Shingo Nishiyama: “I want to help Rika stand at the center of the podium at Nationals. That’s where she belongs. I want to work hard so we can get there as soon as possible.”
Rika Kihira and Shingo Nishiyama about the upcoming Japanese Nationals.
original source: Hochi News dd. 13th December 2025
Rika Kihira and Shingo Nishiyama, newly formed as an ice dance pair, share their determination and hopes for their first Nationals together, aiming for the 2030 Olympics. Here’s a translation of their comments posted on Hochi News.
Kihira: “Rather than feeling like I’m coming back, it feels like I’m starting a new challenge. I’m really happy to have a new goal to work toward, and I’m enjoying it right now.”
Nishiyama: “I want to help Rika-chan stand at the center of the podium at Nationals. That’s where she belongs. I want to work hard so we can get there as soon as possible.”
Both have overcome hardships. Kihira missed two seasons due to a right ankle injury and still isn’t fully recovered this season, leading her to give up on the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. In July, Nishiyama suddenly announced the end of his partnership with Azusa Tanaka, leaving him alone in an Olympic season. However, since they were both based in Canada, they hit it off and found new hope.
Kihira: “It used to be normal for me to spend every day working toward a goal, but when my injury wouldn’t heal, I started thinking negatively and became gloomy. But I think that’s proof I never stopped facing my challenges. Now, being able to work toward a goal and feel myself growing every day is something I’m truly grateful for, especially after that time.”
Nishiyama: “After my previous partnership ended, I was lost all summer. I couldn’t give up on my Olympic dream, but I also wondered if I’d ever find a new partner. I felt like I was thrown into darkness. Just being able to compete this season feels like a miracle. I’m really grateful to Rika-chan, and I’m glad we found this connection.”
At the Western Japan Championships, Kihira actually competed in singles skates. It was an unusual challenge, as they had only been a pair for about a month.
Nishiyama: “It was my first time having a partner compete in singles boots. In ice dance, you have to stay close together, so there’s a risk of the blades hitting each other. But Rika-chan is so diligent – she studies videos and picks things up quickly. Her growth is so fast, it made things easier for me.”
They finished third at the Western Japan Championships, ending their Olympic hopes for this cycle. However their challenge for the dream stage continues.
Nishiyama: “Standing at the top at Nationals is the first step. Our ultimate goal is to compete at the 2030 Olympics. We want to work hard for the next four years.”
Kihira: “I want to learn everything I can so I can compete in ice dance. I want to quickly reach a level where I can make Nishiyama’s strengths shine even more. The biggest goal is the Olympics. I want to steadily build toward 2030.”
Related topics: Rika Kihira, Shingo Nishiyama
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