Yoshida and Morita defend national ice dance crown in Tokyo
2025-26 Japanese Nationals: Ice Dance
Utana Yoshida and Masaya Morita defended their crown at the Japanese National Figure Skating Championships this weekend in Tokyo, Japan. Behind them, the new partnership of Ikura Kushida and Koshiro Shimada took silver, while Ayano Sasaki and Yoshimitsu Ikeda claimed bronze. Highly anticipated duo Rika Kihira and Shingo Nishiyama finished just off the podium in fourth place.
Utana Yoshida and Masaya Morita
Winning both segments, Yoshida and Morita showed their steady confidence as they stepped at the top of the podium for the second consecutive year in their career.
Skating their rhythm dance to “Stomp My Beat,” the duo earned 68.78 points, narrowly missing the 70-point mark. The program, choreographed by Scott Moir, Madison Hubbell, and Adrian Diaz, quickly gained attention amongst fans this season, who noted how it beautifully captured the team’s chemistry and charm. While pleased with their performance, Yoshida ad Morita acknowledged losing a few levels, which was reflected in the score.
Back to their “Phoenix” free dance this season, the program’s standout moment was a powerful lift, with Yoshida rising above Morita as bird sounds echoed through the music. They received 103.41 in the segment, and an overall total score of 172.29. With Kushida and Shimada close behind in second place, Yoshida and Morita acknowledged their rivals’ growth and potential, finding fresh motivation in the emerging competition. But as the depth of Japanese ice dance deepens, they remain focused on leading the way.
As the only team to have achieved the ISU technical minimum, the duo has earned an invitation to represent Japan in the Olympic team event alongside their teammates. The team will also compete at the Four Continents Championships in Beijing, and at the World Championships.
Ikura Kushida and Koshiro Shimada
High expectations surrounded the newly formed duo, who teamed up following Shimada’s retirement from singles skating. Making their debut at the national championships, Kushida and Shimada rose to the occasion, capturing the silver medal.
The team made a striking impression during the rhythm dance, performing their lively “Got the Groove” routine to thunderous applause from the crowd. Not far behind the leaders Yoshida and Morita, they earned 64.99 points, signaling a strong debut. Regarding missing the ISU minimum technical score in Zagreb, the team shared that they had the opportunity to observe other competitors, noting areas where they could refine and improve their own performance.
In their “Theme from Sabrina” free dance, Kushida and Shimada received a total score of 100.76, winning the technical element score. Kushida admitted she felt nervous, but Shimada called it the kind of nerves that bring out their best. The duo was clearly pleased with their results at the event, placing second with 165.75 points.
Additionally, Kushida also competed in the women’s singles event, where she finished in 20th place.
Ayano Sasaki and Yoshimitsu Ikeda
In their third season together, Ayano Sasaki and Yoshimitsu Ikeda climbed to third place overall at the national championships, finishing with 146.22 points. The duo is coached by French ice dancer Marien De La Asuncion.
The team delivered a playful rhythm dance to “Barbie Girl/Be My Lover,” showcasing a fun side of their skating and the joy they clearly felt on the ice. They placed fourth in the segment behind Kihira and Nishiyama, earning 54.09 points.
It was in the free dance, however, that they truly shone. Choreography and technical elements flowed together effortlessly, with Sasaki captivating the audience through her emotive expressions and graceful movements. With 92.13 points in the free dance, they secured third place, rounding out the podium.
Rika Kihira and Shingo Nishiyama
The highly anticipated team of Rika Kihira and Shingo Nishiyama made their national championships debut with a fourth-place finish. While Nishiyama is not new to the discipline, it was Kihira’s first time competing at the event in ice dance.
Performing to “Mambo No.5,” the team radiated joy, with Kihira expressing her happiness at being back on the competition stage. As they continue to develop as a team, they’ve been focusing heavily on expressiveness and synchronization, which was clearly reflected in their rhythm dance.
They performed their “Princess Mononoke” free dance in brand new costumes. Provisionally third, the team made a costly mistake on one of the lifts, scoring 86.97 in the segment. With tears of frustration in her eyes, Kihira acknowledged the mistake was on her side, fully aware that every error affects the entire team now that she is no longer skating alone. While they still have much to learn, they are excited to continue discovering more about each other, refining their elements, and improving their skating together.
Former singles skater Chisato Uramatsu and Atsuhiko Tamura finished the event in fifth place, earning a total of 131.55 points.
Related Info:
The post Yoshida and Morita defend national ice dance crown in Tokyo appeared first on Golden Skate.