Kana Muramoto & Daisuke Takahashi

[demarinis5]

Wow that performance was amazing, loved it!!!!
Gorgeous photos they are both so beautiful!

 

[synesthesia]

Wow that performance was amazing, loved it!!!!
Gorgeous photos they are both so beautiful!

They are (and getting more beautiful with age)!

___________________​

Here is the collaboration, which was gorgeous and the highlight of the show. I had goosebumps after watching it for the first time as everything came together so beautifully - the meaning/message, the song, the choreography, the costumes. It was perfect! Silhouette (or alternatively Mao's Bolero) should have been the closing number right before the finale, because none of the following performances could keep up with it, in my opinion.


They also broadcast the entire interview with Mao, Dai and Kana that we had already seen parts of, as well as some rehearsal footage.

I spliced everything together in one video, the performance starts at 7:21:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k5uMof2om4te4NGHoPJONOXbIRt3b-En/view?usp=sharing

浅田真央、高橋大輔、坂本花織...国内外の豪華スケーターが集結「スターズ・オン・アイス2025」フォトギャラリー (3ページ目)

スポーツに関する写真・画像を掲載。スポーツ総合情報サイト「web Sportiva」がお届けする「フォトギャラリー」記事。

sportiva.shueisha.co.jp

浅田真央らが参加　フィギュアアイスショー・スターズ・オン・アイス開幕 ［写真特集9/19］ | 毎日新聞

村元哉中、高橋大輔、友野一希と一緒に演技する浅田真央（右奥）＝東和薬品ラクタブドームで2025年4月5日、中川祐一撮影

mainichi.jp

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

https://x.com/TheAnswerFigure/status/1908796198292775359

https://x.com/TheAnswerFigure/status/1908398199037173912

https://x.com/TBS_figure/status/1908693641511788574

Kana choreographed 4 of the programs, which are performed at SOI this year:

• Kaori Sakamoto - Poison
• Mao Shimada - Vive le swing
• Kazuki Tomono - Don't fall in love
• Collaboration number - Silhouette (according to the interview above Dai helped with the choreo)

 

[demarinis5]

Well I have to agree with you that collaboration was spectacular! I watched it three times so far and I was mesmerized.
The music, the choreography and of course the sheer talent of Dai, Kana, Mao and Kazuki's skating was first rate. Also the feeling I got from the connection between Dai and Mao who have been through so much together in the past coming back together as professionals and
still connected through their love of skating and each other as friends is beautiful to see. Shout out to Kana for creating this lovely
collaboration!

 

[throw_triple_flip]

Someone has uploaded the Silhouette performance to YouTube

 

[synesthesia]

During the halftime break of the last Stars on Ice show in Sapporo there was a talkshow with Mao, Kana, Dai and Kazuki, where they mainly talked about the collaboration. This fan summarized the main points:

https://x.com/kusaiinu111/status/1911274437208576102

#StarsOnIce​

​

Talk show at the final Sapporo performance on the 13th​

Kanadai, Mao-sama and Tomono-kun​

The content was mostly about the collaboration​

​

・The trigger was that we had dinner together at Friends [on Ice] last year, and we were talking about how it would be nice to do something together, and then we ended up appearing in SOI, so this was the right timing (Mao)​

​

・Kana-chan was responsible for the production​

・The song is a wonderful song with a storyline, and the theme of past and present came up with "one more person" (Muramoto)​

・Kazuki-kun came to mind (Muramoto)​

・It's great with Kazuki~ (Muramoto)​

・Kana-chan and Mao-chan are skating really well together, and the silhouettes of me and Kazuki are just right (Takahashi)​

・After the Osaka shows, we received a lot of positive feedback and we're really enjoying skating it. (Takahashi)​

・I felt like I froze for about 10 seconds after getting the offer (Tomono)​

・Tomono-kun wasn't in Tokyo (so he couldn't practice)​

・I was wondering what to do, but I knew Kazuki could do it (Muramoto)​

・We knew he could do it (Takahashi)​

・I thought it would work out (Tomono) "I knew I could do it~"​

・Everyone made time to come together in Osaka (Tomono)​

・The highlight was seeing Mao and Dai-chan, who we followed behind (Muramoto)​

​

Today is the last collaboration song, so we will skate with all our hearts!!​

​

That's what the talk show was about​

​

__________________​

Kana and Daisuke on "Asagaya sisters' chatting toeloop" on April 6th, where they discussed the upcoming World Team Trophy (while looking effortlessly beautiful ):

_______________________​

Kana-chan and Dai-chan with Marie - apparently they watched her in a production between the SOI shows in Osaka and Sapporo:

#19 Girl QQ​

​

Today, two of my beloved people came to see me​

Takahashi Daisuke and Muramoto Kana​

They are truly like family to me, thank you​

I am crying​

All the photos we took are so happy and cute, so please accept them​

 

[synesthesia]

During the delayed WTT broadcast TV Asahi showed KanaDai's comment on UtaMasa:

https://x.com/flapperbear414/status/1913200536343708071

__________________​

The new PIW tour kicked off in Yokohama today - Kana and Dai performed Soran Bushi in the matinee show (in other news: Daisuke dyed his hair dark again):

https://x.com/mainichiphoto/status/1916033336453304561

https://x.com/hitkurasawa/status/1916047132760449384

Kanadai team makes light work of Soranbushi at Prince Ice World ​

​

2025/4/26 16:52 (Last updated 4/26 16:52) ​

​

The figure skating ice show ‘Prince Ice World 2025-26 PIW THE MUSICAL - The Best of BROADWAY - Yokohama Performance’ opened at the Kose Shin-Yokohama Skating Centre in Yokohama on 26 April. The guest skaters, professional ice dancers Kana Muramoto and Daisuke Takahashi, aka ‘Kanadai’ , danced ‘Soranbushi’, which they also used in rhythm dance (RD) when they were competitors, and performed dynamic lifting techniques.​

​

　Performances will continue until the 30th (28th closed). Kanadai are scheduled to perform in all performances.​

Photos of the Meet & Greet:

https://x.com/0312azu/status/1916037372824981787

https://x.com/mumuyudai/status/1916008193173688678

 

[synesthesia]

During the first two days in Yokohama Kana and Dai performed Soran bushi at all shows, alternating between their red/black and white costumes.


A brief clip of yesterday's matinee performance:

- 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

There are many official show photos (but unfortunately none of white Soran bushi):

https://x.com/AxelQuadruple/status/1916505784193782013

プリンスアイスワールド2025-2026が開幕！ かなだい、鍵山優真、友野一希らが登場　 - WFS-Web ワールド・フィギュアスケートWeb

「プリンスアイスワールド2025-2026 PIW THE MUSICAL～The Best of BROADWAY～」の横浜公演が、4月26日にKOSÉ新横浜スケートセンターで開幕しました。2023-2024の「BROADWAY CLASSICS」、2024-2025の「BROADWAY

worldfigureskating-web.jp

無料写真特集 - 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

写真一覧（タップすると全画面表示できます）

deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp

フィギュアスケート - 【写真】鍵山優真、オリンピックへ「一つひとつ大事に」横浜でプリンスアイスワールド | 4years. #学生スポーツ

40年以上の歴史があるアイスショー「プリンスアイスワールド2025-2026 PIW THE MUSICAL ～The Best of BROADWAY～横浜公演」が4月26日、横浜市のKOSÉ新横浜スケートセンターで始まった。2022年北京オリンピックの男子と団体で銀メダルを獲得した鍵山優真（オリエンタルバイオ／中京大学）らがゲスト出演し、会場を盛り上げた。

4years.asahi.com

【フィギュア】〝かなだい〟ソーラン節で息の合ったパフォーマンス「思わず得した気分」 | 東スポWEB

フィギュアスケートのアイスダンスで活躍する〝かなだい〟こと村元哉中、高橋大輔組の演技に、ファン...

www.tokyo-sports.co.jp

However, Kana and Dai also wore the white costumes during the finale/meet and greet on the second day :


https://x.com/SNE_27/status/1916453367867646202
https://x.com/yash_mina/status/1916517073284469219
https://x.com/vividviolet3513/status/1916446488173097255





With Shizuka: https://x.com/saoryan1/status/1916489205410324888


With Kazuki :

https://x.com/yanbur02/status/1916460544468324680
https://x.com/mira_mirako2018/status/1916517380521673206
https://x.com/mogyu0316/status/1916496085734051965


And a couple more from day 1:

https://x.com/8ks_rufiam/status/1916083642721570843
https://x.com/papa_ge_na/status/1916144901441401102
https://x.com/purplearashi/status/1916093287946989568
https://x.com/kazu_taka_ToT/status/1916506412156682404
https://x.com/papa_ge_na/status/1916319881051636179
https://x.com/kyu_tyan93/status/1916284984828301574
https://x.com/ahi_ruuuuuun/status/1916061955250655548/photo/4
https://x.com/yugo0527/status/1916112456906379597

 

[demarinis5]

Lovely photos! Thanks for sharing!!!

 

[synesthesia]

On May 31st Kana and Dai attended the pre-opening ceremony of the multi-purpose IG Arena (Aichi International Arena) in Nagoya alongside Shizuka, Akiko and Kanako. The skaters were driven inside the arena in convertibles and later each performed short floor dance parts (Kana and Dai danced as a couple). (Kanako also performed on roller blades earlier in the show.) The dance segment starts at 12:12.

Mainichi article and photo gallery:

名古屋IGアリーナ開業式典　高橋大輔さん、村上佳菜子さんらが登場 | 毎日新聞

今年12月に開催されるフィギュアスケートのグランプリ（GP）ファイナル会場の名古屋市・IGアリーナで31日、開業式典が行われ、オープニングアクトに男子とアイスダンスで活躍した高橋大輔さんや、地元出身で2014年ソチ冬季オリンピック女子代表の村上佳菜子さんらが出演した。

mainichi.jp

From Akiko's twitter account:

https://x.com/Mariakko2010/status/1928780194233434522

From Shizuka's twitter account:

https://x.com/shizuka_a29/status/1928757397696246173

Since the senior and junior GP final will be held at the IG Arena this year, the opening ceremony was followed by two talk shows with the skaters. Shizuka, Kana and Dai were joined by Mao Shimada for one of the talk shows, while Akiko and Kanako were joined by Yuma Kagiyama and Rena Uezono. Takahito Mura served as one of the MCs. While the conversation mainly revolved around the GP series, Kana and Dai were also asked about the differences between singles skating and ice dance/what the hardest aspects were to adapt to upon switching disciplines and what kind of show they would (theoretically) like to put on in the IG Arena:





From Takahito's ig account:

Takahito Mura auf Instagram: "【 IG アリーナオープニング days 】 フィギュアスケータープレミアムトークショー のMCを 春香クリスティーンさん @harukachristine_official と務めさせていただきました！ 今回初MCという事で辿々しさ満載でしたが、春香クリスティーンさんやスケーターみんなに助けられました🙇‍♂️ IGアリーナで12月に行われるグランプリファイナル とても楽しみですね！ また違うイベントでも観に行ってみたいと思いま

1,889 likes, 2 comments - takahitobh5d am May 31, 2025: "【 IG アリーナオープニング days 】 フィギュアスケータープレミアムトークショー のMCを 春香クリスティーンさん @harukachristine_official と務めさせていただきました！ 今回初MCという事で辿々しさ満載でしたが、春香クリスティーンさんやスケーターみんなに助けられました🙇‍♂️ IGアリーナで12月に行われるグランプリファイナル とても楽しみですね！ また違うイベントでも観に行ってみたいと思います！ #IGアリーナ...

www.instagram.com

Deep Edge Plus article:

高橋大輔さん、無欲で挑んだ７回目で優勝　GPファイナル、12月の会場でトークショー　第1部 - 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で12月のグランプリ（GP）ファイナルの会場となる名古屋市のIGアリーナ（愛知国際アリーナ）で「フィギュアスケータープレミアムトークショー」が行われた。第1部「GPファイナルがやってくる!～その魅力と […]

deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp

In addition there was a press conference, for which Shizuka, Kana, Dai, Akiko and Kanako were interviewed by Yuhana Yokoi:

高橋大輔さんら5人出演「すごく世界観がすてき」　滝沢秀明さん演出、名古屋市のIGアリーナ開業式典（囲み取材コメント全文） - 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で12月のグランプリ（GP）ファイナルの会場となる名古屋市のIGアリーナ（愛知国際アリーナ）の開業式典が5月31日、行われた。音楽プロデューサーの滝沢秀明さんが演出を担当したオープニングアクトには荒川 […]

deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp

Nikkansports gallery:

【フィギュア】「何歳？…恐ろしいスケーター」高橋大輔さん、ジュニア無敗16歳の哲学に驚嘆 - フィギュア写真ニュース : 日刊スポーツ

プロフィギュアスケーターの高橋大輔さん（39）が31日、名古屋市でIGアリーナ開業式典のトークショーに出席し、ジュニア女子の島田麻央（16＝木下グループ）にう… - 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

 

[demarinis5]

The photos are gorgeous! The skaters all look so happy to be in each others company!
Thanks syns for the updates, much appreciated!

 

[synesthesia]

From the Hyoen thread - Takuro with Kana and Dai backstage after one of the Hyoen performances:

I have nothing but love ​

I have nothing but respect ​

Thank you for always moving and inspiring me so much ​

I really got power from you ​

Thank you for your hard work on Hyoen 2025!​

Today is the stage rehearsal of ‘The Sea and the Parasol’ ​

Tomorrow is the first day of the show!​

I'll do my best!​

In return part of last year's Hyoen cast (except for Marie everyone was part of this year's cast/staff too), including Kana and Dai, went to see Takuro in the stage play "The Sea and the Parasol", which opened in Tokyo on July 9 and is running until next Monday:

​

 

[synesthesia]

Kana's Hyoen resumee + "photo dump":

 

[synesthesia]

Kana and Daisuke, as well as Shizuka, are going to take part in the opening ceremony of the new year round Tokyo Tatsumi Ice Arena, a facility for figure skating, ice hockey, curling, para-ice hockey and wheelchair curling.

[Due to the seating capacity of 3600 (fixed) to 5000 (including temporary seats) and with both Kana and Dai living in Tokyo now, I wonder if the next Kassouya might be held there (in Hiroshima the seating capacity was around 3000)? ]




Deep Edge Plus article:

東京辰巳アイスアリーナの記念イベントに「かなだい」高橋大輔さん、村元哉中さんら　9月6日開業、都立初の通年型スケートリンク - 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

東京都は14日、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9月6日にオープンすると発表した。記念イベントでフィギュアの高橋大輔さんと村元哉中さんが演技するほか、2006年トリノ冬季オリンピック金 […]

deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp

Nikkansports:

東京辰巳スケートリンク９月開業　高橋大輔さん、村元哉中さん、荒川静香さんが記念イベント登場 - フィギュア : 日刊スポーツ

東京都は14日、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9月6日にオープンすると発表した。同日に開業記念イベントを開催することも発表… - 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

PR Times:

「東京辰巳アイスアリーナ」が9月6日（土曜日）にオープン！開業記念イベントも開催決定！！

東京都のプレスリリース（2025年7月14日 14時00分）「東京辰巳アイスアリーナ」が9月6日（土曜日）にオープン！開業記念イベントも開催決定！！

prtimes.jp

Machine translation:

The Tokyo Tatsumi Ice Arena opens on Saturday 6 September! An event to celebrate the opening will also be held!​

Tokyo Metropolitan Government​

​

14 July 2025 14:00 ​

​

​

　The Tokyo Tatsumi Ice Arena, a new centre for ice sports in Tokyo, will open. This is the first ice rink as a metropolitan facility. Skating, ice hockey, curling, para-ice hockey and wheelchair curling will be available all year round, regardless of the season.​

​

　A spectacular opening celebration will be held to mark the opening. We look forward to welcoming you to our programme of events where you can watch, experience and enjoy a variety of ice sports. Everyone from beginners to experienced skaters, with or without disabilities, is welcome to participate, and advance registration for the various programmes of the opening celebration event is open from Friday 18 July until Sunday 17 August.​

​

　*An announcement on the day of the event will be made in late August.​

​

Outline of events to celebrate the opening​

​

Date: Saturday, 6 September 2025, 11:00-17:00 (scheduled)​

​

Place: Tokyo Tatsumi Ice Arena https://ia-tatsumi.tokyo/ ​

(2-8-10 Tatsumi, Koto-ku, Tokyo / 10-minute walk from Tatsumi Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line)​

​

Main programmes ※No charge for admission and experience.​

• Opening performances of ice dance and synchronised skating
• Talk session by Olympians
• Figure skating and ice hockey exhibitions and demonstrations
• Skating, ice hockey and curling workshops, etc.

​

Special guests​

​

　　　　Shizuka Arakawa 2006 Olympic gold medallist, Torino​

​

　　　　Daisuke Takahashi 2010 Vancouver Olympics Bronze medallist​

​

　　　　Kana Muramoto 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics ​

​

Opening performance​

​

1) Ice Dance​

​

　Celebrate the opening with a spectacular on-ice performance by Kana Muramoto & Daisuke Takahashi.​

​

​

2) Synchronised skating​

​

　Many skaters will show off their flawless movements on the ice.​

​

　The highlight of the show is the smooth formation changes and spins performed in perfect alignment.​

​

​

​

Opening Ceremony ​

​

Athletes from various ice sports and Miraitowa and Someity, the official mascots of the Tokyo 2020 Games, will take part in a spectacular ceremony.​

​

​

​

Exhibitions/demonstrations ​

​

1) Figure skating​

​

Skaters with a connection to Tokyo will showcase their high level of expressiveness and fluid skating.​

​

​

2) Ice hockey​

​

Battle of speed and power on the ice! Experience the real thrill of ice hockey through hands-on sessions with current players and powerful demonstrations. Para ice hockey can also be experienced.​

​

​

3) Talk session ​

​

Olympian talks by Shizuka Arakawa, Daisuke Takahashi and Kana Muramoto. Learn about the lessons learnt from their athletic careers and their messages to the next generation of athletes. They will talk about what they have learnt from their athletic careers, their messages to the next generation of athletes and their expectations for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.​

​

The talk is free of charge.​

​

​

4) Ice sports experience
​

Beginners welcome! Skating, ice hockey, curling, para-ice hockey, wheelchair curling and more. A special family-friendly experience awaits you.​

General Skating​

​

　Feel free to take your first steps on the new rink. The sub-rink is open to the public with free skate rental. Enjoy the summer ice experience with friends and family.​

​

​

​

Timetable​

​

• Opening performance/ceremony viewing (11:00 - 11:45)
• Ice Sports Experience (12:30～)
• Free general public skating (15:00-)

​

​

How to apply in advance ​

​

Programme requiring registration (by lottery, free of charge)​

　​

Application period: from 10:00 on Friday 18 July until 17:00 on Sunday 17 August.​

​

Application method: Please apply via the dedicated website.​

​

クラブからのご案内｜東京辰巳 アイスアリーナ

セントラルスポーツのスポーツクラブ・フィットネスクラブでは、充実したプールやジム・スタジオプログラムをご用意。「0歳から一生涯の健康づくりに貢献する」を経営理念に全国230か所で展開しています。ぜひお気軽にお近くのクラブへお問い合わせください。

www.central.co.jp

​

​

​

​

Overview of Tokyo Tatsumi Ice Arena​

​

This facility is a refurbished ice rink from the Tokyo Tatsumi International Swimming Centre, which is known as the “sacred ground for swimming” and was used as a water polo venue for the Tokyo 2020 Games, making use of the original pool location to create a two-sided rink. The main rink is also international standard compliant and can host a variety of competitions. The sub-rink is also permanently equipped with curling seats.​

​

As well as being used as a place to improve competitiveness, the facility will also be readily accessible to the citizens of Tokyo, with the aim of broadening the scope of ice sports and making the facility more widely accessible to the public.​

​

​

​

Outline of facilities​

​

Main rink: 60m x 30m (international standard) Sub-rink: 47m x 17m​

​

Spectator seating: Fixed seating: approx. 3,600 seats (2nd floor: approx. 1,500 seats, 3rd floor: approx. 2,100 seats)​

​

Temporary seating: approx. 1,400 seats (1st floor)​

​

Competitions available: figure skating, ice hockey, short track, curling, Para ice hockey, wheelchair curling​

​

Fees: [General use] ¥800 (elementary and junior high school students) - *Rental skates ¥400.​

​

[Dedicated use] 37,500 yen - (1.5 hours use of the main rink)​

​

​

For more information, please visit the website: https://ia-tatsumi.tokyo/​

__________________________​

The next Sky Court skating lesson with Kana and Dai as instructors is going to be held on September 15:

The 9th Skating Lesson hosted by Sky Court!​

​

The Skating Lesson, which has been held since 2013, will be held again this year .​

​

The class is aimed at primary school students and welcomes everyone from skating beginners to aspiring athletes!​

​

We will also welcome Daisuke Takahashi and Kana Muramoto, official Sky Court ambassadors, as special lecturers.​

Furthermore, our President and CBO Miwa Nishida and other professional figure skaters will participate as instructors.​

​

This is a special opportunity to be instructed by professional skaters, so please take this opportunity to apply!​

​

▼ Date and time: ​

15 Sep (Mon, holiday) 12:30-14:00 (Registration 12:00-)​

​

▼ Venue: ​

K O S É Shin-Yokohama Skate Centre ​

(2-11 Shin-Yokohama, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture)​

​

Instructors: ​

Daisuke Takahashi, Kana Muramoto, Miwa Nishida ​

Ryo Arai, Junko Matsumura, Hirokazu Kobayashi, Yuta Onuma, Yohji Nakano, Jo Matsumura, Kotoha Asami, Kiki Nakanishi, Miku Mochizuki​

​

Eligibility and capacity: ​

80 primary school students ​

*If the number of applications exceeds the capacity, a lottery will be held to determine the number of participants.​

​

Participation fee: ​

1,000 yen​

​

How to apply: ​

Please apply via the following link: ​

第9回スケート教室 申込フォーム

｢スケートを体感することでスポーツの楽しさを知るきっかけになってもらいたい｣という願いを込めて2013年より実施しております小学生を対象とした｢スカイコート スケート教室｣を今年も開催いたします!! 特別講師として､スカイコート公式アンバサダーでもあるプロフィギュアスケーター高橋大輔氏と村元哉中氏をお迎えするほか､弊社代表取締役社長西田美和をはじめとするプロフィギュアスケーターが講師として参加いたします。 スケート初心者から選手を目指している方まで、小学生であればどなたでも大歓迎! レベルに合わせクラス分けしますので、安心してご参加ください。...

forms.gle

​

​

▼ Application deadline: ​

Wednesday 13 August 18:00 ​

*Winners will be notified by Monday 25 August 2025.​

​

​

__________________________​

Speaking of Sky Court's president/CBO Miwa Nishida, here's one of her Hyoen posts with Kana-chan and Dai-chan and the other main cast members (swipe to see the other pictures) - as in previous years she was part of the ensemble again:

A memorable photo with the main cast of Hyoen 2025.​

It is a treasure for life.​

We at Sky Court are grateful for the opportunity to support such a wonderful production.​

 

[synesthesia]

Lovely fan art of Kana's charcter ("the praying woman") in Hyoen:





From the character shoot :

 

[synesthesia]

Nikkansports is in the midst of publishing another interview series with Kana:

Nikkan Sports Premium is featuring a series titled ‘Ice Skater,’ which delves into the roots and thoughts of individuals involved in figure skating. ​

The first episode was released on 10 October 2022 at 10:10 a.m.​

Since the launch of Nikkan Sports Premium, the series has been published every Monday. ​

1,015 days have passed since then. The 50th special edition of ‘Ice Skater’ will begin on 21 July 2025. This edition will delve into the story of Kana Muramoto (32), who appeared in the first edition.​

We will conduct interviews based on questions submitted by readers and present the story in a three-part series starting this week. The first part will focus on the final season as an athlete spent with Takahashi Daisuke (39). ​

Thanks to a kind fan, who gifted the article, the first part can be read for free until July 29, 10:53 am (JST):

https://www.nikkansports.com/premium/sports/figure/news/202507180000937.html?nsgid=U2FsdGVkX1/hajw9h1XEH1LwW5zf5BA5A1nvAArrPCGuWzyJWgdPNgFzv1RdaLPR6dInJzf4EogltSMy+Nvhscn60z2xgOHwGdYQSdg6X4lKiY2Tm+quVcdNoCIhXs8O






This is the partly paywalled 2nd part, which was published today:

【みんなでつくる氷現者／村元哉中〈２〉】なぜ、現役引退後も〝かなだい〟と決めたのか - フィギュア : 日刊スポーツ・プレミアム

日刊スポーツ・プレミアムでは「氷現者」と題し、フィギュアスケートに関わる人物のルーツや思いに迫っています。記念すべき第1回の配信は2022年10月10日、午前10時10分。日刊スポーツ・プレミアムが誕生した、その日から毎週月曜日の連載が始まりました。あれから1015日。2025年7月21日からの「氷現者」は第50弾特別版として、記念すべき第1弾に登場した村元哉中さん（32）の、その後をたどっています。皆さんからいただいた質問を手に取材し、3回連載でお届けしている物語。中編は現役引退した2023年春以降も高橋大輔さん（39）と歩むことを選んだ決断、プロスケーター転向後に迫ります。（敬称略）...

www.nikkansports.com

From the non-paywalled part of the 2nd article :

When you approached Daisuke, did you imagine that you would be able to witness such a wonderful scene at Saitama Worlds? ​

​

It was 364 days after the performance in Montpellier that Muramoto and Takahashi decided to extend their active career by one year. ​

​

The 2023 World Championships were held at the Saitama Super Arena.​

​

Along with her partner Takahashi, she had already decided to retire from competitive skating at the end of the 2022-23 season.​

​

On 25 March, it was the Free Dance (FD). They were in 11th place after the Rhythm Dance (RD).​

​

The piece they had arranged during the summer was ‘The Phantom of the Opera.’​

​

It was a programme they had worked on together, sometimes clashing, but ultimately pulling it off.​

​

"I will never forget the scene from that day. The number of banners the audience held up during the World Championships. When we took our starting position for the Free Dance. At the time, they were pink, and I really love cherry blossoms... It was like seeing cherry blossoms in full bloom. When I looked at Daisuke, he was also staring at the audience. I felt a strong sense of finality in that scene and was moved to tears. I almost cried, but I held it back. The free dance that followed is also in my memory, but it was just a moment. It was a happy time."​

​

Before the scores or results, the sense of accomplishment from the performance showed in their emotions. As their gazes met during the final steps, savouring that happy moment, the finish came.​

​

They embraced and cried together. ‘Finally, we did it!’ They shared their joy with the spontaneous exclamation, ‘We finally did it!’​

​

"After it ended, when I turned to look at Dai-chan and saw his face saying, “We did it!”, I'll never forget it. He looked so happy, like he had really accomplished something, and it really moved me. There was tension even before the performance began. Still, when I stood in the starting position, I thought, “This is great. I have to savour this moment,” and the moment the music started, I/we entered the zone." ​

​

Japan's ice dance team tied for a highest-ever finish at 11th place. ​

​

The hardships they overcame together were reflected in the results.​

​

​

"Looking back four years ago, I received Takahashi's contact information through my older sister, Satsuki. I asked my senior [Daisuke], who is seven years older than me, to ice dance with me, and that was how ‘Kanadai’ was born."​

​

Could you have imagined the scene in Saitama back then?​

​

"No way, I didn't imagine it. I didn't even know which answer he would choose [if he would agree to ice dance with her], so I asked with my life on the line. Even if we became partners, I didn't know how far we could go. I had a vague feeling that “we might end up in a good place,” but it was tough when we actually did it. I never thought we'd be able to skate at the World Championships in our own country."​

 

[synesthesia]

Kana and Shizuka were guests on Poka Poka today to promote Friends on Ice:

https://x.com/lets_pokapoka/status/1958374710531551479

A variety of topics, most of them well known to fans, were discussed, for instance how Kana invited Dai to ice dance, the "milk incident" in Florida (and yes, there are still the usual suspects trying to blow this up into something bigger or worse than it was - however, from the way Kana and Dai keep relating the story casually in variety shows (not just on Poka Poka), it's pretty clear that to them it was just a minor episode that they are now laughing about), all sorts of skating trivia (like how the development of grip strength is included in the upper body training of skating couples, that jealousy is usually more prevalent among singles skaters than in the coupled disciplines or that weight plays a role in how ice conditions affect the skater; source: https://x.com/openchannel_D/status/1958547324822515817), romantic relationships among skating couples (with Kana and Dai denying again that they were ever romantically involved with each other - "shocking", I know ).

This fan who summarized the conversations, made the following lovely observation :

https://x.com/openchannel_D/status/1958562748285255738

And of course, even when Kana-chan was "just" a guest on Daisuke's platform this time, they exuded a unique buddy feeling, and their tacit understanding of what each other wanted to say was truly impressive.​

​

Mao and Yukari Nakano also appeared via VTR, contributing comments and posing a couple of questions for Kana and Shizuka to answer and Shizuka got to demonstrate her impressive skip roping skills.


I uploaded the episode on google drive:

Thank you for watching Fuji TV's 'Pokapoka'! We have received comments after the show Next week is finally #FriendsOnIce2025 Please enjoy a different aspect than on television at the venue! ​

*On an insignificant side note: I wonder if Dai is growing his hair out for the Japanese Dance drama he will appear in in October?

________________________​

 

[synesthesia]

Kana choreographed Ikura Kushida's and Koshiro Shimada's debut exhibition program for Friends on Ice, set to Stevie Wonder's “Faith”, with Dai's help :

【独自】いくこう、エキシビを振り付けしたのは…　かなだいから精神的なアドバイスもらった　宇野昌磨さんとは動画を送り合ったり... - 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で今季からアイスダンスに挑戦する「いくこう」こと櫛田育良（木下アカデミー）島田高志郎（木下グループ）組が8月8日、共同通信の単独インタビューに応じた。結成の経緯から村元哉中さんと高橋大輔さんの「かなだ […]

deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp

Machine translation:


　―You'll be performing at Friends on Ice and making your debut.

Shimada: ‘It's something I'm looking forward to, but we're inevitably focused on the rhythm dance and free dance right now. So, we haven't really skated it, or rather, it's not quite finished yet. There are lots of things we want to fix and areas we want to improve, but we can't really make the time for it, or rather, we want to make the time, but... so I am feeling nervous.’


　―Who is your choreographer?

Shimada: ‘Kana Muramoto. Daisuke-san (Daisuke Takahashi) has also been incredibly helpful. The four of us spent time together working on it.’


―What is the exhibition music?

Shimada: ‘Stevie Wonder's “Faith”. It's definitely a tune people will recognise.’


　―Did you often ask Ms Muramoto and Mr Takahashi about ice dance technique or mindset?

Shimada: ‘During choreography, they occasionally offered suggestions like “try doing it this way”. But for mental advice—though we did ask them—it felt more like they were warmly watching over us. They seemed to understand each couple has their own challenges.’


　―When was the choreography done?

　Shimada: ‘February to March. Right after Kassouya ended. It was the first program we created.’


　―What are the highlights?

　Shimada: ‘We'd be delighted if people thought it looked enjoyable. We hope to convey that fresh-faced, brand-new energy of a newly formed pair, that sense of “we're just getting started!” Please watch with warm eyes, definitely! (laughs)’

　Kushida: ‘Definitely!’

______________
​

Kana and Dai also worked with Mao Shimada on polishing her presentation :

ポッドキャスト：ポッドキャスト・トークもミラクル　ジュニア無双・島田麻央選手 | 毎日新聞

8月26日配信の毎日新聞のポッドキャスト「週刊フィギュアスケート」は、 ジュニア女子フィギュア界で無双状態の島田麻央選手が、番組初のゲストとして登場します。 　京都・宇治を拠点に練習に励む島田選手に、最新大会「東京夏季フィギュアスケート競技大会2025」や「サマーカップ2025」での演技を振り返っ

mainichi.jp

https://x.com/purplearashi/status/1960291158266961930

​

#ShimadaMao-chan is perfect not only on the ice but also in conversation She also spoke about her development with the help of #Kanadai. Her words about focusing her gaze towards the judges, and how she tends to tense up when stopping but that relaxing and breathing instead makes her appear more powerful, were particularly memorable. Performing her free routine in front of Kanadai was incredibly nerve-wracking. The coaching was gentle yet meticulous, covering everything down to the smallest details like eye contact and hand movements.​

______________​

​

​

​

There is a possible KanaDai reference by junior dancers Seraina Tscharner and Laurin Wiederkehr of Switzerland this season as they are using "Koto" by Clozee at the end of their FD (the starting position could also possibly be interpreted as a variation of KanaDai's for Soran Bushi/Koto) :

- 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

 

[synesthesia]

FOI mini-interview with Ikura, Koshiro, Kana and Dai:



Part 2: https://x.com/friends_on_ice/status/1959457376807117091



From Jason's twitter account:

https://x.com/jasonbskates/status/1961237545733263510

Article after today's open rehearsal.

【フィギュア】櫛田育良、島田高志郎のカップルに「かなだい」先輩も賞賛「勝手に誇らしい気持ちに」 - スポーツ報知

フィギュアスケートのアイスショー「フレンズ・オン・アイス」のリハーサルが２９日、ＫＯＳＥ新横浜スケートセンターで行われた。今季新たにアイスダンスでカップルを結成した櫛田育良（木下アカデミー）、島田高

hochi.news

【Figure Skating】Kanadai senior praises the couple Kushida Ikura and Shimada Koshiro, saying, "We feel proud of them"​

29 August 2025, 21:25 Sports Hochi #Sports #WinterSports #FigureSkating​

​

Rehearsals for the figure skating ice show ‘Friends on Ice’ took place on the 29th at the KOSE Shin-Yokohama Skate Centre. The newly formed ice dance pair for this season, Ikura Kushida (Kinoshita Academy) and Koshiro Shimada (Kinoshita Group), performed for fans for the first time. They performed ‘Faith’ with lightness. Kushida said, ‘I was a little nervous, but more than that, I was anxious about whether I could do it properly.’ Shimada reflected, ‘It was a different kind of nerves from singles. It was incredibly enjoyable and made me determined to strive for an even better performance.’​

​

Their senior couple also praised the debut of ‘Iku-Ko’. Kana Muramoto and Daisuke Takahashi, who competed as “Kanadai”, were clearly impressed by the pair's performance: ‘It was lovely, I just had to watch (Takahashi)’; ‘Wow (Muramoto)’. Takahashi added, ‘I felt a sense of reassurance and thought it was amazing. Watching them, I felt a kind of pride, thinking they'll just keep getting better and better.’ Muramoto also commented, ‘This number was created by Kanadai. When I saw it performed through for the first time, I thought, “They're improving so fast, it's incredible.” That's how rapid their growth is; they're a wonderful couple.’​

​

Friends on Ice runs for two days from the 30th, with a total of four performances. Same-day tickets will also be available. Responding to the warm encouragement from their senior couple, Kushida stated, ‘We hope to keep creating wonderful programs together from now on.’ Shimada also expressed his determination: ‘There are still so many things we can't do yet, and seeing Daisuke and Kana has only increased our desire to master them. We want to absorb everything and become ice dancers who can do all sorts of things, with a voracious appetite for learning.’​

​

​

Rehearsal photo of Kana (her solo program was choreographed by Jeremy):

【フィギュア】荒川静香さん座長「フレンズ・オン・アイス」公開リハ　高橋大輔さんらと舞う - フィギュア写真ニュース : 日刊スポーツ

フィギュアスケートのアイスショー「フレンズ・オン・アイス」の公開リハーサルが29日、KOSE新横浜スケートセンターで行われた。女子で06年トリノオリンピック（… - 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

KanaDai in the "Love never dies" group number :

 

[synesthesia]

https://www.instagram.com/p/DN8NL1IERpF/img_index=4

From the press conference:

フィギュアスケート　「いくこう」カップルが演技初披露　「かなだい」も称賛/デイリースポーツ online

フィギュアスケートのアイスショー「フレンズ　オン　アイス」のリハーサルが２９日、ＫＯＳＥ新横浜スケートセンターで行われた。　今季からカップルを結成したアイスダンスの「いくこう」こと、櫛田育良（木下アカデミー）島田高志郎（木下グループ）組は、...

www.daily.co.jp

Btw, for Ikuko's "Faith" exhibition Ikura wears Kana's Ray Charles medley dress from the 2016-17 season.

________________​

Edit: Kana's solo music is "Ramalama (Bang Bang)" by Róisín Murphy:

- 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

According to fan reports Kana's program is the stand out number of this year's FOI!

________________​

 

[synesthesia]

かなだい、いくこうの上達ぶりに驚き　高橋大輔さんは30代最後のソロの演目?　村元哉中さんは三点倒立「めっちゃ練習」 - 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

アイスショー「フレンズオンアイス2025」（8月30、31日）の公開リハーサルが29日、横浜市のコーセー新横浜スケートセンターで行われた。アイスダンスで新カップルを結成し、観客の前で演技を初披露した櫛田育良（木下アカデ […]

deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp

Kanadai, amazed by Ikukou's improvement​

Daisuke Takahashi's final solo program in his 30s?​

Kana Muramoto practised the three-point handstand ‘like crazy’​

​

The public rehearsal for the ice show ‘Friends on Ice 2025’ (30th and 31st August) took place on the 29th at the Kose Shin-Yokohama Skate Center in Yokohama City. Kana Muramoto and Daisuke Takahashi, who choreographed the program for the newly formed ice dance pair Ikura Kushida (Kinoshita Academy) and Koshiro Shimada (Kinoshita Group), who performed together for the first time in front of an audience, appeared after their solo performances and spoke to the press.​

​

The main Q&A with Ms Muramoto and Mr Takahashi was as follows.​

​

　―With rehearsals complete, Friends on Ice 2025 finally begins on the 30th. How are you feeling now?​

​

　Takahashi: ‘There are so many truly wonderful group numbers, and I'm fortunate to be part of them. Performing them feels absolutely fantastic. I never imagined we'd do The Phantom of the Opera for a third time (laughs), but presenting it in a different form with everyone like this – it makes you realise how it can look. There are so many numbers I genuinely want to see; each one has such distinct character. I really want to watch them... without being on the ice myself (laughs).’​

​

　Muramoto: "This year's Friends on Ice collaboration numbers are truly... every year there are so many captivating collaborations, but this time, especially with this sequel to The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, I was really looking forward to it when Shizuka Arakawa first mentioned how it would connect in this way. It was great to finally be able to show it to the audience today in its finished form. It felt very strange. I never imagined I'd be skating in my active-duty costume again."​

​

​

　―About your two solo programs. Could you tell us the program names, choreographers, and themes?​

​

　Takahashi: “Soundless Dream”. This time I choreographed it myself, with a little help from Kana-chan. It's less about a theme and more about feeling free – just listening to the music as it is, moving purely with the honest emotions I feel in that moment. I'm skating with a very free spirit.​

​

　Muramoto: “It is wonderful”.​

​

　Takahashi: ‘Thank you. (Muramoto-san) is wonderful too.’​

​

Muramoto: "Mine is to a song called “Rama Lama Bang Bang”. This time, it was choreographed by Jeremy Abbott, who is also part of our Friends Family. When I saw Jeremy's programme last year, I thought it was incredibly unique. So I asked if he'd be willing to create something for me this time, and the timing worked out. It's a piece that feels like a slightly strange doll is dancing. Jeremy is such a creative person, and the process of creating it was really enjoyable. I also really want people to notice the costume – it's quite an elaborate design, so I'm very excited for everyone to see that part too."​

―In your programme, there was a moment where you performed a three-point handstand on the ice.​

​

　Muramoto: ‘I practised like mad for that (laughs).’​

​

　Takahashi: ‘She really did practise like mad (laughs).’​

​

　Muramoto: ‘Getting the balance right was tricky—the way you balance on land versus on ice, and wearing skates changes it completely. So I kept asking Daisuke, “How does this look?”’​

​

　Takahashi: ‘We were still working on it right up until the last minute, weren't we?’​

​

―Takahashi-san mentioned this was his final solo program in his thirties. Do you feel it marks a turning point?​

​

Takahashi: ‘Well, yes. There's something about the sound of “forty”, isn't there? It feels like moving into a different generation. I've performed in Friends on Ice from the very beginning. I took a break due to injury, but otherwise, it's always been a show very dear to me. So, being able to do this final solo with Friends feels truly wonderful.’​

​

​

―On the ice of Friends on Ice, Koshiro Shimada and Ikura Kushida performed their first ice dance routine. What were your thoughts watching them?​

​

Takahashi: ‘More than watching over them, I was just gawping at how brilliant they were.’​

​

Muramoto: ‘Ooh...’​

Takahashi: ‘When I started, I think most people were more worried about whether I'd be alright. But with these two, there's such a sense of reassurance. I was just thinking how amazing they are, and how brilliant they're going to get from here on out. I felt this unbidden sense of pride, watching them.’​

​

Muramoto: ‘Ikukou's number this time was also created by Kanadai, wasn't it?’​

​

Takahashi: ‘Well, it's mainly Kana-chan's, isn't it?’​

​

Muramoto: ‘No, no, we created it together. When we made it, and then when I saw the full run-through for the first time in practice, I was amazed. Their improvement is incredibly fast. We lift together in the collaborative number, but during practice, I thought, “Huh? They're better than us!”’​

Takahashi: ‘You got a bit flustered, didn't you?’​

Muramoto: ‘That's how fast their growth really is. I think they're a truly wonderful couple.’​

​

―A cheer for the pair.​

​

Takahashi: ‘I hope they keep showing us more and more wonderful performances.’​

Muramoto: ‘They're both dancers at heart, so I'd love to see them challenge themselves with different genres of music. Ice dancing is profound; the more you pursue it, the more enjoyable it becomes. I hope they skate for a long time.’​

https://x.com/fskating_Life/status/1961595717690298500

https://x.com/TheAnswerFigure/status/1961627835652870337

World Figure Skating photo report:

荒川静香、高橋大輔らがミラノ世代へエール！「フレンズオンアイス」本日開幕 - WFS-Web ワールド・フィギュアスケートWeb

8月29日、KOSÉ新横浜スケートセンターで「フレンズオンアイス2025」の公開リハーサル「Dear

worldfigureskating-web.jp

https://x.com/fskating_Life/status/1961595378194944183

Deep Edge Plus photo gallery:

無料写真特集 - 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

写真一覧（タップすると全画面表示できます）

deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp

There are also many fabulous photos in this gallery by Rumi Hirakiuchi:

Friends on Ice 2025

Galerie photos par Rumi Hirakiuchi Tous droits réservés - Reproduction strictement interdite - © S.I.G. et Rumi Hirakiuchi All rights reserved - Copying and reproduction prohibited © S.I.G. and Rumi Hirakiuchi

www.skate-info-glace.com