“This was my first time performing such a dense series of solo programs. It was a challenge in many ways, but I hope I’ve created something new and valuable for myself.” Yuzuru Hanyu announced a new solo ice show, “ICE STORY 4th: WHITE…”
Two-time Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu announced a new solo ice show, “ICE STORY 4th: WHITE…,” and reflected on his creative process, physical and mental changes, and the concepts behind his latest performances.
original source: Nikkansports 12th April 2026 / Nikkansports 12th April 2026 / Nikkansports 12th April 2026
Yuzuru Hanyu (31), the two-time men’s figure skating Olympic champion now in his fourth year as a professional, made a surprise announcement of a new solo show on April 11. This will be the fourth installment in his “ICE STORY” series, titled “WHITE….” While he did not reveal the timing or scale, he declared, “I can’t say yet… but it’s happening!” Here’s a translation of his Q&As session posted on Nikkansports.
On this day, Hanyu opened the special edition “YUZURU HANYU REALIVE an ICE STORY project” at his hometown’s Sekisui Heim Super Arena in Miyagi. In the second part of the show, he performed “PREQUEL Before the WHITE,” a prologue to his original story “WHITE…,” captivating a sold-out crowd of 7,000, including standing room. It was also revealed that composer Marihiko Hara, known for the film “National Treasure,” wrote all ten pieces of music for the show.
“Q: This was your first solo show since “Echoes of Life” (which ran until February 9, 2025). How did you feel after opening night?
Yuzuru Hanyu: I was really exhausted. I thought I had practiced a lot, but it had been a whole season since I last skated solo like this, so I was nervous. This was my first time performing such a dense series of solo programs, and also my first time being on the ice for the entire second half. It was a challenge in many ways, but I hope I’ve created something new and valuable for myself.
Q: You spent over a year preparing for this solo show. What physical and mental changes have you experienced?
Yuzuru Hanyu: There were times when I had to step away from skating, and I used that period for body maintenance, addressing areas that were injured or overloaded. I wanted to ensure I could continue skating for a long time, so I focused on maintenance. Through this, I re-examined biomechanics, kinesiology, and the sensations in each of my joints, studying and learning as I went. As a result, I’ve gradually been able to skate and jump in a more logical way. I’m still in the process of growing, but I feel I’m changing rapidly now. I’m looking forward to continuing to skate and see where this takes me.
Q: What are the concepts and intentions behind Part 1, “REALIVE,” and Part 2, “PREQUEL”?
Yuzuru Hanyu: “REALIVE” is about showing how I’ve changed by performing programs from the ICE STORY series with my newly maintained body. I want to show that I am living in this moment. For me, each program is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The quality of the jumps, spins, steps, the audience’s cheers, the warmth of the venue, even the weather – all of these make each performance unique and alive. That’s why I relate to musicians performing live, and I created “REALIVE” with that in mind. “PREQUEL” was made to build excitement and anticipation for ICE STORY 4th. The story follows a protagonist who gradually discovers the colors of the outside world, experiencing new emotions through various encounters and journeys.
Q: What is your vision for the upcoming 4th installment?
Yuzuru Hanyu: The concept is already set, and the story is almost fully written in my mind. Of course, since this prequel is essential, I couldn’t have written the main story without it (laughs). In a way, by creating the prequel, the 4th installment is nearly complete in my mind. From here, I want to work together with everyone to bring it to life. There’s another show tomorrow, too (laughs).
Q: Please tell about the choreography of Part 2, “PREQUEL”:
Yuzuru Hanyu: It was almost a co-creation with Mikiko-sensei. I communicated various concepts to her, and she shared her ideas for the choreography. Together, with the direction she envisioned, we discussed how to express certain parts, especially how to adapt them for skating. We spent a lot of time and communicated closely to create this piece together.
Q: Why did you choose Miyagi for your first solo show after your maintenance period?
Yuzuru Hanyu: I wanted my new beginning to be in my hometown. Miyagi is a special place for me – it’s my home. I’m truly happy that people from all over the world gathered here and that so many media outlets paid attention. I wanted to start here so everyone could see my hometown.
Q: How did you feel after the performance?
Yuzuru Hanyu: I want to do my best again tomorrow. Yes (laughs).
Q: Regarding the original story for Part 2: Did it come from things you’ve thought about since childhood? How did you create its worldview, and what is your writing process?
Yuzuru Hanyu: Usually, ICE STORY scripts have dialogue, and I write out the scenes for each line. This time, I wrote everything in text, describing all the actions. Emotionally, it’s not just about myself; as with all of ICE STORY, I imagine how the character would feel and what kind of adventures they would have if they existed. The core feelings and words come from within me, but I want the story to leave room for everyone’s imagination, not just my own perspective.
Q: You performed “Otonal” for the first time in a while. What was your intention behind the structure and song selection for Part 1? Has the timing for the 4th installment been decided?
Yuzuru Hanyu: I can’t say the timing for the 4th yet… right? (laughs) But it will happen! That’s what this show was for. For “REALIVE,” I selected programs from GIFT, RE_PRAY, and Echoes. For example, from Echoes, I performed “Massdis” and “Utal”; from RE_PRAY, “Megalo” and “Keija”; from GIFT, “To That Summer,” and so on. I haven’t skated to “Otonal” before, but I used the music as a surprise, performing two pieces: “Otonal” and “To That Summer” from GIFT. I also included “SEIMEI” from Prologue, which is, in a sense, my origin. Most of the pieces are very powerful, so it was quite challenging. For the first time, there was only about a minute between the first and second songs, so I had to quickly change costumes without taking off my skates – a new challenge for me. Technically, I tried many new things, and the audience’s response was wonderful. It was tough, but I felt it was worth the effort.
Q: About the character that appeared in PREQUEL:
Yuzuru Hanyu: I’m not sure… I’m always debating how much I should say (laughs). As I mentioned earlier, I do have an idea of how I’d like people to see the character, but if I say too much, it might limit the audience’s imagination. I hope people can view that character as representing someone or something important to them, or as a symbol of meaningful encounters.
Q: There is a scene in PREQUEL where a white cloth descends. How should the audience interpret it?
Yuzuru Hanyu: In the original story, that scene strongly evokes the image of wind. As the character climbs the stairs, it’s as if they are being cut by the wind, yet they continue forward by their own will, not getting swept away. The cloth represents lines of wind, and as the character passes through a torii gate, it also conveys a sense of the sacred. As the character ascends the stairs, it’s like their heart is gradually moving toward something pure and sacred. That’s the feeling we aimed to create with this staging.
Q: You made use of the space on stage.
Yuzuru Hanyu: Yes, that’s right. It’s honestly nerve-wracking, but it’s something that can only be done with the production style of ICE STORY. I was really looking forward to it myself. Since we can’t rehearse until we’re actually at the venue, it’s challenging in many ways, but I hope everyone enjoys the sense of scale.
Q: Is it okay to say that the 4th installment has been officially announced?
Yuzuru Hanyu: Yes, it’s fine (laughs). Absolutely, it’s happening.
Q: How did you come to ask Marihiko Hara to compose the music?
Yuzuru Hanyu: This time, I wanted the entire show to be original. After creating the story, I discussed with the production and video teams about who would be the best fit. We picked several candidates, and among them, I wanted to ask Marihiko Hara. At first, we didn’t expect him to compose all the pieces – he’s very busy, so we thought maybe just one or two songs. But he said he wanted to write everything. He even composed not just for my parts, but for all the video segments as well. He truly brought color to the story I wrote, adding layers of sound that let the audience experience the story through their ears. As the author, I really feel the story as I skate, and it’s a wonderful experience.”
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