Olympic Champions Miura and Kihara Announce Retirement at Imperial Spring Garden Party
Japanese Olympic gold medalist figure skating pair Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara announced their retirement during the Imperial Spring Garden Party in Tokyo on April 17, 2026. Hosted by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at Akasaka Gyoen, the event honored distinguished guests from sports and academia. The duo, known as "Rikuryu," chose this prestigious occasion to personally inform the Imperial Family of their decision following their recent victory at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. They expressed gratitude for public support and outlined future plans in coaching and promotion.
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Emperor and Empress Host Spring Garden Party at Akasaka Gyoen
On April 17, 2026, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan hosted the annual Spring Garden Party at Akasaka Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo. The event welcomed approximately 1,750 distinguished guests from various fields, fostering informal interactions between the Imperial Family and attendees. Notable invitees included figure skaters Riki Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, as well as Susumu Kitagawa, a special professor at Kyoto University and recent Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry. Consistent with recent traditions, the Emperor, Empress, and other members of the Imperial Family moved dispersedly throughout the venue, engaging in casual conversations with guests rather than following a rigid formal protocol. This approach aims to create a relaxed atmosphere for meaningful exchange. The article highlights specific moments, such as the Imperial couple chatting about 'Rikuryu,' and provides a photographic summary of the occasion. The Spring Garden Party serves as a significant societal event, celebrating contributions to culture, science, and sports while maintaining the accessibility and approachability of the Japanese Imperial Household.
asahiOlympic Champions 'Rikuryu' Announce Retirement at Imperial Garden Party
Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, the Japanese pairs figure skating duo known as 'Rikuryu,' announced their retirement on April 17, 2026, immediately prior to attending the Spring Garden Party at the Akasaka Imperial Residence in Tokyo. The pair, who recently secured gold medals at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, stated they timed the announcement to personally inform Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of their future plans. During a subsequent Q&A with the press, the athletes expressed deep gratitude for the support received from fans and the Imperial Family. They recalled heartfelt interactions at the event, including the Empress asking playful questions about their relationship dynamics. Kihara and Miura emphasized that their Olympic victory was a collective achievement with their supporters. While specific details regarding the primary reasons for retirement were deferred to a later press conference, Kihara indicated intentions to promote pairs skating in Japan and eventually transition into coaching. The announcement marks the end of a highly successful seven-year partnership that culminated in Olympic glory.
asahiOlympic Gold Medalists 'Rikuryu' Announce Retirement at Imperial Garden Party
Japanese pairs figure skating duo Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, known as 'Rikuryu,' announced their retirement on April 17, 2026, immediately prior to attending the Spring Garden Party at the Akasaka Imperial Residence in Tokyo. The pair, who recently won gold at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, stated they timed the announcement to personally inform Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of their future plans. During the event, they received congratulations and words of encouragement from the Imperial Family, with Empress Masako engaging them in lighthearted conversation. In subsequent remarks to the press, both skaters expressed deep gratitude for the public support that enabled their seven-year partnership and Olympic success. Kihara indicated intentions to promote pairs skating in Japan and potentially become a coach, while Miura emphasized that their achievements were a collective effort. Although the specific detailed reasons for retirement were deferred to a later press conference, the duo highlighted the honor of sharing their decision with the Imperial Family as a fitting conclusion to their competitive careers.
asahiFigure Skaters Miura and Kihara Announce Retirement at Imperial Garden Party
Japanese figure skating pair Riki Miura and Ryuichi Kihara announced their retirement from competitive sports during the Spring Garden Party hosted by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on April 17, 2026, at Akasaka Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo. Following the event, Kihara explained that he chose this occasion to honestly convey their future plans and current feelings to His Majesty, a sentiment shared by Miura. The pair, who competed in the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, were among 1,422 guests invited to the prestigious gathering. Other notable attendees included legendary voice actor Masako Nozawa and Susumu Kitagawa, a Kyoto University professor and recent Nobel Prize in Chemistry laureate. The Imperial Family, including Princess Aiko and Prince and Princess Akishino, interacted with guests across three designated paths to maximize engagement. The event featured performances by the Imperial Household Agency band and offered meals such as Genghis Khan-style lamb and yakitori. This announcement marks the end of a significant chapter for the celebrated skating duo, who utilized a high-profile social event to share their personal decision with the Imperial household.
asahiRetired Figure Skating Pair Miura and Kihara Attend Imperial Spring Garden Party
The annual Spring Garden Party, hosted by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, commenced on April 17, 2026, at the Akasaka Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo. Approximately 1,500 distinguished guests were invited to the event, including Riki Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, the celebrated figure skating pair known as 'Rikuryu' who recently announced their retirement following the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. Also in attendance was Susumu Kitagawa, a special professor at Kyoto University and Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry. Twelve members of the Imperial Family, including Princess Aiko, Prince and Princess Akishino, and Princess Kako, toured the venue. To facilitate broader interaction, the Imperial Family members divided into three separate paths to engage with attendees. Guests enjoyed a menu featuring Genghis Khan-style lamb, yakitori, and produce from Goryo Farm in Tochigi Prefecture, accompanied by sake and whiskey. Musical performances were provided by the Imperial Household Agency band and the Imperial Palace Police Headquarters band, featuring a repertoire that included traditional gagaku and marching songs. The event highlights the continued tradition of imperial hospitality and recognition of notable figures in sports and academia.
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