[2025.08.15] Yuzuru announces "maintenance period" for the seasson

[Wintek]

These are the news that were published soon after Yuzuru posted the announcement for the season
 

Translation by A1su Team
 

[Wintek]

*Machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

2025.08.15 

Deep Edge Plus

Source: https://deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp/news/117940/ 

Archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20250815225034/https://deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp/news/117940/ 

 

“This season will be a maintenance period.” Entering his 4th season as a professional, aiming for next spring: “I will study a lot and also transform my body.”

Yuzuru Hanyu (30), a men’s figure skater who won back-to-back Winter Olympic titles and has been active as a professional skater since 2022, posted an “announcement about this season” on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on the 15th, revealing: “As for this season, I have decided to set aside a maintenance period[1] in order to evolve further![2]”

Spoiler

Now in his 4th season since turning professional, Hanyu wrote:
“Once again, so that everyone can truly feel ‘That’s great!’ So that you can feel it even more, and more, and more[3] . Aiming for around next spring, I will study a lot, also transform my body[4], and work even harder, so please look forward to it and wait with expectation! For the sake of a ‘future’ that cannot yet be seen, I will work hard on the time that is ‘now.’[5]”

Starting with PROLOGUE, which he both directed and performed in solo, Hanyu has gone on to create ice shows under the concept of “ICE STORY,” combining words and skating. As the first installment, he held the unprecedented Tokyo Dome solo performance GIFT in February 2023, followed by the second installment RE_PRAY and the third installment Echoes of Life TOUR. He has also appeared in notte stellata, wishing for recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, and in the Noto Peninsula Earthquake Reconstruction Support Charity Performance, demonstrating his presence in social contribution activities as well.

Text by Masashi Inoue

- - - - - - -

Some notes for interpretation:

[1] 「メンテナンス期間」 , maintenance period. “Maintenance” (written in katakana, borrowed from English) evokes both physical recovery and structured preparation. It sounds professional, almost like an athlete/engineer talking about keeping a high-performing machine in top condition. He frames this as an intentional stage for growth.

[2]「より進化するために」 (in order to further evolve); “進化” (shinka, evolve) is a powerful and future-oriented word, it implies a transformative leap, not just incremental improvement.

[3] 「またみなさんが心から『良い！』って思ってもらえるように。」This phrasing is warm and modest. The emphasis is on the audience’s experience. His doubling with “よりもっと、もっと” (even more, and even more than that) shows his earnestness and desire to exceed expectations.

[4] 「肉体改造 (にくたいかいぞう」, nikutai kaizō), where 肉体 (nikutai) = body, flesh, physique; 改造 (kaizō) = remodeling, transforming, rebuilding, modifying, overhauling. It’s not just “getting fit,” but a deliberate, significant physical transformation (appearance or capabilities). It’s a phrase often used when someone is seriously working on changing their body structure or training it in a new way.

[5]「『いま』という時間を、まだ見えることのない『未来』のために」Similar to “Echoes of Life” reflection on time, Yuzuru frames time itself as a resource he is channeling into an unseen future. This tone elevates the message beyond sports, giving it a reflective , philosophical, quality. It connects with his recurring theme of “the present moment being unique and fleeting,” while also touching upon unseen outcomes.

 

 

[Wintek]

*Machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

2025.08.15

 

Tokyo Sports
Source: https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/comment/356010 

Archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20250816211026/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/comment/356010 

 

[Figure Skating] Yuzuru Hanyu speaks about this season’s plans: “I will set aside a maintenance period.[1]” Fans flood him with messages of support
August 15, 2025, 18:42

Yuzuru Hanyu (30), the professional skater who achieved back-to-back Olympic gold medals in men’s figure skating, has spoken about his outlook for “this season.”

Spoiler

On the 15th, updating his official X (formerly Twitter), Hanyu began with: “This is an announcement regarding this season”, and revealed: “As for this season, in order to evolve further[2], I have decided to set aside a maintenance period!”

As for his aim, he wrote: “So that once again everyone can truly feel ‘That’s great!’ “So that once again, everyone can truly feel ‘That’s great!’ So that you can feel it even more, and more, and more[3] . Aiming for around next spring, I will study a lot, also transform my body[4] , and work even harder, so please look forward to it and wait with expectation! For the sake of a ‘future’ that cannot yet be seen, I will work hard on the time that is ‘now.’”[5]

The post drew a huge reaction from fans. Voices included: “Since turning pro, he has kept running nonstop, so this season will also serve as a time of input. I’m looking forward to the evolved Yuzuru Hanyu next season,” “You only have one body—maintenance is essential. I will be waiting eagerly to see the evolved Yuzuru Hanyu,” “I support whatever decision Yuzuru Hanyu makes with all my heart!!! I am unbelievably excited,” and “I can’t wait to see the evolved NEW Yuzuru Hanyu.”

—Tokyo Sports Web

- - - - - - -

Some notes for interpretation

[1] 「メンテナンス期間」 , maintenance period. “Maintenance” (written in katakana, borrowed from English) evokes both physical recovery and structured preparation. It sounds professional, almost like an athlete/engineer talking about keeping a high-performing machine in top condition. He frames this as an intentional stage for growth.

[2]「より進化するために」 (in order to further evolve); “進化” (shinka, evolve) is a powerful and future-oriented word, it implies a transformative leap, not just incremental improvement.

[3] 「またみなさんが心から『良い！』って思ってもらえるように。」This phrasing is warm and modest. The emphasis is on the audience’s experience. His doubling with “よりもっと、もっと” (even more, and even more than that) shows his earnestness and desire to exceed expectations.

[4] 肉体改造」 (remodel/transform my body), often used in sports or training contexts. It suggests a conscious redesign of his physical condition, not just training harder, but restructuring himself. It conveys determination and seriousness about transforming both body and performance.

[5] 「『いま』という時間を、まだ見えることのない『未来』のために」Similar to “Echoes of Life” reflection on time, Yuzuru frames time itself as a resource he is channeling into an unseen future. This tone elevates the message beyond sports, giving it a reflective , philosophical, quality. It connects with his recurring theme of “the present moment being unique and fleeting,” while also touching upon unseen outcomes.

 

[Wintek]

*Machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

2025.08.15

 

Hochi

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20250815-OHT1T51192.html?page=1 

Archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20250815213440/https://hochi.news/articles/20250815-OHT1T51192.html?page=1 

 

Yuzuru Hanyu reports on this season: “I have decided to set aside a maintenance period[1]  in order to evolve further[2]”
August 15, 2025, 19:06

Professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu posted on X on the 15th, speaking about this season: “I have decided to set aside a maintenance period in order to evolve further,” he reported.

At 6:00 p.m., a message beginning with “This is an announcement regarding this season” was uploaded. He continued: “As for this season, in order to evolve further, I have decided to set aside a maintenance period!” followed by: “So that once again, everyone can truly feel ‘That’s great!’ So that you can feel it even more, and more, and more[3] . Aiming for around next spring, I will study a lot, also transform my body[4] , and work even harder, so please look forward to it and wait with expectation!”

It concluded with the words: “For the sake of a ‘future’ that cannot yet be seen, I will work hard in the time called ‘now.’[5] ”

- - - - - - -

Some notes for interpretation

 

Spoiler

[1] 「メンテナンス期間」 , maintenance period. “Maintenance” (written in katakana, borrowed from English) evokes both physical recovery and structured preparation. It sounds professional, almost like an athlete/engineer talking about keeping a high-performing machine in top condition. He frames this as an intentional stage for growth.

[2]「より進化するために」 (in order to further evolve); “進化” (shinka, evolve) is a powerful and future-oriented word, it implies a transformative leap, not just incremental improvement.

[3] 「またみなさんが心から『良い！』って思ってもらえるように。」This phrasing is warm and modest. The emphasis is on the audience’s experience. His doubling with “よりもっと、もっと” (even more, and even more than that) shows his earnestness and desire to exceed expectations.

[4] 肉体改造」 (remodel/transform my body), often used in sports or training contexts. It suggests a conscious redesign of his physical condition, not just training harder, but restructuring himself. It conveys determination and seriousness about transforming both body and performance.

[5] 「『いま』という時間を、まだ見えることのない『未来』のために」Similar to “Echoes of Life” reflection on time, Yuzuru frames time itself as a resource he is channeling into an unseen future. This tone elevates the message beyond sports, giving it a reflective , philosophical, quality. It connects with his recurring theme of “the present moment being unique and fleeting,” while also touching upon unseen outcomes.

 

[Wintek]

*Machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

2025.08.15

 

Nikkan

Source: https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/202508150001620.html

Archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20250816221619/https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/202508150001620.html 

 

In his fourth year as a professional, Yuzuru Hanyu reports: “I’ve decided to set aside a maintenance period” — “Aiming toward around next spring,” promises evolution
August 15, 2025, 19:14

Yuzuru Hanyu (30), two-time Winter Olympic gold medalist in men’s figure skating, updated his official X (formerly Twitter) account on the 15th. Entering his fourth season since turning professional, he reported: “About this season, I’ve decided to set aside a maintenance period[1] in order to evolve further![2]”

Spoiler

He began with, “This is an announcement regarding this season,” along with skate and feather emojis, and explained his thoughts: “So that once again, everyone can think from the heart, ‘That’s great!’ So that you can think that way more and more.[3]”

Hanyu won gold at both the 2014 Sochi and 2018 PyeongChang Olympics—an Asian first—, and the world’s first consecutive champion in 66 years. At the 2022 Beijing Games, he inscribed in Olympic history the first-ever attempt at a “4A (quadruple axel),” and on July 19 of that year announced his professional transition.

Up through last month, in his third year, he completed the third installment of his unprecedented solo ice show series “Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY”: Echoes of Life TOUR, following GIFT at Tokyo Dome and RE_PRAY TOUR, all of which he both headlined and produced. He also succeeded with charity performances supporting the Noto Peninsula earthquake victims and, for the third consecutive year, the recovery-themed notte stellata 2025.

In a July 2025 interview with this newspaper marking his third anniversary as a pro athlete, he spoke of reaching a new frontier, “from zero to one,” showing progress. At the same time, these three years greatly expanded his activities beyond the ice, and he had been running nonstop, sometimes even without sleep.

With the promise of further evolution, he clearly stated his timing for resuming activities: “Aiming toward around next spring.” He continued: “I will study a lot, also transform my body[4] , and work even harder, so please look forward to it and wait with expectation!”

Finally, he wrote, ““For the sake of a ‘future’ that cannot yet be seen, I will work hard in the time called ‘now.[5],”  adding three feather emojis.

(Kinoshita Jun, Nikkan)

- - - - - - -

Some notes for interpretation

[1] 「メンテナンス期間」 , maintenance period. “Maintenance” (written in katakana, borrowed from English) evokes both physical recovery and structured preparation. It sounds professional, almost like an athlete/engineer talking about keeping a high-performing machine in top condition. He frames this as an intentional stage for growth.

[2]「より進化するために」 (in order to further evolve); “進化” (shinka, evolve) is a powerful and future-oriented word, it implies a transformative leap, not just incremental improvement.

[3] 「またみなさんが心から『良い！』って思ってもらえるように。」This phrasing is warm and modest. The emphasis is on the audience’s experience. His doubling with “よりもっと、もっと” (even more, and even more than that) shows his earnestness and desire to exceed expectations.

[4] 肉体改造」 (remodel/transform my body), often used in sports or training contexts. It suggests a conscious redesign of his physical condition, not just training harder, but restructuring himself. It conveys determination and seriousness about transforming both body and performance.

[5] 「『いま』という時間を、まだ見えることのない『未来』のために」Similar to “Echoes of Life” reflection on time, Yuzuru frames time itself as a resource he is channeling into an unseen future. This tone elevates the message beyond sports, giving it a reflective , philosophical, quality. It connects with his recurring theme of “the present moment being unique and fleeting,” while also touching upon unseen outcomes.

*Machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

 

[Wintek]

*Machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

2025.08.15

 

Sponichi

Source: https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2025/08/15/kiji/20250815s00079000272000c.html?page=1 

Archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20250816221444/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2025/08/15/kiji/20250815s00079000272000c.html?page=1 

 

Yuzuru Hanyu reports on this season: “I’ve decided to set aside a maintenance period” — “In order to evolve…” Fans send messages of support one after another
August 15, 2025, 18:05

Yuzuru Hanyu, double Olympic champion in men’s figure skating, updated his X (formerly Twitter) account on the 15th. Regarding this season, he reported, “I’ve decided to set aside a maintenance period[1]  in order to evolve further.[2]”

Spoiler

Hanyu began with, “This is an announcement regarding this season,” and continued, “About this season, I’ve decided to set aside a maintenance period in order to evolve further!”

On his intention, he wrote: “So that once again, everyone can truly feel ‘That’s great!’ So that you can feel it even more, and more, and more[3] . Aiming for around next spring, I will study a lot, also transform my body[4] , and work even harder, so please look forward to it and wait with expectation!”

Comments on this post included: “Since turning pro, you’ve been running nonstop, so I want you to also spend time resting or doing things you enjoy.” “I’m looking forward to the evolved Hanyu-san!!”

- - - - - - -

Some notes for interpretation

[1] 「メンテナンス期間」 , maintenance period. “Maintenance” (written in katakana, borrowed from English) evokes both physical recovery and structured preparation. It sounds professional, almost like an athlete/engineer talking about keeping a high-performing machine in top condition. He frames this as an intentional stage for growth.

[2]「より進化するために」 (in order to further evolve); “進化” (shinka, evolve) is a powerful and future-oriented word, it implies a transformative leap, not just incremental improvement.

[3] 「またみなさんが心から『良い！』って思ってもらえるように。」This phrasing is warm and modest. The emphasis is on the audience’s experience. His doubling with “よりもっと、もっと” (even more, and even more than that) shows his earnestness and desire to exceed expectations.

[4] 肉体改造」 (remodel/transform my body), often used in sports or training contexts. It suggests a conscious redesign of his physical condition, not just training harder, but restructuring himself. It conveys determination and seriousness about transforming both body and performance.

[5] 「『いま』という時間を、まだ見えることのない『未来』のために」Similar to “Echoes of Life” reflection on time, Yuzuru frames time itself as a resource he is channeling into an unseen future. This tone elevates the message beyond sports, giving it a reflective , philosophical, quality. It connects with his recurring theme of “the present moment being unique and fleeting,” while also touching upon unseen outcomes.

 

[Wintek]

*Machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

2025.08.19

 

Sports Communications

Source: https://www.ninomiyasports.com/archives/132603

Archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20250819220445/https://www.ninomiyasports.com/archives/132603 

 

Yuzuru Hanyu’s “Maintenance Period” Is a Runway Toward New Heights
August 19, 2025 – Sports Communications

Professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu shared a message on X on August 15.
 

Spoiler

The first line read, “This is an announcement regarding this season.”

“I have decided to set aside a maintenance period[1] in order to evolve further.[2]”
(Yuzuru Hanyu official_Staff @YUZURUofficial_ posted August 15, 2025, 6:00 p.m.)

The period will last until around next spring.

“I will study a lot, also transform my body[3], and work even harder, so please look forward to it and wait with expectation!”
(same source)

From his competitive years—and especially after turning professional—Hanyu has continued to pour out an overwhelming amount of output. As a result, he has established a new art form in the shape of Ice Story.

It goes without saying that for artists and creators, input is the key to output. Therefore, a recharge period is also necessary. This is not the same as a purposeless break. Rather, Hanyu may have wanted to polish once again his philosophy, ideas, and inspiration as the seeds for new works.

Sensitivity is stimulated through reading, music, and art, or through encounters with people. Hanyu, who also finds creative hints in anime and games, makes his future all the more exciting to look forward to.

In his message, Hanyu used the word “season.” This is the clearest proof that he still perceives the flow of time through the lens of an athlete.

For an athlete, this decision must have required tremendous courage. Everyone battles against the passage of time, thinking, “I can’t afford to waste my prime years.” This is the same in every athletic field.

To create Ice Story, he must devise concepts, select music, and choreograph programs. Meetings are also required to design costumes and visuals. It is not hard to imagine how much time these intellectual activities demand.

Perhaps through hard training on the ice he has managed to maintain cardiovascular fitness. Perhaps he just barely kept up with strength-maintenance training to stimulate the body.

But in aiming for new heights, it may have become increasingly difficult for him to engage in more demanding physical training. I interpret this from the way he specifically used the phrase “physical transformation” in his message.

High-intensity training deliberately damages muscle fibers. Then, through nutrition and rest, those fibers are repaired. By repeating this process, strength increases. However, when a performance is looming, it is hard to commit to such a regimen, because it is essentially equivalent to deliberately disturbing one’s own condition.

The more strength you build beyond your competitive years, the more you find yourself thinking, “I want to take on even heavier training,” “If I power up more, my jumps might gain stability, and my expressive range might expand.” And with that, comes the dilemma.

There are individual differences, but the burden on the body between strength-maintenance training and strength-gain training is on a completely different level. If he were to carry out such training alongside the intellectual activities mentioned earlier, it is obvious that time would run short. To try to do that simultaneously with live Ice Story performances would involve huge risks.

It is also possible that some injuries remain not fully healed. After undergoing body maintenance, to then embark on physical transformation shows the depth of Hanyu’s drive to improve.

To struggle with all his might in the present, in order to make an uncertain future a little more certain. To invest in this moment so that a blueprint he envisions will be within reach in the near future.

This decision, one might think, is for the sake of leaping and then landing as he reaches for new heights. Perhaps this period is a runway for his takeoff and his landing.

(Written by Yuki Oki)

 

Notes

[1] メンテナンス期間」 , maintenance period. “Maintenance” (written in katakana, borrowed from English) evokes both physical recovery and structured preparation. It sounds professional, almost like an athlete/engineer talking about keeping a high-performing machine in top condition. He frames this as an intentional stage for growth.

[2] 「より進化するために」 (in order to further evolve); “進化” (shinka, evolve) is a powerful and future-oriented word, it implies a transformative leap, not just incremental improvement.

[3] 「肉体改造」 (remodel/transform my body), often used in sports or training contexts. It suggests a conscious redesign of his physical condition, not just training harder, but restructuring himself. Examples of this idea of “remodeling/ transforming” the body are when athletes increase muscle mass or shift their body composition, and actors losing/gaining weight drastically for a role.