People who are driven towards their goals. People who like to express themselves.

Figure skating as a competition involves steps, spins, jumps, and other moves on the ice in a program set to music. It is a job that requires rich expressive skills. There are four categories: men's and women's single skating, pair skating, and ice dance. In addition to Japan's domestic competitions, figure skaters compete in international competitions such as the World Championships, the Grand Prix Series, and the Winter Olympics. There are also professional figure skaters who perform in entertainment ice shows instead of competitions.

It is said that they should start at the age of about 5 years old. At first, they attend local skating classes, then join a club or school skating club affiliated with the Japan Skating Federation, and compete in national and international competitions. The competitions are divided into three classes by age, starting with elementary school students. If they can show off their achievements in competitions, they can be scouted by universities or companies that have skating clubs or sign sponsorship contracts. Figure skating is said to be an expensive sport in terms of shoes, costumes, contracts with coaches, and rink use.

Japanese figure skaters have been remarkably successful, winning gold medals at the Olympics, and some have been awarded the National Medal of Honor. Many children start skating because they admire famous athletes. However, the reality is that the techniques that require triple- and quadruple-jumps, which are physically demanding, are becoming more advanced every year, and the competition life span is shortening. The key to becoming an athlete who attracts international attention is to perform well during their short teenage years.

Athletes affiliated with universities and companies receive the necessary financial support from their organizations to continue their athletic activities. Popular athletes can earn income from sponsorship contracts and commercial appearance fees. Prize money is also paid out at major tournaments, but it seems to be less than in tennis or golf.

Tournaments are held on a regular basis, so the students practice for the competitions in which they compete. During the season, it is especially difficult to take long vacations.

Skating rinks in Japan and around the world.

It's a chart that shows at a glance the main routes to a figure skater's job!