Articles related to the Disney collaboration.

Info: https://soh.ntvs.co.jp/

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the original debut of #Winnie the Pooh
A merchandise collection featuring professional figure skater #Yuzuru Hanyu has been confirmed!
"SHOWER OF HEART —A Present of Sparkling Light—"
#Pooh goods supervised by Yuzuru Hanyu, etc., will be available starting early October at Shibuya TSUTAYA 1F and other locations.
Stay tuned for more details💫

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist

2026.08.03

Source: https://www.disney.co.jp/corporate/news/2026/20260803

Yuzuru Hanyu's love for Winnie the Pooh has finally been turned into merchandise!

A special collaboration has been realized to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the original "Winnie the Pooh" story.

A product collection has been launched that embodies the special bond between Hanyu and Winnie the Pooh, which has been loved by fans for many years. Hanyu commented with joy, "It's like a dream come true to be able to do something with Pooh, who is such a special character!"

Walt Disney Japan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Tamotsu Hiiro; hereinafter referred to as Disney) announced today, August 3rd (Monday), "Honey Day," a special collaboration between "Winnie the Pooh" and professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, titled " SHOWER OF HEART - A Gift of Shining Light," in cooperation with Nippon Television Service Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Katsu Kamikura).

This product project is a special collaboration commemorating the 100th anniversary of the original "Winnie the Pooh" debut on October 14, 2026. The collection aims to deliver the charm of "Winnie the Pooh," which has been loved around the world for 100 years, through special products featuring Yuzuru Hanyu, and to allow fans to once again feel the kindness and happiness that Pooh has brought to their daily lives.

Created in 1926 by British children's author A.A. Milne, "Winnie the Pooh" has been loved by many people across generations and borders through his kindness, friendship, and emphasis on individuality. Its universal appeal and warm worldview continue to accompany the daily lives of many fans, bringing them small moments of happiness and heartwarming experiences. Yuzuru Hanyu is one of those who deeply resonates with Pooh's charm and has cherished him as a special figure for many years. The "Pooh shower," in which numerous Pooh plush toys are thrown onto the ice after competitions, is widely known as an iconic scene connecting Hanyu and his fans.

Regarding the decision to make this special collaboration, Hanyu commented, " I was truly surprised, and it felt so special that I wondered if it was a dream. I am very happy to be able to work with Pooh, who is a very important figure to me, in this way." When asked about the appeal of "Pooh," he said, "I think it's his freedom and kindness, and above all, his adorableness. He isn’t bound by anyone or anything, and while living life in his own way, he still cares deeply about his friends. I think that's why so many people love Pooh, including his slightly absent-minded side."

Pooh is also a symbol of the special bond he shares with his fans. Reflecting on the "Pooh shower," where numerous Pooh plush toys are thrown onto the ice after his performances at competitions, he said, "That sight is an irreplaceable memory that I will never forget for the rest of my life. It was a scene that felt as though I were surrounded by Pooh bears, and I still treasure it in my heart as something special that only I could see." Finally, as a message to fans who will be purchasing the products, he commented, “This dreamlike, special collaboration with Pooh, who has always been by my side for so many years, has finally come true. I’ve put my feelings into even the smallest details, so I hope you’ll enjoy discovering and appreciating every little detail!”

With gratitude for this special connection, the collection will feature a variety of products, including original items and plush toys in which Hanyu himself was involved in selecting the fabrics and colors, products based on Hanyu's costume design, and items using illustrations specially drawn for this project. This collaboration , "SHOWER OF HEART - A Gift of Shining Light," was created to express gratitude for the special bond that Winnie the Pooh, Yuzuru Hanyu, and their fans have cultivated over many years. The products will be available from early October at Shibuya TSUTAYA 1F and other locations. Please look forward to further updates for more details!

■ About Disney Consumer Products Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is a division of the Disney Experience, bringing beloved brands and franchises into the daily lives of families and fans through products such as toys, apparel, apps, books, and video games, as well as experiences that unfold around the world, including Disney Store e-commerce, Disney Parks, domestic and international retail stores, and Disney Stores worldwide. The business brings together a world-class team of product, licensing, and retail experts, artists, storytellers, and technicians who inspire imagination around the globe.

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist

2026.09.02

Source: https://dtimes.jp/post-1292756/

Comes with two legendary costumes!

Kodansha's "To Pooh: Yuzuru Hanyu and Winnie the Pooh Memory Book with Dress-Up Pooh Plush Toy"

Kodansha is releasing a memory book featuring Yuzuru Hanyu and Disney character Winnie the Pooh!

A collector's edition "To Pooh: Yuzuru Hanyu and Winnie the Pooh Memory Book with Dress-Up Costume Pooh Plush Toy," featuring a plush toy dressed in two legendary costumes, will be released!

Kodansha Disney "To Pooh: Yuzuru Hanyu and Winnie the Pooh Memory Book with Dress-Up Pooh Plush Toy"

Price: 22,000 yen (tax included)

Reservation period: August 18th (Tue), 2026 - October 20th (Tue), 2026

Set contents: "To Pooh: Yuzuru Hanyu and Winnie the Pooh Memory Book" Size: 26.2cm (height) x 18.8cm (width)

Specifications: Full color, 40 pages, hardcover, 1 Winnie the Pooh plush toy (with 2 interchangeable outfits)

*The interchangeable outfits are based on the "SEIMEI" and "Ballade No. 1" costumes worn at the Pyeongchang Olympics

*Upon delivery, Winnie the Pooh will be wearing the "SEIMEI" costume. [Height: approx. 20.5cm, Width: approx. 18.5cm, Depth: approx. 11cm, Weight: 130g (weight of 1 plush toy + 2 outfits)]

Bonus 1: A handwritten reproduction of Yuzuru Hanyu's letter "To Pooh"

*The contents of the letter are also included in the memory book.

Bonus Item 2: "Napping with Pooh" Yuzuru Hanyu Extra Large Poster (51.5cm x 72.8cm / B2)

Available at: bookstores nationwide, Amazon , Rakuten Books , etc.

2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the original debut of "Winnie the Pooh."

"To Pooh: Yuzuru Hanyu and Winnie the Pooh Memory Book with a Pooh Plush Toy in a Dress-Up Outfit," featuring photos taken with Yuzuru Hanyu, a world-renowned professional figure skater known for his love of Winnie the Pooh, will be released by Kodansha.

"To Pooh: Yuzuru Hanyu and Winnie the Pooh Memory Book with Dress-Up Pooh Plush Toy" is a made-to-order product, and reservations began on August 18, 2026.

A memory book documenting the bond between Yuzuru Hanyu and Winnie the Pooh.

The memory book features 40 pages showcasing Hanyu's journey alongside "Winnie the Pooh." The photobook features many relaxed shots of him at Ice Rink Sendai, where he usually practices, as well as in nature-filled outdoor settings. Furthermore, the item includes an exclusive long interview. This book is full of thoughts and anecdotes that you can only read here.

"Dress-up outfit Pooh plush toy" that faithfully reproduces two legendary costumes.

Two costumes worn by Yuzuru Hanyu, his free program "SEIMEI" and his short program "Ballade No. 1," have been perfectly recreated in Winnie the Pooh plush toy size!

It's designed to be dressed up in different outfits.

*When you receive your order, you will receive one Winnie the Pooh plush toy (wearing the "SEIMEI" outfit). A "Ballade No. 1" outfit is included as an alternative.

The tags on the plush toys and costumes are signed!

Each plushie comes with a tag bearing Yuzuru Hanyu’s autograph, as do the “SEIMEI” and “Ballade No. 1” costume pieces.

These plushies are truly special, as they are exclusive to this project and allow fans to feel the special bond between Hanyu and Winnie the Pooh.

Comes with two super luxurious bonus items

A reproduced letter handwritten by Hanyu expressing his feelings toward Winnie the Pooh is included with the book. It will be delivered in an original envelope.

The oversized poster features a photo of Hanyu surrounded by Winnie the Pooh plushies. It is a rare shot of him together with his personal Pooh merchandise, which he has rarely shown in the media before.

The latest news will be updated regularly on the special website.

Special website URL: https://cocreco.kodansha.co.jp/special/M6mQq

During the pre-order period for this product, new information will be posted regularly on the special website.

Making-of videos that can only be seen here, as well as valuable interview videos of Hanyu related to "Winnie the Pooh," are also scheduled to be released.

Includes a handwritten comment full of love for Winnie the Pooh.

"To Pooh: Yuzuru Hanyu and Winnie the Pooh Memory Book with Dress-Up Pooh Plush Toy" is currently available for preorder as a made-to-order product through October 20, 2026.

In conjunction with the release of this information, a video message from Hanyu himself and a handwritten comment were also released.

Yuzuru Hanyu's Profile

Born on December 7, 1994, in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture.

He achieved back-to-back victories in men's singles at the 2014 Sochi and 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics.

He announced his decision to turn professional in 2022 and is currently active as a professional skater.

Comments from the Supervisors of the “Dress-Up Pooh Plush Toy”

The interchangeable costumes were created under the supervision of Yuzuru Hanyu and the designers who actually designed the original costumes.

We received comments from Yuzuru Hanyu, Satomi Ito, the costume designer for “SEIMEI,” and Nao Adachi, the costume designer for “Ballade No. 1,” about the new “Dress-Up Pooh Plush Toy.”

Yuzuru Hanyu:

“The costumes fit Pooh’s body shape so well, and he looks really cute! The black pants suit him too (laughs). I’m really happy that they paid such close attention even to details like the placement of the rhinestones and the texture of the fabric. The SEIMEI costume even properly recreates the color around the collar and the five-pointed star on the back. The gradient on the Ballade No. 1 costume has come out beautifully too. It’s amazing!”

Satomi Ito (costume designer for “SEIMEI”):

“When I heard about this project, I thought, ‘It’s finally happening!’ It almost feels as though Pooh had been waiting for the 100th anniversary of the original story to come around. The costume is incredibly high quality, with details such as the embroidery faithfully reproduced. It’s truly amazing!”

Nao Adachi (costume designer for “Ballade No. 1”):

“This was a costume I created with a lot of feeling invested in, so I was truly moved to see Pooh wearing one that was almost exactly like the original, down to the embroidery around the neckline, the way the stones were scattered, and the colors of the gradient!"

This collector’s edition comes with a dress-up Pooh plush toy featuring two legendary costumes: the one worn for his free skate, “SEIMEI,” and the one worn for his short program, “Ballade No. 1.”

Kodansha’s "To Pooh: Yuzuru Hanyu and Winnie the Pooh Memory Book with Dress-Up Pooh Plush Toy" is now available for pre-order on Amazon, Rakuten Books, and other retailers!

*If you order from a bookstore, you will pick it up at the bookstore where you placed the order.

*The estimated arrival date at bookstores is May 27, 2027 (Thursday) or later.

*Due to unavoidable production circumstances, it may take longer than expected .

*The Winnie the Pooh plush toy included with this product is different from the one on the cover.

*Pre-orders for the ebook are also being accepted.The ebook does not include the Winnie the Pooh plush toy, the dress-up costume (Ballade No. 1), or the bonus replica letter and poster.

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist

2026.10.02

Source: https://gendai.media/articles/-/171278

A Winnie the Pooh wearing Yuzuru Hanyu's "special costume" has finally been created... The editor in charge reveals the untold story of the "memory book" filled with a special bond.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the original debut of "Winnie the Pooh," a dream collaboration between figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu and Pooh has been realized. "To Pooh: Yuzuru Hanyu and Winnie the Pooh Memory Book with Dress-Up Pooh Plush Toy," which will be released by Kodansha as a made-to-order product , has been met with a great response since pre-orders began (pre-order period: August 18th to October 20th).

The highlight is the two figure skating costumes worn by Yuzuru Hanyu, meticulously recreated for Winnie the Pooh plush toys. We asked the editorial team in charge about the behind-the-scenes story of how this project came about and the level of detail that went into its creation.

Hanyu's own feelings about his costumes are reflected in them.

In anticipation of the 100th anniversary of the original Winnie the Pooh story, Disney was discussing what kind of special project they should undertake. A collaboration with Yuzuru Hanyu, who is widely known as a Winnie the Pooh fan, was a long-held dream for Disney, and the project began to move forward because it was deemed "fitting for this 100th anniversary."

"Discussions were held between Disney and Kodansha regarding whether any special projects could be done with publications, and Kodansha proposed a 'book project that includes a Winnie the Pooh plush toy wearing Yuzuru Hanyu's figure skating costume.' We were particular about including two costumes, reflecting the idea that figure skating is a sport where competitors are judged on both the short program and the free skating."

After that, we discussed with Hanyu which costume to use. He expressed his wish to "dress Pooh in a costume that fans are familiar with and that he has worn with him at the Olympics," so two costumes from iconic programs in figure skating history were chosen. These were "SEIMEI" and "Ballade No. 1," which earned him his second consecutive gold medal in the men's singles at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics.

Designer supervision and Takara Tomy Arts' technology shine through.

The costumes were produced by Takara Tomy Arts, a company that has created numerous high-quality plush toys. During the production process, the designers who actually created the costumes, Satomi Ito (responsible for SEIMEI) and Nao Adachi (responsible for Ballad No. 1), also joined the supervision, resulting in an even more exquisite finish.

The costume for "SEIMEI" faithfully reproduces the distinctive embroidery, the color scheme around the neck, and the pentagram on the back. The order of the four-color stripes around the neck is the same as the order that Hanyu himself specified when the actual costume was made. In addition, the color, size, and placement of the stones were decided based on specific advice from Satomi Ito.

For the costume of "Ballade No. 1," numerous prototypes were created to select the fabric that would achieve the same fluffy texture, vibrant color, and durability as the actual costume, which resembles chiffon. After consulting with Nao Adachi, a double-layered fabric was finally adopted, recreating the exquisite gradation and texture. In addition, each stone adorning the costume was sewn on by hand, demonstrating attention to detail.

"When Mr. Hanyu himself inspected the actual costume, he immediately pointed out a gap in the side panels of the 'SEIMEI' costume. It was a detail that no one else had noticed, and his deep love for the costume and uncompromising attitude further enhanced its quality. The exquisite size—not too tight, not too loose—that fits Pooh's body shape was also achieved after much trial and error."

A handwritten letter from Hanyu that "cannot be read without tears"

The memory book is packed with newly taken photos, including those taken at Yuzuru Hanyu's home rink, Ice Rink Sendai, as well as an exclusive interview.

The photos capture not only Hanyu in relaxed, candid moments, but also shots of him skating on the ice just as he would during his regular practice, as well as photos with his personal Pooh collection, including Pooh items he has treasured since his time in Toronto.

"In the interview, he speaks in depth about his encounter with Winnie the Pooh and how Pooh was a source of emotional support during his demanding competitive career. Another highlight is the reproduction of Hanyu's handwritten letter, 'To Pooh.' It describes just how irreplaceable Pooh was to Hanyu, who was almost crushed by the lonely battle of being a top athlete. The letter is so moving, overflowing with the bond and warm feelings between the two, that it brought tears to the eyes of the production staff and those involved who read it beforehand."

Special displays of Winnie the Pooh plush toys dressed in different outfits are being held at select bookstores nationwide, generating significant buzz on social media. This memory book, which embodies the deep bond between Hanyu and Pooh, will undoubtedly become a cherished possession for many.

"To Pooh: Yuzuru Hanyu and Winnie the Pooh Memory Book with Dress-Up Pooh Plush Toy" Kodansha (ed.)

© Disney. Based on the "Winnie the Pooh" works, by AA Milne and EH Shepard.

Release Date: May 27, 2027 *Due to unavoidable production circumstances, there may be a delay from the scheduled date.

Price: 22,000 yen (tax included)

[Set Contents Details]

・"To Pooh: Yuzuru Hanyu and Winnie the Pooh Memory Book"

・One Winnie the Pooh plush toy (with two changeable outfits)

★Bonus 1: Replica of Yuzuru Hanyu's handwritten letter "To Pooh"

★Bonus 2: Extra-large poster of Yuzuru Hanyu "Napping with Pooh"

<Reservation period>

August 18, 2026 (Tue) - October 20, 2026 (Tue)

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist

2026.10.02

Source: https://fan.books.rakuten.co.jp/articles/xu2sasg3hdyc0s3s152zf2xr

Yuzuru Hanyu skates while holding Winnie the Pooh! "He's a special presence to me" - A special collaboration between Hanyu and Winnie the Pooh is being held.

A special collaboration pop-up store for "SHOWER OF HEART - A Gift of Shining Light -" commemorating the 100th anniversary of the original debut of Winnie the Pooh and Yuzuru Hanyu will be held at SHIBUYA TSUTAYA in Tokyo starting today, October 2nd.

At the venue, footage of Hanyu skating while lovingly holding Winnie the Pooh, and an interview with announcer Takahiko Fujii were shown, filling the air with the cuteness of Hanyu and Pooh.

Upon entering the entrance, the first thing that greets you is Hanyu meticulously stretching before skating. The footage was filmed at Xebio Arena Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture. After doing leg stretches and other exercises in a black tracksuit, Pooh was placed next to the chair where he put on his skates. During his competitive career, fans remember throwing Pooh plush toys onto the ice after Hanyu's skating performances, but in the interview, Hanyu said that Pooh is "someone who continues to watch over me through daily practice, competitions, and new stages." On the screen at the back of the venue, an interview with announcer Fujii was shown, beginning with the words "It's been a long time," in which he talked about his thoughts on the project and his feelings about the program he choreographed himself and dedicated to Pooh.

“When I heard about collaborating with Winnie the Pooh, I was a little intimidated, wondering if I was good enough. Pooh has always been a special presence who has been with me all these years, but the fact that they were officially launching a project like this made me more nervous than anything. I wondered whether I could become someone worthy of it.”

Even when talking about Pooh, Hanyu speaks with an adorable smile, almost as though he has become a boy again.

“I even worked out some choreography, but I started thinking about what it would mean to bring Pooh onto the ice. Pooh only exists in the Hundred Acre Wood, you know? (laughs),” he says, making announcer Fujii laugh. “But being able to skate together with Pooh, who has been watching me all this time… I wanted to teach Pooh various skating moves and say, ‘I’m going to skate for you.’ I created a story that was dedicated to Pooh.”

Hanyu says that Pooh, who skated together with him, “was enjoying himself. His eyes were sparkling,” once again showing just how much he loves Pooh.

The difficult part was that whenever he held Pooh while skating, Pooh would immediately turn around toward Hanyu.

“He would easily turn to face me, so I had to quickly turn him back around [to face forward] and figure out how to make him look cute. That was a first-time experience for me. I hope you’ll pay attention to that part too.”

The song Hanyu chose for his program skating with Winnie the Pooh was "Petite suite de concerto." He said, "I was given several options, and I chose this one because it has a cute feel to it, and I wanted to reflect the strength and lightness of Yuzuru Hanyu's figure skating."

The costume, designed by Satomi Ito, possesses a beauty unique to figure skating costumes, and Hanyu commented, "It was incredibly fluffy. I hope you can appreciate how it flows throughout the program and the delicate use of color." The costume is also on display at the venue, accompanied by a panel featuring Ito's design sketches and comments.

In the interview, conducted with Winnie the Pooh beside him, Hanyu displayed a contrast to the dignified expression he usually shows as a professional skater. He was seen with gestures and a crinkled, innocent smile, which was quite striking. Hanyu was smiling the whole time he was with Pooh.

At the merchandise area, where around 100 different items are on display, the lineup includes a plushie based on an original illustration of Hanyu drawn by a Disney illustrator, packaged together with Pooh in a single box; clear files, stickers, and decals featuring newly filmed footage; the T-shirt Hanyu wore during the interview; tote bags; and other items designed to be enjoyed in everyday life.

A 3D figure of Hanyu is also currently in production, so be sure to check the website for more details. The interview with announcer Fujii being shown at the Shibuya venue is Part 1. Information on which venues will show Part 2 will be announced on the official social media accounts and elsewhere.

At the end of the interview, Hanyu concluded with a message about the exhibition: “This has become something very special to me as well. I hope you’ll enjoy this special experience and keep it close to your heart.”

It is a special program where you can enjoy not only the beauty of Hanyu’s skating, but also his incredibly adorable side as he skates together with Pooh.

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist

2026.10.09

Source: https://fan.books.rakuten.co.jp/articles/dskqhf3sueijn5d8u67usspy

The deep bond between Yuzuru Hanyu and "Winnie the Pooh" in his memory book. The editorial team reveals the loving story behind its creation.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the original debut of Winnie-the-Pooh, a special book titled “To Pooh: Yuzuru Hanyu and Winnie-the-Pooh — A Memory Book with a Dress-Up Pooh Plush Toy” will be released by Kodansha in May 2027. The book celebrates the special bond between Yuzuru Hanyu and Pooh Bear. This book will be made exclusively to order, with pre-orders accepted until 20 October 2026.

To discover the thoughts and feelings that Hanyu and the editorial team have poured into this commemorative book, Oshiraku interviewed Kodansha’s Overseas Characters Editorial Department. The interview is filled with fascinating behind-the-scenes stories that will make fans even more excited for its release, including anecdotes from photo shoots with Pooh Bear and the process of creating the dress-up Pooh plush toy.

“We want to faithfully preserve the story of Hanyu and Pooh.”

―― First, could you tell us how this project came about? We would also like to know why, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the original debut of Winnie-the-Pooh, the project took the form of a “memory book” featuring Yuzuru Hanyu.

To mark the 100th anniversary of the original debut of Winnie-the-Pooh, Disney had already been discussing the idea of creating a special project. And during those discussions, the idea of collaborating with Yuzuru Hanyu, a fan of Pooh, came up. From a publishing perspective, we also discussed with Disney whether we could create something special featuring Hanyu and Pooh. Following these discussions, we proposed the idea of a memory book accompanied by a dress-up Pooh plush toy.

The special bond between Hanyu and Pooh is a story that deserves to be told as we reach this milestone of the 100th anniversary of the original debut of Winnie-the-Pooh. We wanted to create something tangible that would serve as a symbol of that bond and preserve it for years to come. That is what inspired us to propose this project.

―― What comments did Hanyu himself make about the project?

Regarding the project, he was absolutely delighted, saying, “Pooh is going to wear my costume!”

―― What was the most important concept you wanted to focus on when expressing the special bond between Winnie-the-Pooh and Yuzuru Hanyu?

Many people know that Hanyu is a fan of Pooh, but I don't think we've had many opportunities to ask him directly about how Pooh came to hold such a special place in his life, or what exactly he loves about Pooh. We wanted to listen carefully to Hanyu talk about his feelings for Pooh and to faithfully capture the story of the two of them within this project. Also, this is an opportunity to celebrate Pooh Bear, who has continued to be loved for a whole 100 years. With that in mind, we moved forward with the project always keeping in mind that we wanted to create something that both Hanyu himself and his fans could truly enjoy.

A Bond So Deep and Special That It Exceeds All Expectations, Revealed Through Letters

―― Could you share some anecdotes about the photoshoot at Ice Rink Sendai and in nature? In the memory book, including the photographs with Pooh, what kinds of expressions and sides of Hanyu will readers get to see?

Through the photoshoot, it became clear once again how much Hanyu truly loves Winnie the Pooh. When we introduced him to a Winnie the Pooh plush toy with a unique pose showing its belly, Hanyu couldn't help but smile. He quipped, "Its belly's sticking out!" (laughs). What also left a strong impression on us was how, even while preparations for the photo shoot were underway, he seemed to be enjoying himself as though he were constantly chatting with Pooh. I think readers will get to see Hanyu looking relaxed and natural, with expressions quite different from the ones we usually see from him on the ice.

I think one of Pooh's charms is the sense of comfort and healing he brings. I feel that the time Hanyu spends with Pooh also brings him a renewed sense of comfort and peace. I hope that this feeling will reach his fans as well. I hope the heartwarming sight of the two of them together will bring comfort to everyone and give them renewed energy to face the day ahead.

―― The exclusive, in-depth interview is said to feature Hanyu talking about his feelings for Pooh. What would you highlight as the key points fans should look out for when reading it?

We took our time talking with Hanyu about what he loves about Pooh and what Pooh means to him. I was particularly struck by his comment that "Pooh is someone who is always there for me," and the interview conveyed that Pooh is a "comrade-in-arms" who has always been by Hanyu's side and overcome various challenges together. They truly share a wonderful relationship, and I hope readers will take the time to read about it in Hanyu's own words.

We also had Hanyu look through Disney Winnie the Pooh: Pooh's Quotations (published by Kodansha), a book compiling sayings from the Winnie-the-Pooh stories, and conducted a quick-fire Q&A in which we asked him whether he agreed or disagreed with the words of Pooh and his friends. It turned out to be quite interesting. Hanyu disagreed with almost all of Pooh's sayings, reacting with comments like, “You can't say that!” (laughs)

Through Pooh's and his friends' words, we were also able to delve deeper into Hanyu's philosophical side, which I think makes this project particularly unique. We even asked him which character from the Winnie-the-Pooh stories he relates to the most, and it's not Pooh! Be sure to read the interview in the book to find out who it is.

―― As a special bonus, the book comes with a reproduction of a letter in which Hanyu expresses his feelings for Pooh. What was it about this letter that gave the editorial team a particular sense of warmth?

We handed Hanyu some stationery and simply asked him, “Could you write a letter to Pooh?” We didn't give him any particular instructions about what to write. When we opened the letter he sent us, we found that the B5-sized sheet was filled with his feelings for Pooh. Through his words, we could vividly sense just how many hardships Hanyu had overcome throughout his life, and the letter was truly moving. It also conveyed how Pooh had always been by Hanyu's side as he overcame one challenge after another. We came to realise that the bond between Hanyu and Pooh is far deeper and more special than we could ever have imagined. I hope readers will be able to feel the extraordinary bond they share through this letter.

―― The book also comes with an oversized poster featuring “Napping with Hanyu’s Personal Poohs.” What was the atmosphere like during the photoshoot with Hanyu and his own Pooh Bear plush toys? Could you share any behind-the-scenes stories?

As he arranged the Winnie the Pooh merchandise he brought, he shared precious stories with each item he took out of the bag, saying things like, "This kid was with me in Toronto, and these ones have always been at home..." We frantically jotted down notes. For the photo shoot, he carefully arranged the Poohs on the bed.

An Opportunity to Catch a Little Glimpse of Their Endearing Bond

―― While working on this book, was there a particular moment when you especially felt Hanyu's affection for Pooh?

During breaks in the photoshoot, Hanyu was constantly playing with Pooh or talking to him. He seemed so completely natural and at ease that his affection really came through. When he was playing with Pooh, it genuinely looked as though Pooh were moving on his own.

Also, the photograph used for the cover came about in a rather lovely way. The only direction we gave Hanyu was, “Could you touch Pooh just a little...?” But Hanyu, of his own accord, drew Pooh close and hugged him to his chest. He had such a wonderful expression on his face, and I believe it was precisely because of his affection for Pooh that we were able to capture that beautiful cover photograph.

Even when he was talking about Pooh in the interview, his feelings for Pooh came across as sincere and straightforward, and I could feel that Pooh truly is an irreplaceable presence to him.

―― What is the “bond between Hanyu and Pooh” that the editorial team came to realize anew through this project?

I think the things Hanyu carries on his shoulders and the world he is fighting in are beyond anything we could even imagine. However, there were moments when we caught a glimpse of that world through his feelings for Pooh. Pooh is a presence who simply remains by Hanyu’s side, watching over him as always without ever changing, as he faces a difficult world. That relationship is one of a kind. Since the nature of their relationship is something only the two of them can understand, it is difficult to put into words, but I think it is certainly something very precious.

―― How would you like fans to enjoy this book?

We have compiled the ongoing relationship between these two into a single book at this major milestone of the 100th anniversary of the original debut of Winnie-the-Pooh. I think it is a book that will allow readers to look back on their wonderful relationship up to now, while also making them feel that they want to continue watching over the two of them from now on. Their relationship is very heartwarming, and I think spending time looking at them will bring a sense of peace to the heart. I hope the fans will be able to feel that way as well. The Pooh plush toys dressed in Hanyu’s costumes symbolize the bond between the two, and I hope you will cherish them and keep them close like precious treasures.

―― Lastly, for those who are still hesitating about pre-ordering, could you say a few words about the “special time” they will be able to experience when this book arrives in their hands?

I think it will be an experience that allows you to take a little peek into the endearing relationship between the two of them. With this book, you can always be by their side, and they will always bring you comfort. I really hope you will welcome this book into your home and keep it close at hand, together with the plush toy.