New Champions Rise at Japan Nationals as Star Pair 'Rikuryu' Withdraws

The All-Japan Figure Skating Championships saw a major shake-up on December 21, as Yuna Nagaoka and Sumitada Moriguchi skated to the top of the pairs podium. Their victory, which puts them in a strong position for national team selection, came after the fan-favorite pair Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, known as “Rikuryu,” withdrew from the free skate.

Miura and Kihara’s withdrawal from the second half of the competition opened the door for a new champion to emerge in a field they were expected to dominate.

Nagaoka and Moriguchi seized the opportunity, delivering a winning performance that signals the arrival of new contenders on Japan's competitive pairs scene.

In the ice dance event held the same day, Utana Yoshida and Masaya Morita underscored their dominance by securing their second consecutive national title, according to news reports from the event.

PRISM Insight: The results from Japan’s National Championships are more than just a domestic leaderboard; they're a barometer for the intense pressure and talent pipeline in powerhouse skating nations. The withdrawal of a top team like 'Rikuryu' simultaneously creates a vacuum and a vital opportunity for new talent to ascend, potentially reshaping the international competitive landscape ahead of the next Olympic cycle.