- Joined
- Jan 23, 2004
Thank you synes for all the FOI content in this thread and in Dai's FF thread, much appreciated! 
Kana Muramoto & Daisuke Takahashi
- Thread starter synesthesia
- Start date
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2014
Thank you synes for all the FOI content in this thread and in Dai's FF thread, much appreciated!
You're very welcome.
(Btw, can I delete the Poka Poka episode with Kana and Shizuka to free up space on my google drive?)And thanks to everyone providing the original content!
____________
I have to agree with those saying that Kana's solo is (one of the) highlight(s) of this year's FOI. It is a very cool concept and thanks to Jeremy's creative choreo with all kinds of intricate movements different from other programs where skaters portray dolls. As Kana said, her doll is rather on the creepy side, which I love! She truly has blossomed into a compelling solo performer/dancer like her idol Shae-Lynn.
[link removed]
The "Love never dies" group number, which was choreographed by Kana, is another standout for sure. Kana and Dai performing part of their 2022-23 PotO step sequence is a particular highlight here. KanaDai and Ikukou performing the "two-feet version" of KanaDai's PotO straightline lift simultaneously was also quite impressive (I just wish the camerawork had been better in this particular moment) - now we know why Ikura and Koshiro practiced this lift in earlier promo material!
Matinee performance:
[link removed]
Imo Shizuka's quote about Dai's history with PotO and his portrayal of the title character as well as the part about Kana's solo in this Sportiva article hit the nail on the head:
高橋大輔の『オペラ座の怪人』は「まさにラスボス」 かなだいは新カップルへエール
『フレンズ・オン・アイス』レポート後編『フレンズ・オン・アイス』公開リハーサルで『Love Never Dies』を演じる村元哉中と高橋大輔【まさにラスボスの演技】 ８月29日、横浜。アイスショー『フレンズ・オン・アイス』の公開リハー…
sportiva.shueisha.co.jp
Daisuke Takahashi's “The Phantom of the Opera” is “truly the final boss”
Kanadai cheers on new couple
Updated 31 August 2025 07:00
Yoshiyuki Komiya●Reporting and text
Sunao Noto●Photography
Friends on Ice Report: Part Two
[Truly a final boss-level performance]
29th August, Yokohama. The public rehearsal for the ice show “Friends on Ice” is underway.
Right at the start of the second half, a climax suddenly arrives. The six skaters Shizuka Arakawa, Rika Hongo, Ikura Kushida, Koshiro Shimada, Kana Muramoto and Daisuke Takahashi appear and dance to “Love Never Dies”, a song from the sequel musical to “The Phantom of the Opera”. Each portrayed the same tragic couple: the Phantom and the beautiful Christine. It was particularly striking to see Arakawa in a tailcoat, performing the male role.
‘Many skaters have portrayed the Phantom of the Opera before, but I particularly love Daisuke's (Takahashi) Phantom. He performed it in singles from a young age, and again at the end of his ice dance career. Having gone through all that, seeing him perform it again this time, with such gravitas, it truly felt like “the final boss has arrived”.’
Arakawa expressed her pride in this Phantom of the Opera collaboration. For Takahashi, it’s a truly fateful program, spanning singles, ice dance, and now this group number.
"I’m thoroughly enjoying it again this year, though I never imagined doing it a third time (laughs). Each skater's individuality really shines through, and I find myself wanting to watch it. I'd like to watch it without being on the ice myself."
Takahashi voiced his honest thoughts. The collective performance deepens the world they create. Each tragic love story was being reborn upon the ice.
One might even fall into the illusion of witnessing the continuation of the story between Muramoto and Takahashi, known as ‘Kanadai’—
【Kanadai gives seal of approval to the promising new couple】
‘All the collaborative numbers this time are captivating, but regarding the sequel to The Phantom of the Opera... particularly...’
Muramoto spoke with evident fervour.
"From the moment I first heard about it from Ms Arakawa, I understood how Love Never Dies would connect in this way. As we developed it, each of us found ways to express the Phantom and Christine's feelings. I'd love to hear what everyone thought! I never imagined I'd wear my active-duty costumes again, so I was worried if it would fit (laughs)."
This group number also provided a ‘debut’ opportunity for the newly paired Kushida Ikura and Shimada Koshiro. It was their first performance as ice dancers, but perhaps Kanadai's presence gave them courage. Their performance was confident, showcasing the dynamic presence of two tall dancers with long limbs.
‘Rather than watching over them, I was simply admiring how wonderful they were. When I started ice dancing, people probably wondered if I'd be alright, but they exude such confidence – I think they're amazing. I found myself feeling rather proud, thinking they'll only get better and better as they perform together.’
Takahashi offered his characteristic words of encouragement to his juniors.
Muramoto added her voice to his.
"The solo number (“Faith”) was also created by Kanadai. When we first ran through it in practice after it was made, I was amazed at how quickly they progressed. There's a lift scene together in “The Phantom of the Opera” too, and Daichan and I were panicking, thinking “Aren't they better than us?” (laughs). Honestly, that's how fast they learn. I think they'll make a wonderful couple. I hope they challenge themselves with all sorts of genres. Ice dancing is profoundly deep; the more you pursue it, the more enjoyable it becomes. I really hope they skate for a long time."
【A Relationship of Mutual Artistic Influence】
Just how much of a driving force Kanadai's presence is for Kushida and Shimada.
‘We're truly honoured by their kind words... We're still new to ice dancing and there's much we can't do yet, but we aspire to master it. Watching Kanadai perform makes us think, “We want to do this too” – the list keeps growing. We aim to become ice dancers capable of achieving many things.’
Shimada expressed his gratitude to Kanadai, then glanced at Kushida and let out a small smile.
Conversely, the skater most influenced by Takahashi's expressive power might be Muramoto, who was once his partner. They have performed together repeatedly in ice shows, mutually influencing each other artistically. It is said Muramoto even advised Takahashi on the choreography for his solo performance this time.
Muramoto's solo performance to “Ramalama” was outstanding. She portrayed a doll coming to life on the ice, yet her movements seemed strangely puppeteered. Dancing to the music, she drew the audience into a world of madness before snapping back to being a doll as if the spell had broken. In just a few minutes, she created a strikingly dramatic narrative.
‘Jeremy (Abbott) composed the program for me. After seeing his program last year, I thought it was unique and asked him – the timing worked out. The theme is a strange puppet dancing, which is the crazy part. The creative process was enjoyable, and the costume design is incredibly intricate, so I hope people notice it.’
Centred around a sequel to The Phantom of the Opera, the lives of each skater intertwine. It is a fantastical yet real world. An ecstatic time to immerse oneself in, at the 19th edition of Friends on Ice.
The performances run until 31st August.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2014
And here's the soiree performance of "Love never dies":
[link removed]
www.instagram.com
__________________
Of course the Hyoen gang was there to support their friends - even Takahisa Masuda came this time despite his idol fame!
Takuro also brought his co-star, Ryo Sato, from the latest play he appeared in along:
In July Takuro and Eliana practiced skating with Kana and Dai again:
[link removed]
【公式】Friends on Ice 2026 on Instagram: "#フレンズオンアイス2025 ⛸️❇️DAY1 Photo by Shutterz #friendsonice2025 #フレンズオンアイス #アイスショー #フィギュアスケート"
2,240 likes, 6 comments - foi2026_official_account on August 30, 2025: "#フレンズオンアイス2025 ⛸️❇️DAY1 Photo by Shutterz #friendsonice2025 #フレンズオンアイス #アイスショー #フィギュアスケート".
www.instagram.com
__________________
Of course the Hyoen gang was there to support their friends - even Takahisa Masuda came this time despite his idol fame!
Takuro also brought his co-star, Ryo Sato, from the latest play he appeared in along:
#FriendsOnIce2025
It was utterly moving
My clearest memories date back to Turin and beyond. Being a huge figure skating fan, I even watched the Vancouver Olympics on my mobile during lessons back in high school (seriously?!) and have followed it on TV ever since
Daisuke-san, Kana-chan, thank you for the most wonderful time
The loves of my life. 
#FriendsOnIce
Friends on Ice 2025
I was able to go!
In July Takuro and Eliana practiced skating with Kana and Dai again:
Last edited:
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2014
Ayaka Hirahara, Kiki Nakanishi, Miwa Nishida and Misato Morita (who played Asohime in the latest Hyoen production) also came:
Presentation of the choreographers after the last show (featuring the "Love never dies" lift):
A thread with clips of the talkshow that took place after the soiree performance on Saturday (the participants were Shizuka, Carolina, Ikura, Koshiro, Kana and Dai):
Presentation of the choreographers after the last show (featuring the "Love never dies" lift):
A thread with clips of the talkshow that took place after the soiree performance on Saturday (the participants were Shizuka, Carolina, Ikura, Koshiro, Kana and Dai):
Last edited:
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2014
Impressions from the opening of the Toyko Tatsumi Ice Arena on September 6th - Kana and Dai performed their "Birds/Makeba" exhibition (unfortunately there doesn't seem to be full footage of the performance):
youtu.be
Photo report of the event:
toyosu.tokyo
Another photo report:
koto.goguynet.jp
Sankei article with photos:
www.sankei.com
Machine translation:
Partly paywalled Asahi article:
www.asahi.com
Yomiuri article:
www.yomiuri.co.jp
Sponichi article:
www.sponichi.co.jp
Partly paywalled Deep Edge Plus article:
deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp
Pikachu was there as well:
www.instagram.com
- YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
youtu.be
Photo report of the event:
東京辰巳アイスアリーナが開業！年中いつでもスケートやカーリングが楽しめる｜とよすと – 毎日更新！豊洲エリアの今がわかる地域情報サイト
2025年9月6日（土）、グランドオープンを迎えた「東京辰巳アイスアリーナ」で開業イベントが開催されました！ 老朽化した
toyosu.tokyo
Another photo report:
【江東区】「東京辰巳アイスアリーナ」のオープニングセレモニーで荒川 静香さんと高橋 大輔さん、村元 哉中さんのトークセッションがありました。アイスリンクについての豆知識もレポートします。
「東京辰巳アイスアリーナ」が、2025年9月6日に開業しました。開業前の内覧会と開業記念イベントに参加させていただきましたので詳しくレポートします。 華やかなオープニングセレモニーとスケートエキシビシ
Sankei article with photos:
氷上スポーツの「聖地」華々しく幕開け 都立初の通年リンク開業に高橋大輔さんら演技披露
都立初の通年型スケートリンク「東京辰巳アイスアリーナ」（江東区）が6日に開業し、記念イベントが行われた。フィギュアでアイスダンスの高橋大輔さんと村元哉中さんが…
Machine translation:
The “holy ground” of ice sports opens in style: Daisuke Takahashi and others perform at Tokyo's first year-round public rink opening
6 September 2025 21:27
Tokyo's first year-round municipal ice rink, the Tokyo Tatsumi Ice Arena (Koto Ward), opened on the 6th, with a commemorative event held. Figure skaters Daisuke Takahashi and Kana Muramoto performed ice dance, with Olympic gold medallist Shizuka Arakawa also appearing. The newly created ice sports hub, born from the refurbishment of the Tokyo Tatsumi International Swimming Centre – long cherished as a “holy ground for swimming” – opened its doors in spectacular fashion.
At the outset, Takahashi energised the crowd of approximately 2,000 spectators alongside Muramoto, stating, ‘Skaters can practise with competitions in mind in this large space. It's a precious rink, and as a skater, I'm delighted.’ Rion Sumiyoshi (Oriental Bio/Meiji University), a Tokyo native aiming for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, skated to her exhibition music and expressed her joy: ‘It's a splendid rink, and I'm proud. The audience felt close, and their cheers reached us easily.’
A sub-rink, slightly smaller than the main international-standard rink, is also available. Experience sessions for ice sports like curling and ice hockey were held. Governor Yuriko Koike expressed her hopes, stating, ‘I hope this becomes a sacred ground for ice sports and nurtures world-class athletes who grow up familiar with the ice at Tatsumi.’
Partly paywalled Asahi article:
東京辰巳アイスアリーナ開業、高橋大輔さんらが祝う 水泳の聖地改修：朝日新聞
東京都立施設では初の通年型アイスリンク「東京辰巳アイスアリーナ」（江東区辰巳2丁目）が6日にオープンし、開業記念イベントが行われた。水泳の「聖地」として親しまれてきた「東京辰巳国際水泳場」が改修され…
Yomiuri article:
夏も使えるスケートリンクが東京・辰巳に登場…五輪水泳場を改修、荒川静香さん「大きな意味ある」
【読売新聞】 東京都江東区の通年型スケートリンク「東京辰巳アイスアリーナ」が６日、開業した。初日は記念イベントとして、フィギュアスケート五輪メダリストの高橋大輔さんらのパフォーマンスのほかスケートやカーリングの体験会などが行われた。
Sponichi article:
【フィギュア】スペシャルゲスト“かなだい”が華麗舞い 都立初の東京辰巳アイスアリーナ開業 - スポニチ Sponichi Annex スポーツ
フィギュアスケート・アイスダンスで世界選手権などに出場した「かなだい」こと村元哉中さん（32）、高橋大輔さん（39）が6日、都立初の通年型スケートリンク「東…
www.sponichi.co.jp
【Figure Skating】Special guests “Kanadai” grace the Ice at Tokyo's first year-round Ice Arena opening
[ 6 September 2025 17:11 ]
Figure skating ice dancers Kanadai—Kana Muramoto (32) and Daisuke Takahashi (39)—participated in the opening commemorative event for Tokyo's first year-round skating rink, Tokyo Tatsumi Ice Arena (Koto Ward), on the 6th. They performed ‘Birds/Makeba’ in the opening show, thrilling the crowd with their splendid techniques.
The facility was converted into a permanent rink following the closure of the Tokyo Tatsumi International Swimming Centre, formerly a sacred site for swimming. The main rink complies with international standards, measuring 60 metres in length and 30 metres in width.
Competitions in ice hockey, curling and other sports are also scheduled to take place. For figure skating, events such as the All Japan Junior Championships (22nd–24th November) will be held there.
Takahashi expressed his hopes for the venue's development, stating, ‘Being able to practise in such a large space, akin to an international competition, is incredibly valuable for the athletes.’
Partly paywalled Deep Edge Plus article:
【詳報】高橋大輔さんらがフィギュア始めたきっかけは? かなだい、荒川静香さんがイベントでトークショー 【東京辰巳アイスアリーナ開業】 - フィギュアスケート専門情報サイトDeep Edge Plus 最新ニュース・充実のコラムをお届け
都立初の通年型スケートリンク「東京辰巳アイスアリーナ」（江東区）が6日に開業し、記念イベントが行われた。フィギュアスケートで「かなだい」ことアイスダンスの高橋大輔さんと村元哉中さんが演技を披露し、2006年トリノ冬季オ […]
deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp
Pikachu was there as well
:
日本スケート連盟 on Instagram: "9月6日に東京辰巳アイスアリーナでオープニングセレモニーが行われ、ピカチュウがお祝いに来てくれました！ オープニングパフォーマンスやセレモニー、アスリートトークショーに出演された 荒川静香さん 高橋大輔さん 村元哉中さん と記念撮影📸 #ポケモン #ピカチュウ #ポケモンスケートチャレンジ #荒川静香 #高橋大輔 #村元哉中 #東京辰巳アイスアリーナ"
2,157 likes, 0 comments - skatingjapan on September 6, 2025: "9月6日に東京辰巳アイスアリーナでオープニングセレモニーが行われ、ピカチュウがお祝いに来てくれました！ オープニングパフォーマンスやセレモニー、アスリートトークショーに出演された 荒川静香さん 高橋大輔さん 村元哉中さん と記念撮影📸 #ポケモン #ピカチュウ #ポケモンスケートチャレンジ #荒川静香 #高橋大輔 #村元哉中 #東京辰巳アイスアリーナ".
www.instagram.com
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2014
Fans celebrated KanaDai's 6th anniversary (of their announcement to team up) today. There was a lot of fanart as well as résumés of their noteworthy competitive and professional achievements.
I can't believe it's already been six years! As a fan I feel so lucky that their partnership is still so fruitful and that they still seem to maintain a good relationship/friendship and to enjoy creating together, be it choreographing together, holding skating classes or collaborating on different aspects of Kassouya. Here's to hopefully many more years of their joint adventures!
A nice fan video, summarizing their joint and separate careers since 2019 (also including a brief flashback to their preceding singles careers):
www.youtube.com
Kana and Dai at the Pyeongchang Olympics, before they knew that they would become partners:
In celebration of the anniversary Nikkansports published an interview with Kana and Dai, conducted at the Sky Court skating class on September 15th (albeit under paywall):
www.nikkansports.com
I can't believe it's already been six years! As a fan I feel so lucky that their partnership is still so fruitful and that they still seem to maintain a good relationship/friendship and to enjoy creating together, be it choreographing together, holding skating classes or collaborating on different aspects of Kassouya. Here's to hopefully many more years of their joint adventures!
A nice fan video, summarizing their joint and separate careers since 2019 (also including a brief flashback to their preceding singles careers):
- YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
www.youtube.com
Kana and Dai at the Pyeongchang Olympics, before they knew that they would become partners
:In celebration of the anniversary Nikkansports published an interview with Kana and Dai, conducted at the Sky Court skating class on September 15th (albeit under paywall):
【かなだいの言葉】変わらぬ呼吸「競技生活、引退してから３年？」「３年目だな（笑い）」 - フィギュア : 日刊スポーツ・プレミアム
2022年の4大陸選手権で日本勢初の銀メダルに輝くなど、フィギュアスケートのアイスダンスで「かなだい」として活躍した村元哉中さん（32）高橋大輔さん（39）が、小学生111人を直接指導しました。15日にKOSE新横浜スケートセンターで行われたスケート教室。初心者から競技会を志す選手まで、幅広い層を巡回。未来のスケーターたちに「きれいな滑り方」や「スケートを楽しむ」ことを共有しました。終了後、お話を2人に聞く機会にも恵まれました。26年ミラノ・コルティナ冬季オリンピック（五輪）シーズンが本格開幕してくる中、イベント後のインタビュー全文をお届けします。 -...
www.nikkansports.com
Last edited:
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2014
Great news! Kaitlyn is working with / choreographing for Kana and Dai again (finally a new program)! 
Very excited to find out what they came up with (let's hope we'll get to see the finished work this time
)! A sneak peek from Kaitlyn's ig stories:
In other great news - Kana will serve as a navigator for the GPF (probably in a similar role to the one Dai had for Fuji TV after his first retirement) at the IG Arena in Aichi, Nagoya (where she and Dai attended the opening ceremony in May) together with Takeshi Honda (I can imagine that with her excellent English skills and personable nature, she is very well suited for this task):
www.skatingjapan.or.jp
(Misato, Keiji and Yuhana will be there as ambassadors.)
News item no. 3 - Kana was interviewed by Aera about her views on ice dance, the difficulties singles skaters face upon switching as well as the unique strengths they bring to their new discipline:
dot.asahi.com
Machine translation:
Very excited to find out what they came up with (let's hope we'll get to see the finished work this time
)! A sneak peek from Kaitlyn's ig stories:_______________
In other great news - Kana will serve as a navigator for the GPF (probably in a similar role to the one Dai had for Fuji TV after his first retirement) at the IG Arena in Aichi, Nagoya (where she and Dai attended the opening ceremony in May) together with Takeshi Honda (I can imagine that with her excellent English skills and personable nature, she is very well suited for this task)
:ゲスト | ISU GRAND PRIX OF FIGURE SKATING FINAL NAGOYA AICHI 2025
「ISU GRAND PRIX OF FIGURE SKATING FINAL NAGOYA AICHI 2025」の大会公式ホームページ。大会公式アンバサダーと大会ゲストを紹介。
(Misato, Keiji and Yuhana will be there as ambassadors.)
_______________
News item no. 3 - Kana was interviewed by Aera about her views on ice dance, the difficulties singles skaters face upon switching as well as the unique strengths they bring to their new discipline:
村元哉中が語る「長い時間をかけて技術も関係性も熟成していったカップルが強くなる」 紀平梨花の転向で盛り上がるアイスダンス界 | AERA DIGITAL（アエラデジタル）
11月1、2日に行われたフィギュアスケート西日本選手権アイスダンスで、紀平梨花（23、トヨタ自動車）・西山真瑚（23、オリエンタルバイオ）組が3位に入賞し、12月の全日本選手権出場を決めた。紀平は…
dot.asahi.com
Machine translation:
Kana Muramoto on “Couples Who Mature Both Their Skills and Relationship Over Time Become Stronger”
Rika Kihira's switch sparks excitement in ice dance world
November 14, 2025 / 10:00
Momoki Osaki
At the Figure Skating West Japan Championships ice dance event held on November 1st and 2nd, the team of Rika Kihira (23, Toyota Motor Corporation) and Shingo Nishiyama (23, Oriental Bio) placed third, securing their spot at the All Japan Championships in December. After winning the Four Continents Championships women's singles twice, Kihira had been sidelined from competition for about three years due to a right foot injury. She announced her switch to ice dance this September and delivered a performance showing no signs of rust. We asked Kana Muramoto (32), who previously excelled as a team with Daisuke Takahashi (39), about the appeal of ice dancing.
――You started skating at age 5 and achieved results like placing 10th at the All Japan Championships as a singles skater. But you switched to ice dancing during the 2014 season, around age 21.
The Japan Skating Federation had started ice dance tryouts. I was a university student then. They asked me a few times, but it didn't really click. I was like, “Hmm...” (laughs). But around that time, my body was changing, and I couldn't jump as well anymore. So I thought I'd try it just for a change of pace, and it was so much fun! After switching, I got completely hooked on skating again and started thinking more often, “Ah, skating really is fun.”
Returning to the roots of skating
――From there, for the past 10 years, you've been captivated by ice dancing. What do you find appealing about ice dancing?
Hmm... I guess it's like returning to the roots of skating. I was captivated by the process of honing the fundamentals of figure skating and then challenging myself in the sport of ice dancing. From there, well... there are so many charms (laughs). Creating a piece together with someone is incredibly fun, like a drama on ice. When I'm skating, I always feel like I'm on stage. The appeal of ice dancing is truly endless!!
Daisuke was like a figure in the clouds
――During your active career, you partnered with three different skaters. What kind of relationship with your partner is ideal for achieving results in ice dancing?
For example, with Daisuke (Daisuke Takahashi), his charm lay in the softness of his skating, achieved by using his knees flexibly. I made it a point to respect each partner's individuality, their body mechanics, and their skating style, and to skate in harmony with that. I believe mutual respect and the effort to understand your partner are crucial in ice dancing. Striving to comprehend your partner also elevates your own character. Couples who mature both technically and relationally over time become stronger.
That said, when I first partnered with Daisuke, I had no idea what to do. He was an Olympic medalist—a figure beyond my reach. My starting point was, “How can I even begin to understand him?” We gradually closed the distance, overcoming barriers one by one. We had plenty of clashes and even regular arguments (laughs), but what allowed us to keep going was, of course, the fact that he is an athlete I deeply respect, and that we shared the same goals. Plus, I think Daichan and I are similar in our sensibilities and how we approach things. I think he is a great partner.
Singles and ice dancing are completely different sports
――Rika Kihira, an accomplished singles skater, has switched to ice dancing.
Singles and ice dancing are so different, you could almost say they're entirely separate sports. The structure of the skates is different, and ice dancing has far more rules than singles, with much finer definitions. Plus, the rules change almost every year. You need to understand all of that.
The unique strengths that come from being a former singles skater
When another person enters the space you've been skating alone in, you must share that same space, move in unison to the same rhythm, and synchronize everything down to your breathing. It requires truly difficult technique. On the ice, you have to skate while constantly considering and caring for your partner. It feels like you have to reset all the skills you built in singles to zero and approach skating with the mindset of learning from scratch.
But there are also strengths unique to former singles skaters. That's the “power of skating.” The leg strength and speed honed through jumps in singles probably work to my advantage in ice dancing. I leverage that while synchronizing my breathing with my partner. If the two of us aren't in perfect timing, we simply don't move forward. When we're in sync, I believe we can achieve incredible speed.
Maturing slowly
――You've mentioned before that ice dance couples need a long time to develop.
The longer you skate together in ice dance, the more your breathing syncs up. Spending time together off the ice also helps you get to know each other. A good connection forms between the two of you. It's like a “maturation” process. I hope the Kihira and Nishiyama couple also take their time to mature slowly over a long period.
When I started ice dancing, I discovered the true charm of skating and became completely hooked. Ice dancing has that kind of power.
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2014
Great news! Kaitlyn is working with / choreographing for Kana and Dai again (finally a new program)!
Very excited to find out what they came up with (let's hope we'll get to see the finished work this time
Kana said in one of her ig stories that this is the same program they started working on two years ago. I'm very intrigued to finally see it! (I assume they are going to perform it at PIW this weekend?)
Speaking of PIW, Kana and Dai recorded a message ahead of the Aichi shows:
____________
Kana has been confirmed as a performer for Kassouya - Volume 2 (along with Kanako and 18 ensemble skaters):
滑走屋 | 公式アカウント on Instagram: "【出演者: 追加発表！】 #村元哉中 (@k.a.n.a.m.u.r.a ) #村上佳菜子 (@kanako_m_official ) の出演が決定しました！✨️ チケットの一般販売は明日から！ ▶2025年11月29日(土)12:00～ 詳細は公式サイトをご確認ください✨️ Photo：Shutterz/N.Tanaka #滑走屋"
1,506 likes, 6 comments - kassouya_official on November 27, 2025: "【出演者: 追加発表！】 #村元哉中 (@k.a.n.a.m.u.r.a ) #村上佳菜子 (@kanako_m_official ) の出演が決定しました！✨️ チケットの一般販売は明日から！ ▶2025年11月29日(土)12:00～ 詳細は公式サイトをご確認ください✨️ Photo：Shutterz/N.Tanaka #滑走屋".
www.instagram.com
She and Dai held a free skating class for 100 elementary school students at the O'Vision Ice Arena and a talk show at the Daimyo Garden City Square in Fukuoka to promote skating in the area as well as to advertise Kassouya:
「かなだい」高橋大輔さん、村元哉中さんが熱心に指導 『滑走屋』控える福岡でスケート教室 - フィギュアスケート専門情報サイトDeep Edge Plus 最新ニュース・充実のコラムをお届け
フィギュアスケートの元世界王者、高橋大輔（たかはし・だいすけ）さんと村元哉中（むらもと・かな）さんが３０日、福岡市のオーヴィジョンアイスアリーナ福岡でスケート教室を開き、初心者を含む約１００人の小学生を指導した。高橋さ […]
deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp
____________
A fan compiled the programs Kana choreographed this season (plus some that were choreographed last season and kept)
:Junior Men
Hiroto Ishihara - FS Romeo and Juliet
Sena Takahashi - SP You Will Be Found
Senior Men
Shunsuke Nakamura - FS The Last Samurai
Yuto Kishina - SP Give Me Love (continued)
Kosho Oshima - SP Let Me Entertain You
Junior Women
Mayuko Oka - SP Momento magico
Riria Kono - SP Scheherazade (continued) / FS What a Wonderful World
Rena Uezono - SP Take the A Train / EX Soft Universe
Haruna Murakami - SP The Sound of Silence
Sumika Kanazawa - SP Cruella
Kei Yamada - SP Be Italian
Senior Women
Kaori Sakamoto - EX Poison (continued)
Mone Chiba - EX Madame Butterfly
Rinka Watanabe - EX RRR NatuNatu
Ice dance (with Daisuke's help)
Ikura Kushida/Koshiro Shimada - EX Faith
Last edited:
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2014
We have photos of KanaDai's new program. 
Their music is "Lay all your love on me" - I haven't found out yet, if this is the ABBA tune or probably a cover or an entirely different song with the same title (ETA: it is this cover by Caroline Shaw : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJogQ10deYk):
This Mainichi gallery has many photos of Kana and Dai:
mainichi.jp
Deep Edge Plus article + photo gallery (partly under paywall):
deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp
Machine translation of the non-paywalled part:
This mainichi article (as well as fan reports) reveals that it is a contemporary program/choreo (and also that Dai was part of a PIW group number again):
mainichi.jp
www.nikkansports.com
(as always: thanks so much for sharing everyone 
):
Their music is "Lay all your love on me" - I haven't found out yet, if this is the ABBA tune or probably a cover or an entirely different song with the same title (ETA: it is this cover by Caroline Shaw : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJogQ10deYk):This Mainichi gallery has many photos of Kana and Dai:
アイスショー「プリンスアイスワールド」 宇野昌磨さんらが出演 ［写真特集8/40］ | 毎日新聞
「Lay All Your Love On Me」を演技する村元哉中さんと高橋大輔さん＝愛・地球博記念公園アイススケート場で2025年12月13日、吉田航太撮影
mainichi.jp
Deep Edge Plus article + photo gallery (partly under paywall):
2年温めたプログラム初披露 かなだい、プリンスアイスワールド愛知公演で 荒川静香さんや宇野昌磨さんも出演 - フィギュアスケート専門情報サイトDeep Edge Plus 最新ニュース・充実のコラムをお届け
プリンスアイスワールド愛知公演が１３日、長久手市の愛・地球博記念公園アイススケート場で始まり、アイスダンスの村元哉中（むらもと・かな）さんと高橋大輔（たかはし・だいすけ）さんは引退した２０２３年につくったという演目を初 […]
deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp
Machine translation of the non-paywalled part:
First Performance of Two-Year-In-The-Making Program: KanaDai and Daisuke Takahashi at Ice Show
The Prince Ice World Aichi performance began on the 13th at the Expo '05 Aichi Memorial Park Ice Skating Rink in Nagakute City. Ice dancers Kana Muramoto and Daisuke Takahashi debuted a program they created in 2023, the year they retired. Choreographed by Kaitlyn Weaver, the theme is life and rebirth. Takahashi stated, “It's something we've never done before. We can show you a new ‘KanaDai’.”
This mainichi article (as well as fan reports) reveals that it is a contemporary program/choreo (and also that Dai was part of a PIW group number again):
アイスショーPIW 愛知で開幕 宇野昌磨さん、「かなだい」ら出演 | 毎日新聞
フィギュアスケートのアイスショー「プリンスアイスワールド2025―2026 PIW THE MUSICAL～The Best of BROADWAY～ 愛知公演」が13日、愛知県長久手市の愛・地球博記念公園アイススケート場で開幕した。愛知での公演は12年ぶり。ゲストスケーターとして、地元出身で日本
mainichi.jp
The two members of “Kanadai” debuted their 2023 creation “Lay All Your Love On Me,” captivating the audience with their contemporary, perfectly synchronized dance. Takahashi also performed alongside Prince's male skaters, including Sato, showcasing their seamless teamwork. “It was so much fun,” he said with a smile.
Nikkan Sports photo gallery:スポーツ写真ニュース : 日刊スポーツ
スポーツの写真ニュース - 日刊スポーツ新聞社のニュースサイト、ニッカンスポーツ・コム（nikkansports.com）
www.nikkansports.com
Kana-chan and Dai-chan at the 2nd show Meet and Greet (as always: thanks so much for sharing everyone ):
Last edited:
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2014
Photos by Quadruple Axel:
https://x.com/AxelQuadruple/status/1999806518166987109
More Meet and Greet pictures (soiree):
And after the matinee show:
https://x.com/AxelQuadruple/status/1999806518166987109
More Meet and Greet pictures (soiree)
:And after the matinee show:
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2014
Kana and Dai went to see Yukihiko Tsutsumi's (the director of last year's Hyoen production) new stage play with Takuma Zaiki (who played Tome Tamaomi in Hyoen) together:
Kana's comment from her ig stories:
Dai's comment:
Kana's comment from her ig stories:
My first theatre visit of the new year.
Chūshingura
Directed by Tsutsumi. Swordplay choreographed by Morokaji.
And Zaiki-san, my co-star from Hyōen.
Moving and powerful! My heart was stolen.
Overwhelmed by the passion of the entire cast,
it was a truly luxurious start to the new year. 
Dai's comment:
Director Tsutsumi
Thank you for such a thrilling play!
It ended in the blink of an eye
I still want to see more...
Cool
Cute
Funny
It had it all!
Absolutely brilliant!
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2014
From Kana's 2025 photo dump - back when she and Dai worked with IkuKo on their "Faith" exhibition:
www.instagram.com
Kanako posted a photo of herself, Marie, Dai with his Jack Russell Terrier "Manmaru", Kana with Kanako's dog "Chico" and two other friends that I don't recognize (one of them holding Kanako's other dog "ViVi") as part of her 2025 review (love the accompanying tags):
www.instagram.com
PIW in Tokyo is coming up next weekend - hopefully there will be a recording of KanaDai's new exhibition number this time.
Kana Muramoto on Instagram: "Closing out 2025 with a full heart. 🤍 #2025recap #ᴘʜᴏᴛᴏᴅᴜᴍᴘ"
1,487 likes, 0 comments - k.a.n.a.m.u.r.a on December 30, 2025: "Closing out 2025 with a full heart. 🤍 #2025recap #ᴘʜᴏᴛᴏᴅᴜᴍᴘ".
www.instagram.com
Kanako posted a photo of herself, Marie, Dai with his Jack Russell Terrier "Manmaru", Kana with Kanako's dog "Chico" and two other friends that I don't recognize (one of them holding Kanako's other dog "ViVi") as part of her 2025 review (love the accompanying tags
):
村上佳菜子(おかな) auf Instagram: "☁️☁️☁️ 2025年も今日でラストですね。 あっという間で、びっくり。 また2026年で会いましょう♡ . . . #2025 #繋がり #family #絆 #愛情"
9,259 likes, 27 comments - kanako_m_official am December 30, 2025: "☁️☁️☁️ 2025年も今日でラストですね。 あっという間で、びっくり。 また2026年で会いましょう♡ . . . #2025 #繋がり #family #絆 #愛情".
www.instagram.com
Today marks the end of 2025.
It's flown by, hasn't it?
Let's meet again in 2026 ♡.
#2025
#connection
#family
#bond
#love
______________
PIW in Tokyo is coming up next weekend - hopefully there will be a recording of KanaDai's new exhibition number this time.
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2014
From the F-Suke fan club meeting at the end of December:
First training of the year at the Tatsumi Ice Arena:
The other day at the “F-Suke” fan meeting,
I had the honour of co-hosting with Mayumi Yoshida at Coffee Rumba alongside Shizuka Arakawa, Daisuke Takahashi, Kana Muramoto, Takahito Mura, Keiji Tanaka, Kazuki Tomono, Yuna Aoki, Yuto Kishina, and Kosho Oshima!
Thank you to all the fans for your warmth and for making it such a wonderful time!!
First training of the year at the Tatsumi Ice Arena:
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2014
Happy 33rd birthday, Kana-chan! 
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2004
Wishing the Lovely Kana a very Happy Birthday
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2014
Birthday wishes from Kanako :
:Happy Birthday to my bestie ♡
KANA × KANA
Happy birthday to you!!!!!!
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2004
Great photos! Thanks for sharing!
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2014
Kana's birthday celebration during Kassouya rehearsals - this has become kind of a tradition as her birthday always falls into the rehearsal period (and this time Dai will also be able to celebrate his birthday with the cast in 12 days) :
:
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2014
One of my favourite moments of the new Kassouya production (currently running in Fukuoka from March 19-22) - Kana, representing the seductive and poisonous "Genbu", the Black Turtle-Snake from Chinese mythology - this is one of four different endings of the show (each ending is led by a different group of skaters, representing one of the four Auspicious/Divine Beasts):
Wait till the end when she finishes off Qilin (or "Kirin" in Japanese), portrayed by Dai.
Slightly different angle:
worldfigureskating-web.jp
Wait till the end when she finishes off Qilin (or "Kirin" in Japanese), portrayed by Dai.
Slightly different angle:
高橋大輔「滑走屋～第二巻～」、スケートで物語を紡ぐ | WFS-Web ワールド・フィギュアスケートWeb
高橋大輔さんが全面プロデュースする「滑走屋～第二巻～」のリハーサルが3月19日午後、福岡市のオーヴィジョンアイスアリーナ福岡で報道陣に公開されました。高橋さん、村元哉中さん、村上佳菜子さんらプロフィギュアスケーターに、オーディションで選ばれ
worldfigureskating-web.jp
Last edited:
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2014
Today's Genbu ending for the final show had a surprise twist - instead of killing Qilin/Kirin by ripping his heart out, Kana fondly touched his cheek to which he responded with a gentle head pat (à la RikuRyu). 
Though she does still end up reaching for his heart and breaking into a mad laugh in the end - maybe she stole his soul this time?
Though she does still end up reaching for his heart and breaking into a mad laugh in the end - maybe she stole his soul this time?
Last edited:
Similar threads
