[2022] Prologue

[yuzurujenn]

Compilation of articles & interviews relating to Prologue 2022.

 

-Yokohama (Nov 4-5)

-Hachinohe (Dec 2-3, 5)

 

Info: 

https://prologue-official.jp/ 

https://x.com/jp_prologue 

 

 

CN ref masterlist:

https://m.weibo.cn/status/5148520689697329 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2022.11.04

 

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20221104-OHT1T51220.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20221104121435/https://hochi.news/articles/20221104-OHT1T51220.html?page=1

 

 

Yuzuru Hanyu, who won consecutive gold medals in men's figure skating at the 2014 Sochi and 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics and turned professional in July, kicked off his first solo ice show, "Prologue," on the 4th at Pia Arena MM in Yokohama.

 

Yuzuru Hanyu's first solo ice show "Prologue" opens, skating almost non-stop for the full 90 minutes

 

Spoiler

The one-man show, which reached a full house of 7,900 people, started with a "six-minute practice" just like a competition. He performed alone for about 90 minutes with almost no breaks. He successfully completed a quadruple Salchow and a toe loop. He performed a spectacular skating performance with eight pieces, including two requested songs.

 

　After the premiere, Hanyu said, "I want to do my best with what I can do now and continue to push the limits of figure skating. I hope that this will be the story of my life from now on."

 

▼ Program 1: "SEIMEI"

▼ Program 2: "CHANGE"

▼ Request Corner: "Let's Go Crazy"

▼ Pick-up Corner: "Spartacus"

▼ Program 3: "Romeo + Juliet"

▼ Program 4: "The Dream That Will End One Day"

▼ Program 5: "Spring, Come"

▼ Encore: "Parisienne Walkways"

 

 

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20221104-OHT1T51222.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20221104121214/https://hochi.news/articles/20221104-OHT1T51222.html?page=1

 

Yuzuru Hanyu's thoughts on his first solo ice show "Prologue": "I hope to share this with everyone and move on to the next step"

 

Spoiler

Yuzuru Hanyu, who won consecutive men's figure skating gold medals at the 2014 Sochi and 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics and turned professional in July, kicked off his first solo ice show, "Prologue," on the 4th at Pia Arena MM in Yokohama.

 

　The one-man show, which was a first for him and was delivered to a full house of 7,900 people, started with a "six-minute practice" just like in a competition. He performed eight spectacular numbers, including two requested songs.

 

▼ Program 1: "SEIMEI"

▼ Program 2: "CHANGE"

▼ Request Corner: "Let's Go Crazy"

▼ Pick-up Corner: "Spartacus"

▼ Program 3: "Romeo + Juliet"

▼ Program 4: "The Dream That Will End One Day"

▼ Program 5: "Spring, Come"

▼ Encore: "Parisienne Walkways"

 

▽ Below are the main questions and answers

 

 

― The direction and structure were also your own. What were your thoughts and intentions behind it?

"After the press conference announcing my transition to a professional in July, everything, including the venue, started. Given the limited time, I relied on a large number of staff members, and they responded to my requests as we created this show together. I’m truly grateful for that. Regarding this Prologue, for me, it's a prologue to the story that is about to begin. It might sound a bit abstract, but I wanted to express that from now on, with a renewed determination in my heart, I will take one step at a time toward my goals and dreams. It’s about reflecting on the things I’ve experienced and the strength I’ve received from all of you, and sharing that once again with everyone, with the hope that it will lead to the next step. This is the intention behind the creation and structure of the show."

 

― Did you come up with the concept for the first 6-minute practice performance yourself?

"Honestly, when I was thinking about where to place the different acts, what order they should be in, and what to include, I thought about starting with the press conference and then looking back at the past, including the Pyeongchang Olympics. After that, I wanted to reflect on my whole life up to now, with a look at my final performance in Beijing and how I arrived at this point. For the opening, I decided to perform my signature piece, SEIMEI, from the Pyeongchang Olympics. The 6-minute practice and the fact that I was doing it with all the lights on—something you would never see in an ice show—was something I came up with. To be honest, I was uncertain about how the audience would respond and how well I could focus during the 6-minute practice, especially since this wasn’t a competition setting. I was really unsure about it. But, I haven’t heard any feedback from the audience yet. However, reflecting on the first day after completing the Prologue, I saw that everyone had really fulfilling expressions and reactions. So, in that sense, I think it was, in a way, a success."

 

 

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20221104-OHT1T51227.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20221104124535/https://hochi.news/articles/20221104-OHT1T51227.html?page=1

 

Yuzuru Hanyu's solo ice show "Prologue" takes the first step to the next stage "leading to the new stage of Yuzuru Hanyu"

 

Spoiler

― The emotions during your performance, I imagine, were completely different from those in a competition. How was that for you?

"When I performed SEIMEI, I was completely reminded of the PyeongChang Olympics. In terms of the composition, it was actually about 4 minutes 7 seconds long, and the number of jumps was slightly reduced. I tried doing things like three triple axels, which is something I could only do as a professional. I was extremely nervous. In a competition, the judges are right in front of you, but when the audience is there, it honestly felt like I was being tested, and I also felt like I had to test myself. I was skating with that feeling. I think I was able to do it with a good level of tension."

 

― What kind of story do you think will unfold from here?

"As a professional, the goals I have in mind aren’t as clear or concrete. This is, in a sense, something I’ve never experienced before in my life. Up until now, I’ve lived with the goal of winning an Olympic gold medal ever since I was 4 years old. So right now, it feels a bit like I’m floating. However, by working hard every day to make this Prologue successful, by concentrating on each jump and each performance, those efforts will probably accumulate and eventually lead to a new stage for Yuzuru Hanyu. Through that accumulation, I think I'll be able to build a new foundation for myself. I want to do the best I can now and push the boundaries of figure skating. I hope that this will become part of my story going forward."

 

 

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20221104-OHT1T51232.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20230627215330/https://hochi.news/articles/20221104-OHT1T51232.html?page=1

Yuzuru Hanyu's first choreography, "A Dream That Will End Someday," "I wanted to express something like a dilemma inside my heart"

 

Spoiler

― When was the first time you came up with a choreography yourself?

"It's a program I did after Romeo and Juliet, called 'A Dream That Will End Someday (A Fleeting Dream)."

 

― What was the concept?

"When I was doing some cool-down movements, it just clicked perfectly with this piece. At that moment, I remembered people had said, 'Oh, I’d love to see cool-down movements.' So, I thought, 'Alright, let’s turn this into a program.' After that, with the title 'A Dream That Will One Day End,' I tried to express a lot of feelings through the music. Also, I’m a huge fan of Final Fantasy X, which is from my generation, and I really love it. As I worked on the choreography, I thought about a lot of things. Originally, my dream was to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals. After that, I set a new dream of doing a quadruple axel, and I've been pursuing that dream ever since. In a way, as an amateur, I wasn’t able to achieve those goals at the competitive level, nor was I able to become the first person to successfully land an ISU-certified quadruple axel. In that sense, it might be seen as a dream that’s ended. So, 'A Dream That Will One Day End' expresses that feeling—of having a dream that others expect from you but being unable to achieve it. Even though I want to keep going, I also feel exhausted and don't want to anymore. The more support I receive from everyone, the more my own feelings get neglected and start to break down. I didn’t want to hear anything, but still, I wanted to meet everyone’s expectations. It was a representation of the internal dilemma in my heart."

 

[yuzurujenn]

2022.11.05

 

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20221104-OHT1T51202.html?page=1

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20221122110850/https://hochi.news/articles/20221104-OHT1T51202.html?page=1

 

"Towards a 'New Yuzuru Hanyu' – 'Surpassing Limits' in the 90-minute, non-stop 8-programs Prologue."

 

Yuzuru Hanyu (27), who won consecutive gold medals in men's figure skating at the 2014 Sochi and 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics and turned professional in July, produced and performed in his first solo ice show, "Prologue," which premiered on the 4th at Pia Arena MM in Yokohama. This first ice show as a professional was an unprecedented solo performance, starting with a "6-minute warm-up" reminiscent of a competition. He performed eight programs, including two request songs, captivating the 7,900 spectators in the full arena. The show will continue on the 5th at the same venue, and will be held at Flat Hachinohe in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, on December 2, 3, and 5.

 

Spoiler

The sole performer was Hanyu himself. He skated for approximately 90 minutes without any breaks. "I wanted everyone to experience Yuzuru Hanyu in real-time," he said. The eight programs, including two request songs, were essential pieces in telling the story of "Hanyu the Skater."

 

The atmosphere felt just like a competition. When Hanyu appeared on the ice in a jersey, an announcement was made: "We will now begin the 6-minute warm-up." He was introduced as "Number 1, Yuzuru Hanyu," and took his starting position for his signature piece, "SEIMEI." He successfully executed a challenging composition, including a quadruple Salchow, quadruple toe loop, and three triple Axels. The crowd responded with a standing ovation, and Hanyu's expression softened.

 

Hanyu’s talent as a producer shone through. The show opened with footage from his July press conference announcing his switch to professional skating. "There was a press conference, then I returned to the past, the Pyeongchang Olympics, reflecting on my life. Eventually, I wanted to make it all connect to the exhibition in Beijing, leading to where I am now," he explained. Throughout the program, videos traced his life journey, and the structure of the show was carefully thought out.

 

The intervals between performances were 5 to 8 minutes. This is an extremely unusual solo performance, and the physical demands were high. Hanyu has been practicing even more rigorously than during his competitive days. "I want to do everything I can right now and push the boundaries of figure skating. I want that to be part of the story moving forward," he shared. The Prologue marked the beginning of this new chapter of his career, unfolding with strength and beauty. (Takagi Megumi)

 

 

Interview with Yuzuru Hanyu

 

--The concept of "A Dream That Will End Someday," the first program you choreographed yourself:

"When I skated to this music, the cooldown movement just clicked perfectly. At that moment, I remembered that everyone had said they wanted to see a cooldown. So, I thought, 'Let’s turn this into a program.' I’m a huge fan of Final Fantasy X, and that’s also the source of the music. Originally, my dream was to achieve back-to-back Olympic gold medals. Then, I set my sights on the quadruple Axel. In terms of competition, I wasn’t able to achieve it, and I wasn’t able to be the first to land a quadruple Axel in an ISU-sanctioned event. In that sense, it’s a dream that may have ended. There were things I wanted to do, but couldn’t, even though everyone had high expectations for me. I still wanted to try, but at the same time, I was tired and didn’t want to do it anymore. The more support I received, the more I neglected my own feelings, and my heart began to break. But still, I wanted to respond to everyone’s expectations. It was a dilemma in my heart that I tried to express."

 

--The Physical Demands of the Show:

"First, strengthening my physical endurance was really tough. I had to go through the entire program five times before making it here. I tend to give everything I have into each program, so the thought of skating again after one performance seemed impossible. But somehow, I managed to build up my stamina for this show."

 

--What’s Next for Your Story?

"The goals I have now as a professional are not very clear yet. This is the first time in my life that I’ve felt this way. From when I was four years old, I always lived with the goal of winning an Olympic gold medal. So right now, it feels like I’m in a kind of limbo. But, the effort I put into making this 'Prologue' successful, and focusing on each jump and each performance today, is adding up. It’s leading to a new stage for Yuzuru Hanyu, and as that adds up, I think I will be able to build a new foundation for myself."

 

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

2022.11.04

 

Source: https://www.sankei.com/article/20221104-BW3DCKDPBZLJBMTRVHWUC2ZVSA/

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20221104122048/https://www.sankei.com/article/20221104-BW3DCKDPBZLJBMTRVHWUC2ZVSA/

 

 

Yuzuru Hanyu kicks off his first solo show with ‘SEIMEI.’

 

Spoiler

Yuzuru Hanyu, who won consecutive Olympic gold medals in men’s figure skating at the 2014 Sochi and 2018 PyeongChang Games and announced his turn to professional skating this July, held his first solo ice show, Prologue, on the 4th in Yokohama.

 

The memorable opening program was the Japanese-themed free skate SEIMEI, which he performed over three seasons in total, including the program that brought him to the top at the PyeongChang Olympics.

 

Before performing, he carefully adjusted during a six-minute practice, just like in official competitions as an active skater. When the music began, he captivated the audience with multiple quadruple jumps and a three-jump combination including a triple Axel. The full house of 7,900 spectators gave a standing ovation to the program, revived on the ice.

 

This was a show that reflected Hanyu’s own meticulous planning. In the talk segment, he proudly said, “I was able to present exactly what I envisioned, without compromise,” and the venue was again filled with great applause.

 

After the first day’s performance, Hanyu shared his aspirations as a professional skater: “I want to push the limits of figure skating. I hope that can become part of my story going forward.”

 

The Yokohama performances will continue on the 5th. Additional shows are scheduled in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, on December 2, 3, and 5.

 

 

 

 

 

Source: https://www.sankei.com/article/20221104-SRITLWRHGBL4PECVISWEUTWCTU/

Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20221104133107/https://www.sankei.com/article/20221104-SRITLWRHGBL4PECVISWEUTWCTU/

 

"The Prologue of the Story That Is About to Begin" – Yuzuru Hanyu Q&A

 

Spoiler

Yuzuru Hanyu, who won consecutive gold medals at the 2014 Sochi and 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics in men’s figure skating and announced his transition to professional skating this past July, completed his first solo ice show, “Prologue,” in Yokohama on the 4th and spoke to reporters.

 

—How do you feel after the first day?

 

"Since the press conference in July when I announced my move to professional skating, all the planning—including the venue—started. Despite the limited time, so many staff members responded to my requests and helped create everything. I am filled with gratitude. For me, this is the prologue of the story that is about to begin. It might sound abstract, but it is a way to share with everyone that I am moving forward with renewed determination, step by step, toward my goals and dreams, and I designed the program with the hope that it would connect to the next step."

 

—Was the six-minute practice before your performance your idea?

 

"Yes. Honestly, when thinking about the arrangement of the performance, the order, and what to include where, I wanted to look back at the past—starting with the PyeongChang Olympics, then reflecting on my whole life up to now—and ultimately bring it to the Beijing exhibition, arriving at the present moment. That’s why I chose to start with SEIMEI, which has been my signature program since the PyeongChang Olympics."

 

"Doing the six-minute practice outside of a competitive setting made me anxious about whether I could focus properly. I wasn’t hearing the audience yet, either. But after completing the first day, seeing everyone’s truly engaged expressions and reactions, I think, in that sense, it was a success."

 

—The first time you created all the choreography yourself was for “Itsuka Owaru Yume” (A Dream That Will End Someday). What was the concept?

 

"It’s a bit difficult to express in one sentence, but the first time I wanted to choreograph to this song, I noticed that while skating to it, the ‘cool-down’ movements that everyone liked fit perfectly into this program. And actually, I had received comments from people saying things like, ‘I want to see the cool-down’ or ‘That alone is enough to satisfy me.’ So I thought, why not make a full program out of it?"

 

"Then, when I started creating it while thinking about the title ‘Itsuka Owaru Yume’, I reflected on many things. My original dream was to win consecutive Olympic gold medals. After that, I set a new dream for myself: the quadruple Axel, and I pursued it. But now, I can no longer be the first person officially recognized by the ISU to land it successfully. In that sense, it may be a dream that has ended. That’s the meaning behind ‘A Dream That Will End Someday.’ Even though people have expectations of me, I can’t fully achieve it. Yet, I still wish to try. Yet, I’m already tired and don’t want to. But at the same time, I still want to meet everyone’s expectations. I wanted to express that kind of real internal dilemma in my heart."

 

—I think the emotions during performance are different from during competition. What was it like?

 

"For SEIMEI, I performed while recalling the PyeongChang Olympics. The program was structured to be about 4 minutes and 7 seconds long, and the number of jumps is reduced, but precisely because I’m now a professional, I tried things like three triple Axels. In competitions, the judges are right in front of you, but having a large audience at eye level in front of me—honestly, I felt I was being tested a lot, and I also felt that I had to test myself while skating. I think I was able to perform with a good sense of tension."

 

—What was difficult?

 

"First, strengthening my physical stamina was truly difficult. Before coming here, I went through the full programs about five times. I tend to put all my effort into a single program, so the idea of skating again after that was almost unimaginable, but I think I somehow managed to build up my stamina. Also, it was very hard work to create the world I wanted to express, to work on the video clips (VTR) between performances, to make the storyline easier for everyone to follow, and to edit everything while ensuring that what I intended was properly conveyed. It took me until this morning to complete it."

 

"Of course, there are still many things I want to do, and there are things I think, ‘Maybe I could have done this differently,’ but I truly could not have done it alone. Above all, to have so many people come together as one, while respecting my intentions to this extent, I think even as a normal artist, this would be rare. I feel sincerely that I’m glad I gave it my all."

 

—What kind of story do you think the story that is about to begin will become?

 

"To be honest, as a professional, I don’t yet have concrete goals. This is the first time in my life that I’ve been in this situation. Until now, since I was four years old, I’ve always lived with the goal of winning gold at the Olympics, so now I feel a bit in-between. However, by making every effort to make this ‘Prologue’ successful each day, by focusing on each jump and performance today, these things accumulate and lead to a new stage for Yuzuru Hanyu. As these accumulate, I think they will form a new foundation for myself. So, I want to do everything I can now and push beyond the limits of figure skating. I hope that can become the story of me from now on."