#Japan #Tokyo #FOD #Figure Skating #Rika Kihira

Rika Kihira Talks About Her Journey in Figure Skating

On December 13, viewers will have the chance to witness a heartfelt documentary titled Rika Kihira: Hikari's Decision – Special Edition of Star Athlete on FOD and Fuji TV TWO. The program will air at 8:30 PM and mark a significant exploration of Kihira’s life and career as a figure skater.

At just 23, Rika Kihira has made headlines in the figure skating world. Known as a “genius girl,” she executed her first triple axel at the age of 14, achieving the highest honors by winning the Grand Prix Final in 2018. Following her remarkable early achievements, she maintained her position as a leading skater in Japan, clinching consecutive national championships. However, the journey has not been without its challenges.

The Beijing Olympic season of 2021 proved especially testing for Kihira when a stress fracture in her right ankle sidelined her for much of the time. The injured athlete has described that period of her life as “truly hellish,” unable to compete and continuing to grapple with her recovery. Despite enduring these hardships, Kihira made a pivotal decision this year to venture into ice dance—a shocking but hopeful shift in her career.

This documentary doesn't just focus on her setbacks; it reflects on her resilience and determination to continue skating. Kihira emphasizes, “I am glad I didn’t give up on skating. I want to turn this into the right choice for my future.” This new chapter in her career represents a flicker of hope where she aims to regain her sparkle on the ice after four long years. The cameras were there to document every step of her journey back.

The program includes personal reflections from Kihira about her evolution as a skater, dealing with injuries, and her foray into new competitions. This will provide viewers with a genuine insight into the complexities of being a top-tier athlete and the emotional struggles that accompany immense public expectations and personal ambitions.

In addition to Kihira’s special feature, FOD is also showcasing an array of figure skating content throughout December. Expect live broadcasts of the All Japan Figure Skating Championships 2025, Medalist on Ice 2025, and a special retrospective on Shoma Uno's extensive achievements in Japanese figure skating.

The seasons are buzzing with excitement for figure skating fans, presenting a fantastic lineup that immerses viewers in the thrilling narratives of the ice.

Program Details:

• - Streaming on FOD: December 13 at 8:30 PM
• - CS Broadcast on Fuji Television TWO: December 13 at 8:30 PM.

Note: Broadcast times are subject to change.

Upcoming Highlights in December:

• - All Japan Figure Skating Championships 2025 — Full event coverage starting December 19. Live exciting moments and behind-the-scenes features will be offered.
• - Medalist on Ice 2025 — Live broadcasts of this special event will occur post-competition showcasing stars on ice.
• - Shoma Uno's Journey — Experience a complete playback of all 13 of Uno's All Japan Championships on December 13.

Viewers looking for an enthralling display of figure skating performances and athlete narratives should not miss Rika Kihira: Hikari's Decision. It promises to be as much about her as a skater as it is about her spirit and determination.

FOD is enhancing its viewer experience with a special promotion offering the premium subscription for just 200 JPY for the first month during this winter season, ushering in a rich array of content for fans.

For more details on this and other offerings, visit FOD's official site.