Yuma Kagiyama sits out 2026-27 season

[gsk8]

Per his Instagram account:



I'm not happy, but I hope he will be during his break! I hope he finds his path (and his way back to competitive ice).

 

[Mathman]

I look forward to his "projects." Yuma came up with one classy and entertaining program after another throughout his career. Encore!

 

[4everchan]

well... a lot of my interest in men 's skating is now down... but with the new cycle, it's up... so we are even

wait... does that mean that Gogo will be seeded number 3 for GPs ? Wow !

 

[decafjava]

Sad but hopeful!

 

[noskates]

Awww - I really grew to love Yuma this season. I think he's the most interesting Japanese man. His programs - especially the short - were so innovative and he has so much personality. Sounds like he has plans though.

 

[gsk8]

I will throw a huge temper tantrum if he's not back for 2027-28.

 

[DancingCactus]

Sad for us viewers, but if he needs a break to recharge, then he should take it.

 

[Skating47]

Yuma taking a break next season surprises me. However, Yuma did say that he wasn't sure if he could skate in another Olympics.

 

[Sai Bon]

I am gutted, but not surprised. He's achieved the best results possible under current rules and has nothing more to prove in the competitive arena. Has he graduated from university? If not, that would be my priority. Unless he has decided, like Kaori, to make a living from figure skating as a coach, choreographer, or show skater, he needs to explore what his life options are as a human. And if he rediscovers what inspires and motivates him as a figure skater, I'm sure he will be back. I truly hope so.

 

[ladyjane]

He's only 22, and has already been to two Olympic's (3 if you count YOG, which he won), has an endless set of medals, been 4cc champion. Reflecting and new projects, maybe education. All normal things after such a great career in skating already. Still hoping he will come back!

 

[frompolandwithlove]

Could be smart of him, if he is planning to come back 2027/2028 (which I hope he is). You know, burnout prevention and all of that. For me, this makes the next season pretty tension-free, which is also not a bad thing. I'm interested to see how it will influence Japanese field (and what Rio has to offer in his first senior season). I don't see a reason to be worried just yet, but Yuma better not use the ugly "R" word anytime soon or I'll cry.

 

[Arriba627]

I will really miss him next season. Hopefully he'll be back for 27-28.

 

[noskates]

Thinking about this since yesterday. The Japanese men's team is SOOOO strong and probably the most competitive in the world among themselves. I hope Yuma is making a good decision. Not competing certainly allows skaters like Rio to move up in the ranks. I do understand about burnout though....just sad that we won't see him compete next season.

 

[ElSoteroLoco]

Him taking a season off, he deserves a break. Especially if he feels he needs it. Good for him. Enjoy his time off.

 

[demarinis5]

Both Yuma and his Dad deserve a rest. I don’t know the particulars but his Dad has had health problems. Wishing Yuma the Best!!!

 

[crystalspin]

Noo Yuma.. My interest in mens skating is already low but this has pretty much killed my interest in it next season. If Jason is retired also then no desire to watch it.

 

[noskates]

Not saying Yuma doesn't deserve a break but I think you could say that about almost any man in the top 20 this year. It was very competitive and being an Olympic year just ramps up the challenge. I hope Yuma finds something that he can put his whole heart into and enjoys his time off.

 

[Sai Bon]

Outrageous speculation, but think he might try ice dance?! He's tiny so not built for it, but maybe with the right partner...

 

[TallyT]

With lots of respect to Yuma, (and of course you Sai Bon!) I have noticed in the last year or two a tendency to suggest 'ice dance!' for so many singles skaters stepping away/not doing too well for whatever reason/retiring... the actual dedicated-to-ID-from-the-start ice dancers might be forgiven for getting just a little peeved at this trend, doncha think?

 

[Sai Bon]

>With lots of respect to Yuma, (and of course you Sai Bon!) I have noticed in the last year or two a tendency to suggest 'ice dance!' for so many singles skaters stepping away/not doing too well for whatever reason/retiring... the actual dedicated-to-ID-from-the-start ice dancers might be forgiven for getting just a little peeved at this trend, doncha think?

Oh, I totally agree. That's why I wrote "outrageous speculation." But I think Daisuke Takahashi may have set a bit of a trend! Yuma's jumps are so beautiful it would be a criminal waste, but he's young still - if he wants a new challenge, whatever it may be, I hope he goes for it. Breaking your body trying to outjump the competition isn't smart and I think he has a good head on his shoulders.