Yuma Kagiyama: “To achieve goals and dreams, the most effective path is steady progress. I’ve learned from experience that by tackling tasks one step at a time, you can carve out a clear path, all the way to Milan.”
Yuma Kagiyama Reflects on Achievements and Prepares for Olympic Season
original source: Nikkansports, October 1st, 2025 by Katsube Kota / Hochi News
Yuma Kagiyama is gearing up for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, focusing on steady progress (“Step by Step”) during the 2025–26 season. Here’s a translation of his comments posted on Nikkansports and Hochi News.
On October 1, Japan’s national team members attended a press conference in Tokyo marking the start of the 2025–26 figure skating season. Among them was Yuma Kagiyama (22), who is entering an Olympic season with his sights set on qualifying for his second Winter Games at Milan-Cortina 2026. Kagiyama revealed the theme for his season: “Step by Step” – a mantra that embodies his methodical and patient approach to achieving his goals.
Reflecting on his approach, Kagiyama emphasized the importance of breaking down challenges and focusing on incremental improvement:
“To achieve goals and dreams, the most effective path is steady progress. I’ve learned from experience that by tackling tasks one step at a time, you can carve out a clear path, all the way to Milan.”
Kagiyama opened the season in July by competing in regional events, using these smaller competitions to gain experience and ease back into peak form. Most recently, he participated in the Lombardia Trophy, part of the Challenger Series, finishing second despite grappling with left ankle pain.
“Day by day, my condition is improving. Mentally and physically, I feel less stressed now. Being in a state where I can fully push myself in skating is something I’m very grateful for,” he said.
Determined to sharpen his technical edge, Kagiyama detailed his plans to incorporate quads into his upcoming competitive programs, starting with the Western Japan Collegiate Championships (October 17–19):
“I want to include two quad toe loops and carefully evaluate whether to add the quad flip, depending on my condition.”
While the men’s singles field is stacked with top-tier athletes like Ilia Malinin (USA), Kazakhstani Shaidarov, and Frenchman Adam Siao Him Fa – known for their mastery of quad jumps – Kagiyama leans on his strengths: expressive performance and impeccable skating skills.
“I never doubt the path I’m on. I want to always look forward and rise higher,” he said.
This season, Kagiyama is set to compete in two Grand Prix Series events: the NHK Trophy (Osaka, November 7–9) and the Finland Trophy (November 21–23). With the local Grand Prix Final scheduled for December in Aichi, Kagiyama is eager to qualify for this world-class competition held in his home country.
“When I think back to the canceled Osaka GP Final in 2020 due to the pandemic, I remember feeling frustrated. But now, I’m motivated by the opportunity to compete in such a prestigious event locally. I hope to qualify through strong performances at the two GP events and continue moving forward steadily.”
Reflecting on his growth from previous competitions, Kagiyama noted improvements in spins, components (PCS), and overall performance.
“As I head into the GP Series, there’s still much I can accomplish, like improving my quad flip and refining other areas of my skating. By building solid training, I aim to achieve my best condition for the critical competitions ahead.”
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