CLAMP announced their first collaboration with figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu: a picture book based on Yuzuru Hanyu’s solo performance “GIFT”. which will take place on February 26 at the Tokyo Dome.

The picture book is going to be released by Kodansha.

Yuzuru Hanyu’s comment (taken from the official website of GIFT)

In creating the story “GIFT”, I had many different images in mind. I was hoping that CLAMP would be able to realize this image of GIFT as a picture book. I hoped that CLAMP would embody this image in his work, which offers a different worldview from that of the performance at the Tokyo Dome. I hope that through this work, many people will feel a different perspective and enjoy it.

CLAMP’s comment (taken from the official website of GIFT)

We were really surprised when we received this offer. I hope that we can help deliver to you another “GIFT” called “picture book” envisioned by Hanyu-san, which is different from the unprecedented performance called “GIFT,” without any discrepancies.

More details to be announced soon! The official website of GIFT says that more information will be given on the official social networks and the special newspaper sold at Tokyo Dome, which makes me think that the book will not be released in time for the performance.

It’s always exciting to see collaborations like this. This is what makes CLAMP a “creative group” instead of ‘simply a “mangaka group”. It’s also worth mentioning that they specifically mentioned that this is their “first” collaboration, implying that there could be more in the future.