On a crisp winter afternoon, light from the setting sun shines through a row of large windows, casting a soft glow across a skating rink as the sound of blades against ice fills the air.
This is Mao Rink Tachikawa Tachihi, a shiny new facility located in Tachikawa, western Tokyo.
Opened in November as part of a project that involved 34-year-old Olympic silver medalist and three-time world champion Mao Asada, the completion of the year-round rink comes at a time when Japan is facing a significant shortage of such facilities.
Despite the enduring popularity of figure skating — and the country’s prowess on the world stage — the number of rinks has been steadily declining due to aging and operational challenges, making it increasingly difficult for skaters to find places to train.
Mao Rink, however, has quickly become a dream destination for skaters of all levels, from beginners to competitive athletes.
“I hope skaters who train here will go on to shine on the world stage,” Mao, who has been known by her given name professionally, said during an interview with The Japan Times in January, her eyes revealing her passion for the rink’s broader mission.
Designed to be a space for both recreational skating and high-level training, Mao Rink is already playing a pivotal role in addressing the challenges posed by the dwindling number of skating rinks across Japan. And for Mao, this rink is more than just a training ground — it’s a testament to her long-held dream of providing a world-class facility for figure skaters.
“This rink embodies everything I wished for as a skater,” she said.
Training hurdles
Mao, known for her groundbreaking achievements in the world of figure skating, gained nationwide attention at the age of 14 when she became the youngest female skater to successfully land a triple axel at the 2004 Junior Grand Prix Final.
Her career highs were a silver medal in her Olympic debut at the 2010 Vancouver Games and world titles in 2008, 2010 and 2014.
Reflecting on her training abroad, Mao recalls how she was deeply impressed by the superior facilities she used in countries like the United States and Russia.
“The training facilities abroad were overwhelming. They had dedicated rinks for athletes, and the whole environment was set up to help skaters focus solely on their craft,” she explained.
That experience made her see the gap in Japan’s skating infrastructure.
Mao benefited from some progress on that front in 2007 when Chukyo University, with which she was affiliated, opened a dedicated rink in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, for its athletes, allowing her to return to her home prefecture to continue training.
Mao wasn’t the first Japanese skater to run into an obstacle. According to a survey by the Japan Sports Agency, the number of skating rinks in Japan has been steadily declining since reaching a peak in the 1980s — from 940 indoor and outdoor rinks in 1985 to just 208 in 2021. There are even fewer rinks available year-round, as many operate as swimming pools over the summer.
“As a child, I had to practice alongside the public, often weaving between people while doing jumps,” Mao, who began skating at age 5, recalled. “The only time I could get a rink to myself was late at night or early in the morning.”
World class
To bring to life the rink she had always dreamed of during her competitive career, Mao partnered with Tachihi Holdings, a Tokyo developer, to create a facility that would support both competitive skaters and recreational enthusiasts.
Mao Rink stands on a spacious 9,700-square-meter site, just a five-minute walk from Tachihi Station on the Tama Monorail. The rink’s name reflects Mao’s connection to the project and is the culmination of a plan nearly two decades in the making.
When she was around 16 and training in the U.S., coach Rafael Arutyunyan suggested that one day Mao should open her own rink and name it after herself.
The facility features two rinks: a main rink built to international competition standards (30 meters by 60 meters), and a second, smaller rink open to the public. The main rink is primarily used for elite training sessions and private bookings, providing skaters with an environment that mirrors international competition settings.
Designed with a sleek black theme, the rink also boasts 1,000 permanent seats, and there are plans in place for it to host ice shows. In addition, the facility includes mirrored studios for choreography practice and a fully equipped training room to support skaters’ development. Having all of these functions in one facility is a rarity in Japan.
The second rink features expansive windows that stretch along one side, allowing natural light to flood the space and offering skaters stunning views of the surrounding environment, including the cherry blossom trees in the spring.
“When I was in elementary school, I decided to focus solely on skating,” Mao recalled. “From then on, my days were filled with nothing but skating — spending hours at the rink from morning until night. I didn’t have the chance to go to the park and enjoy the cherry blossoms. That’s why I wanted to create a space where skaters could not only focus on their training but also experience the beauty of nature while they practice.”
Despite the fact that they pose a challenge for maintaining the quality of the ice surface, Mao insisted on the windows, believing they would allow skaters to connect with the changing seasons and enjoy a richer experience.
The exterior of the building reflected Mao’s vision for the next generation of Olympic medalists. Gold, silver, and bronze colors are used to symbolize the three podium positions, while gold panels adorned with the shapes of compulsory figures — precise geometric patterns skaters create on the ice — serve as a tribute to the technical artistry of figure skating.
Another highlight of the facility’s design is the art installation at the entrance. As visitors step inside, they are greeted by “Light and Shadow Mobiles Installation,” an artwork by Kosei Komatsu, shining above them. This piece, purchased by Mao herself, reflects her love for the art of skating. She placed it there with the intention of reminding skaters that, just like the art spinning in the air, they too can aim for the world stage, gliding and spinning toward their dreams.
Mao has always viewed her competitive career as the first chapter of her skating life. After retiring from competitive skating in 2017, she transitioned to hosting ice shows across the country. “In the third chapter, my goal is to coach skaters who can compete at the world level. I want to nurture the world’s best skaters right here in Tachikawa.”
Rave reviews
Mao Rink has quickly become a hub for both local residents and aspiring skaters. Since opening, over 7,000 people had visited the rink, excluding private bookings, by mid-January, according to the operating company Tama Sports Club.
On a recent visit, Risa Sugihara, a 16-year-old high school student who has been skating since fourth grade and competes in various competitions, praised the main rink for its smooth ice and professional atmosphere.
“The design is stylish, and you can really feel Mao Asada’s attention to detail in the rink,” she said. While she usually trains at another rink in Tokyo during the weekdays, it’s difficult to practice certain routines on weekends because of public sessions. However, at Mao Rink, with both the main rink and the second rink available, she can practice even on weekends.
A 59-year-old skater from Tachikawa expressed his appreciation for the rink, saying, “I enjoy trying out different ways of skating and having fun with movements that can only be done on the ice.”
Eight-year-old Kaho Ishikawa, who visited the facility from Hino in western Tokyo with her mother and friend, said it was her first time skating that day. “I had more fun skating than I expected,” she said with a smile.
“I will be incredibly happy if skaters from here can go on to shine internationally,” Mao said. “I’m excited to see many more smiles in the future.”
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