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[2025.07.19-08.02] Nikkan Sports - Celebrating the 3rd Anniversary: Yuzuru Hanyu's full interview

Yuzuru Hanyu (30), the two-time men's figure skater who won the Winter Olympics, celebrated the third anniversary of his professional career on July 19th. On this day in 2022, he announced his retirement from competition and embarked on a solitary challenge. Over the past year, he successfully carried out the third installment of the ice show “Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY” series, titled “Echoes of Life,” in which he appeared solo and served as executive producer, as well as “notte stellata 2025” for the third consecutive year.

Following his “30th birthday” on December 7 last year, Nikkan Sports Premium conducted a commemorative solo interview in Sendai City. He spoke about the new frontier he reached in his three years as a professional athlete, from “zero to one.”

“I was able to go from zero to one”

— Congratulations on your third anniversary since turning professional.

Hanyu: Thank you!

— Following “GIFT at Tokyo Dome” and the “RE_PRAY TOUR,” you’ve taken on various challenges, including the “Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY series 3rd – Echoes of Life – TOUR” (from December 2024 to February 2025, in three cities with seven performances). Could you first look back on this past year?

Hanyu: This past year, huh...

— It’s been a long one. It began with the “Noto Peninsula Earthquake Reconstruction Support Charity Performance” (in September), and then “Yuzuru Hanyu notte stellata 2025,” in which you co-starred for the first time with kyogen actor Mansai Nomura (58), was held for the third consecutive year.

Hanyu: So with this framing, it starts from Noto, huh. Looking back on the whole past year, it was really a year where I revisited the fundamentals once more while thinking things through and working hard. Not just jumps, of course, but also the theory behind skating, the theory of how to use the body, and dance-related things. I reexamined various basics and came to realize, ‘I didn’t understand this at all,’ or, ‘I really didn’t know anything yet.’ It made me feel that way. I think it was a year that felt like I was able to go from zero to one.

— Considering you’ve already achieved so much, it’s surprising to hear you say “from zero to one.”

Hanyu: There’s a big difference between “zero and one.” Jumping using just physical ability, while not knowing anything and just moving your body randomly, versus jumping with even a little bit of theoretical understanding in your head and body, along with the sensations you’ve built up until now. It's something completely different. I can’t say I’ve mastered it yet, but I feel like this year gave me a clearer roadmap. I came to understand how everything I’ve done until now had been forming into something concrete. It really feels like I went from zero to one.

"Isolation as a theory of movement"

— In your previous interview on your “30th birthday,” you mentioned that you were able to add “thinking" to "skating.” Could you give a specific example to the theory, the way you use your body and such?

Hanyu: Up until last year... or rather, I should say it was during the previous performance season? That is, around the time of RE_PRAY (from November 2023 to April 2024, 8 performances in 4 cities). At that time, I was focusing quite a lot on strength training, or rather, training in general. From that, of course, I felt that my basics and the way I use my body had changed quite a bit. But beyond just strength training, I started to focus on the theory of how to use the body. Simply put, it is about how to isolate each part, like moving only the shoulders, or only the shoulder blades, or just the hip joints. It is a really simple concept, similar to what dancers use as basic training called “isolation” (a technique of independently moving the neck, shoulders, chest, hips, and so on). However, what I’m doing now is a little different. It feels more like “isolation as a theory of movement.” That’s what I’m incorporating and consciously practicing now.

— It sounds like you’re still doing in-depth research using your own body.

Hanyu: That’s right. Like I said last year, there are really so many movement theories out there in the world. But I think there’s still 99% that I haven’t even touched yet. In the past, we didn’t have the internet like we do now, and if you wanted to find information, you had to go to a bookstore and search for books. But now, we live in a time where information comes to us almost passively just by being online. Precisely because of that, I feel the need to stay even more alert, keep my antennae up, so to speak, and reach out for the remaining 99% that I don’t yet know.

— Previously, something surprising was that you mentioned “recently I’ve also been referring to basketball.” What do you learn from ball sports?

Hanyu: Yeah, during that time I was incorporating expert theories into my training, and it was pretty focused on strength training. But even with muscle training, it’s not just about doing the exercises blindly; it’s more like, “Strength training is more effective when based on these kinds of principles.” That’s something I realized over the past year. I’ve come to a physical realization: “I didn’t even fully understand how to use my body properly.” It made me see that just building muscle alone might not be enough. Right now, rather than focusing purely on strength training, I’m more focused on exploring and understanding how to actually use my body.

— I see. If you ever publish a book about this, please be sure to let us know.

Hanyu: Sure! (laughs).

“I’m glad I was born.”

— On December 7 last year, you celebrated your 30th birthday. At the end of the premiere of Echoes, as you exited the stage, you shouted, “I’m glad I was born!” Then, at the final performance on February 9 this year, you were visibly moved to tears, overcome with emotion. At the time, due to time constraints during the group interview, we couldn’t ask you about it, but I’d like to hear your thoughts now. What were your feelings in those moments?

Hanyu: There’s probably a kind of connection between those two feelings. The final performance was the last one I did as Nova. At the end of the show, there’s a scene where I walk up a set of stairs, and in that moment, I felt like “my role as Nova is over.” The journey we showed everyone ends here, and I think I was probably feeling a bit lonely about that.

As for shouting “I’m glad I was born!” when I turned 30, hmm, I wonder what that was about (laughs). But for me, what I dedicate my life to is figure skating. I started when I was 4, so it had been 26 years by then. And during those 26 years, so many people have supported me wholeheartedly, and everyone watched what I was creating and was moved by it. That’s really something that just doesn't happen to ordinary people, and I’m deeply grateful for the experience. That’s why, in that moment, I genuinely felt: “I’m glad I was born.” If I can be even a little help to someone, then I feel like, “I’m really glad I lived.”

— That’s a realization many don’t reach by 30.

Hanyu: Figure skating has a very short athlete lifespan, right? It’s a sport where you have to rush through life, in a way. I started receiving attention fairly early on, and I had opportunities to be interviewed since. When I thought about competition in that context and equated it with something like "a single lifetime" or "from birth to death," I guess I really had no choice but to constantly think about "the end" during my competitive years.

— Because it keeps creeping closer and closer.

Hanyu: Exactly. So in that sense, I lived my life thinking of it as a condensed version of what most people imagine spanning 80 or 90 years, up until I was 27 (when he competed in his third and final Olympics in Beijing). I think that’s why it all felt even more intense.

“Yuzuru Hanyu: The Beginning of My Second Life”

— At the group interview after the final performance of Echoes, you said the following:

“I always thought about what my 30s would be like since I was young, but the way my body feels now and my mental state are completely different from what I imagined. I feel like I can still do a lot. It’s different from when I thought, ‘30 is old.’ As a figure skating age, I had a vague image that I would deteriorate, but if I replace it with baseball or soccer, I think this is the time when experience, senses, and technique really start to peak. Holding hope for my own future, with the thought of seizing every opportunity, I want to work hard and practice with all my effort.”

— It's wonderful that you still feel like “this is where it begins from here.”

Hanyu: So, it's not quite 'my life ends here' or anything like that, but to be honest, if we’re speaking generally, skaters usually peak around 23 and then start declining by the time they reach 27. I myself, when facing the Beijing Olympics, felt like I was in that phase of “I can still land quads, but it’s gradually getting harder.” But now, three years later, I really feel like I’m still learning so much and changing a lot. So in a way, it feels like: “My second life has begun.”

“I’m glad I’ve worked hard and lived up until now”

— Following what you said earlier about feeling your own evolution and, in a way, that a “second life” had begun, there was also a surprise announcement on March 5 this year: a special collaboration with singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu (34). In the music video (MV) for the opening theme song "BOW AND ARROW" of the TV Asahi anime "Medalist", you performed choreography that you created yourself. It included a quadruple Lutz, a triple Axel (3A), and then a quadruple Salchow-triple toe loop jump in the second half. This was said to be “the most difficult short program in Yuzuru Hanyu’s history.” Your athletic ability seems to have grown even more since becoming a professional. Precisely because of that, with such performance levels that go beyond the norm, does this mean you also intend to return to competition and aim for the 2026 Milan–Cortina Olympics?

Hanyu: (laughs) But if I were told to do that level of difficulty in a competition, the pressure would be immense. More than that, being requested by a world-class artist, being able to meet his expectations through my performance, and hearing people say after watching the music video, ‘After all, only Hanyu could pull off that performance,’ gave me a real sense of accomplishment. Being called upon by an amazing singer like Kenshi Yonezu with the phrase ‘It has to be Hanyu’ was a moment when I really felt, ‘I’m glad I’ve worked hard and lived up until now.’”

— Sorry, thank you (laughs). The resonance and synergy between you and Yonezu seem to have helped reach a wider audience among the general public.

“I hope I can be seen more by the public…”

Hanyu: That’s honestly how I feel. I’m truly grateful that many people supported and cheered for me through the efforts I made in competition up to age 27. But I think for most people, the strongest image they have of me is from the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics and the miraculous moment of coming back from injury and defending my title. Since then, in a way, the public image of Yuzuru Hanyu seems to have been “frozen” there. When I appeared in Kenshi Yonezu’s music video, quite a few people said things like, “It’s been so long since I’ve seen you.”

— Oh? “It’s been so long”?

Hanyu: Yeah, surprisingly a lot of people said things like, “What have you been up to since then?” Of course, people who aren’t especially interested wouldn’t have been following in the first place. But precisely because of that, I feel even more strongly now that I need to be more visible, to keep speaking out and staying active.

— In Japan, it’s true that many people only pay attention to amateur sports once every four years, during the Olympics.

Hanyu: That’s definitely true. I trained and competed with all my strength during those other three years as well, but it was only because I had the opportunity to win a consecutive Olympic title that people turned their attention to me. So in that sense, this collaboration with Yonezu, where even those who weren’t originally my fans say “Wow, that’s so cool” and want to watch my performance, feels like a reflection of the hard work I’ve put in over these three years as a professional. And because of that, I feel truly grateful.

— The structure of that music video was truly striking.

Hanyu: Yeah, I was really struck by it myself too (laughs).

“Blending with elements of entertainment to create something together”

— Let’s move on to the next topic. The final performance of Echoes of Life happened to fall on February 9, 2024, which is the fifth anniversary of your completion of the Super Slam (becoming the first man in figure skating history to win all six major titles).

Hanyu: Oh, is that so? Hmm… The tension I felt during competition, and the nervousness I feel now about “not being allowed to make mistakes,” are quite different, so it’s hard to compare them directly. But one thing I can say for sure is that my sensitivity, my awareness has become much sharper than it was back then, and there’s so much more I can do now. Of course, there are no rankings or scores now, so I can’t tell the public “I improved by this many points” like I used to, but in the areas that can’t be quantified, I truly feel that I’ve grown a lot.

— “Not being allowed to make mistakes.” Especially now, when you’re the sole performer carrying the entire ice show, no one can substitute for you. You really can’t afford to get injured.

Hanyu: Exactly. I really can’t.

— Unlike at the PyeongChang Olympics, where you managed to make a comeback despite injury.

Hanyu: Right. If something like “I broke a bone during the show,” or “I hit my head and can’t move” were to happen, that would be the scariest thing of all. That’s why I’m always extremely nervous before every performance. But I guess you could also call that a form of pressure. After all, so many people pour their time, energy, and passion into creating something for “Yuzuru Hanyu.” Knowing that gives me a deep sense of reassurance.

Also, although I’ve now entered the entertainment field, as someone who used to be a competitive figure skater, I’m not simply just doing “entertainment” for its own sake. I’ve always wanted to take the strength I’ve built up as an athlete, the skills I’ve honed, and combine them with entertainment to create something entirely new. From that perspective, it’s incredibly stimulating for me. And I often hear from people like MIKIKO-sensei, who directed the performances, and the video production team members say, “This is really challenging and exciting.”

“Yeah, after all, only Hanyu could do that” kind of challenge.

— Thank you so much! Also, this year marks the fifth anniversary of your university graduation.

Hanyu: Ah, is that so? (laughs) That’s true.

— In Echoes of Life, you incorporated themes from bioethics, which you studied in the School of Human Sciences at Waseda University (Distance Learning Program). You also studied under philosopher Masahiro Morioka and spent two years doing your graduation research in Professor Shoji Nishimura’s seminar. Have those academic experiences influenced your work today?

Hanyu: I think I was incredibly fortunate to encounter so many valuable people and experiences. Maybe it also ties into what I mentioned earlier about being keenly aware that “life is actually quite short.” Because I was living so intensely during that time, I was able to meet those people, and because I have always valued those connections, I think that’s what led to the creation of my graduation thesis.

— In your graduation research, your theme was “Analysis Using Motion Capture Technology.” According to Professor Nishimura, normally only about 18 sensors would be used, but you apparently went as far as attaching up to 31. And based on that, you completed a triple Axel, analyzing the relationship between the skate blade and the ice, and the preparatory movement before takeoff from multiple angles.

Hanyu: Yes, I really did a lot of research (laughs). Of course, officially it was to help me improve my own technique, but more than that, I wanted to understand how we could use information technology to visualize figure skating as a sport. And once it’s visualized, what kind of data-driven analysis becomes possible. I jumped a 3A (triple Axel) while wearing 31 sensors. But honestly, there probably aren’t many people who could land a triple Axel while being restricted by that many sensors (laughs). So from that perspective, I treated myself as the “best experimental subject” for the research, and I collected a lot of data in the process. I hope that going forward too, I can continue to take on challenges in areas where people say, “Yeah, after all, only Hanyu could do that.”

Still Just a “Chick,” Hoping to Become a Proper Swan

— You're already entering your fourth year as a professional. While you probably can’t reveal any specific plans yet, what kind of skater would you like to become? Please share your ideal vision for the future.

Hanyu: Now that it’s been three full years, and like I said when asked earlier, I’ve finally just gotten “from zero to one.” So now, I’m always thinking about how to build from there and increase that number. Honestly, I still think I’m at the “chick” level. From here, I might turn into a “chicken that can’t fly,” or I might become a “swan.” I don’t know yet (laughs). While I value the process, I also want to work hard toward the future so that I can properly become a swan. I don’t want people saying, “Ah, that guy couldn’t fly after all” (laughs).

— That’s exactly because you continue to evolve. (In the second part of the interview,) we asked about the five years since the Super Slam. In addition to your back-to-back Olympic victories at Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018, you also won the World Championships twice (2014, 2017), and took four consecutive Grand Prix Final titles (2013–2016), building a brilliant record. Let’s talk now about the Beijing Olympics, which you positioned as the culmination of it all. You risked everything to land the quad Axel (4.5 rotation jump), and although it became the first-ever officially recognized “4A” in the world, it was not a successful landing. At the time, you spoke the famous quote, “unrewarded effort.” Now that three years have passed and you’ve marked your third anniversary as a professional, has your perspective on that changed?

Do you still have time to “enjoy” things now?

Hanyu: Hmm… how should I put it (laughs). I’ve come to think that “effort” exists for that specific moment. When you give everything you have in a certain moment, it’s that struggle that makes the effort feel meaningful. In other words, all the preparations and the work put in might already be rewarded in that moment alone. That’s how I sometimes feel now.

That said, when it comes to making efforts for the “future,” even now I believe that not all efforts are rewarded. But even if you can’t feel it at the time, as long as you continue down your own path, one day that effort might intersect with something or take on new meaning. I’ve always been someone who firmly sticks to my own path. There are times I’ve thought, “That didn’t work out,” or “I wasn’t recognized then,” but later I suddenly realize, “Oh, that thing I worked so hard on back then... now it’s finally borne fruit.” I believe moments like that do come. So I feel that effort is never rtuly wasted.

—Thank you for sharing that. You’ve invested so much time into training, and even serve as the executive producer for your ice shows. Your media exposure has also increased. In the past, you mentioned that you had “barely any time to sleep.” You also talked about “playing video games” as a form of relaxation. Do you still have time to enjoy such things now?

Hanyu: Games are still fun, of course (laughs). But now I often use them as inspiration for my creative work. Lately, it’s basically turned into part of my “research homework,” so honestly, it feels a bit like playing with an assignment in mind (laughs).

—Your performances inspired by games like Final Fantasy and Persona have been major highlights.

Hanyu: That’s true. I get a lot of inspiration from games, like “this setting is great” or “I really like this atmosphere.” Sometimes, while playing, an idea will pop into my head, and I’ll write it down. So in that sense, it does get a little tiring (laughs).

—Actually, we’re curious about little things too, like whether you won the lottery for the Nintendo Switch 2 (laughs).

Hanyu: Nope, not at all (laughs). I’ve already entered four times (via Nintendo’s official lottery). When it came time for the fifth try, I was like, “Eh, it’s okay if I don’t get it” (laughs).

—Thank you! Lastly, you also concluded your long-term collaboration with Ajinomoto at the end of June. Over the 12-year journey that began before Sochi 2014, you were a core member of the VP (Victory Project) team. With their support, you won your first Olympic gold, achieved a consecutive Olympic win in Pyeongchang, and even researched things like tendon reflexes during your 4A challenge in Beijing. Even after turning pro, you received great support and served as a study subject as a top athlete The special website features a handwritten letter from Kurihara.

------------------------- A message from Hidefumi Kurihara (From Ajinomoto's "The Trajectory of Yuzuru Hanyu in the Victory Project 2013–2025")

To Yuzuru-kun: Up until now, being able to accompany you through these long days of repeated challenges has been an exciting adventure for us at the “Victory Project,” one where we poured in all our energy and constantly improve ourselves in order to keep up. We will continue to grow so we can support even more athletes in the future. And we believe you will continue embarking on new adventures on your own path. So please, above all, take care of your health. This is our sincerest wish. We will always be cheering you on with all our hearts. Thank you for giving us days we can all be proud of.

Ajinomoto Victory Project Hidefumi Kurihara

-------------------------

—Could you please send a message back to Kurihara?

Hanyu: Yes. Truly, all this time, he’s felt like a partner walking alongside me. It wasn’t just about figure skating. We worked together to analyze “Yuzuru Hanyu’s physical state,” to figure out “what condition would be optimal.” We moved forward together, step by step. Thanks to Kurihara’s support, I developed a deep interest in my nutrition and the internal state of my body, researched it thoroughly, and gradually found my own balance. I’m truly grateful to him for helping me reach that point. Also, I imagine Kurihara himself is going through a very challenging time right now. I hope that through my performances or through the sight of me giving it my all, I can continue to offer him some support and encouragement.

—Thank you so much!

Hanyu: Thank you!

Support for Fellow Skaters from Sendai

Three years and five months have passed since the Beijing Winter Olympics. And now, Hanyu sends his best wishes to the next generation aiming for the Milano-Cortina Games. His message is for skaters all over Japan, but especially for those from his hometown.

Following Olympic gold medalist Shizuka Arakawa in 2006 and his own back-to-back victories, the next rising hopes from Sendai are men’s skater Shun Sato and women’s skater Mone Chiba, both striving toward their Olympic dreams.

Hanyu said: “They’ve been working hard since they were little. I’ve seen it with my own eyes.What they have in common is that they’re not only diligent during practice with their coaches, but also train seriously on their own when no one is watching. They’re truly hardworking kids, to the point where I even think, ‘I wasn’t practicing that hard when I was their age.’ Because I know how hard they’ve worked, I believe their efforts will not betray them. I hope there will be a stage where their efforts are rewarded.”

As he spoke these words, the famous quote once uttered by Hanyu came to mind again: “Unrewarded effort.” With deep trust and high hopes, he sends his heartfelt encouragement to the next generation.