Figure skater Rio Nakata signs affiliation contract with Seibu Group

Figure skater Rio Nakata, the first male skater in Japanese history to win consecutive World Junior Championships, has signed an affiliation contract with the Seibu Group. The announcement was made during a press conference in Tokyo on September 29.

The Seibu Group operates several ice skating facilities, including the Belluna Dome and Shin-Yokohama Skating Center, and manages the “Prince Ice World” ice shows. Nakata’s connection to the group is partly due to his father, Makoto, being a former cast member of the Prince Ice World shows.

During the conference, Olympic gold medalist Shizuka Arakawa provided a surprise video message of encouragement. Nakata, who is in his first year of senior competition, expressed his determination to work toward the four-year goal of the upcoming Olympic Games in the French Alps. He is also scheduled to appear in the “Prince Ice World 2026–2027 THE REVUE ON ICE” Tokyo performance in February 2027.