Japanese TV Stars Reveal Figure Skating Romance Rules and Ideal Partner Salary

Figure skating Olympian Narumi Takahashi appeared on Fuji TV’s cooking variety program “Mikiti Dining” and explained that attitudes toward romance among pair skaters vary by coach—some discourage relationships, while others believe they can enhance performance. She noted that many pairs do date, that some athletes have switched partners after a romance, and that the scarcity of male skaters creates competition among female partners.

Fuji TV announcer Aoi Harada sparked online controversy when she said a partner earning about ¥20 million a year is the happiest choice for marriage. The comment, made during a talk segment on the variety show “Poka Poka,” drew criticism for being out of touch with average incomes, while some viewers defended her view as realistic for a television personality.