[2025] Notte Stellata 2025

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2025.03.10

 

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20250309-OHT1T51290.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250309202420/https://hochi.news/articles/20250309-OHT1T51290.html?page=1

 

Hope seen in the sight of Yuzuru Hanyu and Mansai Nomura embracing each other "A feeling of being alive" Final performance of "Notete Stellata"

 

The ice show "Yuzuru Hanyu Notete Stellata 2025," led by professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu (30), ended its three-day performance schedule on the 9th at the Sekisui Heim Super Arena (Grande 21) in Miyagi. The 11th marks 14 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. The show, which sends out hope from the disaster-stricken Tohoku region, ended with the shouts of special guest Kyogen performer Mansai Nomura (58) and Hanyu's tears and smile.

 

Spoiler

Hanyu was moved to tears by the surprise that could only come from the final performance. Mansai took the microphone for the "curtain call."

 

　He began with "Let's unite our hearts..." and then he turned up the volume. "Do you feel like you're really alive right now?!" "Are you glad to be alive?!" There was a call and response with the audience.

 

Hanyu, who skated through the three-day performance with all his heart, was overcome with emotion. "We were able to share with everyone the happiness of feeling alive." He laughed and cried next to Mansai.

 

　The collaborative pieces with people he admires are "SEIMEI" and "Bolero." "MANSAI Bolero," which combines Kyogen and Ravel's dance music, premiered in 2011, the year of the earthquake, and is imbued with the meanings of "requiem" and "rebirth."

 

At the center of the rink, Mansai dances like a deity. The performance tells a story of prayer for recovery and renewal. As an artist, Hanyu was described by Mansai as someone who "shares the same DNA." Together, they reflected on the earthquake and created a transcendent world. Their final jump was nothing short of a leap into the next life.

 

The production was directed by Mansai himself, while the choreography for the six skaters was crafted by world-renowned choreographer Shae-Lynn Bourne. The entire group first rehearsed together on the ice just two days before the show’s opening. The choreography evolved daily, undergoing refinements until the last moment. Their goal was to create a performance and show structure worthy of embracing the presence of Nomura Mansai, resulting in an uncompromising masterpiece.

 

"From 'Boléro' to each individual program and the collaboration with Mansai-san, everything embodied prayer, rebirth, and creation. This land, once broken and seemingly halted, holds an even stronger significance—our skating here is a prayer for revival and renewal."

 

As the leader of notte stellata for the third time, Hanyu nurtured this performance alongside his treasured companions. Each day, he reflected on the weight of skating at a venue that once served as a resting place for many victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

 

Just before the first performance on March 7, after completing the final rehearsal, Hanyu stepped off the ice, pressed his hands together in front of his chest, then placed his right hand on the ice and rested his forehead against it.

 

Performers poured their souls into their movements, while the audience deeply felt the essence of life itself. In that shared space, emotions resonated as one.

 

Together with Mansai, they conveyed the preciousness of living. And in the embrace between Mansai and Hanyu, a beacon of hope shone through.

 

 

 

 

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20250310-OHT1T51003.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250311030255/https://hochi.news/articles/20250310-OHT1T51003.html?page=1

 

Yuzuru Hanyu: "I skated with a prayer for rebirth" - Final performance of "Notte Stellata"

 

Spoiler

The final performance of the ice show "Hanyu Yuzuru Note Stellata 2025," led by professional figure skater Hanyu Yuzuru (30), was held on the 9th at Sekisui Heim Super Arena (Grande 21) in Miyagi. The 11th marks 14 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. The show, which sends out hope from Tohoku, ended with the shouts of special guest Kyogen performer Nomura Mansai (58) and Hanyu's tears and smile.

 

　After the performance, Hanyu addressed the audience, saying, "Above all, we were able to share in this happiness of feeling alive, so I really have nothing more to say."

 

　"This time, including 'Bolero', each of our programs, and our collaboration with Mansai, everything was prayer, rebirth, and creation. I skated with prayer, as if things would be revived and reborn from here all the more, precisely because this place seemed to have been broken, to have come to a halt. I hope that today will bring even a little hope to all of you, and that you will look forward to the day we can meet again. Thank you very much for today."

 

　A show dedicated with heart and soul, performed by nine skaters alongside an admired figure, from a land deeply affected by disaster. That unwavering devotion reached the hearts of those who watched. (Megumi Takagi)

 

 

 

 

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20250310-OHT1T51004.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250310025220/https://hochi.news/articles/20250310-OHT1T51004.html?page=1

 

Mansai Nomura shouted and Yuzuru Hanyu cried: The preciousness of being alive at the final performance of "NOTTE STELLATA"

 

Spoiler

The final performance of the ice show "Hanyu Yuzuru Note Stellata 2025," led by professional figure skater Hanyu Yuzuru (30), was held on the 9th at Sekisui Heim Super Arena (Grande 21) in Miyagi. The 11th marks 14 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. The show, which sends out hope from Tohoku, ended with the shouts of special guest Kyogen performer Nomura Mansai (58) and Hanyu's tears and smile.

 

　Tears welled up in Hanyu's eyes at the surprise that could only come on the final day of a performance. Mansai took the microphone for the "curtain call." "Do you feel like you're really alive right now?" "Are you glad to be alive?" It was a call and response with the audience. After skating through the three days of performances with all his heart, Hanyu's heart was suddenly filled with emotion. "We were all able to share the happiness of feeling alive." Next to Mansai, he laughed and cried.

 

　At the grand finale, Hanyu and Mansai embraced each other. After all the performers had left the stage, Hanyu's voice echoed through the venue. As the crowd called out "3, 2, 1," the lights came on and Mansai's skating action on land was illuminated.

 

Mansai took the microphone for the first time on the final day and shouted, "Do you really feel like you're alive right now?" "Are you glad to be alive?" There was a call and response with the audience. After skating through the three days of performances with his heart, Hanyu's heart was suddenly filled with emotion. "We were all able to share the happiness of feeling alive." The ice show in Tohoku conveyed the preciousness of being alive. He laughed and cried next to Mansai.

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2025.03.10

 

Source: https://www.ninomiyasports.com/archives/129743

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250310200645/https://www.ninomiyasports.com/archives/129743

 

Yuzuru Hanyu’s notte stellata must not simply be remembered as something that was "moving"—it carries a deeper significance.

 

Professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu's ice show notte stellata 2025, where he served as the lead performer, concluded on March 9. The opening night on March 7 at Sekisui Heim Super Arena attracted an audience of 6,256 people.

 

Spoiler

The concept of notte stellata is to send a message of hope from the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, featuring Hanyu and other top skaters alongside special guests. First held in 2023, this year marked its third installment. The special guest this time was Kyogen actor Mansai Nomura.

 

Every year, disaster prevention awareness posters are displayed in the square in front of the arena, with Hanyu as the face of the campaign. I am one of those who have been inspired by Hanyu’s advocacy for disaster preparedness through the media. Now, before going to bed, I place an old pair of futsal shoes beside my pillow. Something that was once destined to be discarded has found a new purpose—it almost feels as if the shoes are smiling at me.

 

At this year’s notte stellata, a special morning market from Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, was held inside the sub-arena adjacent to the main venue. The market featured Wajima lacquerware bowls and chopsticks, as well as locally processed food products from Ishikawa.

 

I hope you’ll allow me to share something personal. My drinking companion, M, lost a friend in the Noto Peninsula earthquake. Seeing the disaster prevention awareness posters and the Wajima market reminded me of something M once told me.

 

"If only they had a whistle, my friend might have been saved. When you're trapped under rubble and unable to move, making noise is crucial. Even if your strength fades and you can no longer call out, a whistle can still produce sound with just a small breath. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy—just having a whistle could have saved so many lives..."

 

Now, back to Hanyu. After the opening night of notte stellata 2025, he spoke:

 

"Everyone skating in this venue performed with the hope that, in some way, we could contribute—even just a little—to raising awareness about 3.11 and other disasters. We skated while praying for that purpose."

 

He continued: "Being part of notte stellata and performing in this ice show made me reflect once again on the question, ‘What is my role?’"

 

His role, first and foremost, is to deliver the highest level of entertainment as a professional skater. But he also carries the responsibility of spreading awareness about disaster preparedness.

 

I started researching emergency whistles. I felt that simply saying, "Hanyu's performance was incredible" or "Mansai's dance was magnificent" or "It was so moving" wasn't enough to conclude notte stellata.

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2025.03.10

 

Source: https://jbpress.ismedia.jp/articles/-/87080

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250310035911/https://jbpress.ismedia.jp/articles/-/87080

 

Finally "on the same level"... Yuzuru Hanyu's determination in performing with Mansai Nomura, and prayers for the victims of the 3/11 disaster

 

The ice show "Hanyu Yuzuru notte stellata 2025," hosted by professional skater Hanyu Yuzuru, was held for three days from March 7th at Sekisui Heim Super Arena in his hometown of Miyagi. This was the third consecutive year that Hanyu and others performed a requiem dance to offer prayers to the disaster-stricken areas. The special guest this time was Kyogen performer Nomura Mansai. A spectacular collaboration was realized between Mansai's signature piece "MANSAI Bolero" and Hanyu's signature program "SEIMEI," which saw him reach the top as an athlete.

 

Spoiler

A fusion of Kyogen and ice show

　The first highlight awaited at the end of the first part of the first half.

 

　"MANSAI Bolero," which Mansai premiered in 2011 with the thoughts of "requiem" and "rebirth," was combined with figure skating by Hanyu and other performers in a group performance on a rink in the disaster-stricken area.

 

A huge round of applause erupted in the dark and silent venue. Mansai appeared. He walked slowly to the special stage in the center of the rink. The sound of falling water echoed through the venue, creating a solemn atmosphere.

 

Supported by Miyahara Satoko, Suzuki Akiko, Tanaka Keiji, Mura Takahito, and Shae-Lynn Bourne, Hanyu, dressed in traditional Japanese clothing, danced with his sleeves beautifully fluttering. On stage, Mansai also demonstrated the powerful footsteps characteristic of Kyogen, and his movements became one with Hanyu as he skated down the ice.

 

　Two artistic expressions, traditional Japanese performing arts and figure skating, whose origins lie overseas, came together. At the climax, Mansai took a dynamic flight from the stage. When the performance ended, the venue was instantly filled with a standing ovation.

 

　During a press conference, Mansai revealed the thoughts he put into "MANSAI Bolero."

 

A memorial and prayer for the 3/11 disaster in "Bolero"

"In the process of turning the events of 3/11 into prayers, I specifically depicted images of people lifting up a child and asking for help... Yes, even in times of hardship, flowers will bloom, rain will fall, and summer will come. I made these images somewhat concrete, while also turning them into abstract concepts, so that ultimately it would be possible to glimpse the whole of a human life. The idea is to convey the idea of soaring from death into the next life, which is the final jump. So, while it may seem very abstract when you look at it, I think if you look at it with that in mind, you will see something special."

 

For Hanyu, collaborating with Mansai in this show was a long-cherished dream.

 

"Of course, I deeply appreciate everyone I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with so far. However, when planning collaborations, I don’t just think about figure skating alone. I always consider what kind of guest would elevate the show to a level of prestige—one that anyone watching would recognize as truly exceptional. With this in mind, we held discussions. In fact, from the very beginning of launching notte stellata, I had always wanted to collaborate with Mansai-san someday. And knowing that Boléro embodies the themes of 'requiem' and 'rebirth,' I was absolutely determined to make it happen."

 

　It wasn't just about making his dream come true. His long-held wish led to a strong determination to take on the show.

 

"Speaking of myself, I feel that I am still a novice now that I have firmly stepped into the 'professional world' and the 'world of expression.' (Mansai) is someone who has inherited Japan's traditional performing arts from generation to generation, and is particularly outstanding among them. It is an honor to collaborate with such a person, and I have felt very strongly from rehearsals that I need to have the skating appropriate to the occasion, the artistry of a professional."

 

　The fusion of traditional performing arts and figure skating is not something that can be achieved simply by performing in the same space. For their expressions to intertwine at a high level, it was a challenging theme to navigate.

 

"The choreography for Bolero was gradually developed after the other skaters arrived here. For that reason, when Mansai first saw it, it was still not completely finished. He was a little unsure of what to do. However, as we spent a lot of time here at the venue going through the program over and over again, there were many times when Mansai helped me out with the choreography. I think that I also thought a lot about what kind of movements I should use to coordinate with Mansai when we completed Bolero."

 

Hanyu has evolved in the 10 years since meeting Mansai

 

If Mansai’s MANSAI Boléro is a solo dance that connects the concepts of dance music and Kyogen after years of planning, then Boléro also holds a special place in the world of figure skating.

 

In the 1984 Sarajevo Olympics, British ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean delivered a legendary performance of Boléro, earning perfect 6.0 scores in artistic impression from every judge under the old scoring system.

 

Hanyu revealed, “As a figure skater, I had never used this music before, but there is, of course, that legendary ice dance performance. Even Shay (Shae-Lynn Bourne), who choreographed this program, said it was extremely difficult.”

 

In front of Mansai, who had come all the way to the disaster area, there was no room for compromise. The person there was not the Hanyu who, with a wry smile, said in front of Mansai 10 years ago, "I was so in awe, and just so nervous."

 

"This time, because I have gained various experiences and have been working as a professional, I made sure to hold myself with confidence and approach our discussions as a professional skater—so that I could stand on equal footing and truly engage in this collaboration."

　

The standing ovation from the packed audience at the end of the first half was the ultimate response to the performance Hanyu had crafted alongside Mansai.

 

"I feel like he’s opened up to me just a little," Hanyu said, with a slight look of relief on his face, though his tension remained unbroken.

 

"We incorporated various gestures into Mansai's 'Bolero,' and I felt that it was a 'Bolero' that could only be done through this collaboration. Now that this collaboration has become a reality, to be honest, it still feels like a dream. But I feel that we have come a little closer to creating a skating and show that is worthy of accepting Mansai and the existence of Nomura Mansai."

 

　Hanyu's spirit reached Mansai's heart.

 

"Through his experiences, I see that he has steadily broken out of his shell, sprouted, and now, at this very moment, is blooming. Seeing his growth, I find it truly reassuring," Mansai reflected.

 

When Hanyu heard these words relayed by a reporter during a group interview, he responded with humility and unwavering ambition:

 

"I still have a long way to go, so I will continue to devote myself to improvement."

 

 

 

 

 

Source: https://jbpress.ismedia.jp/articles/-/87081

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250310011603/https://jbpress.ismedia.jp/articles/-/87081

 

The "capacity" of Mansai Nomura astonished Yuzuru Hanyu... The two's thorough commitment to achieving the perfect collaboration between Kyogen and ice skating

 

The ice show "Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata 2025," led by professional skater Yuzuru Hanyu, was held for three days from March 7 at Sekisui Heim Super Arena in his hometown of Miyagi. One of Hanyu’s signature programs, "SEIMEI," set to the soundtrack of the movie Onmyoji, was performed in collaboration with kyogen actor Mansai Nomura, who starred in the film. Ten years after their first conversation, Hanyu and Mansai came together to dedicate this performance to the victims of the disaster-stricken region.

 

Spoiler

This time, he plays the role of a servant, not "Abe no Seimei"

 

From the upper center of the screen, Mansai Nomura, portraying Abe no Seimei, made his entrance, marking the beginning of "SEIMEI," a performance that transcended time and space, crafted by the solitary skater and the kyogen actor.

 

In the original "SEIMEI," Hanyu himself embodied Abe no Seimei, but this time, he took on the role of a summoned servant. As Nomura’s Seimei called upon him as a shikigami with the words "Heaven, Earth, and Man," Hanyu brought to life his legendary program—one that had propelled him to his second consecutive Olympic gold at the 2018 PyeongChang Games—with breathtaking dynamism.

 

"Because Abe no Seimei is a perfect and mysterious presence, I felt that I had to truly embody the role of a shikigami—not perfect myself, but rather a being granted power. With that in mind, I skated with full intensity, putting all my strength into every movement, even more so than when I usually perform SEIMEI."

 

He executed a brilliant quadruple Salchow and landed a flawless quadruple toe loop into a triple combination jump. Unlike his usual program, which flows seamlessly from one dynamic motion to another, this time he incorporated deliberate pauses, creating a striking contrast between stillness and movement. Within this heightened dramatic structure, he successfully landed high-difficulty quadruple jumps in a one-chance performance.

 

"I was incredibly nervous. I constantly felt an overwhelming presence behind me, a sense of authority that made me feel like I simply couldn’t afford to make any mistakes. The pressure was immense—it honestly felt like I was skating in the Olympics again."

 

As Hanyu reflected on his performance, an unexpected moment from the show came to light. Just before the second act began, with the lights still on and the rink fully illuminated, he suddenly appeared. While the audience erupted in excitement at the surprise, his expression remained tense with concentration. He glided across the ice, jumped, and carefully checked his body’s axis, ensuring that every movement was calibrated to perfection.

 

Hanyu was impressed by Mansai Nomura's "talent"

 

What was the intention behind the scene that resembled six minutes of practice just before a performance in his competitive days? It was probably preparation to overcome the "pressure of not being able to make any mistakes" that Hanyu spoke of in a press conference after the show.

 

During the planning stage, it was made clear that even if you try to coordinate your movements between Kyogen on the ground and figure skating on the ice, there is a slight time lag. Mansai reflected, "When Hanyu and I take turns performing, we want to go right into the break in the music, but skating is not an immediate performance, and you need to make some preparatory movements to gain some initial speed, so I understood that you need that amount of time."

 

To bridge the timing gap, a smoke effect was used as a creative solution, while Mansai-san adjusted his exit by making it more dramatic. He, too, refused to compromise when it came to refining the performance. During the act, Hanyu was astonished to see Mansai running at full speed along the rinkside, dashing from one end of the ice to the other.

 

"I don't think there are many people in the world who could make Nomura Mansai run to the point of breathlessness. It’s truly overwhelming, but Mansai-san gave everything he had to perform SEIMEI to the fullest. During rehearsals, I realized I had asked something incredibly demanding of him. In the final moments, he has to keep dashing across the rink, and while I felt truly sorry for that, I was also deeply moved by his incredible dedication and the sheer magnitude of his ability. My respect for him only grew even more."

 

During his final pre-performance adjustment on the ice, Hanyu’s last jump didn’t fully rotate. However, when it came to the actual performance, he executed it flawlessly, electrifying the audience. It was a perfect correction—one that showcased Hanyu’s signature ability to deliver under pressure.

 

As the performance neared its climax, the audience naturally began clapping along to the rhythm. The grand, solemn atmosphere heightened the energy in the arena, creating a seamless fusion of Noh theater and figure skating, of traditional performing arts and sports—a truly perfect collaboration.

 

Hanyu expressed his gratitude generously, and in response, Mansai-san deeply recognized Hanyu’s profound attachment to SEIMEI and his dedication to their collaboration.

 

"From the very beginning of this creative process, I could feel just how much Hanyu-san loves Onmyoji. Honestly, he might even know more about it than I do. This is the music that marks his crowning achievement, the piece to which he won his Olympic gold medal. To be involved in something so significant to him—I feel truly honored."

 

Mansai was also impressed by Hanyu's "growth"

 

Mansai, recalling their conversation 10 years ago in which Hanyu vividly recalled feeling nervous, praised him, saying, "I remember that during our conversation, I said that I control heaven, earth, and people, that I manipulate space and time, and that I am clothed in music. Indeed, as Hanyu produces and directs ice shows, I feel that he truly controls heaven, earth, and people, and I feel that he has grown in a reliable way."

 

For Hanyu, the collaboration with Mansai on "SEIMEI" also seemed to be an opportunity for him to reexamine his own mission.

 

"It's quite different from the way I've felt until now. I wonder what my role is, and this may be a bit of a stretch, but I felt like I was being asked again what my role in being able to appear in this ice show, 'Notte Stellata,' and in my life is."

 

During the post-show press conference, both Mansai and Hanyu had about ten minutes each to speak. As they shared profound insights and complemented each other's thoughts, time seemed to pass in an instant. Hanyu, in particular, spoke more than usual—an indication of just how much he had gained from this experience and how deeply he wished to convey it through the media.

 

When the interview finished, Hanyu faced the press and said, "I'm sorry, I spoke for so long. Thank you." He continued, "It reminded me a bit of when I was talking for a long time at the NHK Trophy and then they said, 'That's it.' Thank you, as always, for sticking with me through my long-winded answers. I really appreciate it. Looking forward to next time. Thank you," concluding in typical Hanyu style with words of appreciation and laughter.

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2025.03.10

 

Source: https://natalie.mu/stage/news/615060

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250314123148/https://natalie.mu/stage/news/615060

 

"Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata 2025", a collaboration with Mansai Nomura, will be broadcast for three consecutive months on NTV Plus

 

The third installment of the series, " Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata 2025," which premiered in March 2023 and was performed at the Sekisui Heim Super Arena in Miyagi from March 7th to 9th this year , will be broadcast on the CS channel NTV Plus from March to May.

 

"Hanyu Yuzuru notte stellata" is a series led by Hanyu Yuzuru . The series is a show that conveys "hope" based on Hanyu's experience of feeling a "ray of hope" in the "sky full of stars" he saw in the darkness of a blackout after being affected by the disaster in his hometown of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, in March 2011. In addition to special guest Nomura Mansai, Javier Fernandez, Jason Brown, Shae-Lynn Bourne, Miyahara Satoko, Suzuki Akiko, Tanaka Keiji, Mura Takahito, Hongo Rika, and Violetta Afanasieva also appeared in "Hanyu Yuzuru notte stellata 2025."

 

Nittele Plus will air the March 9th performance from 9:00 on March 31st, the March 7th performance from 20:00 on April 6th, and the March 8th performance from 17:00 on May 3rd. In addition, they will broadcast "Hanyu Yuzuru notte stellata 2024," in which Daichi Mao appears as a special guest, on March 21st at 23:30, March 28th at 23:30, and April 6th at 22:00. Please check the official website for details of the broadcast performances.

 

A delayed broadcast of "Hanyu Yuzuru notte stellata 2025" will begin tomorrow, March 11th, at 7:00 p.m., and will be available for on-demand viewing until 11:59 p.m. on the 18th.

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2025.03.11

 

Source: https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2025/03/11/kiji/20250311s00079000145000c.html

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250311161702/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2025/03/11/kiji/20250311s00079000145000c.html

 

Professional skater Takahito Mura reveals two shots of his friendship with Yuzuru Hanyu, expressing his gratitude to him for "always inspiring me"

 

On the 11th, professional figure skater Takahito Mura (34) updated his Instagram with a photo of himself with Yuzuru Hanyu (30), a two- time Olympic champion in men's figure skating who is also active as a professional.

 

Mura appeared in the ice show "Hanyu Yuzuru notte stellata 2025," where Hanyu served as the show's leader. He released a behind-the-scenes shot from the event. The photo shows Mura and Hanyu smiling and making a peace sign, and Mura expressed his gratitude, saying, "Yuzu, thank you for inviting me again this year."

 

　Furthermore, Mura said he was impressed by Hanyu's performance, writing, "No matter how many times I see your performance, it's truly amazing... You always inspire me... I'm looking forward to seeing what you'll show us next."

 

　This post received comments such as, "Thank you for showing us the photo, Mura-kun."

[yuzurujenn]

2025.03.11

 

Source: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250311/p2g/00m/0sp/040000c

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250311083050/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250311/p2g/00m/0sp/040000c

 

Olympic hero Yuzuru Hanyu pledges to continue giving back to quake victims

 

SENDAI (Kyodo) -- Yuzuru Hanyu says the desire to support his native northeastern Japan in its recovery from the 2011 earthquake-tsunami catastrophe was a major motivating factor in his decorated figure skating career.

 

Spoiler

The magnitude-9.0 quake struck 14 years ago when the then first-year high school student was practicing at a rink in his home city of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. His house was deemed "completely destroyed," forcing the youngster to spend time at an evacuation center.

Delivering for northeastern Japan has "been one of the missions of my figure skating career," Hanyu said during a Kyodo News interview on Monday in Sendai, the prefectural capital.

"There remain lots of unresolved issues. I hope to be by the side (of those who suffered) and keep sending messages (of support)."

The quake and tsunami claimed around 15,900 lives, with 2,520 people still unaccounted for, and destroyed large swathes of Miyagi, Iwate and Fukushima prefectures as well as triggering a long-running nuclear disaster.

"The sights from that period, and the fear I felt at that moment, I can recall them like yesterday," he said.

After becoming the first Asian to win figure skating Olympic gold in the men's event in Sochi in 2014, Hanyu returned to Japan and began making visits to the city of Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture among other devastated areas, using his fame to bring a positive distraction to struggling locals.

Hanyu, who went on to defend his Olympic title in 2018 in Pyeongchang, said despite having personal experience of the disaster, he still felt unsure whether his efforts were ultimately worthy.

"I wasn't sure if it was right for an outsider to step into such areas," he said. "I'm aware there are people yet to return to their houses, and those left with scars on their hearts."

Hanyu's support for disaster-hit regions extended to other parts of Japan after he visited Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, last June after the M7.6 quake jolted Noto Peninsula on New Year's Day in 2024, killing more than 200 people.

He appeared in a charity event held in the prefecture in September and donated 44 million yen ($300,000) raised through livestreaming and T-shirt sales.

Hanyu promoted an exchange between Ishikawa Prefecture and his home region when he offered Wajima store owners who lost their businesses in a post-quake fire an opportunity to open booths in Sendai during his three-day ice show through Sunday.

"The fans who came to watch the show bought products from Wajima to support them, and I could sense the circle of support expanding," Hanyu said. "It made me realize that this could actually be the best way I can help."

With Hanyu's status as an icon of his sport not waning despite him leaving the competitive rink in 2022 for a professional career, the 2011 disaster will always be in the back of his mind.

"I want to be the catalyst to ensure the memory of the Great East Japan Earthquake never fades," he said.

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2025.03.11

 

Source: https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/E1741675761945/

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250311090104/https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/E1741675761945/

 

Yuzuru Hanyu on 14 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake: "I will continue to face it again and again and pray"

 

On the 11th, professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu updated his Instagram with his thoughts on the 14 years that have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake.

 

In his post, Hanyu wrote, "On March 11, 2011, there were days that can never return, up until 14:46," expressing his deep emotion at the sudden loss of his everyday life before the disaster.

 

He also reflected on his emotions at the time, saying, "I couldn't understand—had we done something wrong? Why did so many people have to suffer?" conveying the shock and sorrow he felt in the aftermath of the disaster.

 

He continued, "To the many lives lost that day, to the land that still bears unhealed wounds, I will continue to face it, again and again, and keep praying." Through these words, he expressed his deep condolences for the victims and his ongoing prayers for the regions still affected.

 

Furthermore, he added, "It is the anniversary of many lives lost, and over these 14 years, also the birthday of many. I will always cherish this day, praying and living with it in my heart," demonstrating his commitment to remembering the tragedy while honoring those who passed away.

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2025.03.11

 

Source: https://mainichi.jp/articles/20250310/k00/00m/050/195000c

(paid article, only partially translated)

 

 

The meaning behind Yuzuru Hanyu's performance of "SEIMEI" with Mansai Nomura

 

Ahead of the 14th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the ice show "Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata 2025" hosted by Yuzuru Hanyu (30), a professional skater who won two consecutive Winter Olympics gold medals in men's figure skating, was held at the Sekisui Heim Super Arena in Rifu-cho, Miyagi Prefecture from the 7th to the 9th. This was the third time the show was held, and Kyogen performer Mansai Nomura appeared as a special guest.

 

Spoiler

We have already published a detailed report　of the show and conversations between Hanyu and Nomura , but this time I would like to write down in a column what I felt through this collaboration that could be described as otherworldly.

 

"SEIMEI" shows an intense expression

 

The murmurs in the venue did not subside for a while. The notes I had been writing stopped, and the hand holding my pen naturally turned into applause for the two performers.

 

On the opening night of the show, which was open to the press on March 7, the second act began with the dimmed stage revealing Nomura, who appeared on a suspended platform. Dressed as Abe no Seimei, the character he played in the film Onmyoji, Nomura chanted, "Appear, Yuzuru Hanyu—Kyukyu Nyo Ritsuryo," while dropping a paper effigy, summoning Hanyu as a shikigami, marking the start of SEIMEI.

 

Descending to the ice, Nomura moved along the rink's edge, chanting incantations, while Hanyu executed flawless, fluid movements, landing two types of quadruple jumps—Salchow and toe loop. From the vivid choreography sequence to the final spin, when the performance ended, a pentagram, the symbol of Abe no Seimei, was drawn on the ice.

 

SEIMEI is one of Hanyu’s most cherished programs, not only for fans but also for himself, as he has called it "one of my signature pieces."

 

Beyond securing his second consecutive Olympic gold medal at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Hanyu has continued to revisit SEIMEI throughout his career. In the summer of 2022, when he launched his professional skating career with the open practice SharePractice, he kept repeating the performance until he could do it perfectly. It was also the opening program of Prologue, his first solo ice show.

 

However, this time, it was not just his intense expressions that stood out. Even the simple act of kneeling before Nomura’s Abe no Seimei as a shikigami was imbued with a compelling depth that captivated the audience. Taichi Kaizuka, the photographer documenting the event, reviewed his shots and remarked, "This feels different from usual," before selecting the image for publication.

 

The Sense of Authority Felt From Behind

After the performance, Hanyu reflected on his collaboration with Nomura in SEIMEI:

 

"I constantly felt a sense of authority behind me. The pressure of knowing that I could not afford to make a single mistake made it feel as tense as the Olympics."

 

He also noted how different it felt compared to his previous performances:

 

"Usually, I skate with Abe no Seimei as my motif, but this time..."

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2025.03.11

 

Source: https://digital.kyodonews.jp/deepedge/feature/hanyu-yuzuru-interview-14yrs-since311/

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250311055219/https://digital.kyodonews.jp/deepedge/feature/hanyu-yuzuru-interview-14yrs-since311/

 

[Interview with Yuzuru Hanyu] 14 years after the disaster: "I want to continue to be a catalyst to ensure that the disaster is not forgotten" - Bonds, connections, and relationships... "A form of support that will continue forever" that he discovered during a visit to the disaster-stricken area of Noto - The experience of 3/11 "made him think deeply about life"

 

Yuzuru Hanyu (30), a two-time Olympic champion in men's figure skating, sat down for an interview with Kyodo News in his hometown of Sendai ahead of the 14th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11. Reflecting on the time he experienced the disaster while training at a rink in Sendai, he spoke with determination: "Because I am someone who brings people together, I want to continue being a catalyst for support activities while valuing the power of each individual even more." (Interviewer: Fujiwara Shinya)

 

Spoiler

The earthquake, which he has faced for half his life, is "an event that changed him"

 

--It's been 14 years since the disaster. What are your honest thoughts now?
　"I feel like so much time has passed, but I can still remember the scenes from back then, the emotions I felt, and the fear as if it were yesterday. Both coexist."

 

— At 30 years old, you've spent half your life facing the aftermath of the disaster.
"I feel that I’ve done what I could. That applies not only to how I’ve approached my skating career but also to how I’ve faced the disaster and other calamities beyond 3/11. Over these 14 years, I believe I’ve continuously done everything I could."

 

— In the past, you mentioned that facing the disaster was 'one of the missions of your skating career.' How has 3/11 been a starting point for you and a driving force in your journey?
"It’s difficult to simply say that what happened became my motivation. It would have been better if it had never happened—there’s no doubt about that. I truly wish it hadn’t. But since it did happen, and I’ve moved forward from that day 14 years ago, I think that experience made me reflect more deeply on the value of life. Because I encountered so much sorrow, I developed a stronger desire to stand beside those who are grieving. I can't easily call it a driving force, but it was an incident that changed me."

 

— As both a competitor and a professional, you've never compromised in your performances. Do you feel a responsibility to always give your best because you've continued to face the disaster?

"It's nothing too grand, but since people have high expectations of me, I want to live up to them and exceed their expectations. It's like a sense of pride as a professional, a sense of pride in my skating, it's something that comes naturally," he said. "However, I'm not exaggerating when I say that for each and every performance, there are surely people for whom this performance was their last in their lifetime. There could be illness, a sudden disaster, an accident, financial problems, opportunities. There are so many possible factors. But if there are people for whom this performance, this performance of Yuzuru Hanyu, will be the last they see live, then I believe it would be insincere not to give everything I have in that moment."

 

Continuing to Explore Ways to Support Reconstruction: "The Cooperation of Those Who Support Me Is the Most Important"

 

-- During your solo tour and the ice show "notte stellata" until the 9th, you addressed the audience with the words "the preciousness of life." Is this a theme that you want to continue to focus on as part of your mission as a skater?
　"Well, rather than saying it’s something I’m particularly fixated on, I think it's more about the fact that, fundamentally, I am that kind of person, so it naturally becomes a theme in my expression. If you asked me what it was like before 14 years ago, I’d say that, of course, I had thought a lot about life, but I didn’t think about birth and death this deeply, or maybe I didn’t feel the need to think about them that much."

　"The fact is, because of the earthquake, I started to tie my expression more closely to my skating and its meaning, connecting it more with things like support and assistance. How should I put this? It’s not necessarily about being fixated on something, but more about it being rooted in me. Yeah, I think it's that fundamental. I continue to want to think about life, and the earthquake definitely shaped this thinking and the kind of person I became."

　--You have talked about your ongoing search for how to offer support. Could you share your thoughts on how you now approach the idea of support?

"This year's 'notte stellata'  (held in Miyagi Prefecture from the 7th to the 9th) was not just about wanting to convey something through my performance. There were also local vendors, like those from the Wajima morning market, who set up booths at the venue. The people who came to see me perform, the ones who came to the ice show, ended up buying from these vendors. That, I thought, was the most meaningful form of support I could offer."

 

"Of course, I will continue doing donations and supporting causes, but I realized that, in the end, a temporary event where I create a fund or ask for donations isn’t sustainable. Even if it becomes news for a moment, people often think, 'I can't do that, but they’re doing it, so it’s fine.' That’s something I realized. What I’ve come to understand is that the best way to continue supporting is through the cooperation of the people who support me."

 

"That ties in with something I’ve said all along—that I want to be a catalyst. By facing the earthquake and thinking about it, or by holding events as part of my support activities, I was able to bring people to Sendai. This time, people bought goods from Wajima, and I realized that this kind of support, where I help bring people together, is the most sustainable way to keep expanding the support network."

 

--Is this something you’ve come to realize this year?

"When I spoke with the people from the Wajima morning market, they said they were happy that people bought their products. They also expressed that they felt the strength of support from everyone. Honestly, I was just the catalyst for that, but it made me realize that this is the form of support that will continue. At the same time, it made me realize once again how many people I should be grateful to."

 

I went to Wajima last June. "Interactions between people are powerful."

 

--Hanyu has made large donations, including royalties from your books.

"However, when it comes to royalties or donations, I feel like the act of donating can be done in a single moment, but the feelings behind it don't tend to last. I’ve realized that it’s hard for the sentiment to continue in the long term. That’s why, in situations like this, where I am the catalyst and people are able to broaden their perspectives because of me, I’m really grateful for the cooperation I’ve received. At the same time, it made me want to keep encouraging others to get involved."

 

--It’s not just about Hanyu's personal efforts; you’ve found a form of support by expanding the circle.

"I think it’s one form of support. But it only has meaning if the people who came actually cooperate. It’s because so many people came that it’s truly becoming a catalyst. First and foremost, I have a really strong sense of gratitude toward those people. Plus, I want to continue responding to their expectations, so that they will want to go see my ice shows in the future and that I can continue to function as a real catalyst."

 

--When did you visit Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture?

"Last June."

 

--The vendors at the market were people you met at that time?

"Yes, they were people I had interacted with. But I also heard in the news that the morning market stopped functioning, so they’ve been holding something like a traveling morning market at other stores. When I talked to them, they mentioned that they really want to hold it at the original location. But as the circle of interactions grows, just like with the 3/11 disaster, human connection becomes a real source of strength, especially in tough times. I’d be happy if this could offer even a little bit of support. I know it’s a lot of effort for people to come, but I’d be really glad if this kind of activity could serve as a catalyst for continuing efforts like this."

 

"I want to keep the memory of the disaster from fading," he said, using his fame to his advantage. "The hardships remain, so I want to keep spreading the word."

 

--What was impressive was when you said you wanted to use your high level of recognition in a positive way during the Noto reconstruction ice show. You want to continue facing various issues as a symbol for recovery from the disaster and other crises.

"Yes, I think I’m really a unique person. I’m an athlete who has been reported on to some extent while actively working in the disaster-stricken areas. And among the people who have been watching and supporting me, there are many who have seen the efforts of the victims and those from the affected areas. I truly think that’s a very unique situation. And the fact that so many people continue to support me in real time is, once again, something extremely special. So, since I’m fortunate enough to have so much manpower gathered around me, I want to continue cherishing the power of each individual, not focusing on numbers, but respecting and valuing the strength that each person holds. I want to continue being a catalyst for support and a reason for people to not forget."

 

--You previously said that you were encouraged more than anyone by the words "do your best." In return, you said last year that you want to continue supporting others. Do you still hold onto that feeling?

"Yes, it’s been 14 years since 3/11, but there are still people who haven’t been able to go home, there are houses and land that remain the same as they were back then, and there are still many unresolved issues—not just with the nuclear plant but also in other regions. There are definitely still scars, not just on the land but also in people's hearts. I really want to continue standing by them. That’s how I feel right now."

 

"It's difficult, but to be honest, there are people who don't want to remember it, and there are also people who say that everything is fine now. If we were to focus only on 3/11, there are still disasters in other areas, and there are still many places where they are occurring in clusters, and the Ofunato forest fire was only just put out recently, so it's difficult to express the situation in one word, but there are still many painful things remaining regarding 3/11, so I want to continue to convey that, and I want people to keep it in their hearts. "

 

--Last year, you mentioned that you poured all your feelings about 3/11 into the "notte stellata" ice show. Do you want to continue doing this in the coming years?

"I can't say for sure because I’m not the organizer, so it’s difficult. But to put it another way, I have a strong desire to keep my thoughts about 3/11 and my support activities strong at heart and continue them forever."

 

First visit to disaster-stricken areas since the Sochi Olympics: "It's important to continue to stand by each other"

 

--The first time you visited a disaster-stricken area was after the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, where you won your first gold medal.
　"Yes."

　--You went to Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. At the time, you were hesitant to go. Has anything changed since then?

"There are things that haven't changed. Honestly, I still feel the same way about whether it's okay for an outsider to step in and interfere. When it comes to the painful reality of a situation, if someone who isn't suffering steps in, I feel like if they pointed at me and said, 'You're not really empathizing, are you?' I wouldn’t be able to say anything in response. That feeling hasn’t changed since then. Perhaps it’s something that’s stayed with me since the press conference before the Sochi Olympics. But what has changed since then is that I can now proudly say that the results I achieved, like winning two Olympic gold medals, along with the programs I’ve performed and the various activities I’ve done, have become a catalyst for those people to smile."

 

― What thoughts come to mind when you visit the disaster-stricken areas?

"It's a difficult question, really. This might be somewhat related to what I was talking about earlier, about wanting to expand the circle of support, but even if one person moves debris, there are still limits to what can be done. However, what I really felt during the 3/11 disaster was just how much faster the recovery process became because of the bonds formed by so many people. I truly felt that back then. Those connections originally began with people who came to help after the 1995 Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, when people from Miyagi Prefecture went to volunteer. And now, people from Kansai, who came as a way to pay back that kindness, and many others from different countries, have joined in, and that support has kept expanding and growing into more and more connections, turning into an ongoing legacy of bonds. I witnessed all of that."

 

"In fact, with the current situation in Noto, there are many people who have volunteered because they wanted to go there after receiving the care we received, and I vaguely think that if we could cherish not just one person, but the connections between each individual, and if we could all move forward together, the world would definitely become a better place. I don't just mean disaster-stricken areas, I think it applies to a lot of things, like companies, probably human relationships, and I think it's probably true of the world situation as well. I think that if we cherish the hearts and connections of each individual, and not just family, but all kinds of connections, and cherish and support each other, the world would become a much better place. That's why I feel that ultimately, the most important thing is for people to connect with each other and be able to empathize with each other, and that it's really important that this continues."

 

"I was planning my strategy one year before the Winter Olympics" "Once you become a professional, it's a given"

 

― Changing the topic, after completing your third year as a professional, have you felt any evolution in yourself?

"Every performance, every single time, I’ve been learning different things, facing new challenges, and feeling growth. So it's hard to pinpoint one specific thing and say, 'This is it.' However, this time, the opportunity to collaborate with someone as significant as Mr. Mansai Nomura really allowed me to feel that I’ve stepped onto the stage of professional expression. I feel like I’ve started to stand on that platform, even if just a little."

 

― You already seem to have a sense of standing on the stage with the stature of a Yokozuna, but you still feel there’s more to refine within yourself.

"Yes, definitely. When you experience the presence and stature of someone like Mr. Mansai Nomura, being right there in front of him, you truly feel that. And in that moment, I realized, ‘I’m still young.’ I still have a long way to go. Of course, in the case of SEIMEI, I believe that youthfulness allowed me to express certain things, but I also felt that there are so many things I still need to learn, evolve in, and understand."

 

― Would you say he dominates the atmosphere?

"Well, Mr. Nomura’s very presence itself, just him standing there, expands the space, the world around him. I think that’s how it feels. If you asked whether a figure skater can achieve that, maybe not, because that’s not what we’re about. But in the world of expression, there is something like that. And in order to reach that, I need to absorb and learn from it, constantly improving and making it my own. That’s something I truly feel."

 

― Finally, the Milan-Cortina Olympics is less than a year away. You've experienced the year leading up to the Olympics three times — in Sochi, Pyeongchang, and Beijing, each time in a different role. Looking back, what do you think is the importance of the year before the Olympics?

"One year before the Olympics. I was just making a strategy. I thought a lot about how to peak for the Olympics, how to deepen my thoughts for the Olympics, how to schedule to improve my skills, and so on. But now that I'm away from the Olympics, I feel like I'm doing it every year, or rather, every week, and now that I'm in a world where that's the norm once you become a professional, I feel like I've finally reached the point where I can stand on the same stage as Mansai. Until now, it was fine to just do it over a four-year span, but now I really have to do it every performance, and I have to grow every week, so I think that's what I'm thinking now, looking back."

 

 

 

Profile

Yuzuru Hanyu: In his first appearance at the Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014, he became the first Asian man to win, and in Pyeongchang in 2018, he became the first man to win back-to-back titles in 66 years. He placed 4th in Beijing in 2022. He won the World Championships in 2014 and 2017, and won the Grand Prix Final four times in a row from 2013 to 2016. He has won the All Japan Championships six times. In 2016, he became the first person in the world to successfully perform a quadruple loop. He announced that he would turn professional in July 2022. A graduate of Waseda University. Born on December 7, 1994, he is 30 years old. He is from Sendai City.

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2025.03.11

 

Source: https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/336805

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250311035017/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/336805

 

Yuzuru Hanyu: "We who are alive now..." The thoughts of the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11 are connected

 

[Behind the Scenes: Field Notes] "I feel like I'm being tested in a way about how I should live."　

 

Spoiler

During an interview project related to the Great East Japan Earthquake, professional skater Yuzuru Hanyu (30), who won two consecutive Olympic gold medals in men's figure skating, spoke solemn words that I couldn't get out of my head.

 

　However, when I visited the Great East Japan Earthquake Relics and Memorial Museum in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, during a break from reporting, I was able to understand those words a little better.

 

　On the premises, the old building of Kesennuma Koyo High School, which was severely damaged by the tsunami, remains as it was at the time as a relic from the disaster. The person who told the story was a woman in her 20s who was affected by the disaster as a child. One of her random words told the whole story.

 

"It's cruel."

 

　In an instant, daily life changed completely, and 15,900 people died. Hanyu was also affected by the disaster at his training base, Ice Rink Sendai, when he was a first-year student at Tohoku High School, and he also experienced life in an evacuation shelter. "When I think back, I see a sad past there," he said, revealing that the emotional wounds of the victims have not yet healed.

 

　The whereabouts of 2,520 people are still unknown. There are people who want to return to their families but cannot. Even so, the victims are doing their best to look forward.

 

"As people who have been given life, we must hold our heads high, always have compassion, and live strong, righteous, and resilient lives."

 

　On March 22, 2011, 11 days after the Great East Japan Earthquake, Yuta Kajiwara (then a third-year student at Kesennuma Municipal Hashikami Junior High School) spoke tearful words during his graduation speech that are still etched in the minds of many people.

 

　Other disaster victims share the same sentiments. Hanyu expressed similar feelings during the interview.

 

"We who are alive now have things we must do, and we must face the reality of the present."

 

　We can never change the past, but we can change the future. The questions that Hanyu sends out through his skating are sure to become a beacon that illuminates the future of Tohoku.

 

 

 

Source: https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/336834

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250311040349/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/336834

 

Yuzuru Hanyu: I know the power of "Do your best" so I want to keep saying it... 14 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake

 

The Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred on March 11, 2011, recorded a magnitude of 9.0, the largest ever recorded in Japan. On the 11th, 14 years after the disaster that caused devastating damage mainly in the Tohoku region, professional skater Yuzuru Hanyu (30), who won two consecutive Olympic gold medals in men's figure skating, gave an exclusive interview to this newspaper and revealed his current thoughts. He himself was affected by the disaster at the Sendai Ice Rink, where he was training, when he was a first-year student at Tohoku High School, and also experienced life in an evacuation shelter. We approached the "determination" that the skater, who continues to stand on the ice as a symbol of recovery, has reached after much struggle.

 

Spoiler

--14 years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake

　Hanyu: I can still remember it like it was yesterday, and if I think back, there is a sad past there. But it is because of that that we who are alive now have things we must do, we must face the reality of the present, and in a sense I feel like we are being tested on how we live. Of course, there are many conflicts and complicated feelings, but I want to continue praying, making the most of my 30 years of life, and the 14 years since the disaster, that I have learned and cultivated.

 

　--About half your age has passed.

　Hanyu: Since the season after the disaster, I have been getting a lot of attention as a skater working hard in the disaster-stricken areas, and instead of being the one supporting the disaster-stricken areas like now, I have been the one being supported. As I continued competing, I was always someone who was told to "do your best," but because I was someone who was told to "do your best," I know very well the power that "do your best" has, and that is why I want to continue saying it. I want to "do your best" to inspire hope for those who have been telling me to "do your best" over the past 14 years, and for those who have suffered from the disaster, not just those who suffered on March 11, but also those who are currently suffering or feeling like they are about to give up.

 

　--Do you sometimes "carry too much of that feeling"?

　Hanyu: I think I was carrying too much on my shoulders, so it can't be helped if people think I was carrying too much... But I think I can't deliver hope to everyone if I don't carry it and face it properly, so I think I have to carry it properly. I won't turn a blind eye, and I won't just take it optimistically. There are certainly painful things and sad realities, so I want to accept that and act while thinking about how I want to live at each moment.

 

　--When did you make up your mind?

　Hanyu: It was at the World Championships in March 2012, when I was 17 years old, that I came to understand that I had to accept the disaster and keep fighting, while accepting the support of people who told me to "do my best," I also had to keep telling myself to "do my best."

 

　--You are also actively involved in donation activities for disaster-stricken areas.

　Hanyu: I think that the amount of money I've raised as an individual may not be that large, but by continuing these activities, not only can I provide financial and direct support, but by having these activities highlighted, I think it can also be an opportunity to remember things a little. I think that this is also one of my roles, so I want to continue doing this for a long time.

 

　-- You were inspired by the victims of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake who have made a great recovery.

　Hanyu: The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake (January 17, 1995) occurred about a month after I was born. Even now, 30 years later, people who suffered so much still tell me how they recovered, and I'm inspired by the strength of those who got back up after that. That's why, because I experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake at the age of 16, I want to continue to speak out and spread the message, just as I was inspired by the bonds and strength of those who got back up after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.

 

　--What kind of activities do you want to do in the future?

　Hanyu: I have felt a lot over the last 30 years of my life how powerful continuity is. I want to continue various support activities and donation activities, no matter what form it takes. I would also like to be a catalyst for thinking about the earthquake, current potential disasters, and disaster prevention through these activities.

　

 

☆ Hanyu Yuzuru Born December 7, 1994. Originally from Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. 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.

 

 

 

 

Source: https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/336870

Archived: hhttps://web.archive.org/web/20250311092722/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/336870

 

[Figure Skating] 14 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, Yuzuru Hanyu shares his thoughts on social media: "I will continue skating with prayer"

 

　Yuzuru Hanyu (30), a professional skater who won two consecutive Olympic gold medals in men's figure skating, updated his official social media account on the 11th. He expressed his thoughts on the Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred 14 years ago. 

 

Spoiler

The earthquake recorded a magnitude of 9.0, the largest ever recorded in Japan, and 15,900 people died, mainly in the Tohoku region. The whereabouts of 2,520 people are still unknown, and many people are living with the pain. Hanyu wrote, "The pain from the wounds I received on March 11, 2011, 14 years ago, will never go away and will remain with me forever. There are still lands that have not healed. What has been lost will never be restored. But I will continue to pray."

 

　Hanyu was also a first-year student at Tohoku High School when his training base, the Ice Rink Sendai, was affected by the disaster and he also lived in a shelter. He has been devoted to reconstruction efforts for some time, and most recently delivered "prayer" and "hope" through skating at "Hanyu Yuzuru Note Stellata" (Sekisui Heim Super Arena, Miyagi).

 

"I will continue to seek out what I can do. I will continue to treasure the changing scenery and the unchanging memories. I will continue to skate with prayer," he vowed.

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2025.03.11

 

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20250311-OHT1T51168.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250314140039/https://hochi.news/articles/20250311-OHT1T51168.html?page=1

 

Yuzuru Hanyu: "I will continue to skate with prayer" - 14 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake, he writes on social media

 

Yuzuru Hanyu, the back-to-back Olympic gold medalist in men's figure skating, wrote about his feelings in his official SNS account on the 11th, 14 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

 

Spoiler

"The pain from the wounds I sustained 14 years ago on March 11, 2011 will never go away, and they will remain with me forever. There are still areas that have not healed. What I have lost will never return to the way it was. But I will continue to pray. I will continue to seek out what I can do. I will continue to cherish the changing scenery and the unchanging memories. I will continue to skate with prayer," he said.

 

　Hanyu, who was a first-year student at Tohoku High School in Miyagi, was practicing at a rink in Sendai when the disaster struck and he also lived in an evacuation shelter. He has continued to support the disaster-stricken areas, donating all of the gold medal prize money he won at the 2014 Sochi Olympics and the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics to Miyagi Prefecture and Sendai City. In October last year, he donated 20,641,590 yen to the Sendai Ice Rink, where he is based. His ongoing support since his competitive days has brought his total donations to the rink to 107,971,996 yen.

 

　Since turning professional in 2022, he has had even more opportunities to reach out to the public. For three days from the 7th, he hosted the ice show "Yuzuru Hanyu Notete Stellata 2025" at the Sekisui Heim Super Arena (Grande 21) in Miyagi, an area affected by the disaster. In September last year, he appeared in the "Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Charity Performance" and donated all of the proceeds of 43,878,649 yen, showing that his reconstruction support activities are not limited to his local area.

 

 

 

 

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20250310-OHT1T51202.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250311025749/https://hochi.news/articles/20250310-OHT1T51202.html?page=1

 

Yuzuru Hanyu: Accepting and Carrying the Responsibility 14 Years After the Great East Japan Earthquake - Part 1 of an Exclusive Interview

 

On the 10th, professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu (30) gave an exclusive interview to Sports Hochi in his hometown of Sendai, where he spoke about his thoughts on the Great East Japan Earthquake, which will mark 14 years since the disaster on the 11th. He will continue to support the disaster-stricken areas in a way that only he can, such as hosting the ice show "Yuzuru Hanyu Notete Stellata" in Miyagi. (Interview and composition by Megumi Takagi)

 

Spoiler

Hanyu was 16 years old at the time of the disaster. It has been 14 years since March 11, when he was hit by the disaster at an ice rink in Sendai.

 

　"I want to remember that there are areas, including Fukushima, where the scars are still visible, and that there are people who are still suffering and feeling sadness. I consider myself a victim of the disaster, but more than that, I want to keep in my heart the fact that even 14 years later, there are still people who say they can't go back home, or don't know what to do with their homes."

 

When he was a teenager, he struggled with being treated by the media as if he was a representative of the disaster-stricken areas. He achieved back-to-back Olympic victories in Sochi in 2014 and Pyeongchang in 2018, and with that came more responsibility. Over these 14 years, he’ have gradually walked this path, accepting it little by little.

 

　"It's not something I can say was always smooth sailing. But I feel like I've been accepting things one by one, little by little, for the past 14 years. I feel like I've been continuously accepting and carrying the burden of these things."

 

　In September of last year, he performed at the Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Charity Performance and donated the entire proceeds of 43,878,649 yen. What is at the heart of his support activities?

 

　"I believe it's because I've been supported by many people."

 

　At his first appearance at the World Championships in Nice in March 2012, he won a bronze medal.

 

　"In the 2011–2012 season, I did face many struggles, but at the World Championships at the end of that season, I realized just how much the support of others had an impact on me. From that point on, I was able to feel that I was being supported so much, and that made me want to support others in return. As someone from the disaster-stricken area, I felt so supported, and because I could feel the disaster more closely, it made me want to be in a position to support others even more. I believe that’s at the core of my actions."

 

　In addition to Tohoku, he has also visited the disaster-stricken areas of Ishikawa, Kumamoto, and Hokkaido.

 

　"Some people go to Noto as volunteers as a way of giving back to those who came from Ishikawa to volunteer during the Great East Japan Earthquake. I feel the same way. After all, so many people had all kinds of feelings about 3/11 and gave us their support, so when disasters strike in other regions, we feel a strong desire to support them and give back."

 

　He will continue to skate with thoughts of the disaster-stricken areas in my heart.

 

　"I think that there is no longer any performance that doesn't include that. Whatever program I perform, even if it's something like "Utai" (which I performed in the ice story "Echoes of Life"), I always include some kind of - not a dialogue with the soul, but prayer, empathy with the soul, empathy with some kind of sorrow."

 

 

 

 

 

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20250310-OHT1T51219.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250310215808/https://hochi.news/articles/20250310-OHT1T51219.html?page=1

 

Yuzuru Hanyu thanks his fellow skaters, expresses his "soul" at the show - Part 2 of the exclusive interview

 

On the 10th, professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu (30) gave an exclusive interview to Sports Hochi in his hometown of Sendai, where he spoke about his thoughts on the Great East Japan Earthquake, which will mark 14 years since the disaster on the 11th. He will continue to support the disaster-stricken areas in a way that only he can, such as hosting the ice show "Yuzuru Hanyu Notete Stellata" in Miyagi. (Interview and composition by Megumi Takagi)

 

Spoiler

After turning professional, Hanyu held an ice show titled Notte Stellata, which conveyed his feelings about the earthquake, in Miyagi for three consecutive years. Compared to his competitive years, when competition was the top priority, the opportunity to express himself has increased. His approach to the show he directs has also evolved.

 

"In terms of the way I carried it, in the first year I was carrying a heavy burden. In terms of what it means to empathize, I empathized in a way that was similar to sadness. But in the second year, because I was empathizing with those in sadness, I felt that I had to be the one smiling, and I did my best."

 

This year, the special guest was Kyogen actor Mansai Nomura (58). One of the collaborative performances was Boléro. Mansai Boléro, which blends Noh and Ravel’s dance music, was first performed in 2011, the year of the earthquake, and contains the themes of "repose" and "rebirth."

 

"(This year) the third year was almost like a sacred ritual. My connection with the soul and my approach to prayer became much stronger. I believe my way of bearing the burden, facing it, and accepting it has changed."

 

He created the show for the third time with nine skaters and the person he admires.

 

"I think it’s definitely true that things tightened up because of Mansai-san’s presence. I also believe that my teammates thought, 'We have to do this.' When we went through the rehearsal for the performance with Mansai-san present, we saw 'MANSai Bolero' up close for the first time. It felt like the level of our determination and prayer, or the resolve when skating, was elevated to another stage."

 

The show ended with its final performance on the 9th. Hanyu expressed his gratitude for the teammates who shared the same energy.

 

"I put a lot of effort into skating, expression, and especially in relation to the earthquake. I have a strong desire to skate with all my soul. I’m really happy that this time, the team worked with me on this. They gave everything, pouring their soul and energy into creating something, expressing something, and performing. I’m really grateful for what everyone did, and I’m glad that it created a stronger sense of unity."

 

 

◆Postscript to the interview　

 

The day after his performance in "Yuzuru Hanyu Notte Stellata 2025," which ran until March 9, Yuzuru Hanyu set aside time for an interview. Just after giving his all in the ice show for three days, he was visibly fatigued, yet he carefully chose his words and expressed his deep thoughts for the disaster-stricken areas. I could feel his strong resolve to prevent these memories from fading.

 

Supporting and being supported by his team, he successfully completed his third show. In 2023, during the first year of the show, Hanyu had often displayed expressions of anguish, describing his approach as "being close to sadness." Last year, there were more smiles. This year, the sense of unity as a team had increased, likely because Hanyu's full-hearted engagement with the show inspired the other skaters.

 

Each year, local restaurants and businesses set up booths at the venue. This year, Hanyu also reached out to businesses in Wajima City, Ishikawa, and Naraha Town, Fukushima, and the number of booths doubled to 19 compared to last year. Visitors from all over the country lined up to buy local specialties from the disaster-affected areas. "The people who came to see the show bought Wajima products and supported us. I could really feel the expansion of the support network," Hanyu said. Beyond the ice rink, he continues to use his platform to send out messages of support. 

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2025.03.11

 

Source: https://worldfigureskating-web.jp/news/11588/

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250311090738/https://worldfigureskating-web.jp/news/11588/

 

Yuzuru Hanyu and Mansai Nomura, a tale of requiem and rebirth from the Tohoku region

 

The ice show “Towa Yakuhin presents Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata 2025” was held from March 7th to 9th at the Sekisui Heim Super Arena (Grande 21) in Miyagi. Miyagi is the area affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and is also the hometown of Yuzuru Hanyu. This ice show, filled with messages of repose, prayer, and hope, marked its third year. Special guest Kyogen performer Mansai Nomura made an appearance, collaborating with Hanyu in a special performance.

 

Spoiler

“MANSAI Boléro” and “SEIMEI” collaboration

 

“Notte stellata” means "starry night" in Italian. Yuzuru Hanyu, who experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake in Sendai on March 11, 2011, named the show after the starry sky he looked up at during that time, as well as the music from the program he later performed in exhibitions. The show was named to send hope and prayers to the disaster-stricken areas.

 

In its third year, this year’s show again featured Hanyu at the forefront, along with Javier Fernández, Jason Brown, Shae-Lynn Bourne, Satoko Miyahara, Akiko Suzuki, Keiji Tanaka, Takahito Mura, Rika Hongo, and the hula hoop artist Violetta Afanasieva—reuniting the same group of performers as last year. Additionally, Notte Stellata has always featured special guests from various fields who support the show’s purpose, and this year, Mansai Nomura made his debut as a special guest.

 

In a special collaboration, Mansai Nomura’s MANSAI Boléro, first premiered in 2011, was performed with Hanyu and other skaters in Tohoku for the first time. The performance was based on the famous piece by Ravel and Noh’s Sanbasō dance. As Mansai Nomura silently appeared on the ice, the rhythm began, and the skaters danced around the stage, beautifully handling fans and sleeves. The performance culminated in a large jump, inspired by the "crow leap" from Sanbasō, incorporating the elegance of traditional performing arts. Responding to this rhythm, Hanyu appeared on the ice in a divine, milky white costume, with long sleeves and hems flowing. His graceful skating added the thrill of skating to complete the collaboration.

 

In addition, Hanyu performed SEIMEI, one of his representative programs from when he achieved back-to-back Olympic victories and a Super Slam, using the music from the film Onmyoji, in collaboration with Mansai Nomura. In SEIMEI, Nomura, playing the role of an Onmyouji, chants a spell saying, "Heaven, Earth, Man. Appearance of Yuzuru Hanyu, as commanded," and Hanyu appears, starting the program. This special collaboration, with its unique performance style, brought a surprise to the audience at the venue, live viewings, and online streaming.

 

After the first performance on the 7th, both Yuzuru Hanyu, the leader, and special guest Mansai Nomura spoke to the press about their thoughts on the performance and behind-the-scenes of the collaboration. Fourteen years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, the 11 cast members delivered messages of repose, hope, and support from the disaster-stricken areas. By reading their words and reflecting on 3.11, we are reminded of the prayers and thoughts sent through the performance.

 

Yuzuru Hanyu: "I felt like I was being questioned about the meaning of my life."

 

--This is your third notte stellata, how did the first performance go for you?
Hanyu: Honestly, I felt like today could have been the final performance. I used up all my energy and physical strength. It was that intense. I didn’t let my emotions falter for a single moment, trying to give everything I had. Together with all the members skating in the venue, we skated while praying and wishing that this show would somehow become a trigger for people to reflect on 3.11 and all the other disasters.

 

--How was it to collaborate with Mansai Nomura?
Hanyu: The tension was incredible for me. Especially with SEIMEI, I constantly felt this sense of dignity and pressure from behind, and the feeling that I absolutely couldn’t make a mistake. It was almost like I was competing in the Olympics. I skated under that level of pressure. As for Boléro, it’s a piece I had never used before, and as a figure skater, there’s the legendary ice dance performance by Torvill & Dean at the 1984 Sarajevo Olympics. Shae-Lynn had said it was very difficult, but in the case of Mansai-san’s Boléro, I feel like we added various gestures and movements to make it something unique to this collaboration, something that could only be done in this performance. I have a sense of accomplishment in that.

 

-- I believe it’s been 10 years since you last met Mansai Nomura. Did your impression of him change?

Hanyu: I feel like this time, he was a little more open with me. About 10 years ago, I remember being in awe of him and just feeling extremely nervous. I think I was like a dry sponge back then, trying to absorb things, but not having the capacity to take them in. I was just there, trying to absorb everything without really being able to do so. But now, after accumulating a lot of experience and becoming a professional, I’ve been involved in many different activities. Because of that, I think I was able to stand on the same level, so to speak, and approach things with the same mindset and from the same height as him. I made sure to keep my focus and approach the collaboration as a professional skater, trying my best to match his level.

 

Of course, for Boléro, the choreography was still coming together as other skaters arrived at the venue. When Mansai-san first saw it, it was still far from complete, and he seemed unsure of how to approach it. But as we spent time in the venue, rehearsing again and again, Mansai-san started to match with us more and more, and I also thought about how to synchronize my movements with his. Ultimately, that’s how we created Boléro.

 

--Earlier, Mansai-san mentioned that it had been 10 years since you last worked together.

Hanyu: Did he say that I had become more cocky? (laughs)

 

--He said that he had forgotten some things about Seimei.

Hanyu: (laughs) Well, I think, especially in my case, now that I’ve truly stepped into the world of professional skating and expression, I feel like I’m still quite inexperienced. Collaborating with someone who has inherited the traditions of Japanese performing arts and is exceptionally skilled in that field is really an honor. I felt a strong sense that I needed to bring a level of skating and artistry that would be worthy of such a collaboration. That feeling was very strong throughout the rehearsals. As for today’s performance, I think I’d give it around 50 points. I was really nervous. (laughs)

 

--Mansai-san said, "I’m happy to see your growth."

Hanyu: Well, I still have a long way to go, so I will continue to work hard...

 

--How do you interpret the meaning of performing with Mansai Nomura in SEIMEI, one of your representative pieces, at notte stellata in this venue?

Hanyu: Of course, the people I’ve collaborated with at notte stellata in the past have been incredible, but when I think about collaborating with someone, it’s not just about skating. We consider what kind of people would make the collaboration truly meaningful and elevate the show. We work together with the planning team, considering who would come as a guest that would make the show something that anyone could look at and say, "This is truly amazing." From the very beginning of notte stellata, I’ve talked about wanting to collaborate with Mansai-san, and one of the key pieces I wanted to include was Boléro, which tells a story of remembrance and rebirth. I always thought it was something I definitely wanted to do. Now that it has become a reality, it still feels like a dream, and I honestly feel a bit unsure. But, looking back, I do feel that I was able to come close to creating a skate and show structure that is worthy of accepting someone like Mansai Nomura. So, I do feel a sense of accomplishment in that regard.

 

--What are your thoughts on continuing to perform in your hometown of Miyagi, especially in the disaster-stricken area? And, could you share your thoughts on the affected areas again?

Hanyu: Of course, some people might have had difficulty attending due to health reasons or transportation issues like the Shinkansen problems. The location of the Grande (Rifu) isn’t the easiest to get to, so I know it’s tough for many. However, seeing people who have come despite these challenges, and knowing that even if they couldn't be here in person, they are watching through Hulu or other streaming platforms, makes me feel incredibly fortunate. Just knowing that they are there, supporting us, fills me with gratitude and happiness.

 

Of course, we are pushing ourselves to the limit, using up all of our energy while performing. The passion and the way we pour our energy into the ice show this time has been spreading to the other skaters as well. It’s amazing to see how much they are giving their all. I don’t think anyone could ever make Mansai Nomura run out of breath, but he gave his all in performing SEIMEI, and honestly, it’s hard to put into words.

 

Physically, we’re probably not at our best, but when I saw the audience standing up, clapping, and cheering for us, I really felt like they were living in the moment with us. This is something I especially felt during notte stellata. Just like we were able to rise after the disaster, I hope that the sense of connection continues to grow and expand.

 

Honestly, during rehearsals, I saw Mansai Nomura out of breath, and I felt like I had made him do something really difficult (laughs). At the end of SEIMEI, he was literally running nonstop, and while I felt a bit bad about that, I also felt deep respect for him, seeing how he responded to that challenge with such determination.

 

--What did you focus on when performing SEIMEI this time? Also, how do you feel about the evolution of this iconic piece?

Hanyu: Normally, when I perform SEIMEI, I usually skate as a motif of Abe no Seimei himself. However, this time, Abe no Seimei appeared as the central figure, and I structured the performance with an image of a servant or a shikigami who is being used, which allowed me to approach the role differently. Since Abe no Seimei is portrayed as a perfect and mysterious existence, the shikigami must not be perfect. In a sense, the shikigami must behave as though it is someone who has been given power, and I incorporated this idea into the performance, putting a lot of energy into it. Compared to the usual SEIMEI program, I felt like I was skating with full power this time, as if I was assigned a role. I would carry out that role, then return to a paper doll, cast a spell, and receive another role. The narrative between the two of us was imagined and built upon during the creation of the piece.

 

It was quite different from my previous sense of SEIMEI. Maybe it’s a bit of a stretch, but it made me reflect on the role I am playing now, not only in this notte stellata ice show but also in life itself—what is the role of my existence, and what does it mean to be alive? I was really asked that question through this performance.

 

Host: It's time, so we'll wrap it up here.

 

Hanyu: I'm sorry, I talked for a long time. Thank you so much. It reminded me of the time during the NHK Trophy (2015 Men's Medalist Press Conference), when I kept talking, and they told me it was over. (laughs) I always go on for a long time. Thank you again, and I look forward to the next time. Excuse me.

 

 

Mansai Nomura: "Hanyu controls Heaven, Earth, and Man."

 

--How was your experience participating in an ice show for the first time?
Mansai: In such a large venue, I could really feel the energy and excitement from everyone. When so many living people gather together, it creates a tremendous atmosphere. I was also aware that this venue (Sekisui Heim Super Arena) was once used as a place for the deceased after the earthquake. But we, as participants, were able to accept all of that, both the good and bad aspects, as a kind of legacy. Being able to live in this moment, to share the fact that we are alive, felt like a wonderful event.

 

-- You performed "MANSAI Bolero" here at this venue. What was going through your mind?
Mansai: I was deeply moved, especially at the start. When it began, I didn’t feel exactly like I had a spiritual experience, but I did feel the presence of everyone’s souls—something that felt like it was coming over me. Carrying that feeling, in a way, is part of the mission for someone involved in Noh and Kyogen. It made me reaffirm both the significance of this place and my own mission.

 

-- How was it performing "SEIMEI" with Hanyu?
Mansai: While we were creating the performance, I truly realized how much Hanyu loves "Onmyoji". He might even be a bit of an "otaku," more so than I am! (laughs) He remembers things I’ve forgotten. He would even say, "This is more in line with what Seimei would do." It seemed like he remembered things that I had forgotten. But putting jokes aside, this is the music of his gold medal-winning performance, so I feel very honored to be part of such an important piece. In that sense, I am interested in how the structure of the performance came across to everyone. Drawing the pentagram on the ice rink was one way of expressing our thoughts about what was there. And in that sense, I think it connected to the music of March 11th. In the context of the whole ice show, I am truly honored to have been involved in both of these pieces.

 

--Did you have any new discoveries while collaborating with figure skating?
Mansai: While we were working on the choreography, I noticed something interesting. When Hanyu and I were taking turns performing, there were moments when there would be a break in the music, and I wanted to strike right away. But with skating, it’s not immediate—you need a preparatory movement to build up speed. That lag, that delay before the actual performance, was quite refreshing. When you're on the ground, you can move instantly, but on the ice, there's a delay, a slight hesitation before you go. It was a new experience for me.

 

--How did you adjust in terms of the performance?
Mansai : We used smoke and made the exit a bit more dramatic. After working with Yuzuru Hanyu, I was reminded of a conversation we had previously. Today, when we started "SEIMEI" with the themes of "Heaven, Earth, and Man," I recalled saying in that past conversation that I "control heaven, earth, and man"—in other words, manipulating space and time and embodying music. Working with Hanyu now, I feel that he truly embodies the control of heaven, earth, and man. I’ve watched him grow a lot in that sense, and I’m very impressed by it.

 

--Ten years have passed since your last discussion, and it’s been ten years since the "SEIMEI" program.
Mansai : Back then, even though it was already part of him, he hadn’t fully articulated it yet. Over time, with some of my words included, his shell broke, and his ideas started to sprout. Now, they’ve fully blossomed. It’s wonderful to see. As we age, the younger generation carries forward the will of those who came before them. I’m really happy to see that. Personally, I inherited knowledge of Noh and Kyogen from past generations. The thoughts I once had are now passed on to him, and he has transformed them into this magnificent show. And it’s amazing that such a great theme, like the idea of "reconciliation" or "remembrance," is incorporated. I truly feel, especially when listening to his final message, that "Profession: Yuzuru Hanyu" is something I first called him, and I, too, am "Profession: Mansai Nomura." I live my life shouldering Japan’s traditional culture. He, too, carries something very significant in his own way. In that sense, he has transcended the boundaries of being just a private individual and has become a public figure. His will, ideas, and actions, which go beyond just skating, were all condensed into this magnificent show. As a professional, Yuzuru Hanyu will surely accomplish even more. It’s truly a blessing.

 

--In a previous conversation with Hanyu, you mentioned, "We are a culture of abbreviation." What did you keep in mind when applying the culture of abbreviation to "MANSAI Bolero"?
Mansai: With "Bolero," as we kept developing it, we ended up stripping it down more and more. Originally, it was based on the Noh and Kyogen play "Okina-Sanbasou," but we transformed it into a prayer, including the events of March 11th. Specifically, it involved moments like lifting up a child and asking for help, or conveying that even in suffering, flowers can bloom, rain will fall, and summer will come. The imagery became a bit more concrete, but it was gradually turned into more abstract concepts. In the end, we were depicting a human life, with glimpses of death and the idea of rebirth through the final jump. To some viewers, it might appear very abstract, but if you approach it with those thoughts in mind, I believe it will take on a special meaning. I hope we can continue to collaborate on "Bolero" in the future.

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2025.03.12

 

Source: https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/336979

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250314150353/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/336979

 

Sendai Governor Yoshihiro Murai responds: "We want to send out our thoughts together" to Yuzuru Hanyu, an athlete who will soar from Sendai

 

For the sake of his hometown, Yuzuru Hanyu (30), a professional skater who won two consecutive Olympic gold medals in men's figure skating, updated his official SNS account on the 11th, writing about his thoughts on the Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred 14 years ago. He was also affected by the disaster at his training base, Ice Rink Sendai, when he was a first-year student at Tohoku High School, and also experienced life in an evacuation shelter. Governor Yoshihiro Murai of Miyagi Prefecture, where Hanyu was born and raised, vowed to work with the skater, who is working hard as a "symbol of reconstruction."

 

Spoiler

On February 14, 2014, about three years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, Hanyu won the gold medal at the Sochi Olympics, becoming the first Asian male to do so. Hanyu's performance was etched in people's minds as he fought for the disaster-stricken areas. Governor Murai reflected, "It was a ray of light to the feelings of the victims and the people of the prefecture who were depressed by the disaster, and it gave them great courage and joy."

 

　He went on to become the only man to achieve the Super Slam (six major international championships), winning two consecutive gold medals at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, the first time in 66 years. He is currently delivering "prayer" and "hope" through his professional skating.

 

　Governor Murai expressed his respect, saying, "I have heard a variety of comments, such as 'Seeing Hanyu in action made me smile' and 'It gave me a lot of strength,' and I am grateful that so many people in the prefecture are working to support Hanyu's recovery efforts."

 

　Outside of competitive skating, Hanyu has contributed to reconstruction efforts in many ways, including donating a total of more than 100 million yen to Ice Rink Sendai.

 

　For this reason, Governor Murai is prepared to offer his full support, saying, "We have a strong desire to develop athletes from Sendai, and the prefecture is supporting the renovation of Ice Rink Sendai's facilities to improve the training environment. Miyagi Prefecture would also like to continue to work together with us to spread Hanyu's thoughts about passing on the legacy of the earthquake, disaster prevention, and wanting to make people smile, as we have done in the past."

 

　Recently, Hanyu expressed his wish for the repose of the dead in his skating at "Hanyu Yuzuru Notte Stellata" (March 7-9, Sekisui Heim Super Arena, Miyagi). He will never stop moving forward because he knows the reality of the suffering of many people.

 

　Hanyu wrote on his official social media accounts, "The pain from the wounds I received 14 years ago on March 11, 2011 will never go away, and they will remain with me forever. There are areas that have yet to heal. What I have lost will never return to the way it was. But even so, I will continue to pray. I will continue to seek out what I can do. I will continue to cherish the changing scenery and the unchanging memories. I will continue to skate with prayer." As a skater who remembers that time, he makes a wish to the stars.

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2025.03.12

 

Source: https://s-style.machico.mu/pickup/43628

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250312033901/https://s-style.machico.mu/pickup/43628

 

[Held in Miyagi] Report on "Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata 2025" that sends thoughts to the people

 

"Yuzuru Hanyu Notte Stellata 2025 " was held on Friday, March 7, 2024.

We received permission to cover the event and take photos, and enjoyed the beauty on site!

A preliminary report will be posted online prior to publication in the April issue of "Sendai Town Information S-style."

 

Spoiler

What is notte stellata?

"Hanyu Yuzuru notte stellata" is a special ice show that Yuzuru Hanyu started in 2023.

 

"Notte Stellata" is the name of Hanyu's program that he performed at the exhibition at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, and it means "a sky full of stars" or "starry night" in Italian.

 

Some of you may remember looking up at the starry sky on the night of the earthquake.

 

Hanyu was also looking at the same sky in Sendai that night.

 

Feeling hope in the beautiful light of the stars, he decided to host this ice show himself.

 

Together with some of the world's most dazzling skaters, we created a program filled with a sentiment of mourning.

 

A spectacular collaboration with Kyogen performer Mansai Nomura

It will be held at the Sekisui Heim Super Arena in Miyagi Prefecture in March.

 

The special meaning contained therein will be understood by anyone who was deeply moved by the news coverage of the Great East Japan Earthquake, even if they did not experience it themselves.

 

This year's collaborative programs with special guest Mansai Nomura, "MANSAI Bolero x notte stellata" and "SEIMEI", expressed thoughts of condolence and rebirth.

 

The choreography, which incorporates the unique gestures of Kyogen, was apparently finalized little by little over a period of time after Mansai and the other skaters arrived at the venue.

 

The performance was full of such tension that it was almost tingly to the eye, with every movement of the fingers showing such attention to detail.

 

The skaters who supported the ice show together

Ten skaters, including Hanyu, appeared on this day.

 

A variety of programs were performed by Rika Hongo, a native of Sendai, Hanyu's close friend Javier Fernandez, and Shae-Lynn Bourne, known for her choreography of "SEIMEI."

 

The first part featured many programs that empathized with those in deep sorrow, while the second part featured programs that expressed hopes for recovery and the joys of life.

 

 

"Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata 2025" 2025.3.7 Program

 

[Part 1]

1 Yuzuru Hanyu ♪ Notte Stellata

2 OPENING – All Skaters　♪ Twinkling Stars of Hope

3 Yuzuru Hanyu's Greeting

4 Rika Hongo ♪ Sparrow

5 Takahito Mura ♪ starting over

6 Detective Tanaka ♪ the lonliest

7 Violetta Afanasiba ♪ Breathe underwater

8 Jason Brown ♪ Spiegel im Spiegel

9 Javier Fernandez ♪ Prometo

10 Collaboration ♪ MANSAI Bolero × notte stellata

Mansai Nomura, Yuzuru Hanyu, Shaelyn Vaughn Tulloch, Satoko Miyahara, Akiko Suzuki, Takahito Mura, Keiji Tanaka

 

[Part 2]

1 Collaboration Yuzuru Hanyu x Mansai Nomura ♪ SEIMEI

2 Violetta Afanasieva ♪Sing

3 Akiko Suzuki ♪ Songs my mother taught me

4 Jason Brown ♪ The legend of Tarzan

5. Satoko Miyahara ♪ Walking in the air

6 Shae-Lynn Bourne ♪ BOM BOM BOM

7 Javier Fernandez ♪ Puttin' on the Ritz

8 Yuzuru Hanyu ♪ Spring, Come

9 Finale ♪ Song of Hope

10 Grand Finale ♪ Dance Hall

11 Yuzuru Hanyu's Greeting

 

As time passes since the disaster, memories fade and many things fade away.

There are many people in the world who are currently going through difficult times.

 

This ice show made me grateful that there are people who continue to care about me even after time has passed, and it gave me the determination and energy to continue doing what I can now, one thing at a time.

 

"Sendai Town Information S-style" has been providing information about Sendai and Miyagi for 50 years now.

 

We will never forget that no matter how long the road, there is always a first step, and we would like to continue to weave a new history.

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2025.03.17

 

Source: https://www2.myjcom.jp/special/tv/thema/figureskate/column/detail/20250317.shtml

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250317084940/https://www2.myjcom.jp/special/tv/thema/figureskate/column/detail/20250317.shtml

 

Mansai Nomura approves of Yuzuru Hanyu's "profession": "Achieving something beyond individual activities"

 

"Notte Stellata 2025," chaired by professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, was held at the Sekisui Heim Super Arena (Rifu-cho, Miyagi Prefecture) from March 7th to 9th. Kyogen performer Mansai Nomura appeared as a special guest at this show, which attracted a lot of attention.

 

Spoiler

Bolero of Requiem and Rebirth

　Notte Stellata was born in March 2023 with the concept of sending out hope from Miyagi Prefecture, an area affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. This year marks the third time. The collaboration with Mansai was a strong request from Hanyu.

 

　Mansai played the role of Abe no Seimei in the movie "Onmyoji" in 2001. Hanyu said that his program "SEIMEI," which uses the main theme song of the movie, is "the most important program (in my repertoire)."

 

　Now, notte stellata 2025 is composed of two parts. Hanyu and Mansai performed together in the last part of the first part, "MANSAI Bolero x notte stellata", and the first part of the second part, "SEIMEI".

 

　The first part, "MANSAI Bolero," was a piece that Mansai performed at Setagaya Public Theater in 2011, as a prayer for the repose of the souls of the deceased and the rebirth of Tohoku. It is a solo dance that uses the ideas and techniques of Kyogen, centered on Sanbaso. After the opening performance, Hanyu said, "I definitely wanted to perform Bolero, which tells the story of repose of the souls and rebirth."

 

　The Sekisui Heim Super Arena, where Notte Stellata is held every year, was used as a morgue during the 3/11 disaster. It was Mansai's fervent wish to perform Bolero at this venue.

 

"I was overcome with emotion (while performing Bolero). At the beginning, for a moment, I felt, not a spiritual inspiration, but as if I could sense the souls of everyone. It was as if everyone's feelings were coming over me. Performing Bolero in such a place made me realize once again my mission as someone involved in Kyogen."

　

Mansai's footsteps were very powerful. He stomped hard on the floor of the 5.4m square stage in the center of the ice rink, making a loud "daaan" sound. The bolero contains many depictions of weather and seasons, such as snow, sunshine, and storms. Hanyu, clad in a golden costume with a long-sleeved kimono, demonstrated hydroblading, bringing his upper body very close to the ice. He expressed the strength of the wind by stretching out his arms and letting his sleeves flutter.

　

On the other hand, Mansai jumped from the stage, which was over 1m high, onto the rink, which was covered with a mat, to conclude his performance. Below is Mansai's explanation of the Bolero.

 

Fusion of Kyogen and Skating

"As I was making the MANSAI Bolero, I gradually stripped away (the expressions and descriptions). As I was transforming it into a prayer for 3.11, I actually came up with specific images like holding a child in one's arms and asking for help, or that flowers will bloom even in times of pain, or that as long as you're alive, rain will fall and summer will come. I made these somewhat more concrete, while also making them more abstract concepts, and ultimately it gives a glimpse into the life of a human being. Taking one more flight from death to the next life. That leads to the final jump. That's the meaning I put into it."

 

In "SEIMEI," Mansai played Abe no Seimei. Hanyu played the role of a spirit controlled by Seimei. "Whenever I perform SEIMEI (alone), I skate as Abe no Seimei, but this time, the performance was structured around me as a servant, a spirit controlled by Seimei," said Hanyu.

 

　Mansai shouted "Heaven, Earth, Man" and "Appear, Yuzuru Hanyu!" and blew into a paper doll, and Hanyu appeared on the ice. When Mansai pretended to move his fingertips, Hanyu moved in response. He landed three consecutive jumps, starting with a quadruple Salchow and a quadruple toe loop.

 

　When Hanyu performed the Ina Bauer, Mansai leaned his upper body back on the stage in response. When Hanyu performed the camel spin, Mansai spun around on the stage, spreading the sleeves of his kariginu.

 

　After the first day's performance, Mansai began by saying, "My profession is Nomura Mansai," and praised Hanyu in his unique way.

 

"He is carrying something very big on his shoulders. He is a public figure, and it is wonderful that he has transcended the boundaries of mere individual activity. This show was a condensed version of his ideas that go beyond skating. I think that "Profession: Hanyu Yuzuru" will continue to achieve great things."

 

　I wrote the following in a column published on September 19, 2022.

"There is an anecdote that when Shigeo Nagashima checked into a hotel, he wrote "Shigeo Nagashima" in the occupation column of his hotel card. Perhaps one day, a similar time will come for Hanyu."

 

　It is fair to say that the era of "Profession: Hanyu Yuzuru" has arrived at a speed far beyond my expectations. I am now deeply aware of the joy of being able to live in the same era.