Hanyu Yuzuru photo book released to mark 29th birthday, ice show to return to Miyagi
After recent tumult in his personal life, the figure skating legend celebrates his career with a new photo book as well as a fresh ice show announcement.
Figure Skating
Hanyu Yuzuru, Japan's beloved figure skating legend, turned 29 on Thursday (7 December) and celebrated with a grand release of a new photo book detailing his award-winning, trophy-laden career.
The 200-plus-page book, titled "G.O.A.T. 2007–2023", contains photos from throughout Hanyu's career, spanning both competitions and ice shows from around the world.
It was timed to release on his 29th birthday, one that the Sendai native is no doubt marking differently a whirlwind few months in his personal life.
In August, Hanyu announced his marriage. However, it lasted just 105 days, with the skater confirming his divorce in a statement last month in which he said his family's and his ex-wife's privacy had been violated.
Hanyu, who retired from competitive skating in July 2022, has also been focusing on self-producing his many ice shows.
One of them, "notte stellata", will be back for a second run. First performed last March in his home Miyagi Prefecture to mark the anniversary of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami disaster, "notte stellata" is returning to Miyagi this coming March.
The town of Rifu, which also hosted last year's performance, will host "notte stellata" again from 8–10 March 2024.
According to Mainichi, Hanyu said: "To hold this event in March means a lot. I'd like to skate while wishing and praying that as much hope as possible will reach people."