Olympic Gold Medalists Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara Launch Ice Show 'The Destiny' in Tokyo

Key facts

• Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, known as 'Rikuryu', won gold in pairs figure skating at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
• They have announced their retirement from amateur competition and transition to professional skating.
• Their new ice show is titled 'The Destiny' and will take place from July 31 to August 2, 2026.
• The venue is Tokyo Tatsumi International Skating Rink in Koto, Tokyo.
• The show will feature a full-size competition rink, unlike typical ice shows.
• Ticket pre-sale lottery runs from May 1 to May 10, 2026, via Lawson Ticket.
• The show will highlight pairs and ice dance, a first for Japan.
• Miura and Kihara are producing the show themselves.

A New Chapter for Olympic Champions

Just weeks after capturing the gold medal in pairs figure skating at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara have announced their next move: a self-produced ice show titled 'The Destiny'. The show, set for July 31 to August 2, 2026, at Tokyo Tatsumi International Skating Rink, marks their first major project since turning professional. The announcement came during the halftime of the ongoing 'Bloom on Ice 2026' show, where the pair personally revealed the details to the audience. The show is designed to showcase the artistry and athleticism of pairs and ice dance, a concept that Miura and Kihara have long championed.

A Show Built on the Theme of Fate

The name 'The Destiny' was chosen deliberately. 'The reason for the name is that meeting your partner in pairs or ice dance is destiny, so I absolutely wanted to include the word 'destiny',' Miura explained. 'That's why we named it 'The Destiny'.' The show will be the first in Japan to focus exclusively on couples skating disciplines, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience the speed and power of these events on a full-size competition rink. Kihara elaborated on the concept: 'We are planning the first ice show in Japan centered on couples skating. The rink size will be the same as competition size, not the typical ice show size. We want everyone to experience the appeal, speed, and power of pairs and ice dance.'

Full-Size Rink for Maximum Impact

Unlike many ice shows that use smaller rinks, 'The Destiny' will be performed on a standard 60m x 30m competition rink. This decision underscores the producers' commitment to authenticity. 'We want to convey the true speed and scale of pairs skating,' Kihara said. The show will also feature innovative use of the ice surface and program structure, promising a fresh visual experience. Miura and Kihara have invited some of the world's top skaters, including those they have personal connections with, to join the cast. The lineup is expected to include both amateur and professional skaters, bridging the gap between competitive and show skating.

From Olympic Triumph to Professional Debut

Miura and Kihara, affectionately known as 'Rikuryu', captivated the world with their gold-medal performance in Milano Cortina. Their victory was a historic moment for Japanese figure skating, which had never before won an Olympic gold in pairs. Shortly after the Games, they announced their retirement from amateur competition and their transition to professional skating. The couple's decision to produce their own show reflects a growing trend among elite skaters to take creative control of their careers. 'The Destiny' represents their first major venture as producers, blending their competitive experience with artistic vision.

Ticket Sales and Event Details

The show will run for three days: July 31 (Friday) with a single performance at 1:00 PM, and August 1 (Saturday) and August 2 (Sunday) with two performances each at 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM. The venue, Tokyo Tatsumi International Skating Rink, is located at 2-8-10 Tatsumi, Koto, Tokyo. A lottery-based pre-sale for tickets began on May 1 at 12:00 PM and will run through May 10 at 11:59 PM, exclusively through Lawson Ticket. General sales may follow depending on availability. Inquiries about the event can be directed to DISK GARAGE.

A Milestone for Japanese Figure Skating

The launch of 'The Destiny' comes at a time of heightened interest in figure skating in Japan, fueled by the nation's success at the Milano Cortina Olympics. Beyond Miura and Kihara, skaters like Kaori Sakamoto and Yuma Kagiyama have also been celebrated, with a parade in Nihonbashi drawing 50,000 fans. By centering the show on pairs and ice dance, Miura and Kihara are betting that audiences will embrace disciplines that have traditionally taken a backseat to singles skating in Japan. If successful, 'The Destiny' could pave the way for more specialized ice shows and inspire a new generation of couples skaters.

Looking Ahead: The Future of 'Rikuryu'

As professional skaters, Miura and Kihara are now free to explore creative projects beyond the constraints of competitive skating. 'The Destiny' is just the beginning. The show's theme of fate and passing the baton to the next generation suggests a broader mission: to nurture the sport they love. With their Olympic pedigree and a clear artistic vision, the pair is well-positioned to become influential figures in the world of figure skating. Whether 'The Destiny' becomes an annual event or a template for other skaters remains to be seen, but for now, it stands as a bold statement of intent from two athletes who have already achieved the highest honor in their sport.

The bottom line

• Olympic gold medalists Miura and Kihara are producing their own ice show, 'The Destiny', in Tokyo from July 31 to August 2, 2026.
• The show is the first in Japan to focus exclusively on pairs and ice dance, using a full-size competition rink.
• The name reflects the belief that meeting a skating partner is destiny, as stated by Miura.
• Ticket pre-sale via lottery runs May 1–10, 2026, through Lawson Ticket.
• The show will feature top skaters from around the world, blending amateur and professional talent.
• This marks the pair's first major project after retiring from amateur competition and turning professional.