Recap
Season opener in Japan: fresh starts for Jingu Ice Messengers
Recap
Season opener in Japan: fresh starts for Jingu Ice Messengers
Jingu Ice Messengers Junior Team started the season with 10 skaters. (Credits: Roy Ng - 2025)
The 2025-2026 synchronized skating season kicked off in Tokyo with the Jingu Ice Messengers Intermediate, Junior, and Senior teams unveiling their new programs at the 36th Tokyo Synchronized Skating Open, held on 31 August 2025.
The Intermediate team, composed of nine skaters aged 9 to 15, opened the competition with a program inspired by the manga “Frieren: Beyond Journey's End”. This season, the team introduced synchronized jumps during transitions to increase technical difficulty.
Although their debut was affected by several falls, the skaters demonstrated strong ice coverage in their travelling circles and executed a well-structured triangle intersection.
Although their debut was affected by several falls, the skaters demonstrated strong ice coverage in their travelling circles and executed a well-structured triangle intersection.
Despite noticeable height differences, the Intermediate team maintained tight block formations throughout their program. (Credits: Roy Ng - 2025)
The Intermediate team performing their new program inspired by the manga Frieren. (Credits: Roy Ng - 2025)
Next on the ice, the Junior team faced a reduced roster this season, as many returning skaters stepped back to prepare for university entrance exams.
Despite these challenges, the ten remaining athletes delivered clean block formations and displayed a strong variety of steps in their No Hold Element. Coach Marie Yamada expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance following the skate.
Despite these challenges, the ten remaining athletes delivered clean block formations and displayed a strong variety of steps in their No Hold Element. Coach Marie Yamada expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance following the skate.
The Junior team begins the season with a smaller lineup than usual. (Credits: Roy Ng - 2025)
Notably, their Short Program draws inspiration from the anime “Suzume no Tojimari”, which blends traditional Japanese folklore with themes of natural disaster resilience. The choice resonates strongly as the 15th anniversary of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake approaches in 2026.
Jingu Ice Messengers Senior team being expressive on ice. (Credits: Roy Ng - 2025)
The Senior team debuted their Short Program set to “Mission: Impossible”, delivering solid speed and reasonably well-executed intersections. The performance gave the skaters a boost of confidence, though the team still faces the challenge of recruiting additional members.
With the season just starting, the program will need further refinement before being ready for international competition.
With the season just starting, the program will need further refinement before being ready for international competition.
Jingu Ice Messengers Senior team skating in their practice dresses at the moment. (Credits: Roy Ng - 2025)
Official scores for the synchronized skating segment have not yet been released.
In recent seasons, the Jingu Ice Messengers teams have consistently refined their programs throughout the year. With their Free Skates still to be unveiled, further developments are anticipated as the competitive season unfolds.
In recent seasons, the Jingu Ice Messengers teams have consistently refined their programs throughout the year. With their Free Skates still to be unveiled, further developments are anticipated as the competitive season unfolds.
