Yuna Nagaoka and Sumitada Moriguchi: “Mistakes are part of skating, but we’re in a good position with the score we earned. We’ll channel everything we’ve got into our performance and claim the spot we’re aiming for.
Yuna Nagaoka and Sumitada Moriguchi Reflect on Short Program Performance and Prepare for Free Skate in Olympic Quest
original source: Nikkansports, September 19th, 2025 by Wataru Matsumoto
The pair of Yuna Nagaoka (20) and Sumitada Moriguchi (23), collectively known by their nickname “Yunasumi” participated in official practice ahead of their quest to secure a second entry spot for Japan in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Here’s a translation of their comments posted on Nikkansports.
“Q: What are your honest thoughts on today’s performance?
Yuna Nagaoka: The biggest feeling is frustration. In practice, we’ve been able to skate clean, so my goal was to replicate that here in competition. Unfortunately, I failed the side-by-side jump, which really stung. But since the point gap between first and third isn’t too big, I’ll stay hopeful, reset mentally, and tackle the free skate with everything I’ve got.
Sumitada Moriguchi: There were mistakes, but our score wasn’t bad, and we’re still in contention. Tomorrow, our goal is to show everything we’re capable of and secure the qualification spot.
Q: You recovered well after the fall and managed to secure levels on key elements. How did you reset mentally during the program?
Yuna Nagaoka: After the fall on the loop and not being able to land the throw salchow cleanly on one foot, I told myself, “We have to make sure we at least secure the levels.” For example, during the lift, I focused on quickly releasing my hands to grab my leg. In the back-inside death spiral, while it started a bit shaky, Sumi-kun really held on and kept us steady, allowing us to achieve Level 3. I also paid extra attention to the turns in the step sequence to avoid making unnecessary mistakes. I think the fact that we didn’t lose out on levels was a positive takeaway.
Q: Your PCS (Program Component Score) was rated the highest. How do you feel about that?
Sumitada Moriguchi: Really? That’s amazing! (laughs) It’s encouraging to hear, and we’ll make sure we’re fully prepared for tomorrow.”
Looking Ahead to the Free Skate
Japan has already secured one Olympic pair spot thanks to the efforts of Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, the reigning World Champions from the Kinoshita Group. Now, Nagaoka and Moriguchi aim to secure a second pair spot in what will be a critical free skate on September 20.
Moriguchi stressed their focus and determination: “Mistakes are part of skating, but we’re in a good position with the score we earned. Tomorrow, we’ll channel everything we’ve got into our performance and claim the spot we’re aiming for.”
Related topics: Sumitada Moriguchi, Yuna Nagaoka
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