The MELT – Cross of Roots | May 2-5, 2026

[synesthesia]

 

[synesthesia]

#Ayaka Hirahara’s latest single​

　 ≪Filled with Prayer≫​

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Set to be performed live for the first time since its release at ‘The MELT -Cross of Roots-’!​

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And #Shizuka Arakawa will be skating to this track ​

Plus, the choreography is by #Kikunosuke Onoe × #Kana Muramoto!​

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A long-awaited collaboration you can only see here ❄⛸​

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Be sure to catch it at the venue ​

 

[synesthesia]

 

[synesthesia]

A fan compiled all of the info we have about the content of the show and made a few tentative predictions. I concur with them on "Narcissus" from LUXE - it is a masterpiece and I would love to see it again (I think it's rather unlikely to be included for the reason this fan named, though):

『（追記あり）The MELT情報まとめ』

ゴールデンウィークに開催されるアイスショーThe MELTの演目についてこれまで出てきた情報をまとめてみました。新情報が出れば付け足していきます。 氷艶シリー…

ameblo.jp

Machine translation:


(Updated) The MELT Information Summary
April 19, 2026, 10:42:47 AM


I’ve compiled the information that has been released so far regarding the program for The MELT, an ice show taking place during Golden Week. I will add new information as it becomes available.



From the Hyoen Series


Basarā

• Voice Actor (Kōshirō Matsumoto)
• The Dance of Okuni of Izumo (Daisuke Takahashi)
• Minamoto no Yoshitsune (Rio Nakata)

Like the Moonlight

• Fujitsubo (Ayaka Hirahara, Seiji Fukushi)

LUXE

• The Black Eagle (Ayaka Hirahara, Daisuke Takahashi, Kana Muramoto)

Miracle of the Cross Star

• 　HAMO (Takuro Ohno, Elianna, Kazuki Tomono, and others)

The Demon of the Mirror Crest / Kagamon no Yasha

• 　Kibitsuhiko (Takahisa Masuda, Keiji Tanaka, Takuma Zaiki, Ryota Aoyama)

Not related to any Hyoen production

• 　Joy, Anger, Sorrow, and Pleasure? (Takahisa Masuda, Daisuke Takahashi, Kana Muramoto)
• 　Storm (Nobunari Oda, Keiji Tanaka, and others)
• 　Filled with Prayer (Ayaka Hirahara, Shizuka Arakawa)
• 　Wadaiko (Kazuki Tomono and others)
• 　Original Song (Takuro Ohno, Elianna, Ryota Aoyama, and others)
• 　A Comical Number? (Nobunari Oda, Kazuki Tomono)

Thoughts

The biggest difference from previous ice shows is that the content seems likely to change significantly between the first (2nd-3rd May) and second (4th-5th May) halves. Takahisa Masuda will appear only in the first half, and Ayaka Hirahara will appear only in the second half. Since these two aren't part of all shows respectively, I assume the performances themselves will change.


Here are my predictions:

・Since the collaboration with Ms. Hirahara, “Black Eagle,” is only in the second half, if we assume a different program from ‘LUXE’ will be included in the first half, the possibilities are “Insectivorous Flower” (Shizuka Arakawa/Kohei Yoshino) or “Narcissus” (Daisuke Takahashi/Keiji Tanaka). Both are masterpieces. However, based on the information available now, Shizuka Arakawa’s sole program—her collaboration with Ayaka Hirahara—cannot be included in the first half, so it seems like “Insectivorous Flower” would provide better balance here. Kohei Yoshino is in the lineup, after all. Keiji Tanaka is there too, so I’d love to see “Narcissus”! But this is just a prediction.

・The “Moonlight / Fuji-tsubo” program is also only in the second half. Plus, Seiji Fukushi is only performing on May 4th. I predict that Daisuke Takahashi, who plays Genji, will skate in this segment. It says, “That song has been newly arranged for this production, and Seiji Fukushi will sing of Genji’s feelings,” so I suspect Daisuke Takahashi (as Genji) will skate to Mr. Fukushi’s vocals. Since it seems to have been recorded, I imagine they’ll skate to the recording on days when Mr. Fukushi isn’t there.

・Takahisa Masuda will only appear in the first half. In addition to the collaboration with KanaDai (which I believe has been announced) and Kibitsuhiko, it seems he’ll have several other appearances. The collaboration with KanaDai is likely to replace Hirahara’s “Black Eagle,” but since the Kibitsuhiko segment wouldn’t work without Masuda, if another program is inserted in place of “Kagamon no Yasha,” it would probably be “Ura.” Since Aoyama-kun mentioned that singing will be the focus, I have a feeling “Ura” and “Senshu” will be included.

・Another thing I’m curious about is the costumes. Will the traditional Japanese costumes be close to the originals, or will they be completely different?

・One more thing I’m wondering about is whether Daisuke will sing. This time, it seems like the artists will focus mainly on singing and the skaters on skating, with no dialogue. However, since the theme is “Melt” (blending together, erasing boundaries), the roles aren’t strictly divided. All the artists will sing while skating. Since Daisuke is the only skater who sings, I predict he’ll perform.

・Since the program seems likely to change significantly between the first and second halves, I hope they’ll broadcast both. It hasn’t been confirmed yet, but I’m confident they’ll do it.

__________________​

Since this was posted by the official "The MELT" account, it looks like they are not using the original costumes:

＼We had a costume fitting!／​

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There were over 200 outfits…​

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Each and every one of these meticulously crafted costumes is sure to bring a story to life​

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Just imagining it gets us so excited​

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Another new piece of information is that Riko Sakaguchi, who wrote the script for "Miracle of the Cross Star", is involved again:

I’ll be participating in the ice show *The MELT - Cross of Roots -* ​

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Of course, I won’t be skating (Or rather, I can’t skate: lol… though I used to go to the rink a lot when I was a kid)… That said, it’s not exactly a script… I was asked to weave together words, phrases, and something like poetry.​

I’m truly delighted to have been invited again, thanks to the connection we made through 『Hyoen 2024 - The Miracle of the Cross Star -』. Thank you so much…!​

……We’ve met again where the galaxies intersect, haven’t we? ​

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May 2 (Sat) – 5 (Tue), 2026, Shin-Yokohama Skate Center​

The MELTオフィシャルサイト

The MELTオフィシャルサイトです。

the-melt.jp

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I look forward to seeing you there!​

 

[synesthesia]

˗ˏˋ Happy Birthday! ˊˎ˗​

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#Ryota Aoyama & #Yuta Onuma & #Miku Mochizuki​

Happy Birthday!​

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And it’s finally kicking off this week!​

‘The MELT -Cross of Roots-’​

We look forward to seeing you there⛸​

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#TheMELTCrossofRoots #IceShow​

 

[synesthesia]

Takuro refreshing his t-stop skills (with Kazuki's help) :

＼Skater × Artist／​

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#TakuroOhno’s stunning T-stop!​

Is he officially a skater now!?​

 

[synesthesia]

Ryota Aoyama x Keiji:

Breaking down the barriers between skaters and artists ​

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The concept behind “The MELT -Cross of Roots-” is starting to take shape!​

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We’re currently in the middle of rehearsals ​

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And there are only 4 days left until the opening!! ​

Stay tuned for the final result ​

 

[synesthesia]

At this performance—​

We have a special segment where the audience can join in too! ​

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The keyword is ˗ˏˋStarˊˎ˗​

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Using the flashlight on your mobile phone, we’ll create a single 【Galaxy】 across the entire venue! ​

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What kind of scene will unfold in that moment?—​

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To ensure everything runs smoothly on the day, please do have a look at how to use the flashlight beforehand. ​

＼To all those planning to attend／​

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It is quite chilly inside the venue due to the ice rink.​

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To ensure you can enjoy yourselves in comfort right until the end, please make sure to wrap up warm before you come​

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We also recommend bringing a blanket or a light jacket​

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The entire cast is looking forward to seeing you all on the day​

 

[synesthesia]

尾上菊之丞インタビュー『The MELT -Cross of Roots-』　高橋大輔出演『氷艶』の縁がクロスする新たなアイスショー | SPICE - エンタメ特化型情報メディア スパイス

尾上菊之丞インタビュー『The MELT -Cross of Roots-』　高橋大輔出演『氷艶』の縁がクロスする新たなアイスショー

spice.eplus.jp

Machine translation:

Interview with Kikunojo Onoe: ‘The MELT -Cross of Roots-’ – A new ice show where the connections from Daisuke Takahashi’s ‘Hyōen’ intersect​

30 April 2026​

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The ice skating show ‘The MELT -Cross of Roots-’ will be held from Saturday 2 May to Tuesday 5 May 2026. Alongside skaters including Daisuke Takahashi and Shizuka Arakawa, a diverse line-up of artists such as Takahisa Masuda of NEWS and singer Ayaka Hirahara will perform on a rotating basis.​

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The backdrop to this production is the bond forged through ‘Hyoen’, which began in 2017. ‘Hyoen’ has produced works with a strong narrative focus, based on the concept of fusing skating with Japanese culture. ‘The MELT’ is said to be a new direction for the company.​

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Kikunojo Onoe is responsible for the composition, direction and choreography. Kana Muramoto is credited as assistant director and choreographer. What kind of world will the connections forged through ‘Hyoen’ create in ‘The MELT’? We spoke to Kikunojo about the theme of the production and his thoughts on his fellow performers.​

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■ ‘The MELT’: A New Direction Born from ‘Hyoen’​

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— What kind of production will ‘The MELT’ be?​

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It is an ice show created with skaters, actors and singers, rooted in ‘Hyoen’. However, its positioning differs from that of ‘Hyoen’. For the first half, we are planning a program inspired by the title ‘The MELT’, whilst for the second half, we are devising a program that draws on and reworks numbers from past ‘Hyoen’ productions, linking to the subtitle ‘Cross of Roots’.​

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— I hear there will be a segment where the audience participates!​

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In previous ‘Hyoen’ productions, skaters such as Daisuke Takahashi have taken on the challenge of not only skating but also singing and acting, whilst incorporating projection mapping, all in order to convey the story. This has resulted in an ice show that maximises its entertainment value. In that respect, ‘The MELT’ places greater emphasis on the skating and the performances themselves.​

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No stage will be built on the ice; the entire cast will perform on the ice itself. The production is structured so that each of the 17 skaters and 8 artists has their own moment to shine.​

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■Expressions that melt together on the ice​

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—So the theme of the first half of the program is ‘MELT’, isn’t it?​

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The title ‘The MELT’ was suggested by the producer.​

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An ice rink is a place that reflects every form of expression unfolding on the ice. When I interpret it in this way, the heat generated by the friction of the blades melts the ice, creating a smooth, rippling surface of water, and the performers’ acts blend together there. As the skaters dance, light streams in, the water glistens, and a myriad of colours comes into view. Speaking of water, it is also the source of life. I hope that these images will coalesce into a single, cohesive whole.​

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……The fact that my thoughts inevitably drift towards such abstract and fundamental concepts is surely because my own foundations lie in the world of traditional performing arts, and I have always drawn on themes akin to Japanese prayer as familiar material.​

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——If the first half presents a mystical and artistic worldview expanding from ‘MELT’, then the second half can be described as the part where everyone who has met on the ice confronts the memories of that work and lets their hearts wander towards a hopeful future. For Kikunosuke-san, too, the ‘Hyōen’ series is a place where his paths as a Japanese classical dancer and figure skating have crossed.​

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It all began when I participated as a choreographer in ‘Basara’, the first instalment of the ‘Hyoen’ series, in which Koshiro Matsumoto (then known as Somegoro Ichikawa) co-starred with Daisuke. The collaboration between Kabuki and figure skating was, from the outset, a project steeped in Koshiro’s vision. ‘Hyoen’ began after I was approached by the figure skating side, and I have been involved in various capacities since the second instalment in 2019, right up to the present day.​

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—In 2021, the ‘Hyoen’ company staged the ice show ‘LUXE’. Unlike ‘Hyoen’, this was a revue-style production structured as a world tour, telling the coming-of-age story of the protagonist, played by Daisuke Takahashi.​

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That supervision and direction marked my first work ‘without elements of traditional performing arts’. I undertook it with a sense of gratitude, as if I had been given a huge gift during the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, it was an experience that gave me the confidence that what I had cultivated in the world of Japanese dance was indeed applicable.​

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■ The refreshing quality of skaters that attracts Kikunosuke​

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—How is the creative process with the ice skaters?​

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It goes without saying that they are all first-class performers. They possess an overwhelming radiance; for instance, whenever Daisuke or Shizuka appear on the ice, the atmosphere in even the largest venue changes completely.​

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And as I always feel, working with the skaters is refreshing and a great pleasure.​

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When I first met Daisuke during ‘Basarā’, he performed a number that incorporated the shamisen. The choreography was incredibly complex, yet he stood alone in the rehearsal studio facing the wall, repeating those movements over and over again. It was the image of an athlete repeating the movements with such thoroughness and single-mindedness that it far surpassed my own notion of ‘thorough repetition’. In a world where technique is quantified, having competed against their own best and their limits, they strive for physical expression of the highest possible standard. I felt that for him, whether in competition or on the entertainment stage, this approach remains unchanged.​

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I’m not sure whether the reason for their refreshing quality lies in their stoicism. It’s not simply a matter of being ‘cheerful young people’; rather, they focus on what they must do and tackle it with stoic determination. It is that refreshing quality that draws me in. I feel that this is also the reason why the artists who took part in ‘Hyōen’ have come to fall in love with ‘Hyōen’. At least, that was certainly the case for me.​

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■The relationships within the company, rooted at the crossroads​

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—‘The MELT’ truly brings together returning performers. Takahisa Masuda (2–3 May), who is appearing again following last year’s ‘Hyoen’. Ayaka Hirahara (4–5 May) and Seiji Fukushi (4 May), who have been participating continuously since the second production in 2019.​

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It was Mr Masuda’s first time participating last time. The speed at which he improved his ice skating… heh heh (laughing at the memory), it was truly amazing. I hear he has experience with rollerblading, but this was on a whole different level. I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of performance he’ll deliver this year. Ms Hirahara is truly a diva. When she sings, she completely captivates the entire atmosphere on stage (laughs). This time, she will be performing her latest song, ‘Iinari Michite’, for the first time since its release, and Shizuka will dance to her live vocals.​

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All the artists have been steadily improving their skating skills. Please look forward not only to their words and songs, but also to their presence on the ice. And Koshiro-san will also be making a special appearance with his voice. For me, there is nothing more reassuring than this. With such a distinguished line-up, I feel a sense of determination: ‘I must approach this with the utmost care.’​

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—Is there anything you consciously consider during the creative process that is specific to an ice show?​

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Take the costumes, for example. If the aim is to showcase the skaters’ technique, costumes that are stripped of all excess and offer minimal air resistance would, in theory, be the most desirable. Even competition costumes are the result of meticulous design to ensure they do not hinder the skaters’ performance. In other words, the more embellishments or theatrical elements you add, the more they can potentially become a hindrance. However, when it comes to a stage production designed for entertainment, that hindrance can often be transformed into a different kind of advantage. I believe ‘Hyoen’ has been exploring new possibilities for ice skating whilst trying to strike that balance through trial and error.​

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That said, I do want to present the unique perspective that can only emerge because I am the one behind the project. However, I don’t think it should be something created intentionally or merely for the sake of being bizarre; I believe it would be far more wonderful if it arose naturally from the thought, ‘I’d like to see a show like this’.​

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—Finally, please share a few words with our readers!​

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(Choreographer and Assistant Director) Kana Muramoto said that the highlight is ‘everything!’ (laughs). That is absolutely true. Although I mentioned ‘reimagining “Hyoen”’, not a single scene remains exactly as it was in the past. ‘Water is always flowing.’​

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Furthermore, in ‘The MELT’, the bonds within the company that have been nurtured through ‘Hyoen’ and ‘LUXE’ are sure to shine through. For those who have been following us for a long time, I hope you will feel the warmth of the time, stories and relationships this company has built up over the years. And for those seeing us for the first time, I hope you will experience the charm of an ice show unlike any you have seen before.​

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‘The MELT -Cross of Roots-’ will be held at the KOSÉ Shin-Yokohama Skate Centre from Saturday 2 May to Tuesday 5 May.​

Kikunojo Onoe III. Fourth-generation head of the Onoe School of Japanese Dance. Whilst performing on stage himself as a dancer, he also directs and choreographs for a wide range of productions, including new Kabuki plays, the Takarazuka Revue, the OSK Japanese Revue, and geisha district dance performances.​

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Reporting, text and photography (excluding group photos): Fumika Tsukada​

 

[synesthesia]

＼It finally kicks off tomorrow!!!／​

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Let’s have a brilliant time together​

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We look forward to seeing you there​

 

[synesthesia]

There will be delayed tv broadcasts of one of the shows from May 3rd and May 4th each on Nitteleplus. The show from May 3rd will be shown on July 25th, 5 p.m. (JST). The show from May 4th will air sometime in August (date tba):

https://www.nitteleplus.com/program/the-melt/



Mainichi photo gallery:

アイスショー「The MELT」公演始まる ［写真特集3/10］ | 毎日新聞

アイスショー「The　MELT」で演技する（左から）高橋大輔さん、歌手の増田貴久さん、村元哉中さん＝KOSE新横浜スケートセンターで2026年5月2日午後0時6分、滝川大貴撮影

mainichi.jp

I'm spotting Kazuki's HAMO school sweater (from "Miracle of the Cross Star") and Dai's repurposed "Symmetry" costume.

The bee costumes on Rio, Kosho and Yoji are...interesting.

 

[cocteautwin]

I have no idea what's going on but this pic is great. Wait.. is that Rio?

Photo：Joe Kobashi

 

[synesthesia]

I have no idea what's going on but this pic is great. Wait.. is that Rio?

Photo：Joe Kobashi

Yeah, looks like he's supposed to be a bumblebee? While Kosho and Yoji are portraying bees (referring to the mainichi photo gallery above)? No clue what's going on in this number either - guess we'll have to wait until the broadcast.



More show photos:







(Btw, I realized that both Kana's and Dai's "Symmetry"-costumes were repurposed for their number with Takahisa Masuda...)

 

[synesthesia]

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

Photo report:

高橋大輔さん、増田貴久さんと再びの共演　アイスショー「The MELT -Cross of Roots-」開幕　『氷艶』彩ったプログラムも - 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

高橋大輔さんが座長を務める新コンセプトのアイスショー「The MELT -Cross of Roots-」が5月2日、横浜市のKOSÉ新横浜スケートセンターで初日を迎えた。アイドルグループ「NEWS」のメンバー増田貴久 […]

deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp

Deep Edge Plus also published the setlist of the opening day, which gives a few vague clues about the programs:

【ネタバレ注意】アイスショー「The MELT -Cross of Roots-」セットリスト（5月2日） - 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

高橋大輔さんが座長を務める新コンセプトのアイスショー「The MELT -Cross of Roots-」が5月2日、横浜市のKOSÉ新横浜スケートセンターで初日を迎えた。アイドルグループ「NEWS」のメンバー増田貴久 […]

deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp

[Spoiler Alert] Setlist for the ice show ‘The MELT -Cross of Roots-’ (2 May)​

The MELT​

Ice Show​

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The new-concept ice show ‘The MELT -Cross of Roots-’, led by Daisuke Takahashi, opened on 2 May at the KOSÉ Shin-Yokohama Skate Centre in Yokohama. Takahisa Masuda, a member of the idol group ‘NEWS’, entertained the audience by singing and skating, whilst collaborations between Daisuke Takahashi and Kana Muramoto (known as ‘Kanadai’) and Keiji Tanaka also took place. A total of 12 performances will be held over four days, with three shows per day, running until 5 May.​

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　The ‘structure, direction and choreography’ were handled by Japanese classical dancer Kikunojo Onoe, with ‘assistant structure and choreography’ by Kana Muramoto, and ‘choreography’ by Kenji Miyamoto and Kohei Yoshino. Kabuki actor Koshiro Matsumoto makes a special voice appearance as the narrator.​

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The set list for the opening day is as follows.​

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1) Opening: The MELT -Cross of Roots- (Original track)​

Skaters: All​

Artists: Takahisa Masuda, Takuro Ohno, Elianna, Takuma Zaiki, Ryota Aoyama​

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2) LUXE (Original track)​

Skaters: Daisuke Takahashi, Shizuka Arakawa, Kana Muramoto, Kazuki Tomono, Rio Nakata, Seiya Hashimoto, Kohei Yoshino, Yōji Nakano, Kōshō Ōshima, Yuki Sato, Kiki Nakanishi, Miku Mochizuki, Ayumi Urabe​

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3) The MELT -Cross of Roots- Original Music​

Skaters: Seiya Hashimoto, Kohei Yoshino, Yōji Nakano, Kōshō Ōshima, Yuki Sato​

Artist: Elianna​

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4) STORM (Yoshida Brothers)​

Skaters: Nobunari Oda, Keiji Tanaka, Yuta Onuma​

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5) Poetry Reading​

Skaters: Shizuka Arakawa, Kohei Yoshino, Yuki Sato​

Artists: Takuro Ohno, Eliana, Takuma Zaiki​

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6) The MELT -Cross of Roots- Original Music​

First Half Skaters: Kana Muramoto, Miwa Nishida, Kiki Nakanishi, Miku Mochizuki, Ayumi Urabe​

Second Half Skaters: Daisuke Takahashi, Kana Muramoto, Keiji Tanaka​

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7) Flight of the Bumblebee (Rimsky-Korsakov)​

Skaters: Nobunari Oda, Kazuki Tomono, Rio Nakata, Seiya Hashimoto, Yuta Onuma, Kohei Yoshino, Yōji Nakano, Kōshō Ōshima, Yuki Sato​

Artist: Elianna​

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8) Filled with Prayer (Weiwei Wu & Ayaka Hirahara)​

Skater: Shizuka Arakawa​

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9) The MELT -Cross of Roots- Original Composition​

Skaters: Seiya Hashimoto, Yuta Onuma, Kohei Yoshino, Yōji Nakano, Kōshō Ōshima, Yuki Sato, Miwa Nishida, Kiki Nakanishi, Miku Mochizuki, Ayumi Urabe​

Artists: Takuro Ohno, Elianna​

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10) Lyrical Skate Battle​

Skaters: Yōji Nakano, Kōshō Ōshima​

Artists: Takuro Ohno, Takuma Zaiki, Ryota Aoyama​

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11) Hyoen 2017 -Basarā- Original Track​

Skater: Daisuke Takahashi​

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12) Hyoen 2017 -Basarā- Original Score​

Skater: Rio Nakata​

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13) Hyoen 2019 -Like Moonlight- Original Score​

Skaters: Kiki Nakanishi, Miku Mochizuki, Ayumi Urabe​

Artists: Elianna​

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14) НАМО (YUZU)​

Skaters: Kazuki Tomono, Seiya Hashimoto, Yuta Onuma, Kohei Yoshino, Yuki Sato​

Artists: Takuro Ohno, Elianna​

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15) Hyoen 2025 – Kagamon no Yasha – Original Composition​

Skaters: Keiji Tanaka​

Artists: Takahisa Masuda, Takuma Zaiki, Ryota Aoyama​

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16) Joy, Anger, Sorrow and Pleasure (Takahisa Masuda)​

Skaters: Daisuke Takahashi, Kana Muramoto​

Artist: Takahisa Masuda​

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17) The MELT -Cross of Roots- Original Score​

Skaters: Kazuki Tomono, Yōji Nakano, Kōshō Ōshima​

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18) Flames of Guren (Tomoya Nakai)​

Skaters: Shizuka Arakawa, Kana Muramoto, Miwa Nishida, Kiki Nakanishi, Miku Mochizuki, Ayumi Urabe​

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19) Akatsuki (Takahisa Masuda)​

Skaters: Nobunari Oda​

Artist: Takahisa Masuda​

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20) The MELT -Cross of Roots- Original Track​

Skaters: Daisuke Takahashi, Keiji Tanaka, Seiya Hashimoto, Yuta Onuma, Kohei Yoshino, Yōji Nakano, Kōshō Ōshima, Yuki Sato​

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21) Beyond the Rainbow (Ayaka Hirahara)​

Skaters: Daisuke Takahashi​

Artists: Takahisa Masuda, Takuro Ohno, Elianna, Takuma Zaiki, Ryota Aoyama​

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22) Hyoen 2017 -Basarā- Original Track​

Skaters: Daisuke Takahashi, Shizuka Arakawa, Nobunari Oda, Rio Nakata​

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23) The MELT -Cross of Roots- Original Track​

Skaters: All​

Artists: Takahisa Masuda, Takuro Ohno, Elianna, Takuma Zaiki, Ryota Aoyama​

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24) The MELT -Cross of Roots- Original Track​

Skaters: All​

Artists: Takahisa Masuda, Takuro Ohno, Elianna, Takuma Zaiki, Ryota Aoyama​

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[synesthesia]

“The MELT -Cross of Roots-”​

Exclusive broadcast on NTV Plus!​

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We’ll be starting filming today ​

[May 3 performance] Saturday, July 25 at 5:00 PM​

[May 4 performance] Scheduled to air in August​

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Flyers are also being handed out at the venue… ​

 

[KiraraChin]

Takuro posted on IG that he feels frustrated and he couldn't skate as he wanted, so he was doing extra practice after the show

Someone please give him a hug and tell him he's amazing!

 

[synesthesia]

Takuro posted on IG that he feels frustrated and he couldn't skate as he wanted, so he was doing extra practice after the show

Someone please give him a hug and tell him he's amazing!

I saw that. He said it was nerves, but maybe he is also a perfectionist and quite harsh on himself like many artists/performers are? Hopefully he has settled in more now that the second day is over.

In any case, here's a virtual hug for Takuro:

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A fun and insightful conversation between director/choreographer Kikunojo Onoe and assistant director/choreographer Kana-chan was published yesterday:

尾上菊之丞×村元哉中 『The MELT』異分野の才能が溶け合い生まれるエンターテイメント - Premium Japan

尾上流 四代家元の三代目尾上菊之丞の連載ブログ。今回は菊之丞さんが演出振付を手掛け5月2日～5日まで公演のアイスショーTheMELT -Cross of Roots-を、村元哉中さんとの対談でお届けします。

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Machine translation:

Onoe Kikunojo’s Diary ~Hearing Good News~​

2 May 2026​

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Onoe Kikunojo × Muramoto Kana: ‘The MELT’ – Entertainment born from the fusion of talents from different fields​

‘The MELT -Cross of Roots-’ will be held at the KOSE Shin-Yokohama Skating Centre from 2 to 5 May. This innovative ice show beautifully brings together figure skaters—including Daisuke Takahashi, Shizuka Arakawa and Kana Muramoto—with performers from a variety of genres, such as Ayaka Hirahara and Takahisa Masuda. Kikunojo Onoe is responsible for the show’s composition, direction and choreography. This special edition of ‘Kikunojo’s Diary: Hearing Good Things’ features a conversation between Kikunojo and Kana Muramoto, who is serving as assistant director and choreographer for the production. A week before the opening night, having just finished rehearsals on the ice and before heading to a meeting, the two shared their thoughts on ‘The MELT’. Please also enjoy these behind-the-scenes shots, including scenes of the cast in rehearsal.​

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The ‘Universal Beauty’ Found in Both Traditional Performing Arts and Figure Skating​

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――You both worked together on the choreography for last year’s ‘Hyoen 2025 – Kagamon no Yashā’, but this time you are also taking on the roles of production director and assistant director. What are your impressions of each other?​

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Kikunojo Onoe (hereinafter Kikunojo): We first met on the production *Hyoen: Like the Moonlight* (2019, for which Kikunojo served as choreography supervisor and movement director), in which Kana appeared as a skater, didn’t we? It’s been seven years since then, and I’ve felt Kana’s stage presence evolving steadily. Every time we work together, she reveals a new side of herself, which is always inspiring.​

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Kana Muramoto (hereinafter Muramoto): When we were working on the choreography for *Kagamon no Yasha*, we had many opportunities to speak one-on-one, and how shall I put it… Kikunojo is simply beautiful. His choice of words, his teaching style, his movements—everything is beautiful, and I always think he is a truly wonderful person. Whether on the ice or off it, every movement is beautiful. I’m learning so much from him. To me, Kikunojo-san is like a flower.​

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Kikunojo: Hearing you say that makes me feel quite overwhelmed (laughs).​

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Muramoto: I’ve been involved from the conceptual stage this time, and I find his approach to things beautiful too.​

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Kikunojo: Kana-san has a different side to her when she’s expressing herself as a skater compared to when she’s creating a piece, doesn’t she? I felt that this time. As a performer, she’s very elegant—truly beautiful. But when she’s choreographing, she’s quite meticulous, calculating in a good way, and ambitious. I share that same ambition (laughs). I feel our approaches to choreography are similar too.​

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――You’ve both mentioned the word ‘beauty’—is there a difference between the beauty of skating and that of Japanese dance?​

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Kikunojo: Skaters are constantly battling against themselves, striving for greater heights. That sight is truly refreshing and beautiful. It stems from having lived in the world of sports, where every moment counts, so it may differ slightly from our world of performing arts. However, I believe the essence of beauty remains the same, whether in skating or traditional performing arts. It is a universal sensation that anyone can feel, regardless of their knowledge. Since becoming involved in figure skating productions, I have also realised that the worlds of traditional performing arts and figure skating share far more in common than I had imagined.​

Muramoto: This time, Shizuka Arakawa is performing to Ayaka Hirahara’s latest song, ‘Filled with Prayer’, and Kikunojo-san gave us guidance on how to use our gaze in the choreography. It’s true that a single glance can enhance the beauty of a performance or completely change the way the story is perceived. This is something that applies to ice dancing as well; we meticulously refine everything from the direction the pair are looking to the angle of a single finger. It made me realise once again that there is a beauty in it that is quite similar to that of Japanese classical dance.​

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――I recall being struck by a comment made by a figure skater during the first ‘Hyōen’ performance, ‘Basara’, held in 2017, who said, ‘I’d never thought of my performance as a theatrical role before, so it’s fascinating to consider the character’s emotions.’​

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Kikunojo: The skaters are people who have dedicated themselves to presenting a single program through their technique and expressiveness; fundamentally, they didn’t have a sense of acting. Come to think of it, that’s only natural. So, initially, many skaters said, ‘We don’t need a script.’​

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Muramoto: I see!​

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Kikunojo: Of course, we too learnt a great deal from the skaters’ approach to performance. At the same time, I believe that as the performances continued, the skaters began to appreciate the joy of creating a single work as a play, and the joy of playing a role. Although this production of ‘The MELT’ is not staged as a play, unlike ‘Hyōen’, when I mentioned during today’s rehearsal, ‘If anyone would like a script…’, everyone took one.​

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Muramoto: I joined the project with *Hyōen* in 2019, and the experience of expressing every single scene as a ‘role’—right down to every member of the ensemble—was a tremendous learning experience. I formed the pair ‘Kanadai’ with Daisuke Takahashi shortly after that. Unlike single figure skaters, ice dancing involves the concept of ‘playing a role’, and when we used music from *The Phantom of the Opera* as Kanadai, I was playing the character of Christine. I feel that my experience in *Hyōen* really helped me with that kind of expression in ice dancing.​

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When we can share that moment where everyone’s feelings melt together on the ice​

――Is there anything from rehearsals that stands out in your memory?​

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Kikunojo: There are too many memorable moments to list, but I particularly enjoyed the time spent constructing the choreography with Ms Kana. When I convey my vision for the choreography, Ms Kana breaks it down, weaving in her own ideas, and then passes the moves on to the performers. Her creative process is incredibly meticulous; each individual movement is intricately combined to bring the scene to life. It’s a joy to watch. Whilst the performers consider the opening night to be the real performance, for me, every single moment of choreography is the real performance. I feel truly happy to be able to share those moments.​

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Muramoto: Everything is inspiring for me too, but when we were brainstorming ideas for the ‘Interactive Corner’ this time, Kikunojo-san suggested a ‘Lyrical Skate Battle’—essentially a rap battle. It was an idea that went beyond my imagination; I thought, ‘That’s brilliant!’ What’s more, he stayed up until the early hours last night working out the lyrics for each of us and came up with them all. When those lyrics are set to music, they pack a real punch and sound so cool!​

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Kikunojo: That’s thanks to our music director, Mr Mogi (Hideoki), who made it sound so cool.​

Muramoto: The music and lyrics blend together perfectly—it really is ‘MELT’. Everyone, please look forward to this segment too!​

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――This performance is titled ‘MELT’. What do you think is most important when different genres of expression come together?​

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Muramoto: I think it’s crucial how much ‘passion’ and ‘love’ we have for our roots and our art. Whether it’s skating for a skater or singing for a singer, it’s about how much you love what you do. When we genuinely bring our strong feelings together and they melt into one, I believe that will definitely resonate with the audience.​

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Kikunojo: I often have the opportunity to bring different genres together, and what I value most is ‘respect’. For example, even if I don’t understand the technical aspects of figure skating, I try my hardest to sense what the other person holds dear, and I treat it with the same care. And I feel that it is only when that becomes truly important to me as well that the barriers between genres begin to melt away.​

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Muramoto: I really want everyone to experience that moment when our individual roots blend together in ‘The MELT’. It’s also a time for us to blend with the audience. I believe a new kind of ice show is being born, where the entire rink becomes one. The content will vary slightly depending on the guest performers, so I hope you’ll watch every single day (laughs). And for fans of ‘Hyoen’, I think it will be an emotional performance featuring some nostalgic tunes.​

Kikunojo: With a programme that feels a bit like an anthology, starting with the original *Hyōen*, I believe the emotions of the skaters and performers over the past decade will melt into the ice. To put it another way, the stories of each and every member of the audience will blend in too. I want to make this a truly wonderful show.​

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World Figure Skating Web photo report:

高橋大輔、増田貴久ら熱演！「The MELT-Cross of Roots-」開幕 - WFS-Web ワールド・フィギュアスケートWeb

高橋大輔、荒川静香をはじめとするスケーターと増田貴久（NEWS）らアーティストが共演する新たなアイスショー「The MELT-Cross of Roots-」が5月2日、KOSÉ新横浜スケートセンターで開幕しました。2017年に始まった日本文化とスケートを融合させたエンターテインメント「氷艶

worldfigureskating-web.jp

The opening night of the ice show ‘THE MELT’ has come and gone️​

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It has been nearly nine years since we began with ‘Hyoen’ in 2017, and it is thanks to the many connections we have forged along the way that we are here today. It is a sheer joy to be able to present this new show, born from those human connections, to all of you.​

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To the choreographers: Kana Muramoto, Kenji Miyamoto, Kohei Yoshino and Avecco. Thank you for your wonderful choreography—artistic, stylish and, at times, charming!​

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Everything comes to life on the ice!​

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It will be over in the blink of an eye by the final performance on the 5th, but I would be delighted if you could come and see it at the venue. And of course, on video too!​

 

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These photos taken by a Japanese fan/photographer for "In the Loop" are amazing:

 

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