The world of sports and celebrity was taken by surprise in 2023 by the whirlwind personal life of Japanese figure skating icon, Yuzuru Hanyu. The two-time Olympic champion, known for his grace on ice and reclusiveness off it, experienced a marriage and divorce within a matter of months, a saga that highlights the intense pressures of fame.
The Announcement of a Private Union
On 4 August 2023, Yuzuru Hanyu made a historic post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. The legendary skater announced he had decided to get married. In his characteristically respectful tone, he stated his intention to continue moving forward in life and skating with the support of his fans.
Critically, Hanyu's announcement deliberately omitted any identifying details about his new partner. He explicitly referred to her as a non-celebrity, expressing a clear desire to shield her from the public eye. This move was consistent with his lifelong approach of keeping his personal affairs strictly private.
Speculation and the Identity of His Wife
Despite Hanyu's silence, intense media speculation followed. Japanese outlets, led by publications like Shukan Bunshun, reportedly identified the woman as Mayuko Suenobu, a violinist from Yamaguchi Prefecture. Reports suggested she was approximately eight years older than Hanyu and that the pair met through his ice shows, where she provided live musical accompaniment.
It is crucial to note that Yuzuru Hanyu never publicly confirmed this identity. The name Mayuko Suenobu remained in the realm of media speculation, as Hanyu maintained his commitment to protecting his partner's privacy at all costs.
A Sudden and Heartbreaking End
The marriage was tragically short-lived. In a stunning turn of events, just over three months later in November 2023, Hanyu returned to X to announce that he and his wife were divorcing.
His statement provided a heartbreaking glimpse into the reasons behind the split. Hanyu described an unbearable campaign of harassment directed at his wife, her family, and his own. He detailed incidents of stalking, unauthorized media investigations, publishing of private details, and even strangers appearing at their homes and screaming.
Hanyu cited his own inability to adequately manage the relentless intrusion as a key factor. He stated that, considering the future and her happiness, they mutually decided that divorce was the only way to free her from the limitations and fear imposed by his fame.
Yuzuru Hanyu's Dating History and Current Status
Prior to his 2023 marriage, Yuzuru Hanyu's love life was a complete mystery. The skater, who was born on 7 December 1994 in Sendai, Japan, and is 31 years old as of 2026, had no confirmed public relationships. His entire focus appeared to be on his legendary skating career, which transitioned from competition to professional ice show production after his retirement in July 2022.
As of early 2026, following the divorce, Yuzuru Hanyu is presumed to be single. He has not introduced or confirmed any new romantic relationship. He remains deeply active in figure skating, producing and starring in major solo ice shows like Gift and Repray Tour, while continuing to guard his personal life with immense determination.
The entire episode stands as a poignant case study of the extreme cost of celebrity in the modern media landscape, where even the most guarded private life can be shattered by relentless public and press attention.
