Professional skater Hanyu Yuzuru, whose first solo ice show “GIFT” has just closed as a great success, will release a collaboration picture book “GIFT.” The project invites CLAMP, a creators group known for “Card Captor Sakura” and more, to visualize the story written by Hanyu.
CLAMP is a creators group consisting of four women; Igarashi Satsuki, Ookawa Nanase, Nekoi Tsubaki, and Mokona, who made their debut in 1989 with “Seiden – RG VEDA-” in the third issue of “South.” Their popularity is not limited in Japan but has expanded overseas, with their works published in over 20 countries.
Their representative works include “Tokyo BABYLON,” “X,” “Magic Knight Rayearth,” “Tsubasa-RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE-,” and “xxxHOLiC.” Their latest work, “Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card Arc,” which is a sequel to “Cardcaptor Sakura,” is currrently serialized in “Nakayoshi.”
The dream collaboration began when Hanyu, who is currently active as a professional skater, asked CLAMP to illustrate his story. Both respect each other as artists making a huge impact on the world.
“GIFT,” which Hanyu created the story himself, tells about his life and reveals his new talent on the horizon apart from skating. CLAMP offered illustrations to make it a picture book.
The picture book “GIFT,” with the story by Hanyu Yuzuru and illustrations by CLAMP, will be released on September 1, 2023, for 3,300 yen, including tax. The first limited edition will come with two postcards as a purchase novelty.
Fans worldwide have eagerly been awaiting the book, and the publisher is considering releasing a translated version for overseas markets. Stay tuned for further updates.
(C) CLAMP・ShigatsuTsuitachi CO.,LTD./ Kodansha
