Japan’s Figure Skating Pair Champions Miura Riku & Kihara Ryuichi: ‘The World Title We Won is Not a Burden’
As the 2024-25 figure skating season kicked off, reigning world champions Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi faced uncertainty about their performance and aspirations. However, as the season progresses, it’s clear they have navigated through challenges and emerged stronger, positioning themselves ahead of the upcoming Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games.
In an exclusive chat with Olympics.com after the ISU World Team Trophy 2025 in Tokyo, Kihara reflected, “We’ve faced many hurdles, especially injuries, but this is the first season we’ve completed without pulling out of any competition due to injury.” Their resilience has led to consistency, finishing second or better in all eight competitions entered, including their remarkable triumph at the World Figure Skating Championships in Boston.
While admitting that success came with expectations, Kihara emphasized, “We’ve released the weight of our past victories. We don’t view the world title as a burden; it’s behind us now.” The couple considered the lessons from past errors vital to their maturity. Their journey was not without obstacles, particularly during the 2023-24 season when Kihara grappled with lumbar spondylosis, sidelining him for a majority of competitions.
Miura and Kihara stressed the importance of patience during training and recovery. “I’ve witnessed my partner’s dedication through his struggles,” Miura stated. “We emphasized the need for Kihara to focus on his well-being first.” Their joint calculations paid off, becoming well-prepared as they head to Milano Cortina.
The Olympics present a fresh start, marking the pair’s second appearance in international competitions. They aim to secure Japan’s first Olympic medal in pairs skating, enhancing the sport’s visibility within their nation. “While we carry some expectations, we’re excited to reinforce our status as strong contenders,” Kihara shared, highlighting their eagerness to inspire future generations of skaters through their journey.
Ultimately, Miura and Kihara embody tenacity, and their story serves as a testament to the power of resilience in professional figure skating. With Tokyo behind them and the Olympic dream ahead, they establish a new narrative of loose confidence heading into the games.
