Question from Readers:
What is currently missing in Japanese figure skating? Do we really need star athletes? Recently, while watching a Conan movie, I started to ponder this question.
The Reality of Figure Skating and Declining Birth Rates
I’ve been reflecting a lot on figure skating lately, especially the question of whether we need star athletes. Just the other day, I
had an intense discussion with a friend over coffee about the future of figure skating. He is a huge fan who can easily rattle off the names of various skaters. During our conversation, he brought up the decreasing number of participants in the sport and the costs associated with maintaining ice rinks.
The Cost of Maintaining Rinks and the Impact of Declining Birth Rates
It’s true that the impact of declining birth rates is significant. Many sports are struggling with a decrease in participants, and figure skating is no exception. While studying psychology at university, I often think about how societal structures are changing. For instance, the high costs of maintaining ice rinks pose a major barrier for athletes wishing to continue competing. Without rinks, even star athletes become just ordinary individuals. My friend pointed out that “without a place to practice, talent is pointless.” It’s certainly true that no matter how talented an athlete is, they cannot grow without an environment to practice in. I believe the skating federation needs to focus more on nurturing talent.
The Glorious Era and Its Aftermath
Moreover, it’s a fact that there was a glorious era in figure skating. However, after the star athletes retire, their influence inevitably diminishes. I felt an indescribable emptiness when my favorite skater retired. While it’s true that competition is an amateur sport and doesn’t necessarily require stars, the absence of those glamorous times makes the void feel larger. Nonetheless, it’s truly remarkable to see current athletes competing at the top level globally. I remember watching performances with my friend and spontaneously applauding the skaters. In those moments, I was deeply moved by their hard work and passion. Although I’ve heard that viewership and audience attendance have declined, I always find inspiration in the dedication displayed by the athletes during their performances.
Increasing Participation in the Sport
The phrase “if there are no accessible places to skate, participation won’t increase” resonates deeply. Personally, I’ve skated a few times at a rink near my university, and it was always enjoyable. Those moments spent laughing with friends while skating were truly special. If more people could enjoy skating in a supportive environment, I believe participation would naturally increase. Finally, as I reflect on the enjoyable times I spent at the rink, I encourage readers to share their own experiences and opinions in the comments. What moments have stuck with you? How do you enjoy skating? I would love to hear your stories.
