Narumi Takahashi's dream at age 9 and her first setback at age 12: "I can never win against Mao Asada-chan." Her true feelings and struggles after her records were broken, and her thoughts on 'RikuRyu'… "Re:MAKE ~To My Younger Self~"
Former figure skater Narumi Takahashi shares her journey and struggles in a new "Re:MAKE" project on ABEMA, recounting her childhood dreams and first major setback at age 12. She details career-defining moments, including injuries and facing her former partner Ryuichi Kihara, eventually finding inspiration in current skaters and thriving as a talent and JOC board member.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 10:15
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 16, 2026 at 21:49 (371h 33m after Collected)
ABEMA, the new future TV, broadcasts the news program "ABEMA Entertainment," which delivers carefully selected entertainment information on the "ABEMA NEWS Channel."
A new original project, "Re:MAKE ~To My Younger Self~," has launched on "ABEMA Entertainment." This self-documentary project features cast members confronting photos from their past that represent turning points in their lives, sending words to their "past selves." In the first installment, former figure skater Narumi Takahashi appears, frankly recounting her journey and struggles from childhood to her current post-retirement life. This program is currently being streamed on "ABEMA."
(Streaming URL: https://abema.tv/video/episode/89-116_s45_p1)
▼【Life】If Only That Moment Hadn't Happened... Former Figure Skater Narumi Takahashi's "Joy and Regret"
■Dream at Age 9 and First Setback at Age 12: "I can never win even if I compete against Mao Asada-chan."
Narumi Takahashi, who started figure skating at age 3 and was highly anticipated for her future, even competing in international competitions at age 9. However, at age 12, she witnessed the performance of fellow top skater Mao Asada and experienced her first setback, thinking, "I can never win even if I compete against Mao Asada-chan in the future." Nevertheless, her passion for skating never wavered, saying, "I love skating and want to do it my whole life." She then moved to China with her father's job transfer and took up pair skating. Takahashi achieved results with an unusual partnership with a Chinese skater, but her success led her to be told, "We cannot teach her as a nation," and "If you don't change your nationality, you'll be nurturing a rival." She tearfully recalled her feelings of loneliness at the time, thinking, "What does nationality even mean?" and "Will everyone who was friendly yesterday ignore me?"
■"If it wasn't Ryuichi Kihara, I might have won." Her former partner becomes a rival... Her true feelings about missing the Olympics.
Later, she formed a pair with Marvin Tran in Canada and won a bronze medal at the World Championships. As she aimed for even greater heights, she suffered a career-threatening injury during practice when she fell from a lift, resulting in a dislocated left shoulder and a torn right knee. "If only that moment hadn't happened... If I hadn't even gone to practice that day..." she questioned herself repeatedly. Takahashi decided to step away from skating for a while, feeling, "I've already won a medal, so I'm satisfied," and "If I can't improve any further, it's a shame."
Amidst this, she received an inquiry from the Japan Skating Federation and formed a new pair with Ryuichi Kihara, who later won a gold medal in the pairs event at the Milano Cortina Olympics (the 'RikuRyu' pair). Takahashi recalled Kihara as a "savior" and remembered, "Ryuichi and I got along quite well since our junior days." She shared an anecdote from her junior years: "People around us said, 'Try doing something pair-like. The height difference is just right,' and we did it as a joke. I said, 'Ryuichi, aren't you really good at pairs? It feels so right,' with a lot of joking. Those words were truly from the heart."
She eventually fulfilled her dream of competing in the Sochi Olympics with Kihara, but they dissolved their partnership the following year and pursued separate paths. Then, during the selection process for the PyeongChang Olympics, she faced her former partner Kihara directly. Takahashi confessed her true feelings at the time: "Why Ryuichi?" "If it wasn't Ryuichi, I might have been able to win." "Why is Ryuichi standing in front of me of all people...?" Such feelings arose. After failing to make the selection, she experienced a "sense of emptiness that made me want to disappear" and revealed her mindset when she decided to retire.
■"I'm still frustrated, aren't I?" True feelings and struggles after her records were broken, and her thoughts on 'RikuRyu' and her present.
After retiring, Takahashi remained involved in the figure skating world as a commentator. When the 'RikuRyu' pair, including her former partner Kihara, broke her former world championship record, she admitted to complex emotions: "I was enthusiastically commentating, but... I still felt frustrated, you know." While struggling with thoughts like, "Honestly, if it wasn't Ryuichi, I could have been happier," she also reflected, "I didn't like that part of myself either." She stated that it was the 'RikuRyu' pair's performances that helped her overcome those feelings. She said, "'RikuRyu' pair skated in a style that was very much my aspiration back then. I was simply moved by it, and before I knew it, I found myself wanting to cheer them on, surpassing thoughts of former partners or my own achievements."
Currently, she is active as a talent, commentator, and also as the youngest board member of the JOC (Japanese Olympic Committee). She reflects, "This is all thanks to everyone (my past selves)." To her future self, she sent the message, "Please put your whole heart into everything you are doing now, without any laziness."
Takahashi's journey of facing her past self and overcoming setbacks and struggles is still available for streaming on "ABEMA." Please take a look.
■"ABEMA Entertainment" Broadcast Overview
This is an information program that carefully selects and introduces the latest entertainment news. It delivers hot topics daily, including breaking news, new releases, and news related to celebrities' social media. It also features original interviews that delve into the charm and true selves of popular personalities.
Broadcast Schedule: Every Monday to Friday, 11:00 PM -
Broadcast Channel: ABEMA NEWS Channel
■"ABEMA Entertainment" Original Project "Re:MAKE ~To My Younger Self~" Overview
There are unforgettable turning points in life...
If you could turn back time,
What words would you give to your past self, knowing what you know now about both regrets and joys?
Facing the past clarifies the present and allows you to draw the future.
"Re:MAKE ~To My Younger Self~"
"ABEMA Entertainment" Program URL: https://abema.tv/video/title/89-116
*When using images, please include the credit notation: (C)AbemaTV, Inc.*
■About "ABEMA"
"ABEMA" is a video distribution service that aims to innovate television, operating as the "New Future TV." Celebrating its 10th anniversary on April 11, 2026, it has been offering an internet television service that is registration-free and largely free to enjoy. It broadcasts approximately 25 channels 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, covering a diverse range of genres including a 24-hour news channel, original dramas, romance reality shows, variety shows, anime, and sports, all pursuing "highest quality or uniqueness."
In addition to having the No. 1 number of original episodes among Japanese video services (※), it offers a rich lineup of highly anticipated new movies, popular domestic and international dramas, and trending anime, as well as sports broadcasts and online live events. Users can enjoy content anytime, regardless of time constraints, through television and on-demand options. Furthermore, it provides content tailored to various lifestyles through a viewing experience unconstrained by location, accessible on smartphones, PCs, tablets, and TV devices.
Additionally, "ABEMA Premium," available for ¥1,180 (tax included) per month, offers exclusive features and content, while "ABEMA Premium with Ads," for ¥680 (tax included) per month, allows access to "ABEMA Premium" exclusive content with advertisements.
(※) As of March 2026, self-researched.
Latest information can be confirmed on official social media.
Free video and trending content on the new future TV "ABEMA" (https://abema.tv/)
"ABEMA" is celebrating its 10th anniversary with various campaigns throughout the year, including special program broadcasts and the "ABEMA 10th Anniversary Free Grand Thanksgiving Festival," to commemorate the occasion. Please look forward to ABEMA's 10th anniversary.
"ABEMA" 10th Anniversary Site URL: https://contents-abema.com/10th/
A new original project, "Re:MAKE ~To My Younger Self~," has launched on "ABEMA Entertainment." This self-documentary project features cast members confronting photos from their past that represent turning points in their lives, sending words to their "past selves." In the first installment, former figure skater Narumi Takahashi appears, frankly recounting her journey and struggles from childhood to her current post-retirement life. This program is currently being streamed on "ABEMA."
(Streaming URL: https://abema.tv/video/episode/89-116_s45_p1)
▼【Life】If Only That Moment Hadn't Happened... Former Figure Skater Narumi Takahashi's "Joy and Regret"
■Dream at Age 9 and First Setback at Age 12: "I can never win even if I compete against Mao Asada-chan."
Narumi Takahashi, who started figure skating at age 3 and was highly anticipated for her future, even competing in international competitions at age 9. However, at age 12, she witnessed the performance of fellow top skater Mao Asada and experienced her first setback, thinking, "I can never win even if I compete against Mao Asada-chan in the future." Nevertheless, her passion for skating never wavered, saying, "I love skating and want to do it my whole life." She then moved to China with her father's job transfer and took up pair skating. Takahashi achieved results with an unusual partnership with a Chinese skater, but her success led her to be told, "We cannot teach her as a nation," and "If you don't change your nationality, you'll be nurturing a rival." She tearfully recalled her feelings of loneliness at the time, thinking, "What does nationality even mean?" and "Will everyone who was friendly yesterday ignore me?"
■"If it wasn't Ryuichi Kihara, I might have won." Her former partner becomes a rival... Her true feelings about missing the Olympics.
Later, she formed a pair with Marvin Tran in Canada and won a bronze medal at the World Championships. As she aimed for even greater heights, she suffered a career-threatening injury during practice when she fell from a lift, resulting in a dislocated left shoulder and a torn right knee. "If only that moment hadn't happened... If I hadn't even gone to practice that day..." she questioned herself repeatedly. Takahashi decided to step away from skating for a while, feeling, "I've already won a medal, so I'm satisfied," and "If I can't improve any further, it's a shame."
Amidst this, she received an inquiry from the Japan Skating Federation and formed a new pair with Ryuichi Kihara, who later won a gold medal in the pairs event at the Milano Cortina Olympics (the 'RikuRyu' pair). Takahashi recalled Kihara as a "savior" and remembered, "Ryuichi and I got along quite well since our junior days." She shared an anecdote from her junior years: "People around us said, 'Try doing something pair-like. The height difference is just right,' and we did it as a joke. I said, 'Ryuichi, aren't you really good at pairs? It feels so right,' with a lot of joking. Those words were truly from the heart."
She eventually fulfilled her dream of competing in the Sochi Olympics with Kihara, but they dissolved their partnership the following year and pursued separate paths. Then, during the selection process for the PyeongChang Olympics, she faced her former partner Kihara directly. Takahashi confessed her true feelings at the time: "Why Ryuichi?" "If it wasn't Ryuichi, I might have been able to win." "Why is Ryuichi standing in front of me of all people...?" Such feelings arose. After failing to make the selection, she experienced a "sense of emptiness that made me want to disappear" and revealed her mindset when she decided to retire.
■"I'm still frustrated, aren't I?" True feelings and struggles after her records were broken, and her thoughts on 'RikuRyu' and her present.
After retiring, Takahashi remained involved in the figure skating world as a commentator. When the 'RikuRyu' pair, including her former partner Kihara, broke her former world championship record, she admitted to complex emotions: "I was enthusiastically commentating, but... I still felt frustrated, you know." While struggling with thoughts like, "Honestly, if it wasn't Ryuichi, I could have been happier," she also reflected, "I didn't like that part of myself either." She stated that it was the 'RikuRyu' pair's performances that helped her overcome those feelings. She said, "'RikuRyu' pair skated in a style that was very much my aspiration back then. I was simply moved by it, and before I knew it, I found myself wanting to cheer them on, surpassing thoughts of former partners or my own achievements."
Currently, she is active as a talent, commentator, and also as the youngest board member of the JOC (Japanese Olympic Committee). She reflects, "This is all thanks to everyone (my past selves)." To her future self, she sent the message, "Please put your whole heart into everything you are doing now, without any laziness."
Takahashi's journey of facing her past self and overcoming setbacks and struggles is still available for streaming on "ABEMA." Please take a look.
■"ABEMA Entertainment" Broadcast Overview
This is an information program that carefully selects and introduces the latest entertainment news. It delivers hot topics daily, including breaking news, new releases, and news related to celebrities' social media. It also features original interviews that delve into the charm and true selves of popular personalities.
Broadcast Schedule: Every Monday to Friday, 11:00 PM -
Broadcast Channel: ABEMA NEWS Channel
■"ABEMA Entertainment" Original Project "Re:MAKE ~To My Younger Self~" Overview
There are unforgettable turning points in life...
If you could turn back time,
What words would you give to your past self, knowing what you know now about both regrets and joys?
Facing the past clarifies the present and allows you to draw the future.
"Re:MAKE ~To My Younger Self~"
"ABEMA Entertainment" Program URL: https://abema.tv/video/title/89-116
*When using images, please include the credit notation: (C)AbemaTV, Inc.*
■About "ABEMA"
"ABEMA" is a video distribution service that aims to innovate television, operating as the "New Future TV." Celebrating its 10th anniversary on April 11, 2026, it has been offering an internet television service that is registration-free and largely free to enjoy. It broadcasts approximately 25 channels 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, covering a diverse range of genres including a 24-hour news channel, original dramas, romance reality shows, variety shows, anime, and sports, all pursuing "highest quality or uniqueness."
In addition to having the No. 1 number of original episodes among Japanese video services (※), it offers a rich lineup of highly anticipated new movies, popular domestic and international dramas, and trending anime, as well as sports broadcasts and online live events. Users can enjoy content anytime, regardless of time constraints, through television and on-demand options. Furthermore, it provides content tailored to various lifestyles through a viewing experience unconstrained by location, accessible on smartphones, PCs, tablets, and TV devices.
Additionally, "ABEMA Premium," available for ¥1,180 (tax included) per month, offers exclusive features and content, while "ABEMA Premium with Ads," for ¥680 (tax included) per month, allows access to "ABEMA Premium" exclusive content with advertisements.
(※) As of March 2026, self-researched.
Latest information can be confirmed on official social media.
Free video and trending content on the new future TV "ABEMA" (https://abema.tv/)
"ABEMA" is celebrating its 10th anniversary with various campaigns throughout the year, including special program broadcasts and the "ABEMA 10th Anniversary Free Grand Thanksgiving Festival," to commemorate the occasion. Please look forward to ABEMA's 10th anniversary.
"ABEMA" 10th Anniversary Site URL: https://contents-abema.com/10th/