Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara: “Last year, we pushed ourselves too hard mentally, wanting to surpass our silver-medal from 2024. This year, we’re approaching things more calmly, knowing that one imperfect performance won’t undo the progress we’ve made.”
Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara Begin Olympic Season With Victory at Kinoshita Group Trophy
original source: number.bunshun.jp dd. September 18th 2025 by Yoshie Noguchi
Japanese pairs team Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara started their Olympic season strongly at the Kinoshita Group Trophy, demonstrating refined programs and a confident mindset as they aim for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Here’s a translation of their comments posted on Sports Graphic Number Web.
The duo made significant planning efforts during the offseason, which allowed them to refine their programs and focus on building emotional resilience. Miura reflected on this preparation:
“This summer, we followed our planned schedule perfectly, and we approached training with a sense of confidence and calm.” Kihara echoed her sentiment, adding: “We’ve had a great summer of training, and we feel ready for the challenges ahead.”
The pair chose to continue developing their short program, skated to Paint It Black, with choreographer Shae-Lynn Bourne. The program underwent detailed adjustments during the offseason, including online coaching sessions and meticulous advice shared with their home rink coaches. Kihara explained:
“Last season, we refined the program online, but this year we explained the concept to Shae-Lynn in-person and recorded detailed feedback to share with our coaches. This deepened our understanding of the music’s nuances and elevated our performance.”
Miura celebrated the moment after completing the program: “While kneeling in the final pose, I felt confident enough to strike a victory pose right away. It was such an exhilarating moment.” Kihara added, jokingly: “I didn’t plan on joining in the victory pose, but seeing Riku do it, I thought, ‘Why not?’”
Despite minor imperfections, they adopted a positive mindset informed by last season’s struggles. Kihara reflected: “Last year, I pushed myself too hard mentally, especially after wanting to surpass our silver-medal season from 2023–24. This year, we’re approaching things more calmly, knowing that one imperfect performance won’t undo the progress we’ve made.”
Their free skate portrays themes of resilience and self-discovery, set to the soundtrack of the film Gladiator – a long-desired choice. Kihara explained their connection to the music:
“We’ve always loved this piece. Listening to it during car rides made us feel energized, and we decided it was the perfect fit for this season. However, instead of emphasizing the battle theme, Marie-France Dubreuil, our choreographer, helped us reinterpret it as a representation of forging our own path.”
Miura emphasized their ability to connect the theme to their personal journey: “We’ve faced tough times and overcome many challenges, and we channel those experiences into this program.”
Kihara shared the challenges behind their final lift: “Adding the lift during the choreographic sequence requires immense physical effort. By the time we reach it, my legs are already exhausted, so lifting Riku twice – first from a crouched position and then transferring her onto my shoulders – requires precise timing and strength.”
After completing the free skate, Kihara collapsed to the ice, catching his breath amidst a roar of applause, while Miura embraced him and tapped his back reassuringly.
Establishing themselves in the 220-point range this early in the season was a first for the pair, who nearly matched their personal best of 226.05. Reflecting on their progress, Kihara stated:
“Even with mistakes, we’re starting to achieve consistent high scores. Building from this early stage will allow us to steadily step up throughout the season.” Miura added: “We’re confident that the work we put in this summer was exactly what we needed. We’re committed to maintaining it moving forward.”
With their season underway, Miura and Kihara are setting their sights on the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics for their second Olympic appearance together. Miura humorously concluded: “By Milan, I hope I can strike another victory pose in the final lift of our free skate – and choreograph it into the program!”
Related topics: Riku Miura Ryuichi Kihara
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