From the photoshoot for the April issue of Kateigaho magazine
:
I had the pleasure of photographing Daisuke Takahashi
for the April issue of *Katei Gahō* magazine.
It features an extensive special feature, including a wonderful interview.
Please be sure to check it out in the magazine.
The issue with the special feature can be purchased on
amazon.
An excerpt of the interview was published online - interestingly turning 40 is referred to as "double coming of age (note: the interview was conducted ahead of Dai's birthday). The biggest take-away for me is that Dai seems to be genuinely happy and fulfilled right now and also - as he touches on one of the biggest challenges that skating partners face - how almost miraculous it is that he and Kana are still getting along so well and continue to enjoy skating together
:
稀代のエンターテイナー フィギュアスケーター高橋大輔 40歳の飛躍 プロスケーター・高橋大輔さん。25歳のとき、故・篠山紀信さんの撮り下ろしで本誌初登場以来、30歳ではスーツにタキシード姿で撮影、35歳のときには、アイスダンスパートナーの村...
www.kateigaho.com
Machine translation:
[Exclusive Photo Shoot] Interview with Figure Skater Daisuke Takahashi: Part 1—Appearing in a Kimono to Commemorate his Double Coming-of-Age Ceremony
March 25, 2026
A Legendary Entertainer: Figure Skater Daisuke Takahashi’s leap at 40—Professional Skater Daisuke Takahashi. Since his first appearance in this magazine at age 25, photographed by the late Kishin Shinoyama, he has been featured in suits and tuxedos at age 30, and at age 35, we visited him in Florida, USA—where he trained with his ice dance partner, Kana Muramoto. We have conducted special interviews at key milestones in his life, and now, to mark his 40th birthday and a double coming-of-age ceremony, he appears in a kimono. He spoke at length about his thoughts on the past, present, and future.
Appearing in a kimono to commemorate his double coming-of-age ceremony
I can’t wait to see what lies ahead. A second chapter of life begins here
What a wonderful way to age.
The ease with which he enjoys the photo session, his gentle smile, and the sense of fulfillment that shines through in our exclusive interview. “It was precisely because I went through a difficult period when I first retired from active competition that I was able to realize my gratitude toward those around me,” he says. In the days ahead, starting at age 40, he is sure to shine even brighter.
"Is it okay to be this happy? I find myself asking this as I live each fulfilling day"
──As a special celebration of your upcoming 40th birthday and your “double coming-of-age ceremony,” we had the opportunity to photograph you in a kimono for the first time in this magazine. How did you like it?
Daisuke Takahashi (hereinafter Takahashi): This kimono feels really nice against the skin. It’s light and comfortable to wear, and it fits perfectly. Over the past year or two, I’ve strangely had more opportunities to experience Japanese culture. Sometimes Western clothes make me look childish, but wearing a kimono makes me feel a little more confident as an adult (laughs).
──In your interview for the January 2017 issue, when you were 30, you said, “By the time I’m 40, I want to be someone who’s riding a wave of momentum, has found a sense of purpose, and is willing to stake my life on it.”
Takahashi: I’ve finally found it! Starting around the age of 38, and especially after turning 39, I began to realize that the world of entertainment—not just figure skating—is truly fulfilling for me. 2025 was a year I thoroughly enjoyed, thanks to the release of the film *The Tales of Kurashiki*, as well as my production *Kassouya* and the ice musical *Hyoen 2025: Kagamon no Yasha* (hereinafter *Hyoen*). I’ve come to realize that if you set out to enjoy life, you can have this much fun—and that your mindset can make such a huge difference. Of course, there are times when I’m busy and things get tough, but I’ve learned to find joy even in those moments. I feel so fulfilled and happy right now that I sometimes wonder if I’m allowed to be this happy.
Mr. Takahashi, whose grandmother and mother were both kimono enthusiasts, grew up with kimono as a natural part of daily life. “Last year, I had the opportunity to perform on stage with the Nishikawa School of Japanese Dance. I’m not an expert, but I absolutely love traditional Japanese culture.”
──That’s truly wonderful! Looking back on your early 30s, what kind of days do you recall?
Takahashi: Due in part to injuries, I couldn’t perform the way I wanted to, so I retired from active competition for the first time at age 28. It was a difficult time when I was searching for my path in life. But it was precisely because of those days that I was able to return to active competition at age 32 and switch to ice dancing, which has led me to where I am today… I had skated with no stress, devoting myself entirely to the sport, but I came to understand that it is only because the people around me support me that I can do what I want to do, and I developed a sense of gratitude. I was greatly influenced and inspired by the experiences of that period.
──So those were difficult yet meaningful days. Looking back now, do you feel it was a good decision to partner with Kana Muramoto and take up ice dancing?
Takahashi: (Without hesitation) Yes. I think all skaters should try it. Even if it’s just for the training experience, I highly recommend it. It offers a depth and appeal different from singles, and you get to experience sensations on the ice that you wouldn’t normally feel. During my singles days, I didn’t focus much on storytelling and just skated wherever my heart led me, but in ice dancing, you need to align your direction with your partner’s, right? I feel that through our discussions, the range of my expression has expanded.
──How do you feel about the current trend of young skaters aspiring to ice dance increasing year by year, thanks to the emergence and success of the Kana Muramoto & Daisuke Takahashi pair?
Takahashi: I don’t think it’s just because of our influence; I believe the seeds sown by the Japan Skating Federation’s focus on developing couple skating are finally beginning to sprout. But I’m truly happy to see more skaters aspiring to ice dance! I went to watch the Junior and Senior All-Japan Championships held in December 2025, and there were several promising ice dance teams. However, since couple skating involves compatibility issues, staying together is the hardest part (wry smile). I really hope they all keep going.
Daisuke Takahashi
Born March 16, 1986, in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. He won Japan’s first-ever bronze medal in men’s figure skating at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and Japan’s first-ever gold medal in the same discipline at the World Championships that same year. He competed in three consecutive Olympic Games. After retiring from competitive skating in 2014, he made a comeback in 2018 at the age of 32. He switched to ice dancing in 2020. Since retiring from competitive skating in 2023, he has been active in the entertainment industry, leading ice shows as a professional skater and producer, as well as appearing in films as a commentator and actor.
(To be continued.)
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