Koshiro Shimada is switching to ice dance and teamed up with Ikura Kushida
Koshiro Shimada is switching to ice dance.
original source: Nikkansports dd. May 9th 2025 / Nikkansports
Koshiro Shimada (23), who placed second at the 2022 Japanese Nationals in men’s single skating, is now venturing into ice dance. The announcement made on May 9th revealed that Shimada will partner with Ikura Kushida (17), who placed second in the junior women’s category at the 2023 Japanese Junior Nationals.
Shimada, dedicating himself fully to ice dance, expressed his ambition: “We want to work hard to deliver a unique world and expression that only we can create.” Meanwhile, Kushida, who will take on the challenge of balancing singles and ice dance, stated, “I’m still inexperienced, but I hope you’ll watch over my growth moving forward.”
Their debut performance as a pair is slated for late August at Friends on Ice.
Kushida shared her thoughts: “I’m very honored and grateful to be given the opportunity to make my debut performance as an ice dance couple with Koshiro Shimada in such a prestigious setting. While I’m still inexperienced, I would be delighted if you could support and watch over our growth. I will work my hardest.”
Shimada also expressed his gratitude: “We are still inexperienced, and to be provided with an opportunity like this for our first-ever dance performance is truly a humbling experience. We deeply appreciate it.
While we do feel nervous, we will give our all in practice every day to ensure the performance is enjoyable for the audience and for us as well.”
Related topics: Ikura Kushida, Koshiro Shimada
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