Former figure skater Narumi Takahashi appeared on the ABEMA variety show "Nanani Underground ABEMA," which aired on May 31st. She talked about little-known aspects of Ryuichi Kihara, with whom she partnered for a year starting in 2013 as part of the "Rikuryu pair," and also discussed the financial aspects of figure skating.
Takahashi revealed that Kihara "was very popular with older people. She had the kind of personality that made you want to protect her," and reflected that "she developed the strong personality she has now after starting pair skating in 2013."
She also revealed some behind-the-scenes stories from the figure skating world. "In the past, thanks to the kindness of local residents, I've had the opportunity to play at an amusement park that was reserved exclusively for us," and "I was told that I could have an entire floor of a department store reserved and buy whatever I wanted up to 20,000 yen," she revealed, disclosing that she had received VIP treatment.
On the other hand, regarding the financial aspects of figure skating, she recalled, "The fee to rent an ice rink is about 60,000 yen for one 1.5-hour lesson. On top of that, we also had to pay for coaching. In addition to skating, we also took ballet and other lessons, so we spent an unimaginable amount of money on it."
He also shared anecdotes such as, "If you win a medal, your plane gets upgraded," and "The pay for ice shows increases unbelievably."
