Overview

• Kihira and Nishiyama unveiled the partnership in an online news conference after Kihira signaled the change on social media.
• The pair set near-term sights on entering the All-Japan ice dance qualifying event scheduled for Nov. 1–3.
• Kihira’s long-standing right ankle issue led her to skip the Chubu regional qualifier, which shut the door on a singles route to the 2026 team selection as All-Japan serves as the final trial.
• The duo outlined goals that keep the 2026 Games in view while prioritizing a longer build toward the 2030 Winter Olympics.
• Nishiyama, 23, earned a Winter Asian Games bronze this year and ended a previous pairing with Azusa Tanaka in July.