Kihira Rika will embark on a new journey in ice dance ahead of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
The two-time Japanese figure skating singles champion has started a new ice dance partnership with Nishiyama Shingo, a team Youth Olympic gold medallist at Lausanne 2020.
“I am taking on a new challenge in ice dance,” Kihira said on social media, pictured with her new partner at the Ice Academy of Montréal in Canada.
“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.”
She burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old skater when she landed two triple axels to win gold on her senior Grand Prix debut at the NHK Trophy in her native Japan.
Now 23, she has since added two World Team Trophy medals as well as two gold medals at the Four Continent Championships. Kihira makes the move to ice dance with five months to go until Milano Cortina, which begins on 6 February 2026.
Japan has not earned a quota for the individual ice dance competition, but should they earn a quota for the team event, Kihira could make her Olympic debut at the Milano Ice Skating Arena.