Japan forward

Japanese ice dance duo Takahashi Daisuke and Muramoto Kana to retire

Japanese figure skating ice dance duo Takahashi Daisuke and Muramoto Kana say they will retire after the current season.

They made the announcement in a video posted on their joint official social media account on Monday.

Takahashi said they decided to retire from competition after this season. Muramoto said they talked a lot before reaching the decision.

They say they will speak together at a news conference in Tokyo on Tuesday to explain their decision.

The two skaters, fondly called Kanadai in Japan after their given names, are in their third season.

They became national champions for the first time last December. They finished 11th at the world championships in March, tying the best ever for a Japanese ice dance team.

Takahashi won bronze in figure skating singles at the Vancouver Olympics in 2010, the first-ever medal for a Japanese male skater. He retired after the 2014 Sochi Games but returned to singles competition in 2018.

Takahashi switched to ice dance in 2020, partnering with Muramoto, who had already had much experience in the discipline. He has since greatly improved his skills thanks largely to her support. The team has helped elevate Japan's ice dancing level.

Takahashi is a 37-year-old native of Okayama Prefecture. Muramoto is a 30-year-old from Hyogo Prefecture.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230501_18/