Hanyu Yuzuru Committed to Commemorating the 2011 Earthquake
Figure skating legend Hanyu Yuzuru has reiterated his commitment to honoring the lives and memories of those affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami disaster that struck northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011. “I want to keep being the catalyst to avoid the disaster fading,” Hanyu declared in a recent interview.
On Tuesday, March 10, in his native Sendai, Japan, Hanyu shared his personal connection to the disaster. He stated, “My body stiffens like a conditioned reflex, even during a minor tremor of 1 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7. I feel the fear.” At just 16 years old and training at his local ice rink when calamity struck, Hanyu experienced firsthand the chaos that would alter his community forever.
The earthquake, registering at a magnitude of 9.0, triggered a tsunami that led to a catastrophic nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi Power Plant, resulting in nearly 16,000 lives lost. Hanyu and his family found refuge in a temporary evacuation center set up inside a gymnasium after their home was destroyed.
However, even amidst tragedy, hope emerged. Just three years later, Hanyu claimed his first Olympic gold medal at the Sochi 2014 Winter Games. Since his rise to fame, he has taken it upon himself to support the affected communities through various initiatives. In memory of the catastrophe’s 15th anniversary, Hanyu recently held his annual charity performances titled “Notte Stellata.”
Through proceeds from his autobiographies and merchandise, Hanyu aims to amplify the voices of those still impacted by the disaster. “I want to keep conveying messages in order to protect the lives and towns that need to be protected,” he said.
His commitment was further highlighted during his latest show, which featured the Tohoku Youth Orchestra, a collaboration emphasizing cultural resilience. “We need to keep preparing in the face of disasters that could happen again at any moment. As someone who experienced March 11, I want to keep the message alive five, 10 years from now for disaster mitigation.” Hanyu’s dedication to remembering and uplifting those affected by the disaster solidifies his status as a true champion—for both sport and community.
