“He asked me, ‘What are you aiming for?’ and with serious eyes said, ‘I’m aiming for the Olympics.’ I hesitated to say my goal, but I was able to say, ‘Me too – the Olympics.’” Yuna Nagaoka and Sumitada Moriguchi
Yuna Nagaoka and Sumitada Moriguchi, shared their journey, mutual respect, and determination to win a medal at their first Olympics, aiming to make history for Japanese pairs skating.
original source: Nikkansports 1st. January 2026
The figure skating pair known as “Yunasumi” – Yuna Nagaoka (20) and Sumitada Moriguchi (24) spoke in a New Year’s interview about their resolve to contend for a medal at the Milano-Cortina Olympics in February. For the first time, Japan will have multiple pairs competing at the Olympics, including world champions Riku Miura (24) and Ryuichi Kihara (33). Here’s a translation of their comments.
On Their Progress and Partnership
Yunasumi has been making remarkable strides. In September, they secured Japan’s second Olympic spot at the final qualifier, and in December, they scored 215.30 points at Nationals – about 4.83 points higher than last season’s World Championship bronze medal score.
Yuna Nagaoka: “I never imagined we’d score 215 points in our third year together. I think that’s something to be proud of.”
The two first skated together in April 2023 at a trial held by the Japan Skating Federation in Osaka. Moriguchi, an experienced skater, was impressed by Nagaoka’s dedication, even though she was new to pairs.
Sumitada Moriguchi: “She’s incredibly earnest. Her smile is so bright and genuine.”
They officially formed their pair in May. Nagaoka, who switched from singles, initially found Moriguchi intimidating due to his posture and aura, but her impression changed after an early conversation.
Yuna Nagaoka: “Sumikun asked me, ‘What are you aiming for?’ and with serious eyes said, ‘I’m aiming for the Olympics.’ I hesitated to say my goal, but I was able to say, ‘Me too – the Olympics.’”
On Their Strengths and Training
Before their second season, they watched videos of all pairs from the Beijing Olympics and spent hours each day practicing, determined to create incredible moves together.
Yuna Nagaoka: “He moves so fast, and that makes our whole performance look better.”
Sumitada Moriguchi: “She trusts me and always performs with a big smile. I don’t think there’s another skater who smiles as much as she does.”
Mutual Respect and Teamwork
Sumitada Moriguchi: “I need breaks to keep going, but Yuna is the most earnest person I know. Even when she’s tired, she goes for a run or does core training whenever she has time. She thinks about skating all day long.”
Yuna Nagaoka: “Sumikun is diligent and positive. He’ll say, ‘I watched a video of so-and-so today, so things will go well,’ and it lifts my spirits.”
If You Were Animals…
Yuna Nagaoka: “Sumikun is a cheetah in competition – so fast and powerful in his jumps. In daily life, he’s more like a sloth (laughs).”
Sumitada Moriguchi: “Yuna is a rabbit. She actually has a pet rabbit at home, and she bounces with joy when she’s happy (laughs).”
Olympic Goals and Determination
In Milan, they aim to follow Miura and Kihara’s seventh-place finish at the Beijing Games and push for a medal.
Sumitada Moriguchi: “If we’re going to the Olympics, we have to aim for a medal. It’s a bold statement, but I want to stand on the podium with our seniors, Rikuryu.”
Yuna Nagaoka: “I think we can score even higher. If we’re competing at the Olympics, it’s only natural to aim for the top. With high ambitions, I want to deliver great performances, great scores, and great results.”
Related topics: Sumitada Moriguchi, Yuna Nagaoka
Leave a Reply