miura & Kihara Withdraw from Japan Figure skating Championships Due to injury; Nagaoka & Moriguchi Claim Pairs Title
Table of Contents
Reigning world and Grand Prix Final champions Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi withdrew from the free skate at the Japan Figure Skating Championships 2025 on December 21st due to a dislocated shoulder sustained by Miura Riku, according to the Japan Skating Federation. https://www.jsf-sports.jp/ This withdrawal casts uncertainty on their participation in the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
Injury Details & Championship performance
Miura re-injured her shoulder during warm-ups before the short program. Despite the injury, she and Kihara competed, finishing first among the three pairs entries. The severity of the dislocation – whether full or partial – remains unknown. Miura has previously suffered shoulder injuries since 2022.
Olympic Implications
Participation in the Japan National Championships is typically required for selection to the Olympic Winter Games team. However, the Japan Skating Federation (JSF) rules allow for exceptions. Skaters who have won a medal at the World championships can still be considered for Olympic selection even in the event of an unforeseen circumstance like an injury. https://www.olympics.com/ioc/japan
Prior to the injury, Miura and Kihara were considered strong contenders to represent Japan at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan and cortina d’Ampezzo, given their consistent success on the international stage.
New Champions Crowned
In the absence of Miura and Kihara,Nagaoka Yuna and Moriguchi Sumitada secured their first national championship title with a score of 215.30. They defeated Kagotani Ayumi and Honda Lucas Tsuyoshi, who finished with 133.47.
Ice Dance Results
Yoshida Utana and Morita Masaya won the ice dance title with a score of 172.29, comfortably ahead of Kushida ikura and Shimada Koshiro (165.75).
Olympic Team Selection Disclaimer
It is important to note that final athlete selection for the Olympic winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 rests solely with the respective National Olympic Committees (NOCs). https://www.olympic.org/nocs Therefore, participation is contingent upon selection by the Japanese Olympic Committee.
This withdrawal and the subsequent crowning of new champions add an unexpected twist to the Japanese figure skating landscape as the nation looks ahead to the 2026 Winter Olympics. The focus now shifts to Miura’s recovery and whether she and Kihara can regain their form in time for Olympic consideration.