Ami Nakai: “The tone of my short and free programs will be different, but for the short program, I plan to try a genre I’ve never done before. I’m thinking of doing a tango-style short program.”
Olympic bronze medalist Ami Nakai shared her plans to challenge new musical styles in her programs for the upcoming season at her high school’s celebration event.
original source: Hochi News dd. 1st May 2026 / Hochi News dd. 1st May 2026 / Hochi News dd. 1st May 2026
Ami Nakai, who won the bronze medal in women’s figure skating at the Milan-Cortina Olympics in February, attended a celebration at Yushi International High School in Nagareyama, Chiba, on the May 1st. Here’s a translation of her comments.
When congratulated on turning 18 on April 27, she said, “I was so busy that I suddenly realized I had turned 18, but when I went to the rink, people congratulated me, and that’s when it hit me – oh, I’m 18 now. Since I’ve turned 18, I want to live with more responsibility and greater self-awareness,” she stated as her goal.
The celebration was attended by 231 people, including current students and fans, and her costumes from this season were displayed on stage. Wearing her Japan team uniform and bronze medal around her neck, she said, “I was able to truly feel once again how many people are supporting me,” expressing her gratitude. “At the previous send-off event, I didn’t think I’d be able to bring back a medal. I went to the Olympics determined to give it my all, and as a result, I was able to win a medal, which makes me really happy,” she said with her trademark charming smile.
During a talk show, she answered questions from current students and, when asked about the Olympic venue, replied with a smile, “It was sparkling.” When asked about a reward for herself after winning the bronze medal, she said, “I haven’t really thought about it yet,” but added shyly, “I’d like to go to Korea since I like K-POP.”
When asked about her preparations for the next season, she said, “The tone of my short and free programs will be different, but for the short program, I plan to try a genre I’ve never done before. I’m thinking of doing a tango-style short program,” revealing that the choreography is being handled by a Korean choreographer.
As for the free skate, it is being choreographed by David Wilson, who also worked on her short program this season. “It’s already finished, and it has a somewhat bright feel with a mix of different musical styles,” she said.
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