Yuzuru Hanyu to star in Winnie the Pooh commemorative memory book

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the original Winnie the Pooh in 2026, Kodansha is releasing a special memory book featuring professional figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu. The project was initiated following discussions regarding special celebrations for the character's anniversary, with Hanyu being selected due to his well-known affinity for Winnie the Pooh.

The memory book includes 40 pages of photography, featuring Hanyu in various settings such as the Ice Link Sendai rink and outdoors. It also contains an exclusive long-form interview where Hanyu discusses his personal connection to the character and reflects on quotes from the Winnie the Pooh series.

The product is a made-to-order set that includes a Winnie the Pooh plush toy capable of wearing miniature recreations of two of Hanyu’s legendary skating costumes: ‘SEIMEI’ and ‘Ballade No. 1’. The set also features a large poster and a reproduction of a handwritten letter from Hanyu to Winnie the Pooh. Pre-orders are being accepted through October 20, 2026.