The GOAT of versatility joins forces with the GOAT of the rink.
Hanyu Yuzurucoming”notte stellatawill indeed be a special occasion, as the two-time Olympic champion in figure skating on Friday (January 13) presented the three-time Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics Uchimura Kohei as his surprise guest at the March 10-12 show in Miyagi Prefecture.
Hanyu hosts notte stellata – ie starry Night in Italian – to honor those affected by the M9.0 Great East Japan earthquake that hit the country’s east coast on March 11, 2011, including the skater’s hometown of Sendai.
This will be the first time in Hanyu’s career that he will perform on a day of national mourning.
It will also be the first time Hanyu and Uchimura stand on the same stage, which will be a dream collaboration between Japanese Olympic titans. Hanyu has not revealed what Uchimura’s role will be in the series.
Hanyu and Uchimura, who is six years older than Hanyu, both retired last year, the first in July and the second in March.
Throughout their careers, the two have shown mutual admiration and respect for each other, combining a common drive to improve their skills, which put each of them in a league of their own. Now they will combine their trades, although it remains to be seen how exactly, which only adds to the intrigue.
Notte stellata will be Hanyu’s first professional collaboration with other skaters – and as it turns out, a gymnast.
His first performance onPrologue’and upcomingGift’ at the Tokyo Dome on February 26, both were self-produced with Hanyu as the lone performer.
During notte stellata, Hanyu will perform with his former choreographer Shae-Lynn Bourne Turok and former training colleague Jason Brown.
He is joined by Japanese skaters Miyahara Satoko, Suzuki Akiko, Tanaka Keiji, Mura Takahito and Hongo Rika.
Tickets for three concerts will go on sale on January 20. Details are there here.
