Three-time Olympic medalist and two-time world champion figure skater Shoma Uno is set to launch his self-produced ice show "Ice Brave" across Japan this summer. The exhibition will be staged in Aichi, Fukuoka, and Niigata prefectures throughout June and July.
At 27, Uno retired from competitive skating last May and has since focused his creative energies on developing this unique production. The impressive cast features Uno himself alongside several accomplished Japanese skaters including former world junior champion Marin Honda, two-time Four Continents silver medalist Rika Hongo, and Japanese national competitors Yoji Nakano, Kazuki Kushida, and Tsunehito Karakawa. Additionally, Uno's former coach and Olympic silver medalist Stéphane Lambiel will join as a guest skater.
Recent YouTube footage shows Uno embracing his new role, meticulously working with fellow skaters on performance details. He reflects: "I think teaching has been really beneficial for me. I've always thought a lot about jumps, but I've never really thought about the expression or dancing part. Therefore, by putting them into words and explaining why -- Some movements of mine are good and by finding out what they are and why they work, I can use that on other movements." It seems that this artistic direction represents aspects of skating he rarely had time to explore during his competitive career.
"We'll have seven performers covering an hour and a half. It will be an energetic ice show that is also demanding to perform," Uno revealed in a recent interview with Kyodo News. "Our mentality and stamina will be key."
The exhibition will showcase more than ten programs, primarily selections from Uno's competitive repertoire, with two new additions. "Both for myself and for the audience, I thought it might be interesting to skate to those programs now and see how they take shape," Uno explained passionately. "While I was performing to my best during my competitive career, I was aware that I had plenty of room to develop. I want to call my programs this time their complete versions before moving on to the next ones."
Performance Schedule
AICHI
Location: Love and Earth Expo Memorial Park (Morikoro Park) Ice Skating Rink
- 14 June: 12:30pm / 16:30pm
- 15 June: 12:30pm
FUKUOKA
Location: Ovision Ice Arena Fukuoka
- 21 June: 11:30am / 15:30pm
- 22 June: 11:30am
NIIGATA
Location: MGC Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Ice Arena
- 12 July: 11:30am / 15:30pm
- 13 July: 11:30am
Tickets for most performances are already selling quickly, with Premium S seats (priced at ¥27,000) sold out for all venues. However, Ariena S seats (¥19,000) and some Stand A seats (¥12,000-15,000) remain available at most locations.
For tickets and complete venue details, visit the official Ice Brave website. Official merchandise is also available through the Ice Brave online shop.