Yuzuru Hanyu: “Wanting to support the disaster-affected areas is why I desired to win the second Olympic gold. I hoped to use this achievement and my recognition to help, even if only a little.”
Yuzuru Hanyu about participation in “Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Charity Performance.”
original source: Hochi News / Hochi News
Yuzuru Hanyu participated in the “Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Charity Performance” held in Ishikawa Prefecture on the 15th. It was a show titled “Challenge, Challenge” for the victims who suffered significant damage during the Noto Peninsula earthquake in January. Due to venue arrangements, the show was livestreamed, and the proceeds, including those from the delayed stream, were donated to Ishikawa Prefecture.
In the interview with Hochi News, Yuzuru spoke about his participation in the show. Here’s a translation of his comments.
“Q: How has your perspective changed since becoming a professional skater?
Yuzuru Hanyu: Of course, one of my major goals alongside wanting to win two gold medals was to begin to support disaster-stricken areas and to start with a sense of compassion. Since turning professional, gradually I have been able to give thought to disaster areas, various calamities, such as those that occur every year. Even so, I primarily consider myself a skater, so I thought maybe I could directly offer some support or a little help to everyone through my performances. Whether it’s from 3.11 or other disasters at different times, this time, in particular, it was a charity for the Noto region’s earthquake.
Q: Performing “Spring, Come” in bright lighting?
Yuzuru Hanyu: Firstly, the decision to have no lighting was made to minimize costs as much as possible, aiming to donate most of the funds, which was a primary goal. Eventually, when it came to cutting production costs, it ended up being performed without lighting, but it gave a different visual experience. It’s pleasing that viewers could feel something different than usual. As for us, performing for charity definitely changed our feelings, and the thoughts we put into the program were more distinctly directed towards the people of the Noto region.”
Q: Was “Que Sera Sera” your choice?
Yuzuru Hanyu: No, that was chosen by the person in charge of planning. But actually, I really like it. The spirit encapsulated by the song, it might seem related to Okinawa, but it’s a mindset of ‘no matter what happens, keep reminding yourself to look forward.’ Akiko Suzuki choreographed it with that intent, and that’s how I tried to express it. I skated with hope in my heart while valuing every note of the music.”
“Q: Since you started skating, it started trending on X (Twitter). Currently, the memory of Noto is fading. It seems very significant.
Yuzuru Hanyu: The issue of Noto’s earthquake fading away, and our experience from 3.11, they both share this ongoing dilemma. Being remote from the metropolitan areas, they seldom make the news unless there’s significant progress. It’s difficult for recovery efforts to advance in such places. There’s more restriction in transportation compared to other places which I thought about when I visited and saw the news. It’s tough to make changes against this fading memory. However, wanting to support the disaster-affected areas is why I desired to win the second Olympic gold. I hoped to use this achievement, and to a good extent, my recognition to help, even if only a little, by getting people to buy streaming tickets or simply drawing more attention and support.
Q: Your impressions from visiting the disaster-stricken area.
Yuzuru Hanyu: Despite often seeing the situation through news or newspapers, witnessing it live was shocking—the vividness of everything still remaining as it was. I can’t give a deep comment about whether progress is being made, but the scars were definitely very raw. The locals seemed as if time had stopped for them, constantly reminded of the destruction whenever they visited those places. Hearing people say they didn’t want to visit those places anymore really struck and pained me. When I met the children, I often said, no matter how tough things are, eventually, when the time comes, something must be done. Whether we want to or not, when the deadline comes, we must move forward. More than half a year has passed, and there may be consideration over what can be done or what progress is being made. Time will come when it comes, and when it doesn’t, we have no choice but to accept it. However, I hope that within that acceptance, there are smiles and earnest efforts.
Q: About the significance and reason for choosing to skate in Ishikawa through the streaming format.
Yuzuru Hanyu: When we decided to use streaming, it was possible to choose another location to skate. However, I really wanted to skate close to those who are currently suffering and struggling with various issues. We deeply feel the local atmosphere and the power of the location while skating. The importance of that atmosphere—sending even a little wave of energy through the air to reach everyone—was my intention, even in a streaming format.”
Related topics: Yuzuru Hanyu
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