Echoes of Life tour 2024-25

[TallyT]

Yuzuru Hanyu has announced a new tour, under the title 'Echoes of Life' to be held at multiple dates
Dec 7, 9, 11 - Saitama Super Arena
January 3, 5 Hiroshima Green Arena
February 7, 9 La-la Arena, Tokyo Bay, Chiba
(this is the schedule at this stage, but the last tour was extended due to demand so......)
With Mikiko again as director it should be absolutely amazing. No details yet on livestream, but as RE-PRAY was streamed internationally, I expect ECHOES will also be.

Yuzu's introduction from the website, google translated.
"I have been vaguely pondering the meaning of "being alive" for as long as I can remember. Then, after the Great East Japan Earthquake, and after meeting people who have been affected by various disasters, touching their memories and feelings, and also seeing the natural disasters all over Japan and the hardships all over the world that seem to be increasing rapidly in recent years, I have repeatedly searched for answers to the question of what it means to be "alive" within the "bioethics" I have studied and the philosophy I have thought and felt, then lost sight of them, then searched again, found them, and assumed them.

If we turn our eyes outward, we may find ourselves lost in a society overflowing with information, in which we continually feel both our own pain and the pain of others. What is "life"? What is "me"? I wrote this story and program in the hope of providing some hints to such enormous questions.

I don't think there is anything in this world that only I can do. With the development of AI and technology, the things that only humans can do are gradually disappearing. However, I believe that with the team creating the show and everyone watching, that moment will become something that only "we" can do.

 

[Magill]

Yuzuru Hanyu has announced a new tour, under the title 'Echoes of Life' to be held at multiple dates
Dec 7, 9, 11 - Saitama Super Arena
January 3, 5 Hiroshima Green Arena
February 7, 9 La-la Arena, Tokyo Bay, Chiba
(this is the schedule at this stage, but the last tour was extended due to demand so......)
With Mikiko again as director it should be absolutely amazing. No details yet on livestream, but as RE-PRAY was streamed internationally, I expect ECHOES will also be.

Yuzu's introduction from the website, google translated.
"I have been vaguely pondering the meaning of "being alive" for as long as I can remember. Then, after the Great East Japan Earthquake, and after meeting people who have been affected by various disasters, touching their memories and feelings, and also seeing the natural disasters all over Japan and the hardships all over the world that seem to be increasing rapidly in recent years, I have repeatedly searched for answers to the question of what it means to be "alive" within the "bioethics" I have studied and the philosophy I have thought and felt, then lost sight of them, then searched again, found them, and assumed them.

If we turn our eyes outward, we may find ourselves lost in a society overflowing with information, in which we continually feel both our own pain and the pain of others. What is "life"? What is "me"? I wrote this story and program in the hope of providing some hints to such enormous questions.

I don't think there is anything in this world that only I can do. With the development of AI and technology, the things that only humans can do are gradually disappearing. However, I believe that with the team creating the show and everyone watching, that moment will become something that only "we" can do.

I must admit Yuzu booking Saitama Super Arena and inviting fans to join him there on his very 30th birthday to celebrate the prime night of his new solo Ice Show is just as cool a gesture as can be.

Fans are already going wild, and the ticket lottery is going to be the blood bath to start with!
I think hopes for a subtitled paid livestream for internationals who cannot be there or are left out after the lottery bad luck, are probably high as all his solo shows were livestreamed and subtitled, and I can't think he would not pick this particular night to be broadcast. I am sure the show itself is going to be great, meaningful and deep, this is what it sounds like, but the finale, oh, my, it is going to be a wild celebration!
Thank you, Yuzu! IT is going to be such a treat!

 

[TallyT]

I must admit Yuzu booking Saitama Super Arena and inviting fans to join him there on his very 30th birthday to celebrate the prime night of his new solo Ice Show is just as cool a gesture as can be.

Fans are already going wild, and the ticket lottery is going to be the blood bath to start with!
I think hopes for a subtitled paid livestream for internationals who cannot be there or are left out after the lottery bad luck, are probably high as all his solo shows were livestreamed and subtitled, and I can't think he would not pick this particular night to be broadcast. I am sure the show itself is going to be great, meaningful and deep, this is what it sounds like, but the finale, oh, my, it is going to be a wild celebration!
Thank you, Yuzu! IT is going to be such a treat!

Biggest birthday celebration in skating history!!!

 

[Wynter]

I’ve decided to go to Saitama and have booked my flights and hotel. Now praying to win a ticket!

 

[Magill]

Yuzuru Hanyu has announced a new tour, under the title 'Echoes of Life' to be held at multiple dates
Dec 7, 9, 11 - Saitama Super Arena
January 3, 5 Hiroshima Green Arena
February 7, 9 La-la Arena, Tokyo Bay, Chiba
(this is the schedule at this stage, but the last tour was extended due to demand so......)
With Mikiko again as director it should be absolutely amazing. No details yet on livestream, but as RE-PRAY was streamed internationally, I expect ECHOES will also be.

Yuzu's introduction from the website, google translated.
"I have been vaguely pondering the meaning of "being alive" for as long as I can remember. Then, after the Great East Japan Earthquake, and after meeting people who have been affected by various disasters, touching their memories and feelings, and also seeing the natural disasters all over Japan and the hardships all over the world that seem to be increasing rapidly in recent years, I have repeatedly searched for answers to the question of what it means to be "alive" within the "bioethics" I have studied and the philosophy I have thought and felt, then lost sight of them, then searched again, found them, and assumed them.

If we turn our eyes outward, we may find ourselves lost in a society overflowing with information, in which we continually feel both our own pain and the pain of others. What is "life"? What is "me"? I wrote this story and program in the hope of providing some hints to such enormous questions.

I don't think there is anything in this world that only I can do. With the development of AI and technology, the things that only humans can do are gradually disappearing. However, I believe that with the team creating the show and everyone watching, that moment will become something that only "we" can do.

Important information for everyone going to Yuzuru Echoes of Life shows in Saitama Super Arena in December
(and probably to all the subsequent Echoes of Life shows)!
All the arena ticket holders will have their identity checked and will be required to wear wristbands afterwards throughout the show. No ID or an ID not matching the name on the ticket, or doubts whether the person presenting the ID is the same person shown on the ID photo, will result in the entry being refused. Foreign nationals are required to bring their passport, Japanese My Number card, special permanent residence certificate or residence card if applicable. The detailed list of ID requirements may be checked in the tweet below and on the show's website.
Whoever goes to Saitama, please comply by bringing the required documents with you and arriving with enough time in advance as ID check may take time resulting in the entry time longer than usually.
This is officially for "operational" reasons. Unofficially everyone knows it is an effort to crack down on the illegal sales of these tickets on the black market for much higher prices. At the same time, the resale pool is operational right now where you can return your ticket and get a refund while returning them to the lottery pool for those still seeking to attend ( a chance to go clean for those who bought tickets to illegally resell them, as well as to those who bought them from such unofficial illegal sources).

 

[TallyT]

Important information for everyone going to Yuzuru Echoes of Life shows in Saitama Super Arena in December
(and probably to all the subsequent Echoes of Life shows)!
All the arena ticket holders will have their identity checked and will be required to wear wristbands afterwards throughout the show. No ID or an ID not matching the name on the ticket, or doubts whether the person presenting the ID is the same person shown on the ID photo, will result in the entry being refused. Foreign nationals are required to bring their passport, Japanese My Number card, special permanent residence certificate or residence card if applicable. The detailed list of ID requirements may be checked in the tweet below and on the show's website.
Whoever goes to Saitama, please comply by bringing the required documents with you and arriving with enough time in advance as ID check may take time resulting in the entry time longer than usually.
This is officially for "operational" reasons. Unofficially everyone knows it is an effort to crack down on the illegal sales of these tickets on the black market for much higher prices. At the same time, the resale pool is operational right now where you can return your ticket and get a refund while returning them to the lottery pool for those still seeking to attend ( a chance to go clean for those who bought tickets to illegally resell them, as well as to those who bought them from such unofficial illegal sources).

This is especially important for the first show, on Yuzuru's birthday, as for obvious reasons the scrimmage to get tickets and be a part was even more something else than usual...

 

[TallyT]

Yuzuru's Echoes of Life has been confirmed for live viewing in cinemas in Hong Kong and Taiwan.... and now will be livestreamed in mainland China on 7 and 9 December Yes, the rest of the world is still waiting to hear, but bringing it to China is a huge plus and gives me great hope

 

[Magill]

Yuzuru's Echoes of Life has been confirmed for live viewing in cinemas in Hong Kong and Taiwan.... and now will be livestreamed in mainland China on 7 and 9 December Yes, the rest of the world is still waiting to hear, but bringing it to China is a huge plus and gives me great hope

Oh, my!!! This is huge!!! None of the previous Yuzuru's ice stories were livestreamed to China. Still SGM Great Sports Media which is to do the live streaming is the same company which did stream the last day of Notte Stellata 2024 in March. It was a last minute, literally same day approval, which made it impossible to get any publicity for the stream. And still it reached some 340-350 000 paying viewers in China, Now, they are getting it in proper advance, wow!!! Huge, huge news and so great for Yuzuru, for his crowd of Chinese fans and for figure skating itself, as it will get the best promotion it can get there.
The best comment I have seen as yet, was: "Congratulations, Yuzuru. Finally we unlocked the Mainland!"

PS Hoping now the rest of the world will get the live stream, too!

 

[TallyT]

It was a last minute, literally same day approval, which made it impossible to get any publicity for the stream. And still it reached some 340-350 000 paying viewers in China, Now, they are getting it in proper advance, wow!!!

As I understand it hordes of Chinese (and Russian) fans find a way to access the Japanese/international livestreams when they have to but this is much better for them

 

[Magill]

As I understand it hordes of Chinese (and Russian) fans find a way to access the Japanese/international livestreams when they have to but this is much better for them

Well, this is much, much better, they get it in proper quality, probably with delayed access and everything, and judging by the way the previous Yuzuru livestreams for overseas were designed, probably with translation, too, as narration has always been such a great and important part of each ice story. I wonder if they will stick with English only, or have a separate translation to Chinese? Anyway, really great news!
Now, the rest of the world is waiting for their announcement, too

 

[TallyT]

And yes, we have the announcement of the livestream for Yuzuru Hanyu's Echoes of Life, the show on 7 December (his birthday so the atmosphere will be even more extra than normal) through Beyond Live who have done previous ones (and even this Luddite could access easily), and with subtitles in several languages besides English.

Beyond LIVE

The beginning of a new performance culture A new video concert, Beyond LIVE that combines artist performance with various graphics and technologies is coming. Connecting the world in real time, the stage unfolds to 6 billion audiences. Meet the stage created by fans and artists together via Live...

beyondlive.com

There is also an archive stream that can be purchased. Still hoping other stops will be available, but this is the one that counts most.

 

[Magill]

And yes, we have the announcement of the livestream for Yuzuru Hanyu's Echoes of Life, the show on 7 December (his birthday so the atmosphere will be even more extra than normal) through Beyond Live who have done previous ones (and even this Luddite could access easily), and with subtitles in several languages besides English.

Beyond LIVE

The beginning of a new performance culture A new video concert, Beyond LIVE that combines artist performance with various graphics and technologies is coming. Connecting the world in real time, the stage unfolds to 6 billion audiences. Meet the stage created by fans and artists together via Live...

beyondlive.com

There is also an archive stream that can be purchased. Still hoping other stops will be available, but this is the one that counts most.

This is great news! BeyondLive proved very easy and user-friendly the last time for Re_Pray. But the main thing is that there is the worldwide stream, and that it is subtitled! So great for everyone !
Yes, I am pretty sure now that the separate China stream will be subtitled in Chinese!
Everyone so happy! Yuzu, thank you for keeping everyone in!

 

[Magill]

People from 30 countries have announced their participation in the show and are meeting in Saitama on Saturday to record a birthday message for Yuzu. Feel free to join if you plan to be around

 

[Wynter]

There will be audio guide in English for fans in the venue. Yuzuru is very thoughtful.

 

[TallyT]

There will be audio guide in English for fans in the venue. Yuzuru is very thoughtful.

That is wonderful! He really thinks does work hard to make things special

 

[Magill]

The Olympics site has published a preview of Echoes and a guide how to watch from Japan, from mainland China and from the rest of of the world (you will find the guide at the bottom, under the article and a series of photos)

https://olympics.com/en/news/figure-skating-hanyu-yuzuru-echoes-of-life-preview

 

[Magill]

From Saitama Super Arena (packed up completely full to the very last of its 14,000 seats) - with love!



it was exquisite, great, incredible! We'll post more later

 

[Moon322]

I am very happy for Yuzu that Echoes of life was so successful today. He is truly something special. Happy 30th birthday to the GOAT of men's skating!!

 

[TallyT]

"Thank you those who helped be grow. I'm glad I was born & that I skate"
And the pictures (HD because Japanese photographers looove him) and clips are coming out

and a thread on x here...

But it's not only the skating - the music was wide-ranging fascinating (Yuzuru skating to Bach, my life is complete) and the presentation, not only in expense but in care and details. Other shows (and the big competitions!) are gonna need to watch and learn and up their presentation game seriously now.

 

[Magill]

But it's not only the skating - the music was wide-ranging fascinating (Yuzuru skating to Bach, my life is complete) and the presentation, not only in expense but in care and details. Other shows (and the big competitions!) are gonna need to watch and learn and up their presentation game seriously now.

Yeah, I was also enchanted by him skating to Bach. Pretty unusual, isn't it? And I love Bach!
But, yes, surely others might need to up their game and learn a thing or two - with his 3 solo shows in Saitama this week basically sold-out, Yuzu has just singlehandedly outsold the whole Senior Grand Prix Final with all its current stars, all 8 competitions plus gala (yes!) , just based on the sheer size of the venue (5x4200 as tickets were sold per day on Thursday, Friday and Sunday and per half-day on Saturday which makes 5 full sets at max in Grenoble vs 3x14,000 in Saitama), and this is making an assumption GPF comps were all basically sold out, too, which we know very well they were visibly not.
Still the thing is Yuzuru has really put the bar so high not just in terms of attendance but most of all in terms of quality and creativity which he's always been the poster boy for and which has resulted in his huge following and high attendance in his events.
Just to give some impression of what we are talking about further on (the show is under paid livestream / archive, so not much can be linked apart from photographs ):


He's really creating a new genre with his ice stories which are nothing like a traditional ice show which would usually be either a collection of unconnected programs, or following an external pre-existing script like a fairy tale, an anime etc. Here all the programs are integrated into a story, and all the stories are original, created for this very purpose and by himself, and very modern both in terms of topics and narration. He really is a 21st century performer and is relatable as such. The extensive use of video and audio, with the story published as a separate book in Japanese and in English to accompany the show and offer a deeper insight into the staged script, keep the story together to the point that he feels it necessary to provide real-time translation to English (and few other languages in the streams) for international fans. This type of narration, combined with the amazing high quality and creativity of production make them really something else.