Japan figure skating pair 'Rikuryu' to join Asian Games torch relay in Nagoya

NAGOYA -- Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, the figure skating duo known as Rikuryu, will participate in the torch relay for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The Olympic gold medalists from the Milan Cortina Winter Games will run a segment of the relay in Nagoya on September 16, according to Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa. The torch relay commenced at Nagoya Castle on August 22 and has proceeded through various municipalities in the area.

The flame is set to arrive in Nagoya's Mizuho Ward on September 16. Miura and Kihara are slated to take part that evening along a 2-kilometer route from the Nagoya City Museum to the south plaza of Mizuho Park. The pair first met in Nagoya, where the image accompanying their engagement announcement was captured. Recognizing their strong connection to the city, Nagoya officials extended an invitation to the duo to serve as torchbearers.

Mayor Hirosawa expressed his delight at the opportunity for Rikuryu to participate, noting that many people have been eagerly anticipating this moment.