Kazuki Tomono: “I dreamed of breaking my skate’s hook and being laughed at during the competition. I’m happy that I’m having nightmares this early in the season because it means I’m preparing.”
Kazuki Tomono Shines at Kinki Championships as He Focuses on Olympic Dreams
original source: Nikkansports, October 4th, 2025 / Nikkansports, October 5th, 2025 by Matsumoto Wataru
Kazuki Tomono delivered a strong performance at the Kinki Championships, earning first place in both the short program and free skate, with a total score of 237.63 points. As he sets his sights on the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics, Tomono discussed his new costume, mental preparedness, and aspirations to excel in the upcoming Grand Prix Series and national selection for the Olympics. Here’s a translation of his comments posted on Nikkansports.
Kazuki Tomono (27) kicked off the Kinki Championships at the Kinoshita Academy Kyoto Ice Arena with a strong showing in the short program, securing first place with 81.51 points despite falling on his quadruple salchow. He successfully landed a quadruple-double toe loop combination and a triple axel.
“I was able to finish my performance feeling really happy emotionally,” Tomono said with a smile. Reflecting on the short program, he noted areas for improvement: “Even with mistakes like the one on my jump, I want to aim for a level of quality where I can achieve close to 90 points.”
Tomono debuted a new costume during the competition, featuring a light purple top and navy bottom, designed by an overseas designer. “It has a sheer look that emphasizes the lines of the body, with a touch of sexiness and a ‘North American’ vibe. It’s simple but showcases the body,” he explained. “I asked for something that would feel like part of my body while being gorgeous.”
Having competed in several events this season – including the Summer Cup in early August and the Nebelhorn Trophy in Germany – Tomono is gaining momentum ahead of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics. Three spots are available for Japan’s men’s Olympic team, and the All-Japan Championships in December will play a critical role in the selection process.
Reflecting on his physical readiness, Tomono shared: “I’m in a place where my body can handle even a last-minute hard push toward the finish line. Last year, I rushed into training too quickly and ended up getting injured. Now I feel prepared to go full throttle whenever needed.”
On the second day of the Kinki Championships, Tomono maintained his lead, taking first place in the free skate with 156.12 points and earning a total score of 237.63 points. He landed three quad jumps – two toe loops and one salchow – and completed all seven jumps in his program, despite one minor rotational issue.
“I was aiming for a targeted performance,” Tomono said. “Landing the three quads took shape, and for now, I feel relieved.”
As Tomono fights for his first Olympic appearance at Milano-Cortina in 2026, the pressure of the season is beginning to build. He humorously revealed that he dreamed of breaking his skate’s hook and being laughed at while standing in the rink during the competition. “I dreamt that I couldn’t participate because of it. I had a dream that someone pointed at me on the ice and laughed at me,” he said. Despite the stress, he remains optimistic: “I’m happy that I’m having nightmares this early in the season because it means I’m preparing.”
Tomono, whose best result at the World Championships is 5th place, is determined to make a mark in the Grand Prix Series. “I’ve never qualified for the Final through either juniors or seniors. This time, I want to go into each Grand Prix event with determination and make it count.”
Looking toward the Olympic qualification race culminating in December’s All-Japan Championships in Tokyo, Tomono expressed his commitment: “What’s important is to spend each day in a way that I feel was the most effort I’ve ever given in my life. I want to practice so much that my coach has to tell me to stop.”
Tomono is set to compete in the upcoming Grand Prix Series at Skate Canada (October 31 – November 2 in Saskatoon) and Skate America (November 14–16 in Lake Placid).
Related topics: Kazuki Tomono
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