Overview

• Kihira and Nishiyama formally announced their partnership on September 29 via social media and an online press conference.
• They revealed their programs: rhythm dance to Mambo No. 5 and free dance to Princess Mononoke.
• The pair adopted the team nickname “Rikashin” and asked supporters to cheer for them under that name.
• They plan to seek entry to the All-Japan ice-dance qualifier scheduled for November 1–3 alongside the West Japan Championships.
• They described Milan–Cortina 2026 in the team event as a possible near-term aim, with the 2030 South Alps Winter Olympics as their primary goal.