not forgetting, continuing, and not letting the disaster fade away. (Takagi Megumi) This year's guest is Mansai Nomura This year's special guest, marking the third anniversary of the event, is Kyogen performer Nomura Mansai. At the Pyeongchang Olympics, Hanyu performed his free program "SEIMEI," which used music from the movie "Onmyoji," starring Nomura. This will be their first time performing together, and attention is focused on what kind of collaborative performance will be born. In 2023, he performed alongside "King" Uchimura Kohei, who has won consecutive Olympic gold medals in the men's all-around gymnastics. Last year, Hanyu performed "Carmina Burana" with actress Daichi Mao, and on ice, he gave a passionate performance as a young man at the mercy of the goddess of fate, played by Daichi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TallyT Posted March 5 Share Posted March 5 Pictures of the practice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wintek Posted March 10 Share Posted March 10 *machine translation, inaccuracies exist* 2025.03.11 Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20250310-OHT1T51202.html?page=1 Yuzuru Hanyu – Accepting and Carrying the Weight 14 Years Since the Great East Japan Earthquake – Exclusive Interview (Part 1) March 11, 2025 – Sports Hochi On March 10, professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu (30) sat down for an exclusive interview in his hometown of Sendai, sharing his thoughts as March 11 marks 14 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. Through unique forms of support that only he can offer—such as leading the memorial ice show Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata in Miyagi—he continues to stand with the disaster-affected communities and offer encouragement. Reveal hidden contents “I want to make sure I never forget.” At the time of the disaster, Yuzuru was 16 years old, training at a skating rink in Sendai when the earthquake struck. Fourteen years have now passed since that day. “Including those in Fukushima, there are still many regions where the scars remain. There are still people who are struggling, who carry deep sorrow. I want to make sure I never forget that. I do think of myself as a disaster survivor, but more than that, what stays with me is the fact that even after 14 years, there are still people who cannot return home, people who don’t know what to do with their houses. That’s something I want to always keep in my heart.” “For 14 years, I’ve been continuously accepting and carrying it.” In his teenage years, Yuzuru struggled with being treated by the media as if he were a representative of the disaster-stricken areas. After winning back-to-back Olympic gold medals at Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018, the weight on his shoulders only grew heavier. Over these 14 years, he has slowly learned to take it all in stride. “It’s not something I can easily sum up by saying, ‘This is how it was.’ It hasn’t been a smooth or simple journey. But I feel like, little by little, over these 14 years, I have been continually learning to accept things. I have kept on accepting, and at the same time, I have kept on carrying it.” “The reason I can support others is because I was supported first.” In September of last year, Yuzuru participated in the Noto Peninsula Earthquake Recovery Charity Performance, donating the entire 43,878,649 yen in proceeds to support relief efforts. What drives him to continue these efforts? “It’s because I, too, have received so much support from so many people.” At the 2012 World Championships in Nice, Yuzuru won a bronze medal in his debut appearance on the world stage. It was during that event that he felt, more than ever, the power of the support he had been receiving. “During the 2011-12 season, I had many inner struggles. But at the very end of that season, at the World Championships, I realized just how much the power of everyone’s support had been with me. From that moment, I truly felt—‘I am being supported by so many people.’ And that realization became the reason why I, in turn, wanted to support others. As someone from a disaster-affected area, I had received an overwhelming amount of support. Because I felt the reality of the disaster so closely, I developed an even stronger desire to be the one offering support as well. I think that’s the foundation of it all.” “The desire to give back extends beyond Tohoku.” Yuzuru has not only continued to support Tohoku but has also visited disaster-affected areas in Ishikawa, Kumamoto, and Hokkaido. “During the Great East Japan Earthquake, there were volunteers who came all the way from Ishikawa to help. And now, there are people who have gone to Noto as volunteers, as a way of giving back to those who once helped them. I feel something similar. So many people have carried deep feelings toward 3.11 and have offered their support in various ways. That’s why, when disasters happen in other regions, I feel a strong desire to give back, to support those affected.” “Every performance carries these thoughts within it.” Yuzuru continues to skate, carrying these emotions within him. “At this point, I feel like there’s no performance of mine that doesn’t have these feelings embedded within it. No matter what program I perform—even in something like Utai from Echoes of Life—there is always, in some form, a conversation with the soul. A prayer. A reaching out toward the souls of others. A way of standing beside someone’s sorrow. That is something I always carry with me.” *machine translation, inaccuracies exist* 2025.03.11 Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20250310-OHT1T51219.html?page=1 Yuzuru Hanyu – Gratitude for Fellow Skaters and Expressing "Soul" Through Performance 14 Years Since the Great East Japan Earthquake – Exclusive Interview (Part 2) March 11, 2025 – Sports Hochi On March 10, professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu (30) sat down for an exclusive interview in his hometown of Sendai, sharing his thoughts as March 11 marks 14 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. Through unique forms of support that only he can offer—such as leading the memorial ice show Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata in Miyagi—he continues to stand with the disaster-affected communities and offer encouragement. “The way I carry it has changed over the years.” Reveal hidden contents Since turning professional, Yuzuru has held the memorial ice show Notte Stellata in Miyagi for three consecutive years, embedding his thoughts about the earthquake into each performance. Unlike his competitive career, where his focus was primarily on competing, his current position gives him more opportunities to express his thoughts and emotions directly. This shift has also changed the way he approaches the show as its leader. “In terms of the way I carried it, in the first year, I carried it in a way that felt heavy. In thinking about what it means to empathize with someone, I empathized in a way that was similar to sadness. But in the second year, because I had already embraced that sadness, I felt that I had to be the one smiling, and so I did my best.” This year, Yuzuru invited Mansai Nomura (58), a Kyōgen performer, as a special guest. One of their collaborative pieces was "Boléro," a fusion of Kyōgen and Ravel’s ballet music. Mansai Boléro was originally performed in 2011, the year of the earthquake, carrying themes of requiem and rebirth. “By the third year (this year), it had become almost like a sacred ritual. I feel that my connection to souls and to prayer has become much stronger. The way I carry it, the way I face it, and the way I accept it has changed” "Skating with resolve—our spirits were lifted." Together with nine fellow skaters and a person he deeply admires, Yuzuru created his third Notte Stellata. “Of course, I think the show felt as profound as it did because Mansai-san was there. But I also believe that my fellow skaters thought, ‘We have to do this properly.’ During rehearsals at the venue, we watched Mansai Boléro up close for the first time. And in that moment, we felt the depth of his prayer, of his presence. And I think it made all of us skate with an even greater sense of resolve. It was as if our spirits had been lifted to another level.” "Everyone poured their whole soul into it." The show concluded its final performance on March 9. Yuzuru expressed deep gratitude for his fellow skaters, who gave their all with the same level of intensity. “When it comes to skating, to expression, and especially to something as significant as the earthquake, I put my whole heart into it. I have a strong desire to skate from the soul, to give my all. And this time, my fellow skaters stood with me and did the same. That meant so much to me. Everyone poured their entire soul into creating something, into expressing something, into performing something. The fact that all of us did that together—it made me truly happy. And I feel that it created an even deeper sense of unity among us.” ◆ Postscript The day after completing his performances in Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata 2025, which ran until March 9, Yuzuru took the time to sit down for this interview. He had just poured his entire being into three days of skating. Despite the lingering exhaustion, he carefully chose his words, speaking with deep thought and a strong determination to ensure that the memories of the disaster are never forgotten. He both supported and was supported by his fellow skaters as he completed Notte Stellata for the third time. In the first year, 2023, he said he had stood close to sorrow—his expressions often reflecting deep struggle. Last year, there were more smiles. And this year, the sense of unity as a team had grown even stronger. Perhaps it was because the other skaters had been moved by the way Yuzuru faced the show with his whole heart. Every year, local businesses set up food and merchandise stalls outside the venue. This year, invitations were extended to vendors from Wajima City in Ishikawa and Naraha Town in Fukushima, increasing the number of participating businesses to 19—double last year’s total. Visitors from all over the country lined up to buy goods from disaster-affected regions. “The people who came to see the show also bought products from Wajima as a way to support them. I could truly feel the circle of support expanding.” Even beyond the ice, Yuzuru continues to use his voice to make a difference. (Takagi Megumi) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yuzurujenn Posted March 14 Author Share Posted March 14 *machine translation, inaccuracies exist* 2025.03.06 Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20250305-OHT1T51263.html?page=1 Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250314014334/https://hochi.news/articles/20250305-OHT1T51263.html?page=1 Yuzuru Hanyu will perform with Mansai Nomura for the first time at the actual venue "Notete Stellata" in Miyagi from the 7th The ice show "Yuzuru Hanyu Notete Stellata 2025," chaired by professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu (30), will be held for three days from the 7th at the Sekisui Heim Super Arena in Miyagi. Hanyu entered the venue on the 5th and practiced. Reveal hidden contents Marking 14 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, the show will send a message of hope from the disaster-affected region. Stepping onto the ice, Hanyu placed his hand on his chest from time to time, skating a lap around the rink with deep emotion. This marks the third consecutive year of this special performance in Miyagi. Alongside fellow skaters such as Satoko Miyahara and Takahito Mura, Hanyu will deliver a performance filled with prayer. On this day, Hanyu performed a collaborative piece for the first time on the skating rink with special guest, Kyogen performer Nomura Mansai (58). When the collaboration was announced, Hanyu had expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I want to make sure that we can fully express the significance of having Mansai with us." The rehearsal was so intense that it went beyond the scheduled time. The combination of these two top performers from different genres brought excitement to the venue. For about three and a half hours, the two exchanged opinions with serious expressions as they created the piece. (Takagi Megumi) Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20250306-OHT1T51225.html?page=1 Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250306192109/https://hochi.news/articles/20250306-OHT1T51225.html?page=1 Yuzuru Hanyu rehearses the day before the actual performance, starting on the 7th in Miyagi for "Notete Stellata" The ice show "Yuzuru Hanyu Notete Stellata 2025," chaired by professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu (30), will be held for three days from the 7th at the Sekisui Heim Super Arena (Grandi 21) in Miyagi. On the 6th, the day before the opening, Hanyu showed off his passionate skating just like in the real thing. He was full of energy from his morning practice. With six minutes to link in, he landed a quadruple toe loop, a quadruple toe loop-Euler-triple Salchow triple jump, and a quadruple Salchow-triple toe loop triple jump. In the collaborative program with special guest Kyogenshi Mansai Nomura (58), he continued brushing up his performance until the last minute, and showed a well-coordinated performance in the dress rehearsal. Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20250306-OHT1T51262.html?page=1 Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250306185334/https://hochi.news/articles/20250306-OHT1T51262.html?page=1 Yuzuru Hanyu and his teammates will be holding "Notte Stellata" in Miyagi from the 7th, with thoughts of the earthquake disaster The ice show "Yuzuru Hanyu Notete Stellata 2025," chaired by professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu (30), will be held for three days from the 7th at the Sekisui Heim Super Arena (Grandi 21) in Miyagi. On the 6th, the day before the opening, Hanyu performed a passionate skate that was just like the real thing. Reveal hidden contents "Notte Stellata" has been carefully nurtured for three consecutive years. This year, the special guest is Kyogen performer Mansai Nomura. Following last year, Satoko Miyahara, Akiko Suzuki, Rika Hongo, Keiji Tanaka, Takahito Mura, Javier Fernandez, Jason Brown, Shae-Lynn Bourne, and Violetta Afanasieva will appear. The show, which was filled with thoughts for the disaster-stricken areas, also had a special meaning in its title. "Notte sellata" is a routine that Hanyu skated to in the exhibition at the Pyeongchang Olympics, where he won consecutive gold medals, and means "a sky full of stars" in Italian. The Great East Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011. Hanyu was affected by the disaster in Sendai city and was forced to live in an evacuation center. There was a power outage in the surrounding area, and when he looked up in the darkness, he saw a sky full of shining stars. Skating in Miyagi in March will have a great meaning for Hanyu. On the 11th, it will be 14 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. Together with his precious friends, he will send out a message of hope from his hometown. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yuzurujenn Posted March 14 Author Share Posted March 14 *machine translation, inaccuracies exist* 2025.03.06 Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20250305-OHT1T51268.html?page=1 Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250306012226/https://hochi.news/articles/20250305-OHT1T51268.html?page=1 The encounter that "SEIMEI" gave birth to: From "Profession, Mansai Nomura" to "Profession, Yuzuru Hanyu" Interview Part 1 Kyogen performer Mansai Nomura (58), who will be appearing as a special guest in the ice show "Yuzuru Hanyu Notete Stellata 2025" (7th to 9th) featuring professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, gave an interview to Sports Hochi on the 5th. The article was published on two consecutive days, and in the first part he talked about "SEIMEI", which led to the two meeting, and "His Occupation, Yuzuru Hanyu". (Interview and composition by Megumi Takagi) Reveal hidden contents Mansai and Hanyu first met in 2015. In the 2015-16 season, Hanyu performed his free program "SEIMEI," which used a song from the movie "Onmyoji," starring Mansai. Mansai, who is someone Hanyu looks up to, vividly remembers their conversation at the time. "Hanyu was a young man of 20 at the time, but I remember that he reacted very strongly to what I was saying. I put into words the things that he had been thinking, wondering about, and feeling on a daily basis but found difficult to put into words. When I said, 'It's like this, isn't it?' I remember him nodding deeply." During the conversation, he gave advice such as, "Be aware of all directions - heaven, earth, and man - and surround yourself with sound," and, "Use your body after swinging it in the opposite direction of the direction you want to move." "It's about using space and time. Controlling the venue. I remember when he came to see my performance, the first thing he said to me was, 'You have incredible control over the venue.' How do you control the venue? It's the same on the ice, as on our Noh stage, and on our cypress stage. I think it's about how you manipulate the space and time to give the audience a good experience." Hanyu performed "SEIMEI" at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, winning his second consecutive gold medal. Immediately afterwards, Mansai sent him an email to congratulate him. "He was injured at the PyeongChang Olympics. I remember sending him a message saying, 'You gave it your all and won the fierce battle.'" This first joint performance was made possible after an offer from Hanyu himself. They met for the first time in nine years in October last year to discuss plans for the show. "He became a professional skater. He was very good at putting his ideas into words and communicating to others how he wanted to do things. He's had a varied career. He seemed to me to be not only an athlete, but also an artist." Immediately after Hanyu turned professional in July 2022, he gave him the name "Occupation, Hanyu Yuzuru" on his radio talk show "Occupation, Nomura Mansai" (an audio distribution service) and sent him his encouragement. “I remember hearing that Hanyu was worried about his title. I remember him saying something like, ‘Profession: Hanyu Yuzuru.’ I think he’s going to walk the path of that from now on. It’s not just being an athlete, it’s something that only he can do, like contributing to the community, and it’s his own artistic view of the universe, and things like that.” As Mansai continued to take on new challenges, he came to be known as "Profession: Nomura Mansai." "I myself have been doing various directing and trying various genres, and there was a time when I thought there was no one else like me, and I wondered what to do. I took "Profession, Nomura Mansai" from the name of Shuji Terayama, who calls himself "Profession, Terayama Shuji." I wanted Hanyu to achieve a world that only he could achieve, so I asked him, "Profession, Hanyu Yuzuru?" (Continued in the second part) ◆Nomura Mansai Born April 5, 1966. 58 years old. Originally from Tokyo. Studied under his grandfather, the late Nomura Manzo VI, and his father, Nomura Mansaku. Debuted on stage at the age of three. Active as an actor in films such as "Onmyoji" (2001), "Seven Conferences" (2019), and the drama "Promise with Death" (2021). Head of Kyogen Gozaru Noza. Designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property. 2025.03.07 Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20250306-OHT1T51206.html?page=1 Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250307035820/https://hochi.news/articles/20250306-OHT1T51206.html?page=1 Mansai Nomura and Yuzuru Hanyu "share the same DNA" - Today marks their first joint ice show interview (Part 2) This is the second part of a two-day interview with Kyogen performer Mansai Nomura (58), who will be appearing as a special guest at the ice show "Yuzuru Hanyu Notete Stellata 2025" (7-9, Sekisui Heim Super Arena, Miyagi) by professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu (30). The two, who have both mastered their own paths, talk about the DNA they share as performers. (Interview and composition by Megumi Takagi) Reveal hidden contents In order to perfect his profession, 'Mansai Nomura', he makes an uncompromising effort every day. He continues to fascinate audiences with his diverse expressions that go beyond the boundaries of Kyogen. "Of course, one's own specialty is the core of one's work, but at the same time, one must have a broader perspective. Human life and death. The venue for Notte Stellata (Grande 21) is also a place of great significance [Note 1]. In that sense, Hanyu himself is contemplating the issue of human life and death, and giving great thought to what he can do in the midst of this." He also touched on Hanyu's "determination." "I think he has gone beyond the framework of a mere individual or an athlete. He has something to carry on his shoulders. This may be a little self-serving, but I would like to use Kyogen as my core, and while carrying the weight of Kyogen, I would also like to carry Japanese culture somewhere. Hanyu is also someone who takes on such a broader perspective, challenging himself to do things that include broad genres, and I believe he is someone who is able to do so." "Profession: Mansai Nomura" and "Profession: Yuzuru Hanyu." As fellow artists, how does he view Hanyu? "He himself is a fan of my work 'Onmyoji', so he included 'SEIMEI' in his performance. I think it's about how you express something like a view of the universe. I think he would think that the skating rink is also a universe. I spoke at length about it in our interview (in 2015), including the idea of controlling heaven, earth and man. It seemed to really resonate with him. In that sense too, I get the impression that we share the same DNA." I asked Mansai about what "expression" means to him. He said that it involves sharing "life" with the audience. "From the performer's perspective, I think it's a pursuit of a certain beauty, but ultimately it only exists because of the audience. When the audience sees living people performing, they feel glad to be alive, and the performers are glad to be alive too. After all, it is live performing arts. What's wonderful is what happens on the spot - 'live' and 'alive'. It's like 'I'm glad I went to see it', and on top of sharing that time and space, and the emotions, it makes you feel 'I'm glad to be alive'. I think that's what it means." This show will be performed in a different space than usual. Before rehearsing at the skating rink, the group first practiced in a gymnasium to get a feel for the spaciousness. "I realized it was very big (laughs). I was a little surprised. It was a distance you could cover while wearing skates, but if I were to walk, it would be a considerable distance in a straight line, so I was a little taken aback. But I was prepared for it from the training stage onwards." In addition to performing in the collaborative performance, he also serves as the director. "I have my own thoughts about the disaster. I would like to share those thoughts with Hanyu and create a worldview together." The collaboration between these two top-class performers transcends genres to create new chemical reactions. "We have exchanged emails since our conversation in 2015. I sent him a congratulatory message on his second consecutive Olympic victory, and in return he sent me flowers at my performance in Sendai. So we have a connection, and this time we have a direct collaboration, you could say. We are able to combine the art of skating with the art of Kyogen. I am happy that we can concretely express ourselves together this time." [Note 1] The place where many victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011 were laid to rest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yuzurujenn Posted March 14 Author Share Posted March 14 *machine translation, inaccuracies exist* 2025.03.06 Source: https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/society/7bf9af94f6034e6b82952b34ce6e57b6 Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250314020853/https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/society/7bf9af94f6034e6b82952b34ce6e57b6 Yuzuru Hanyu with thoughts of the earthquake disaster in mind... Ice show to be held in Miyagi from the 7th Yuzuru Hanyu , a special messenger for "news every." , will be holding an ice show from the 7th, which will express his feelings for the Great East Japan Earthquake. Reveal hidden contents Rehearsals for the ice show were held before the opening day on the 7th. Hanyu said, "It's a meaningful ice show, so I'm very nervous, but I have to perform with all my heart and soul." He carefully checked his preparations for the show, including successfully completing multiple quadruple jumps. This ice show was held in Miyagi at the request of Hanyu, who was himself affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake in Sendai 14 years ago, and the theme is "Spreading hope from the disaster area." Hanyu said, "I think it's very meaningful that it's being held in Miyagi, and I'm sure there are many things that people will be able to feel because of this place." The ice show "Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata" will be held in Miyagi Prefecture for three days from the 7th. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yuzurujenn Posted March 14 Author Share Posted March 14 *machine translation, inaccuracies exist* 2025.03.07 Source: https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/336351?page=1 Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250307043510/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/336351?page=1 Yuzuru Hanyu's commitment to 3/11 in his ice show: "Bringing hope is my mission" What lies ahead after overcoming the "conflict"? Yuzuru Hanyu (30), a professional skater who won two consecutive Olympic gold medals in men's figure skating, will host "Yuzuru Hanyu Notete Stellata" on the 7th at Sekisui Heim Super Arena in Miyagi. It has been 14 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake, which he was also affected by. This ice show, which has long been a message of "prayers" and "hopes" for the recovery, will be held for the third time this year. In an exclusive interview with this newspaper, the one-of-a-kind skater revealed his thoughts about this special ice show. Reveal hidden contents — How did you prepare for this collaboration? Hanyu: Since last year, I’ve been discussing what direction to take in 2025. As for my collaboration with Kyogen actor Mansai Nomura, the organizers had actually extended the offer much earlier. — Have you always had a strong desire to collaborate? Hanyu: Yes, absolutely. Mansai-san stands at the pinnacle of Japan’s traditional performing arts and continues to challenge himself by integrating new expressions beyond traditional Japanese culture.We first connected through my PyeongChang 2018 free skate program, "SEIMEI," and as I transitioned from competitive skating to professional performance, I wanted to push artistic boundaries just like he does. I’ve always hoped to collaborate with someone who embodies such a strong artistic spirit. — Is this also an opportunity for you to learn something new? Hanyu: Rather than focusing on learning, my priority is simply creating the best possible performance. — What aspects are you most focused on? Hanyu: I want to create a show filled with bonds and hope, so I’ve carefully crafted the concept and selected the programs accordingly. Since the earthquake, a lot of time has passed, and some places and events have started to fade from people’s memories. Most recently, there was the Noto Peninsula earthquake in January 2024, and I want this performance to offer prayers and hope for all those affected by various disasters. — This is your third time holding this event. What is the core message you continue to uphold? Hanyu: At the core of it all, there is always March 11. My commitment to offering support and prayers for 3.11 has never wavered. — The Sekisui Heim Super Arena served as the largest temporary morgue in Miyagi during the disaster. Hanyu: Of course, when I held the first show here, those feelings were incredibly strong. I questioned whether it was really okay for me to perform in this place. Even though the theme is recovery support, at the end of the day, an ice show is still entertainment. Holding an event like this during the anniversary of 3.11—in a place with such a heavy past—brought a lot of inner conflict and hesitation. But instead of just dwelling on those thoughts and doing nothing, I believe it’s more important to take action. If my performance can offer even a small sense of prayer to those who are still living, to those who carry unresolved emotions and memories, then that’s what truly matters. — There are things that only Hanyu can do. Hanyu: In the first year, my emotions were overwhelming. I felt such a strong sense of responsibility to connect with the experiences of those in the disaster-stricken areas and to stand beside them in their pain... Honestly, it got harder with each performance. But now, rather than letting my own sorrow affect others and making them feel even heavier, I want to keep moving forward and deliver a little bit of brightness, with a prayerful hope. I feel that this is the mission that I have shouldered. — What can you do now that it's your third time? Hanyu: When I first performed here, it was incredibly difficult for me. Knowing that this venue had once been a temporary morgue only added to the weight of it all. I constantly questioned whether it was really okay for me to be doing this here. I also worried that my own pain might be unintentionally spreading through my performance. But after the show, I heard people say, "I'm glad I came," and "I felt a sense of hope." Because of those words, I was able to return for the second year, and now, for the third time, my wish is that this circle of hope can expand even further, even if just a little. ☆ Hanyu Yuzuru Born December 7, 1994. Originally from Sendai, Miyagi. He was the first Asian male to win a gold medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. At the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, he won his second consecutive gold medal for the first time in 66 years, and was the youngest individual to receive the People's Honor Award at the age of 23. He also won the World Championships in 2014 and 2017. He won the Grand Prix Final four times in a row from 2013 to 2016. In 2020, he also won the Four Continents Championships, becoming the only male to achieve the Super Slam (six major international championships). He turned professional in July 2022, and in February 2023, he successfully performed a solo concert at the Tokyo Dome, the first time in skater history that he has ever done so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yuzurujenn Posted March 14 Author Share Posted March 14 *machine translation, inaccuracies exist* 2025.03.07 Source: https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/336371 Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250307180650/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/336371 [Figure Skating] Huge advertisement for Yuzuru Hanyu displayed at Tokyo Station, fans stop to take photos A giant advertisement for Yuzuru Hanyu (30), the professional skater who won two consecutive Olympic gold medals in men's figure skating, has appeared at Tokyo Station. Reveal hidden contents Advertisements have been posted in several locations at Tokyo Station in response to the exclusive live broadcast of the ice show "Yuzuru Hanyu Notete Stellata" (opening on the 7th at Sekisui Heim Super Arena in Miyagi Prefecture), in which he is the lead performer. Some of the ads have messages such as "I wish you the light of hope I saw in the sky that night" and "Let the shining light be your guide," and some fans stopped to take photos. The performance will feature Akiko Suzuki, who competed with him in the team event at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Satoko Miyahara, who won the silver medal in the women's competition at the 2015 World Championships, and Javier Fernandez (Spain), who won the bronze medal in the men's competition at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. There will also be a special collaboration with Kyogen master Mansai Nomura. The title of the show, "notte sellata," means a sky full of stars in Italian. In the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011, he was affected by the disaster along with his family in his hometown of Sendai. Even though he was on the brink of despair, he felt a ray of hope in the night sky full of stars as he looked up in the darkness. From that experience, he dedicated a prayer from his hometown for the recovery of the disaster-stricken areas, and created the show to deliver hope like a sky full of stars. Source: https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/336427 Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250307171233/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/336427 [Figure Skating] Mansai Nomura's thoughts on Yuzuru Hanyu's growth and potential: "Buds have appeared and flowers are blooming" Yuzuru Hanyu (30), a professional skater who won two consecutive Olympic gold medals in men's figure skating, appeared on the 7th at "Yuzuru Hanyu Notete Stellata" (Sekisui Heim Super Arena, Miyagi), which he chairs. Kyogen performer Mansai Nomura has high hopes for the one-of-a-kind skater's further progress. Reveal hidden contents At the end of the first part of the day, they collaborated on one of Nomura's signature pieces, "MANSAI Bolero." The sight of Nomura performing on the special stage in the center of the ice and Hanyu performing on the ice in traditional Japanese attire drew huge cheers. Nomura solemnly said, "When it started, for a moment, I felt, not quite a spiritual intuition, but rather a sense of feeling the presence of everyone’s souls. It’s as if their emotions momentarily rest upon me. In a way, it feels like something I must bear, a duty of those who are involved in kyogen. This experience has once again made me reflect on the significance of this place and my own mission." At the beginning of the second part, Hanyu and Nomura performed "SEIMEI," the legendary program that was his free skating piece at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, where he won the gold medal. Nomura said, "When we were creating the show, I realized that Hanyu really loves Onmyoji. He knows more about it than I do, and he even remembers things that I've forgotten," and gave his stamp of approval, saying, "Hanyu is growing into a reliable person as he produces and directs various ice shows like this." The two first met during the 2015-2016 season. "At that time, how can I put it, he wasn't able to verbalize what was inside him when we were talking," he said, but he felt his growth, saying, "Through his experiences up until now, he gradually broke out of his shell, and buds began to appear and blossom." That's why he cheered, "It's wonderful that he has gone beyond the framework of a simple individual activity. It was a wonderful show that condensed his will, ideas, and drive that go beyond skating. I think that Yuzuru Hanyu will continue to achieve even more in his career." Hanyu still has a lot of room to improve. Source: https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/336438 Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250307134104/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/336438 Yuzuru Hanyu reveals the "meaning" of "SEIMEI" with Mansai Nomura: "What is the role of my life..." Professional skater Yuzuru Hanyu (30), who won the men's figure skating gold medal at the Olympic Games for the second consecutive year, spoke about the significance of his "legendary program." Reveal hidden contents "Yuzuru Hanyu Notete Stellata" (Sekisui Heim Super Arena, Miyagi), in which he serves as the leader, opened on the 7th, and a collaboration with Kyogen performer Mansai Nomura was realized. At the beginning of the second part, they performed "SEIMEI", which Hanyu performed in the free program at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics and attracted a lot of attention. Hanyu revealed, "From the very beginning of launching 'notte stellata,' I had always talked about wanting to collaborate with Mansai-san someday." He admitted, "Honestly, it still feels like a dream, almost surreal. But I hope, even just a little, that my skating and the composition of the show have reached a level worthy of accepting the presence of someone as extraordinary as Mansai Nomura." Regarding "SEIMEI," a program they crafted together, Hanyu developed a deep emotional connection. "I felt like I was skating with full power, even more than when I usually perform 'SEIMEI.' It was as if I had been given a role, fulfilling that role, then returning to being a paper doll, only to be called back to life again, given another role. We structured the performance while imagining this kind of narrative between the two of us," he recalled, and then added, "Maybe it’s a bit of a stretch, but it made me question once again what my role in life is, and what is the purpose of me performing in this show called 'notte stellata'." Nomura, who performed with Hanyu, praised his performance, saying, "I was impressed by his growth," but Hanyu himself was humble, saying, "I will continue to work hard." He has no intention of being satisfied with this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yuzurujenn Posted March 14 Author Share Posted March 14 *machine translation, inaccuracies exist* 2025.03.07 Source: https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/society/de41094456664f4584f6363dd9f7a3be Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250307123515/https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/society/de41094456664f4584f6363dd9f7a3be Yuzuru Hanyu to hold ice show in Miyagi starting today, Wajima morning market also in support of disaster-stricken areas 14 years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake. Yuzuru Hanyu , special messenger of "news every." , will hold an ice show with thoughts on the earthquake disaster from the 7th. Reveal hidden contents Hanyu-san (Morning of the 7th, Rifu Town, Miyagi Prefecture) "Good morning." The long-awaited opening day of the show has arrived. During the pre-show practice on the 7th, Hanyu once again successfully landed a quadruple jump. He was making his final adjustments in preparation for the upcoming performance. This time, the special guest is Kyogen actor Mansai Nomura. He will be performing in collaboration with Hanyu for the first time. Regarding his “first collaboration” with Nomura, Hanyu commented: Hanyu: "Since we have this opportunity to collaborate, I feel a strong desire to make it something truly great. That also makes me nervous, and I know I have to give it my all." Outside the venue, visitors can enjoy gourmet specialties from Miyagi Prefecture, where Hanyu was born and raised, such as Sendai’s famous gyutan (grilled beef tongue) and the local delicacy seri-nabe (Japanese parsley hot pot). Additionally, a special market booth from Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture—an area severely affected by large-scale fires during the Noto Peninsula earthquake in January last year—will be present. The dining area is accessible even without a show ticket, allowing visitors from all over Japan to experience the charm of Miyagi and Ishikawa while also contributing to disaster-affected areas. The ice show will be held in Miyagi Prefecture for three days, starting on the 7th. Source: https://digital.kyodonews.jp/deepedge/ice-show/99248/ Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250307125446/https://digital.kyodonews.jp/deepedge/ice-show/99248/ Yuzuru Hanyu "Prayed as I skated" - 14 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, ice show "Notte Stellata" held in Miyagi Yuzuru Hanyu (30), a figure skater from Sendai who won the men's Winter Olympics twice in a row, appeared in an ice show on the 7th at Sekisui Heim Super Arena in Rifu, Miyagi Prefecture, to mark the 14th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. He performed a dance of requiem in front of about 6,300 spectators and said, "I skated while praying, hoping that what I can do for 3/11 (the day the earthquake occurred) and various disasters will become a trigger for something." Reveal hidden contents Hanyu, who was also affected by the disaster, said that he felt a "ray of hope" in the starry sky he saw on the night road from his home to the evacuation shelter. The name of the performance, "notte stellata," means "a sky full of stars" in Italian, and this was the third consecutive year that the show was held. In a collaboration with Kyogen performer Mansai Nomura (58), who was dressed as Abe no Seimei from the movie "Onmyoji," Hanyu performed "SEIMEI," which he used in his free program at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, and thrilled the audience with two types of quadruple jumps, a salchow and a toe loop. Source: https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/shinsai311/news/20250307-OYT1T50206/ Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250307121958/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/shinsai311/news/20250307-OYT1T50206/ Yuzuru Hanyu holds ice show in Miyagi with theme of requiem and rebirth: "I skated while praying" Ahead of the 14th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, an ice show hosted by Yuzuru Hanyu (30), the men's figure skating champion at the Olympics and now a professional, opened on the 7th in Rifu Town, Miyagi Prefecture. Reveal hidden contents This time, the guest was Kyogen performer Mansai Nomura, who performed the program "SEIMEI" that he performed at the 2018 Olympics, when he won consecutive Olympic gold medals. The venue, "Sekisui Heim Super Arena," was used as a morgue during the earthquake disaster. Hanyu also performed a program directed by Mansai with the theme of repose and rebirth. He reflected, "I hoped that the program would serve as a catalyst for what we can do in the wake of 3/11 and other disasters, and I skated while praying." Hanyu, who was affected by the disaster in his hometown of Sendai, has been holding a show in Miyagi Prefecture every March since 2011 since turning professional, and this will be his third time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yuzurujenn Posted March 14 Author Share Posted March 14 2025.03.07 Source: https://www.olympics.com/en/news/figure-skating-hanyu-yuzuru-notte-stellata-2025 Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250308105536/https://www.olympics.com/en/news/figure-skating-hanyu-yuzuru-notte-stellata-2025 Hanyu Yuzuru on 'Notte Stellata 2025': "It really almost felt like the Olympics" The two-time Olympic figure skating champion rekindled himself with 'Seimei' - the music that won him the second of his two gold medals - in the annual show dedicated to those affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Reveal hidden contents On a night so special to him, Hanyu Yuzuru turned to the music that won him his second Olympic gold medal - ‘Seimei’. Hanyu on Friday (7 March) took to the ice to open ‘Notte Stellata’ (Starry Night), the Japanese figure skater’s ensemble homage to those affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake on 11 March 2011 that crippled a nation. The Magnitude 9.1 quake, combined with a tsunami and a nuclear power plant meltdown, claimed almost 16,000 lives with more than 2,500 still missing as it levelled the Japanese eastern coastline - including Hanyu’s hometown Sendai. It was the third straight year the two-time Winter Olympic champion performed the headline act in the three-day ice show in his native Miyagi Prefecture. “With Seimei, I almost felt intimidated by it, like I couldn’t make a single mistake,” Hanyu told reporters after the scheduled two-hour performance. “I was so nervous it really almost felt like the Olympics.” Hanyu Yuzuru: 'It was an incredible honour' Since retiring in July 2022, following his third Olympic Games appearance in Beijing, Hanyu has skated Notte Stellata in Miyagi each year, with fellow Olympians and some of Japan’s most celebrated artists also performing. Friday was no exception, featuring Hanyu’s former training partners Javier Fernandez and Jason Brown, as well as fellow Olympians Shae-Lynn Bourne, Miyahara Satoko, Suzuki Akiko, and Tanaka Keiji. But the collaboration which floored the crowd of 6,256 and brought them to a standing ovation was with top Noh (a form of Japanese drama-dance) theatre performer Nomura Mansai, whose music in a feature film was used by Hanyu for his free skating music from the 2015-16 season. Hanyu stuck with the tune through the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games, and went on to defend the men’s singles title to cement his legendary status in the sport. “Notte Stellata means starry night. On 11 March 2011, a day of loss for many people, I looked up at the evening sky and it was beautiful. I would be oversimplifying it to say I drew hope from the stars I saw that night, but I remember it being stunning and it’s become a very dear memory to me,” Hanyu said as the show got underway. “At times this might be lonely, at times difficult. It might bring back a lot of things and make you sad. But we will perform with prayers from our soul, to those who are no longer with us, as well as to those who still are.” “It was an incredible honour to be touched by the important music that won me a gold medal. I like to think Seimei has done its part for 3.11.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yuzurujenn Posted March 14 Author Share Posted March 14 machine translation, inaccuracies exist* 2025.03.07 Source: https://www.daily.co.jp/general/2025/03/07/0018727121.shtml Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250314060947/https://www.daily.co.jp/general/2025/03/07/0018727121.shtml Yuzuru Hanyu: "I'm so nervous it feels like the Olympics" New dimension collaboration with Mansai Nomura for "SEIMEI" "Always a majestic presence from behind" Mansai praises him highly, "He's grown into a reliable performer. I'm so happy" Professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu (30), a two-time Olympic champion from Sendai, took the helm as the lead performer in the ice show "Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata," which opened on the 7th at Sekisui Heim Super Arena in Rifu Town, Miyagi Prefecture. Reveal hidden contents As the 14th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake approaches on the 11th—a disaster that Hanyu himself experienced—he performed the legendary program "SEIMEI" in collaboration with Kyogen master Mansai Nomura (58), dedicating his performance to his hometown as an act of remembrance. This marks the third consecutive year of the ice show, with performances running until the 9th. Hanyu’s iconic program reached a new level of artistry through its fusion with Kyogen. The venue, which once served as a temporary morgue in the aftermath of the earthquake, became the stage for an extraordinary performance. Nomura, portraying the legendary onmyoji (yin-yang master) Abe no Seimei, summoned Hanyu as a shikigami (spirit servant) with the words "Heaven, Earth, and Man." Together, they executed a dynamic display of movement, culminating in the formation of a pentagram on the ice—a sacred symbol meant to bring peace to wandering souls. Hanyu first performed "SEIMEI" as his free program when he won gold at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. A decade ago, when creating the program, he had the opportunity to speak with Nomura, who played Abe no Seimei in the film Onmyoji, receiving valuable insights from him. Now, ten years later, this extraordinary collaboration has finally come to life. Reflecting on the experience, Hanyu shared: "I was incredibly nervous. When it comes to SEIMEI, I always feel a sense of authority looming behind me. The pressure was immense—I felt as if I were back at the Olympics, unable to afford a single mistake." He continued: "Over the years, I have gained various experiences and taken on numerous challenges as a professional. Because of that, I wanted to stand on the same ground, to meet eye to eye, to speak from an equal perspective with Nomura-san. Throughout our discussions, I was constantly mindful of carrying myself as a professional skater who could truly engage in this collaboration." "As for myself, I still consider myself a novice in the world of professional expression. To collaborate with someone who carries the legacy of Japan’s traditional performing arts, someone who is truly exceptional in his field, felt overwhelming. I knew I had to deliver a level of skating and artistry worthy of this collaboration. That thought weighed heavily on me throughout rehearsals." "If I were to grade today’s performance, I’d give myself about 50 points. I was really, really nervous." Nomura, in turn, expressed his admiration for Hanyu: "This is the program that marked his historic Olympic achievement. To be involved in such an important piece is an honor." Regarding Hanyu as an artist, he added: "Seeing how he has grown into such a reliable and mature performer brings me great joy. Just as I bear the responsibility of carrying Japan’s traditional culture, he too shoulders an enormous burden in his own way. In that sense, he is not just an individual but a public figure whose influence extends beyond himself." "His vision, his determination, and his actions transcend the realm of skating. They are all condensed into this remarkable show. I believe the profession of ‘Yuzuru Hanyu’ will only continue to evolve, achieving even greater things in the future." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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