Figure Skating] Ami Nakai, Yuma Kagiyama, Ryuichi Kihara & Rirai Miura: Athletes with High Expectations for the Milano Olympics

Ami NAKAI (17), female figure skater

Steel mentality” hidden behind her lovely smile

Medal expectation level: ★★★★★

If “Queen” Kaori SAKAMOTO’s weapon is her overall strength, Ami NAKAI’s is her Triple Axel.

In her first year of competition, she has continued to perform well, finishing second at the Grand Prix Final in December, and second at the Four Continents Championships in January this year.

(Sports newspaper desk) “Can the 17-year-old Mao Asada (35), who says that she has always been a heroine of hers, succeed in the ultra-difficulty feat that she once performed at the Olympics?

Many athletes get overwhelmed by the tension of the once-every-four-years big stage.

However, the fact that they have been able to maintain such consistent results in their first season as seniors is proof that they have strong hearts. With the combination of her past successes and the momentum of her youth, she is going into the competition, so I hope she will succeed in the triple axel in Milan as well, and become a leader of Japanese Figure Skating,” said Takahito Mura, professional skater and commentator.

Nakai’s rapid progress is supported by the strength of heart hidden in her charming smile.

Yuma Kagiyama (22), men’s figure skating

Aiming for the top with his expressiveness and perfection.

Medal Expectations: ★★★★★
Feb. 11th 2:30 Short
Feb. 14th, 3:00 FS

Yuma KAGIYAMA is burning for his snow humiliation.

His strength is his expressive ability, which does not collapse even after jumps. He has the perfection of performance that is typical of Japanese aces, so he should be involved in the medal contention as he was last time, when he won the silver medal,” said Mura.

Will the Japanese men’s figure ace be able to sing “Kimigayo” at the top of the podium, which he narrowly missed in Beijing?

Ryuichi Kihara (33) & Rira Miura (24), Figure Skating Pair

The strongest duo who overturned the conventional wisdom of pairs competitions.

Medal expectations: ★★★★★
Feb. 16th 3:45pm Short
Feb. 17th, 4:00 FS

The Rikuryu pair of Rirai Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, formed in August ’19, flew to Milan, the place of decisive competition, with an overwhelming record of two World Championships, two Four Continents Championships, and two Grand Prix Finals gold medals.

Japanese figure skaters are weak in pairs competitions.

The two, who have made such a whispering saying in the figure skating world for a long time a thing of the past, are aiming at the top of the Olympics stage.

From the February 20/27, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY