Figure skaters gather on Japanese variety show to share career anecdotes

A special episode of the Japanese variety program ‘Odorru! Sanma Goten!!’ featured a large gathering of prominent figure skaters, including Mai Asada, Nobunari Oda, Rika Kihira, Kaori Sakamoto, and Narumi Takahashi.

During the broadcast, the athletes shared various anecdotes regarding the realities of professional skating. Mai Asada discussed a superstition suggesting that wearing blue costumes can increase the likelihood of winning an Olympic gold medal, a sentiment echoed by other skaters. The group also discussed the pressures of competition, the difficulty of managing health and stress, and the strictness of coaching during performances.

Other topics included personal stories such as Narumi Takahashi’s pre-competition eating habits, the social dynamics among male and female skaters, and the mental calculations required to navigate complex skating regulations. The episode provided a look at the lives of these athletes outside of their competitive routines.