Figure Skater Kihira Rika Switches to Ice Dance, Joins Forces with Nishiyama Shingo
The 23-year-old Japanese figure skater Kihira Rika is set to embark on an exciting new journey in ice dance, as she aims for her Olympic debut at the upcoming Winter Games in Milano Cortina 2026. Once renowned for her achievements in singles skating, Kihira is transitioning into a new realm of competitive figure skating as she partners with Nishiyama Shingo, a talented skater and Youth Olympic gold medallist from Lausanne 2020.
“I am taking on a new challenge in ice dance,” Kihira expressed on social media. In her post, she is seen alongside her new partner at the Ice Academy of Montréal in Canada, radiating enthusiasm about this fresh chapter. “I’m grateful to my family, team, and sponsors for supporting this decision, and to Shingo Nishiyama for giving me the opportunity to begin this new chapter in my skating career. I will continue to give my all as I pursue my dreams.”
Kihira first burst onto the figure skating scene at just 16 years old when she remarkably landed two triple axels to claim gold on her senior Grand Prix debut at the NHK Trophy in her native Japan. Since then, she has not only made her mark at Japan’s national level but has also captured two World Team Trophy medals and gold at two Four Continents Championships.
Although Japan has yet to secure a quota for the individual ice dance competition, Kihira remains focused on potential Olympic participation. If they can earn a quota for the team event, she could compete at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, marking her historic Olympic debut. The inclusion of an athlete in the Olympic Games is determined by their National Olympic Committee (NOC), making representation at the Milano Cortina Games dependent on selections made by each country’s governing body.
As the countdown to the 2026 Winter Games begins, Kihira’s commitment to transitioning into ice dance underscores not only her versatility as a skater but also the vibrant future of Figure Skating in Japan.
