Mao Asada, the legend who has led Japanese figure skating.
She remains one of the most watched figures even after retiring from competition, and it was announced that she will hold a press conference in Tokyo in 2025 to establish a figure skating academy.
While she continues to be active as a coach, this article explores the reasons behind her enduring popularity!
Mao Asada opened the “Kinoshita MAO Academy,” which she oversees, at “MAO RINK” in Tachikawa, Tokyo, in August 2025, and continues to work as an instructor.
According to the individual’s own comments, they had been aiming to pursue a career as a coach for some time, but the path to becoming a coach opened up sooner than they had anticipated.
The program targets children aged 5 to 9 years old and is currently run with 12 participants.
Four Reasons for Its Popularity
Now, let’s analyze the reasons for her popularity based on official videos, comments from Mao Asada during interviews, and the Academy’s website!
Reason ①: Enthusiastic hands-on guidance
“I coach with 130% effort! I believe giving your all in everything is what matters most!”
She stated this himself, and this attitude is sure to resonate with students and parents alike. Naturally, enthusiastic instructors are more popular than those who aren’t! She was passionate even during her active career, and her comments show her passion for figure skating remains unchanged to this day!
Reason 2: Programs incorporating other sports
In addition to ice training, we incorporate ballet, dance, rhythmic gymnastics, and track and field training to develop both mind and body.
It’s said that this program incorporates all the thoughts Mao Asada had during her active career, like “I wish we had training like this!” Since it’s based on her own thoughts and experiences, it’s appealing, and given her track record, it’s naturally convincing!
Reason 3: Individualized instruction
“Every student is different, so I make it my priority to observe each one carefully and teach them diligently and meticulously!”
Of course, since personalities and abilities vary from person to person, it’s wonderful that teaching methods aren’t rigidly uniform like they used to be! By focusing on the individual, challenges become clearer, enabling more precise guidance.
Reason 4: Comprehensive Support System
Scholarship system based on the athlete’s level
In Japan, since it’s an expensive sport for intermediate and advanced players, having scholarship programs is a huge help for parents too!
Mao Asada’s Profile
In 2002, at the All Japan Championships, she became the first female skater in history to land three consecutive triple jumps despite being only a sixth grader, instantly capturing the world’s attention. At the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, she won the silver medal, successfully landing a total of three triple Axels across the short program and free skate, setting a Guinness World Record as the first female skater to achieve this feat at the Olympics. At the 2014 Sochi Olympics, she overcame the bitter experience of the previous day’s short program with tremendous mental strength, delivering a flawless performance that moved the world. Later that year, at the March World Championships, she achieved her third title, the most by any Japanese skater. Her short program performance in particular set a world record score, earning her another Guinness World Record. Competition History / Awards 2014 World Championships: Champion (3rd overall) 2014 Sochi Olympics: 6th place 2013 Grand Prix Final: Champion (4th overall) 2013 Four Continents Championships: Champion (3rd overall) 2012 All Japan Championships: Champion (6th overall) 2010 World Championships: Champion 2010 Vancouver Olympics: Silver Medal出典：木下MAOアカデミー
Summary
How did you like it?
Mao Asada has now embarked on her journey as a coach. During her active career, she was one of Japan’s beloved idols, adored by people of all ages and genders. Now, as a coach, we hope she will nurture the next generation of skaters!
