[20250221] Digital TV Guide April 2025 issue

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

Info: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0DWNK1B9V

Source: https://weibo.com/5437806211/PfrQjopCc

 

●Exclusive photo spread and interview:

Yuzuru Hanyu's "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 3rd "Echoes of Life" TOUR"
Chiba performance special report

 

 

[Text/Takaomi Matsubara]

 

Spoiler

In July 2022, Yuzuru Hanyu held a press conference to officially announce the beginning of a new journey as a professional figure skater. Since then, he has continuously challenged himself, showcasing an awe-inspiring presence on the ice.

 

Now entering the third season of his professional skating career, during 2024–2025, Hanyu launched the third installment of his personal ice show series, ICE STORY, titled "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 3rd "Echoes of Life" TOUR."

 

Last December, the show had its grand opening at Saitama Super Arena. As the new year began, it traveled to Hiroshima in January and then to Chiba in February, with performances held across three cities in total. Every performance was packed with applause and cheers, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

 

From start to finish, ICE STORY features only Yuzuru Hanyu performing on the ice, which is an innovative concept in itself. In addition, Hanyu personally planned and directed the entire ice show, infusing it with a unique narrative structure. This unprecedented form of ice performance has garnered widespread acclaim.

 

Echoes of Life is one such production. Set against the backdrop of a desolate, near-futuristic world, the show follows the journey of the protagonist, Nova, portrayed by Hanyu himself. As Nova explores the 'meaning of life' on the ice, the story gradually unfolds. The blueprint for this narrative was also created by Hanyu. How did he craft such a creatively charged work centered around such a fundamental theme?

 

"To be honest, I’ve always felt that I have limited knowledge and experience. I’m not the kind of person who reads a lot of books. I don’t often engage with artistic forms like movies or musicals. So, when I’m coming up with a story, I’m always in a state of exploration. But I’ve always known that I must prioritize the things I genuinely recognize as beautiful and cherish the things that truly move me and touch my heart. That’s why I often draw inspiration from past experiences, people, and emotions that have touched me deeply. I absorb them, transform them, and express them in my own way," Hanyu said.

 

His inspiration doesn’t simply come from books but rather from things that have deeply moved him on a personal level. These are rooted in his own experiences and genuine feelings. It’s precisely because of this sincere approach, building on authentic emotions, that he’s able to create works that resonate with the hearts of his audience.

 

Looking back on this year, Yuzuru Hanyu has released yet another outstanding work. Reflecting on his achievements, he said:

 

"This year, I’ve gained a lot and encountered many new things. I took about three months of ballet lessons before, but I had never received formal training. When it came to dance, I used to just watch dances I liked and try to imitate them, or I would learn movements from a choreographer and do my best to replicate what the teacher showed me. You could say that, until now, I was someone who only danced based on feeling. During the preparation for Echoes of Life, MIKIKO-sensei, who was in charge of the choreography, taught me the basics of dance performance step by step. That’s when I realized that all those movements I had been doing by instinct actually had a solid theoretical foundation behind them. Because of that, I feel I’ve gained new understanding and growth in terms of physical expression this year."

 

Yuzuru Hanyu spent the year fully engaged in meaningful work, and now, after concluding Echoes of Life, he is preparing for his next performance, notte stellata 2025. This series of shows, which began two years ago in his hometown, carries the beautiful vision of "bringing hope to the disaster-stricken areas."

 

Beyond notte stellata, Hanyu has also actively participated in volunteer activities. Last year, he joined a charity performance to support the recovery of the Noto Peninsula.

 

"I can genuinely feel the support everyone has given me, and I’ve had the chance to truly connect with the thoughts and feelings of those who are working so hard to move forward," Hanyu said. "Through this process, I’ve come to realize that figure skating alone can’t directly solve any problems. So I have been thinking hard about what I can do to help, and I feel that I am doing my best in every moment to support the activities."

 

Now, notte stellata 2025 has entered its third edition, and we eagerly await the chance to witness his breathtaking performances with deep emotions on the ice once again.

 

Towa Pharmaceutical Presents Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata 2025
March 7 (Friday) – Show starts at 17:00
March 8 (Saturday) – Show starts at 18:30
March 9 (Sunday) – Show starts at 16:00

This year marks the third edition of Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata. Hanyu has always kept the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake close to his heart. This time, he will gather with top figure skaters to perform at the Sekisui Heim Super Arena (GRANDI·21) in Miyagi, one of the areas affected by the disaster. Additionally, this year’s show will feature a special guest appearance by Mansai Nomura, who will collaborate with Hanyu in crafting a truly special performance.

 

[PRESENT]
Complete the survey included with this publication for a chance to win a Yuzuru Hanyu autographed photo—one lucky reader will be selected at random.

 

 

·Photography/Takeshi Okamoto
·Styling/Minako Orihara
·Hair&Makeup/Tomomi Kakizaki