[2026.02.17] Dear Yuzuru Hanyu

[yuzurujenn]

Info: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4635340546

 

"A human life can be taken away quite easily. That's why I want to continue performing in a way that will guide people, even if only a little, in the direction of life."
- Yuzuru Hanyu (from the text)

 

Since turning professional, Yuzuru Hanyu has continued to evolve, successfully holding one solo ice show after another. Drawing on in-depth interviews with renowned coaches and skating insiders, as well as the author's own experiences as a spectator, this book unravels the depths of Hanyu's skating. It also includes an exclusive, long interview with Hanyu!

 

Why is Yuzuru Hanyu's skating so beautiful and so moving to the souls of those who watch? This is a collection of essays from the author, captivated by the "absolute champion"! This book includes additions and revisions to essays originally published in Shueisha Shinsho Plus's "Naoko Utsunomiya Talks Skating" and Yama-to-Keikokusha's "Quadruple Axel," as well as a significant amount of new material.

 

●Over 20,000 Words! An Exclusive Interview with Hanyu!
A massive, over 20,000-word interview with Hanyu! This interview delves deeply into Hanyu's outlook on life and his sense of happiness, including his efforts during maintenance, his pride as a professional athlete, the meaning of life, why he skates, and his thoughts on the earthquake disaster. We delve into the depths of Hanyu from the unique perspective of a non-fiction writer. Also includes beautiful photos, including unpublished ones!

Included are beautiful photos, including unpublished ones, from "Hanyu Yuzuru notte stellata 2025," "The First Skate," and "Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 2nd "RE_PRAY" TOUR"! The cover, front cover, and opening photos are works by Yoshiki Kogaito. Enjoy these precious photographs that capture the beauty of a moment.

■Contents
-Photo Gallery

-A Very Short Preface

 

-Chapter 1: In the Footsteps of a Champion

A Hymn to Him / Act Two Begins

 

-Chapter 2: From Russia with Love

My First Steps / Two Heavyweights

 

-Chapter 3: Words from Tsuzuki Shoichiro

No Need to Worry / Absolute Champion / Exceptional / Stockholm Story / One-Eighth / Merry Christmas / The Realm of God / A 9-Year-Old Boy / Where Artists Go / Where to Grow / RE_PRAY

 

-Chapter 4: One-of-a-Kind

GIFT / Piercing the Heart / Echoes of Life

 

-Chapter 5: Yuzuru Hanyu Speaks
I Can't Help It Because I Want to Get Better / Where Do I Go From Here? / Searching for Happiness / I've Worked So Hard
To Get Better / Thinking About Expression / The Great East Japan Earthquake / Let's Live Tomorrow Too

 

-Chapter 6: Dedicated to the Explorers
Xebio Arena Sendai / The First Skate / One Centimeter

 

A Very Short Afterword