Mai Mihara: “Skating has always been a part of my life, and though there were many ups and downs – maybe more downs than ups – the happiness I felt was always strong, and I think my competitive career was filled with joy.”
Mai Mihara, who announced her retirement at the end of last season, reflects on her 18-year skating career, her struggles with illness, the support she received, and her hopes for the future as a professional skater and coach.
original source: Arena Digital dd. 28th February 2026 by Momoki Osaki
Mai Mihara, who announced her retirement at the end of last season, spent her 18-year skating career battling juvenile idiopathic arthritis, inspiring many with her perseverance on the ice. Although her Olympic dream did not come true, she quietly reflected on her journey devoted to skating. Here’s a translation of her comments.
“Q: You were born in Kobe in 1999 and are now 26. During your career, you won the Four Continents Championships twice, claimed the Grand Prix Final, and competed at Worlds twice, helping Japan secure Olympic spots. However, due to illness and injuries, you were unable to compete at the Olympics. Can you tell us about your decision to retire at the end of last year?
Mai Mihara: I had a strong desire to keep aiming higher, but at the same time, I felt frustrated that my body couldn’t keep up. I’m grateful for being able to skate for 18 years, and I posted on my official Instagram that I wanted to give my best performance at Nationals as the culmination of my competitive career. I think I made the decision to retire in early December last year.
Q: At the Japanese Nationals in December, you delivered a flawless performance that brought the audience to its feet. After your skate, you buried your face in the ice.
Mai Mihara: That day, even before my performance began, I could hear so much cheering, see the wonderful banners and towels fans had made, and felt so much support and applause. I was very nervous before I started, but being in such a happy space blew those nerves away, and I began skating with a feeling of “Thank you so much!!”
With every successful jump, I received big applause and cheers, and I was able to skate to the end feeling “I’m so happy.” As I spun at the end, I heard so many cheers that tears welled up, and after my final pose, I couldn’t hold them back. I wondered if it was a dream, and I etched that moment deep in my heart.
Q: Have you ever had such an experience before?
Mai Mihara: There were times I almost cried during performances, but never to the point where my vision blurred with tears like that day.
Whenever I skate, I always want to reach even the people in the highest seats, so I look up at the ceiling or direct my gaze upward, wanting to express myself fully. Before performing, I have a routine of going up to the top of the stands to look at the rink, and I always skate hoping my feelings reach everyone in the audience and those watching on TV.
At my last Japanese Nationals, my coach Sonoko Nakano, who had guided me for 18 years, said to me “Go as strong-hearted Mai Mihara.” She always gives me a pat on the back before I skate, but that day she told me, “Finish your jumps strong and go for it until the end.”
After my performance, when I returned to the rinkside, Coach Nakano looked around the arena and said, “Look at all this support, the wonderful banners, and the applause – take it all in.” I hope my performance was at least a small way to repay the coaches who have supported me since I was little.
During practice for the Nationals, especially right after December began, I often reflected on my skating life, and many emotions welled up. There were many moments when tears overflowed during step practice.
When I pictured the audience at Nationals, the scene before me would suddenly turn blue. The venue’s color scheme has always been blue, which I love, and I felt deeply moved, thinking, “Ah, so this is what it’s like.” As I skated to the music, that image would come to mind. I’d count how many more times I could skate at my home rink before Nationals, and think about how many more days I’d skate with my team, and I’d get teary-eyed. I feel I spent unforgettable times.
Q: The winner of Nationals earned a spot at the Milano-Cortina Olympics, but you finished 10th and missed out.
Mai Mihara: Of course, I had strong feelings about the Milano-Cortina Olympics, but my main goal was to give my best performance at Nationals.
After missing out on the Beijing Olympics four years ago, I was really, really down. I made mistakes in the actual competition, and I was frustrated with myself for not having enough ability.
But that frustration drove me to practice hard, and I was able to give my best at the Four Continents and Grand Prix Final, which led to good results. Being able to experience so many emotions through skating made my career a truly happy one.
Q: How do you feel about not making it to the Olympics?
Mai Mihara: I do feel a lot of regret. But it also shows how deep the field is in Japan, which is a wonderful thing. I’ve always been inspired by the beautiful performances and strong spirits of my fellow skaters. I cheered with all my heart for everyone at the Milano-Cortina Olympics.
Q: You started skating after seeing Mao Asada on TV in second grade. Now, Asada has retired and is energetically involved in projects like creating the “MAO RINK TACHIKAWA TACHIHI.” What is your relationship with her?
Mai Mihara: Mao-san always cheers me on with a strong “Do your best!” and I remember her words during tough times. Those who have stood on the Olympic stage have all overcome truly hard days. I’ve been deeply moved by all of them.
Q: You’re starting a new chapter in your skating life.
Mai Mihara: I really want to perform in ice shows as a professional skater, and in the future, I’d like to work as a coach or choreographer. Right now, I’m practicing every day so I can appear in ice shows. I’m also gradually helping out at the figure skating school (Sysmex Kobe Ice Campus).
My role models as coaches are Sonoko Nakano and Mitsuko Graham.
For 18 years, they taught me not only skating skills but also important life lessons, and it was always a warm place. I hope I can become a coach who creates that kind of environment.
Q: Coach Nakano is known for being strict, but can you be strict too?
Mai Mihara: (Laughs) Hmm, I’m not sure… (laughs). Coach Nakano always seems to scold Kao-chan (Kaori Sakamoto), but she rarely gets angry with me. I feel she tailors her guidance to each skater.
During tough times, Coach Nakano would say, “Mai will be fine,” with real conviction. When she encouraged me, she’d say, “You can do it!” and those words always stayed with me.
In the 2019–20 season, I had to step away from the ice due to health issues. Even then, Coach Nakano told me, “Mai is strong, so you’ll come back. I’ll be waiting for you on the ice.” At the time, it felt like I was in darkness, but after going through that, I came to appreciate the happiness of being able to train every day. I’m filled with gratitude for everyone who supported me.
Meeting skating made me stronger, and I was able to meet so many people who warmly supported me – my coaches, teammates, and everyone who sent me kind letters.
Skating has always been a part of my life, and though there were many ups and downs – maybe more downs than ups – the happiness I felt was always strong, and I think my competitive career was filled with joy.
I am who I am today because of the warm support and encouragement from so many people.”
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