Mone Chiba: “The SP has elements of Japanese traditional dance and the beauty of antiquity. As for the FS skate, I feel that the classical music fits well with my skating style.”
Mone Chiba unveils new Programs for the Olympic season.
original source: Nikkansports dd. June 14th 2025
Mone Chiba (20), the bronze medalist at the World Championships in March, held a public practice at the Kinoshita Academy Kyoto Ice Arena on June 18. During this session, she announced her new programs for the upcoming season, which will culminate in the Milano-Cortina Olympics in February next year. Here’s a translation of her comments.
Chiba’s short program (SP) will be set to the orchestral version of the traditional Japanese folk song “Sakura Sakura,” and her free skate will feature “Romeo and Juliet.” The choreography for her programs comes from renowned talents: her SP was created by Guillaume Cizeron, the Olympic ice dance gold medalist at the 2022 Beijing Games, and her free skate was choreographed by world-famous choreographer Lori Nichol.
“The SP has elements of Japanese traditional dance and the beauty of antiquity, while also incorporating contemporary and unique movements. I hope I can express those contrasts. As for the free skate, I feel that the classical music fits well with my skating style, and I really like it,” Chiba said with a smile.
Eyes on the Olympics
The Olympic season, officially begins in July. As a strong contender for her first Olympic team spot, Chiba remains humble: “Even though I ranked third at the World Championships, I still consider myself standing on the same starting line as everyone else. I’ll continue to work hard.”
Chiba credits her coach Mie Hamada, under whom she has trained since spring 2023, for shaping her mindset: “Coach Hamada told me, ‘Not only are those with skill chosen for the Olympics, but the truly strong are selected.’ With that in mind, I believe I must press forward with a strong will.”
Looking Ahead to the New Season
Chiba’s first competition of the season will be the Summer Cup, held August 9–12 at Shiga Prefectural Ice Arena. With determination, she stated: “I want to put my soul into every moment—into every jump, competition, program, and movement. I hope to showcase the best parts of myself in every performance.”
Related topics: Mone Chiba
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