Japanese Figure Skating: Yuzuru Hanyu and a Global Powerhouse
Japanese Figure Skating: Yuzuru Hanyu and a Global Powerhouse
Two Olympic golds, a wall of world records, and one of sport’s most devoted fanbases. Here’s why Japan is a figure-skating superpower.
Japan is one of the great figure skating nations, and for a decade it had the sport’s biggest star in Yuzuru Hanyu — two-time Olympic champion (2014 and 2018) and the first man to defend the title in 66 years, who broke a string of world records before turning professional in 2022. Behind him stands a deep tradition: Olympic medallist Shoma Uno, all-time women’s great Mao Asada, and a passionate fanbase that follows the sport like few others.
1. The Hanyu era
A generational talent.
Yuzuru Hanyu won Olympic gold at Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018, becoming the first man in 66 years to win back-to-back Olympic figure-skating titles, and placed fourth at Beijing 2022 while attempting the quadruple Axel.1 He broke more than a dozen world records and, in July 2022, announced he was leaving competition to skate professionally.1
2. A deep tradition
More than one star.
Japan’s strength runs well beyond Hanyu. Shoma Uno took Olympic silver (2018) and bronze (2022) and won back-to-back World titles in 2022 and 2023.2 On the women’s side, Mao Asada is regarded as one of the greatest of all time and a role model for the skaters who followed.2
3. A devoted fanbase
Few sports inspire such loyalty.
Figure skating enjoys huge mainstream attention in Japan, with star skaters treated as major celebrities and events drawing intense, devoted support — part of what makes the country such fertile ground for the sport. ⚠ Active skaters’ results and status change each season.
4. Why it matters
Japan’s flagship winter sport.
In a country better known for summer sports, figure skating is Japan’s standout winter discipline on the world stage — and a reminder of the breadth of Japanese sporting success beyond baseball and football. Time a visit with the sports calendar to catch the season.
Frequently asked questions
How many Olympic golds has Yuzuru Hanyu won?
Two — in 2014 and 2018; he was the first man in 66 years to win consecutive titles.
Is Yuzuru Hanyu still competing?
No — he turned professional in 2022, continuing as a professional skater rather than in competition.
Who else are Japan’s top skaters?
Olympic medallist and two-time world champion Shoma Uno, and women’s great Mao Asada, among others.
Keep exploring
Explore the stories, systems and culture behind Japanese sport.
Sources & notes
- Hanyu: Olympic gold 2014 & 2018 (first man in 66 years to repeat), 4th in 2022; broke 10+ world records; turned professional July 2022. CNN; Olympics.com.
- Shoma Uno (2018 silver, 2022 bronze; 2022 & 2023 World champion); Mao Asada regarded among the greatest women’s skaters. Wikipedia — Uno; Wikipedia — Asada. ⚠ Active careers change.
An explainer dated 18 June 2026. ⚠ Active skaters’ results and status change each season. No copyrighted material is reproduced.
📅 更新履歴
| 日付 | 変更内容 |
|---|---|
| 2026年6月19日 | 初回公開 |
✅ ファクト再検証
最終検証日：2026年6月19日
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