Abstract

Because they were together, they were able to achieve their dream--the excitement of winning the gold medal is revived! Riku and Ryuichi's biographical picture book

◆Vividly depicts their lives from childhood to the Milan Olympics
◆Their fast-paced and vibrant performances are recreated in illustrations
◆Includes a Q&A section that delves into their true personalities and a message to readers.

Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara won Japan's first gold medal in the figure skating pairs event at the Milan-Cortina Olympics. Their perfectly synchronized and heartfelt performance moved the entire nation.

This book is a picture book that tells the story of their encounter with skating, the formation of their fateful pair, their victory at the Milan Olympics, and their dreams that continue into the future.

"I will never drop it."
"I will skate for you."

The days of effort and dynamism that the two accumulated are brought to life in a vivid story. The bond between the two, who continued to believe in each other, conveys an important message to children: "The power of belief makes dreams come true."

Author’s Information

Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, nicknamed "Rikuryu," are a pair of figure skaters. Miura was born on December 17, 2001, in Hyogo Prefecture. Kihara was born on August 22, 1992, in Aichi Prefecture. They formed their pair in 2019. In the 2022-2023 season, they won the Grand Prix Final, the Four Continents Championships, and the World Championships, achieving the first-ever "Annual Grand Slam" for a Japanese pair. At the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, they set a new record for the highest score in the free program, winning Japan's first-ever gold medal for a pair. In August of the same year, they announced their engagement. They are currently active as professional skaters.

Koji Torigoe was born in Oita Prefecture. He is a sculptor and writer. After graduating from Musashino Art University with a degree in oil painting, he worked at a design office and an editing production company before becoming a freelancer. He is active in painting, sculpting, editing, and writing. His books include "Let's Play Baseball!" Her works include "The Story of Shohei Ohtani" (Sekaibunkasha), the "True Stories" series (Kodansha), and "It's Okay to Be Different! Everyone's Origami" (Shogakukan).

Kana Yamada was born in Kanagawa Prefecture. She is a picture book author. She graduated from the Picture Book Creation Department of the Japan College of Children's Education. Her picture books include "Let's Play Baseball! The Story of Shohei Ohtani" and "I Depict the World with Shogi: The Story of Sota Fujii" (both published by Sekaibunkasha), and "Mimitabu-chan". She received the 60th Gozan Prize for Encouragement of Painting for her kamishibai (picture story show) "Tenten-chan the Malayan Tapir" (Kyoiku Gakugeki).