“I am stepping into a new chapter as a coach.” Mao Asada embarks on coaching career with launch of “Mao Academy”
Mao Asada embarks on coaching career with launch of “Mao Academy”
original source: Nikkansports dd. June 12th 2025
Former Olympic silver medalist and world champion Mao Asada (34) has officially stepped into her role as a coach, launching the “Kinoshita Mao Academy” and “Kinoshita Mao Club” in partnership with the Kinoshita Group. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Nikkansports.
The Launch of Mao Academy
During a press conference held on June 12, Asada announced the establishment of Mao Academy, set to open on August 1 in Tokyo. Wearing a sleek, all-white pantsuit, she declared: “I am stepping into a new chapter as a coach. I aim to connect with each skater individually and provide them with thoughtful and meticulous instruction.”
As the Academy’s director, Asada introduces an innovative program built on three pillars:
- Direct coaching by Mao Asada: Asada herself will work closely with the students, offering hands-on guidance.
- Integrated training program: The Academy blends on-ice practice with off-ice disciplines such as ballet, dance, rhythmic gymnastics, and athletics to provide a holistic development framework.
- Scholarship system: Scholarships will be provided to support skaters based on their skill levels.
The Academy is initially open to boys and girls aged 5 to 9, with a class size limited to approximately 10 students. Applications are being accepted online from June 12 to June 30, with candidates selected through a screening process.
Mao Asada’s Legacy and Contributions to Figure Skating
Mao Asada’s illustrious career includes competing in two Olympics, earning a silver medal at the 2010 Vancouver Games, and becoming a three-time world champion in 2008, 2010, and 2014. After retiring from competition in April 2017, she transitioned into professional skating, captivating audiences across Japan through the “Mao Asada Thanks Tour” and her production, “Beyond.”
In November 2024, her state-of-the-art skating facility, “Mao Rink Tachikawa Tachihi,” is set to open in Tokyo’s Tachikawa City, further solidifying her dedication to the growth of figure skating. Asada explained her future focus: “For now, I intend to channel all my energy into Mao Academy and Mao Club.”
She humorously added the phrase “Half, half,” recalling her famous statement during a press conference following the 2014 Sochi Olympics. At the time, she replied, with a smile, that her decision regarding her competitive future was “For now, it’s abot half and half.” The remark gained popularity across various sports industries in Japan, becoming an iconic catchphrase.
A Vision for Future Generations
Kinoshita Group’s president, Naoya Kinoshita, expressed his hopes for Asada’s coaching endeavors: “It would be wonderful if you could develop skaters capable of competing at the Olympics perhaps in 2034 or beyond.”
With the Academy, Asada now seeks to guide the next generation of skaters, blending her unparalleled experience, innovative training methods, and commitment to figure skating’s continued growth. This marks an exciting new chapter for one of the sport’s legendary figures.
Asada also shared heartfelt words on Instagram as she announced her transition into coaching through the newly launched “Kinoshita Mao Academy” and “Kinoshita Mao Club.” In her post, Asada expressed gratitude for the opportunity and outlined her aspirations for this new chapter in her life.
“To everyone who has always supported me,
I am delighted to announce that the Kinoshita Group has established both the ‘Kinoshita Mao Academy’ and ‘Kinoshita Mao Club.’ I will be taking a significant step forward in my journey as a coach. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to President Kinoshita and everyone at the Kinoshita Group for providing me with such a wonderful opportunity.
As I step into this role as a coach, I feel the weight of its responsibility every day. While this has been a long-held dream of mine coming to fruition, I am deeply joyful to take this step toward a new beginning.
I understand that with this new challenge, there will likely be difficulties along the way. However, I believe that life is a continuous opportunity to learn, with no end to gaining new knowledge and insights. Through every experience, I hope to grow as a person.
I aim to carefully guide each student, taking the time to connect with them as individuals. My hope is that through the ‘Kinoshita Mao Academy’ and ‘Kinoshita Mao Club,’ these young athletes will develop into strong individuals who can soar toward the future.
I would be truly grateful if you could continue to watch over me warmly as I take this next step. Thank you very much for your support moving forward.
Sincerely,
Mao Asada”
Related topics: Mao Asada
Leave a Reply