Ryuichi Kihara: “I didn’t think I’d cry right from the start [of press conference], but when we were sent off by our team president, it just hit me. We’ve been together for seven years, and I started remembering everything from when I first began skating.”
World champion pair Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara held an emotional retirement press conference, reflecting on their journey, their Olympic gold, and announcing their transition to professional skating.
original source: Nikkansports 28th April 2026 / Nikkansports 28th April 2026 / Nikkansports 28th April 2026
Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara held a retirement press conference, expressing deep gratitude for each other and announcing their plans to continue as professional skaters. Here’s a translation of their comments posted on Nikkansports.
Around 200 members of the press from 75 media outlets and 30 TV cameras gathered for the event. As Miura began, “On this occasion, we…” Kihara was in tears within three seconds. Miura laughed and said, “Don’t cry, don’t cry,” before reaffirming, “From the very beginning, we were able to keep going thanks to the support of so many people. We gave it our all,” declaring a sense of fulfillment.
Kihara, his voice trembling as he greeted everyone, was asked about the reason for his tears, especially since both are usually so well-prepared. He explained, “It’s true, we practiced for the press conference in advance. Riku even brought notes. I didn’t think I’d cry right from the start, but when we were sent off by our team president, Ms. Kobayashi from the federation, and our manager backstage, it just hit me,” he said with a shy smile.
Miura, surprised, said, “Isn’t it a bit early to cry?” Kihara explained, “We’ve been together for seven years, and I started remembering everything from when I first began skating.”
At the Milan-Cortina Olympics in February, the pair dropped to fifth after the short program, and Kihara cried then as well. On this day, Miura again played the “big sister” role, saying, “I think there will be many moments when we cry remembering everything. I’ve gotten a reputation for being tearful. I guess I’ve ended up being the one to lead us.”
Reflecting on their journey, the two expressed their gratitude to each other. Miura recalled a message she wrote on a fan during the team event at the Milan-Cortina Olympics in February: “Thank you for partnering with me,” “Right now, we’re the strongest we’ve ever been,” and “Let’s believe in ourselves and finish with smiles and speed, just like Rikuryu.” She shared, “I cried while writing it,” and added, “Kihara’s words also supported me. These seven years have been an irreplaceable time, allowing me to grow not only as an athlete but also as a person.”
Kihara, in turn, said, “If Riku hadn’t reached out to me in 2019, I think I would have retired. I was able to come this far because it was with Miura. I truly met the best partner. I’m just full of gratitude.”
In response to the final question from reporters – what word best symbolizes their skating careers – the two both gave the same answer.
Miura said, “For both of us, I think the word is ‘effort.’ We built up so much along the way, and after forming our pair, we made efforts for each other. Because we overcame hardships together, it led to our Olympic gold medal,” she reflected.
Hearing this, Kihara looked as if to confirm something, and Miura asked with a smile, “Is it the same?” Kihara nodded, “It’s the same for me – ‘effort.’ We’ve seen each other’s hard work, and without it, we wouldn’t be sitting here now,” he said.
Related topics: Riku Miura Ryuichi Kihara
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