Japan's ice stars hope to shine in Harbin

Japan's delegation for the Asian Winter Games, boasting a strong contingent of established winter sports stars, has high hopes of winning medals on the field, as well as forging friendships off it with athletes from participating Asian countries and regions.

With 228 members, including 151 athletes, the team will compete across a range of events — including speed skating, figure skating, ice hockey, curling, biathlon, and alpine skiing — hoping to deliver strong performances.

Among the standout athletes are Kaori Sakamoto, the three-time world figure skating champion in women's singles; Yuma Kagiyama, the silver medalist in the men's singles figure skating at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics; and speed skater Wataru Morishige.

Yuko Mitsuya, vice-president of the Japanese Olympic Commit tee, expressed that the slogan for the Harbin Games,"Dream of Winter, Love Among Asia" reflects a vision of deepening ties across Asia through winter sports. She said that after the pandemic, the Games offer a chance to reconnect through sports, fostering communication and mutual understanding.

Shun Sato, the men's singles champion at the 2024 Cup of China ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating, said: "I came last year for the Grand Prix, but didn't have time to explore. If I have the opportunity this time, I would love to do some sightseeing."

At the 2017 Asian Winter Games in Sapporo, Japan, the host topped the medal table, securing 27 golds, 21 silvers, and 26 bronzes, a record-setting performance that placed it first in both total medals and golds.