Win 'Stepping Higher'

With the 2011 world championships in Moscow just days away, The Japan Times is offering several readers the chance to win a copy of the recently released Japanese book "Saranaru takami-he" (Stepping Higher) about two-time world champion Mao Asada's life story.

The 287-page tome was written by Jun Yoshida and recently published by Gakken.

The book details Mao's highs and lows from her days as a novice skater through the most recent Japan championships. It includes several photos and a comprehensive record of her results since she first began competing.

The thought-provoking work contains Mao's comments on her life and career, her rivalry with Kim Yu Na, and her coaches.

The four-time national champion, who is renowned for her majestic triple axel, says, "I have gone through such a lot of things. I'm here now because I have overcome those things."

To enter the drawing for the books, please send an e-mail with your name and address to: sports@japantimes.co.jp with "Stepping Higher" entered in the subject line.

The drawing is open to overseas readers.