Yuzuru Hanyu ICE STORY 2023 "GIFT" at Tokyo Dome 2023 / Yuzuru Hanyu teams up with Mikiko for one unprecedented spectacular skating show

As one of the greatest ice skaters of all time, Yuzuru Hanyu has become an icon, not just for Japan, but for both fans of the sport and the art worldwide. As he retired from competing, fans looked forward to watching one of his ice shows, but few anticipated the popularity and reception of GIFT at the Tokyo Dome. It’s a spectacular show, thankfully filmed and streamed on Disney+ for international audiences who missed out on watching in life, but it’s not just spectacular due to the insane athleticism and skill director Mikiko depicts from Hanyu’s routines, or the sheer length of the entire show. Through shortened versions of his previous ice shows and his Olympics run, Hanyu adds an interesting mix to express his journey in ice skating, with unexpected tracks from pop culture, as well as his famous Notte Stellata, which he performs annually for his Miyagi hometown. It’s an unprecedented show only Hanyu could make, one even new viewers could enjoy.