In Japan, figure skating is no longer just for the young. Adults well into their 70s and 80s are enthusiastically taking to the ice, learning to glide, spin, and jump with the energy and determination of beginners inspired by anime, manga, and world-class Japanese skaters. On a weekend in mid-March, around 30 participants gathered at the Mao Rink in Tachikawa, Tokyo, for a special skating camp organized by Aki Sawada, a former figure skating star who placed fourth at the 2007 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships. The group included housewives, working professionals, and even a graduate student, all drawn to the sport’s blend of elegance, athleticism, and health benefits.
One participant, a woman in her seventies from Osaka prefecture, admitted to having no sports background but had always admired figure skating. “We all have to die one day,” she said with a smile, “so I want to do what I want now.” Classes typically range from 2,000 to 5,000 yen per session, making them accessible for a broader demographic than in the past. Another participant, a woman in her forties from Hyogo prefecture, noted that while figure skating was once perceived as a pastime for the wealthy, it has become more affordable and suitable for lifelong learning, especially as more people live into their 100s.
Ryo Shibata, a 38-year-old professional figure skater, also participated as a special instructor. He highlighted the growing number of adult skaters and emphasized that while some children are pressured into lessons, adults choose it out of passion, making them especially rewarding to teach. At the Kozuka Academy, run by Olympian Takahiko Kozuka, adult classes are so popular that slots fill within minutes.
Adult figure skating competitions have been held internationally since 2005, with Olympic silver medallist Midori Ito, now 54, winning in Oberstdorf, Germany in 2024. Japan hosts similar events, including performances by skaters over 80. Despite rink operation challenges due to Japan’s aging population and rising costs, the enthusiasm for adult figure skating continues to grow. Many new skaters are drawn in by anime and the inspiration of iconic Japanese champions like Yuzuru Hanyu, Mao Asada, and Shoma Uno. As awareness of accessible lessons spreads, so too does the joy of skating among Japan’s older generations.
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