Japanese figure skating pair Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara celebrated their Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic gold medal with a live appearance on NHK's Newswatch 9.
The newly-crowned Olympic champions appeared on Japan's premier evening news program immediately following their historic victory in the pairs competition at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The broadcast gave Japanese viewers their first opportunity to hear directly from the skaters after their gold medal performance.
Known affectionately as "Riku-Ryu" by fans and media, Miura and Kihara have become one of the most successful pairs teams in Japanese figure skating history. Their Olympic gold medal represents a significant achievement for Japan in pairs figure skating, a discipline traditionally dominated by Russian, Chinese, and North American teams.
Live Broadcast Celebration
The appearance on Newswatch 9 showcased the pair's personalities beyond their on-ice performances. NHK Sports shared footage from immediately after the live broadcast concluded, capturing candid moments with the athletes. The relaxed atmosphere following the formal interview segment revealed the human side of the Olympic champions.
The timing of the appearance allowed the skaters to share their immediate reactions and emotions while the achievement was still fresh. Live television interviews with Olympic medalists provide unique insights that pre-recorded segments cannot capture, giving audiences an authentic connection to the athletes' experience.
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This gold medal marks a milestone for Japan's figure skating program, which has historically found more success in singles competitions. The victory demonstrates the growing depth and competitiveness of Japanese pairs skating on the international stage. Miura and Kihara's achievement will likely inspire a new generation of pairs skaters in Japan.
NHK's extensive Olympic coverage under the banner "That Moment on NHK" has brought the Milano-Cortina 2026 Games directly to Japanese households. The broadcaster's commitment to featuring Olympic athletes in prime-time programming reflects the significant public interest in winter sports and the nation's Olympic representatives.
The gold medal performance caps years of training and international competition for the pair, who have steadily climbed the world rankings to reach the pinnacle of their sport at the Olympic Games.
