The athlete (23), who won silver medals in both the team and individual events at Milan Cortina, was awarded a sports honor award on the 13th in a city where he spent his middle and high school years. Attending the ceremony, the athlete beamed, saying, “Yokohama holds all of my skating youth, both joyful and painful memories. I am very happy to receive this award.”
The athlete graduated from a municipal junior high school and Seisa International High School, and used an ice arena as his training base. He reflected that the rigorous training during those six years of junior and senior high school helped him grow as both a person and a skater, leading to later medals.
Regarding his announced break for the 2026-27 season in April, he said, “I won’t compete in tournaments, but I want to try various things like ice shows and promotional activities. I think of it as a preparation period for what’s next, so I want to store up a lot of energy.”
On the same day, there was also a retirement press conference for a senior in the same field (26). He said he watched the press conference online before the ceremony, and revealed, “He is truly a wonderful person who never puts on airs, someone I aspire to be like as both a person and a skater.” He added, “It’s a bit sad, but I want to work harder so I can become a presence like him.”
Regarding the surprise announcement of his marriage, he said he was told about it when they met about a month ago. “I was surprised, but I thought, ‘That’s nice.’ I don’t have that desire myself right now,” he laughed.
Milan Cortina
Milan Cortina refers to the joint Italian bid for the 2026 Winter Olympics, with events hosted across Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Cortina previously hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics, while Milan brings its reputation as a global fashion and economic hub. The partnership combines Cortina’s historic alpine sports legacy with Milan’s modern infrastructure, marking a unique collaboration between a major city and a mountain resort.
Yokohama
Yokohama is Japan’s second-largest city and a major port, located just south of Tokyo. Its modern history began in 1859 when it was opened as one of the first international ports, rapidly transforming from a small fishing village into a hub of foreign trade and Western influence. Today, it is known for its vibrant Chinatown, the iconic Landmark Tower, and the Minato Mirai waterfront district, reflecting its blend of historical significance and contemporary culture.
Seisa International High School
Seisa International High School is a private institution in Japan known for its innovative, student-centered educational approach that emphasizes self-directed learning and international perspectives. Established in 2004, it was founded as part of the Seisa Group’s efforts to offer alternative schooling options, focusing on creativity and global awareness. The school has since gained recognition for its unique curriculum, which combines project-based learning with a supportive environment aimed at fostering independence and critical thinking.
Milan Cortina
Milan Cortina refers to the joint Italian bid to host the 2026 Winter Olympics, combining the historic fashion and financial capital of Milan with the renowned Alpine ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Cortina previously hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956, while Milan will contribute its modern sports venues and urban infrastructure. The partnership aims to blend tradition and innovation, showcasing Italy’s rich sporting heritage and breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Yokohama
Yokohama is Japan’s second-largest city and a major port located just south of Tokyo. It played a pivotal role in the country’s modernization after the 1859 opening of its port to foreign trade, rapidly transforming from a small fishing village into a cosmopolitan hub. The city is known for its historic Western-style buildings in the Yamate district, the vibrant Chinatown, and the iconic Landmark Tower, reflecting its blend of international and Japanese culture.
Seisa International High School
Seisa International High School is a private school in Japan known for its progressive, student-centered educational approach, emphasizing self-directed learning and international perspectives. Founded in 2004 by the Seisa Group, it offers a unique curriculum that blends Japanese and international elements, preparing students for global challenges. The school is part of a broader network of Seisa institutions that prioritize creativity, critical thinking, and cross-cultural understanding.
