Here are the top 5 sports articles that received the most attention in 2023 (January to December). The 5th place in the men’s section was an article from the series “Performers on Ice” that looked back on the achievements of the pair Kana Muramoto and Daisuke Takahashi. (First published on April 20, 2023. Please note that the article is based on the situation on the publication date.)

The highest ranking for a Japanese band in just three years since formation

March 2023, Saitama Super Arena.

At the Kiss and Cry of the World Championships, the couple Kana Muramoto (30 years old, Kansai University KFSC) and Daisuke Takahashi (37 years old, Kansai University KFSC) were just sitting down. Their coaches were on either side of them, and joy was overflowing between the four of them.

“it was fun?”

Coach Marina Zueva asked, peering into Takahashi’s face as he sat next to her.

“It was fun until the very end!”

Takahashi responded in natural English, catching his heavy breathing.

Muramoto and her coach Ilya Tkachenko, who was sitting next to her, recalled, “When I was spinning, I didn’t know where I was, so I looked at the red seats as a landmark.” She spoke fluent English.

The four of them waited for the moment to score.

“Any number is fine.”

Following Muramoto’s dignified voice, Takahashi muttered the same thing. It was probably his true feelings. However, when the high score was displayed, everyone exploded with joy.

Muramoto clapped her hands over her head and stomped her feet on the floor. Takahashi also made a fist with his right hand and shook it repeatedly while stomping his feet. They embraced each other, praised each other, and shared their joy.

Then the two, known as “Kanadai,” waved to the television cameras and expressed their gratitude and joy.

“It’s hard to coordinate with someone. But because there are two of us, the joy after it’s over is doubled. It’s amazing to be able to share such a wonderful moment!”

Muramoto said this with a deep feeling in the interview area after her performance. This is the essence of the sport of ice dancing.

“I’m happy to have proven that I can still grow even at this age.”

Takahashi said, becoming more talkative than usual. Even the man who made history in the singles era was so excited that his cells began to stir.

In the free dance, they placed 10th with a personal best score of 115.95 points. They also scored 188.87 points overall. They placed 11th overall, a remarkable achievement for a couple who have only been together for three years, tying the highest ranking ever for a Japanese ice dancer.

In the 2022-2023 season, how did Kanadai achieve a performance that could be called an “eternal moment”?