“It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that we have made the decision to end our partnership.” Japanese ice dancers Azusa Tanaka and Shingo Nishiyama announce partnership split
Japanese ice dancers Azusa Tanaka and Shingo Nishiyama announce partnership split; Tanaka retires from competitive skating
original source: Nikkansports dd. July 11th 2025 / Instagram
Azusa Tanaka (19) and Shingo Nishiyama (23), a highly anticipated ice dance duo known as “Azushin,” have unexpectedly announced the termination of their partnership. The news, shared through their respective social media accounts on July 11. Here’s a translation of their comments posted on Nikkansports.
Nishiyama wrote in his statement, “Azusa Tanaka and I have made the decision to dissolve our partnership. It was an incredible joy to form an ice dance team with a magnificent skater like Azusa and to compete together. I deeply treasure the time we shared.”
Alongside announcing their split, Tanaka revealed she will be retiring from competitive skating altogether. The pair, who began skating together in 2023 after Nishiyama’s persistent efforts to build the team, trained in Montreal, Canada. Despite being in their debut season as partners, they already represented Japan in the Four Continents Championships.
Last season, Tanaka endured extended periods without training due to a rib injury but still managed to secure second place at the Japanese National Championships for two consecutive years. This February, the duo earned a bronze medal at the Winter Asian Games in Harbin, China, which positioned them as strong contenders for Japan’s Olympic team at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Games. They were also designated as development athletes by the Japan Skating Federation.
However, signs of trouble emerged last month when Tanaka and Nishiyama withdrew from the “Dreams on Ice” exhibition in Yokohama, citing medical advice. While they had been listed to compete at the Grand Prix NHK Trophy this November, the announcement of their split comes just as the pivotal third season was set to begin.
In his heartfelt message to their supporters, Nishiyama expressed gratitude for the encouragement they had received as a pair.
“Thank you always for your warm support.
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you, Azusa Tanaka and Shingo Nishiyama, have made the decision to dissolve our partnership. We were just moving forward into the new season, and we deeply regret announcing this in such a manner. We are truly sorry for not being able to meet the expectations of everyone who has supported and stood by us.
The support we received as Team Tanaka-Nishiyama has meant so much to us. Seeing the “Azushin” banners at competitions always gave us courage and strength. We have been able to push forward as a team thanks to the support of Oriental Bio Corporation, our fans, and the Japan Skating Federation. We are sincerely grateful to all of you.
It was a true blessing to form an ice dance team and compete alongside such an incredible skater as Azusa. The time we spent competing together brought me great happiness. While there were many challenges, we overcame them together. Azusa trusted me enough to come to Montreal to train and compete with me – an experience I will always treasure. I am filled with gratitude for everything she has done. Azusa, thank you so much.
I plan to continue pursuing my career in ice dance. I hope to steadily work toward my competitive return, step by step.
Finally, I want to thank everyone who has supported “Azushin” until now. Your encouragement has meant the world to us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Nishiyama confirmed his intention to continue in ice dance and expressed a commitment to steadily work toward his competitive return. Meanwhile, Tanaka’s retirement marks the end of her journey in competitive figure skating.
Related topics: Azusa Tanaka, Shingo Nishiyama
I’m not really into ice dancing that much and I’ve never heard of this couple, but I feel bad, especially for the male partner who worked so hard.