[2025.07.05] The First Skate

[yuzurujenn]

Compilation of articles & interviews related to The First Skate.

Date: Jul 5, 2025

Venue: Xebio Arena Sendai

 

Info: 

https://www.sendaicityarena-op.jp/

https://x.com/sendaicityarena 

 

[yuzurujenn]

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2025.05.27

 

Source: https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/society/mma40b4c0be76647c6934b41745eeaa0e7
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250527120214/https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/society/mma40b4c0be76647c6934b41745eeaa0e7

 

Yuzuru Hanyu will be appearing! A commemorative event will be held at Xebio Arena Sendai, which is currently closed for ice rink maintenance, and will reopen on July 5th

 

It has been announced that the Xebio Arena Sendai in Taihaku Ward, Sendai, which is currently closed for ice rink maintenance, will reopen on July 5th, and a commemorative event will be held featuring Yuzuru Hanyu and other skaters with ties to Sendai. "We will be holding an ice show to commemorate the opening, featuring Yuzuru Hanyu and other skaters with ties to our city," said Sendai City Mayor Kazuko Kori.

 

Spoiler

This was announced by Mayor Kori of Sendai City at a regular press conference on the 27th. Construction work to prepare the ice rink at Xebio Arena Sendai was completed in May. On the opening day of July 5th, an ice show will be held featuring Yuzuru Hanyu, Takeshi Honda, Akiko Suzuki, and Rika Hongo, all of whom have ties to Sendai City.

 

Tickets will be available for a fee and will be sold to Sendai residents from June 1st and to everyone else from June 10th through a limited online lottery, with a total of just over 2,500 seats.

 

 

 

Source: https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/1939022?display=1
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250527085459/https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/1939022?display=1

 

Yuzuru Hanyu to appear in opening ceremony ice show "Xebio Arena Sendai" multi-purpose facility with ice rink opens on July 5th Sendai

 

Xebio Arena in Taihaku Ward, Sendai, which has been undergoing renovation to become a multi-purpose facility with an ice rink, is set to open as a new city facility, "Sendai City Arena," on July 5, 2025.

 

Spoiler

The new Sendai City Arena, which will open in Asuto Nagamachi, Taihaku Ward, Sendai City, has previously been known as Xebio Arena Sendai and has been a popular venue for concerts and professional basketball team Sendai 89ERS games.

 

Renovation work has been underway since September 2024 in order to create an international-standard skating rink that can be used all year round. The work has now been completed and the rink is scheduled to open as a new city facility on July 5th.

 

The nickname will remain the same as before: "Xebio Arena Sendai."

 

A skating rink measuring 30 meters in length and 60 meters in width has been constructed, and spectator seating has been increased from 4,009 to 4,660 seats. On the opening day, a commemorative event will be held, featuring an ice show featuring skaters with ties to Sendai, such as Yuzuru Hanyu and Takeshi Honda.

 

Tickets will be distributed by lottery, and applications will be accepted online from June 1st for Sendai residents and from the 10th for those outside the city.

 

There will also be a free public event for local residents on July 6th.

 

 

 

Source: https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/346102
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250527071727/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/346102

 

[Figure Skating] New rink in Sendai opens on July 5th; Yuzuru Hanyu, Akiko Suzuki and others appear at commemorative event

 

On the 27th, Sendai city in Miyagi prefecture announced that skaters with ties to the city, including two-time Olympic figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, will appear at the opening event for the new year-round skating rink at Xebio Arena Sendai.

 

Spoiler

　The arena has been used for the B1 Sendai basketball team's matches, but it also has a permanent ice rink that meets international standards. Renovation work has been underway since last year.

 

　The opening event will be held on July 5th. The event will feature an ice show called "The First Skate," with appearances by Hanyu, Honda Takeshi, who placed 4th at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, Suzuki Akiko, who has won medals in two consecutive Olympic Games, and Hongo Rika, who won bronze medals at the 2015 and 2016 Four Continents Championships. Choreography will be handled by Abe Nanami, who also served as Hanyu's coach.

 

　Tickets will be sold by lottery, with applications open to Sendai residents from June 1st, and to the general public from June 10th.

 

 

 

[yuzurujenn]

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2025.05.28

 

Source: https://www.asahi.com/articles/AST5W44MHT5WUNHB006M.html
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250530012357/https://www.asahi.com/articles/AST5W44MHT5WUNHB006M.html

 

Xebio Arena Sendai to open in July, with Yuzuru Hanyu and others expected to perform at opening event

 

[Miyagi] "Xebio Arena Sendai" in Taihaku Ward, Sendai City, which has a year-round ice rink, will open on July 5th. The city announced this on the 27th. To kick things off, an ice show featuring four skaters, including Yuzuru Hanyu, a native of Sendai, will be held on the first day.

 

Spoiler

Xebio Arena Sendai is the home venue of the professional basketball team "Sendai 89ERS." The arena is owned by Xebio Holdings (based in Kōriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture), which began renovations in September last year to install the ice rink. The work was completed in May, and the arena was donated to Sendai City in June. The city will now operate it with an annual management fee of approximately 320 million yen.

 

According to the city, the only existing ice rink within Sendai is currently Ice Rink Sendai in Izumi Ward. Despite producing many famous skaters, the city has had few training venues, prompting repeated calls from stakeholders for more facilities.

 

The newly installed rink meets international standards (60m x 30m), allowing it to host official figure skating competitions. It is the only year-round rink of this size in the prefecture. During basketball games or concerts, insulation and wooden flooring will be placed over the ice. Facilities that combine an ice rink and arena are rare—this is only the second of its kind in Japan.

 

A city official commented, "Sendai is the birthplace of Japanese figure skating. We hope this facility will foster a love for skating and help train future athletes."

 

The ice show, titled "The First Skate," will feature not only Hanyu but also Akiko Suzuki, Takeshi Honda, and Rika Hongo, all of whom have ties to Sendai.

 

Tickets will be distributed by lottery:

For Sendai residents (1,700 seats), applications are open June 1–8

For the general public (approx. 886 seats), applications are open June 10–16

 

Further details will be released on the official website:
https://www.sendaicityarena-op.jp

 

Additionally, a free public event where attendees can try ice skating and basketball will be held on July 6.

 

 

 

Source: https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/winter/20250527-OYT1T50185/
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250528093409/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/winter/20250527-OYT1T50185/

 

Yuzuru Hanyu descends on the rink as Sendai skating rink upgraded to international standards... Commemorative ice show to be held in July

 

　On the 27th, Sendai City announced that the Xebio Arena Sendai (Taihaku Ward, Sendai City), which has been undergoing renovation, will reopen on July 5th. On the same day, a commemorative ice show will be held at the newly constructed year-round skating rink that meets international standards, featuring top skaters with ties to the city, including Yuzuru Hanyu, a professional figure skater from Sendai City.

 

Spoiler

The ice show will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. In addition to Hanyu, Takeshi Honda, Akiko Suzuki, Rika Hongo and others will also participate, and will perform on the newly built international standard (30 meters long, 60 meters wide) skating rink to add a touch of glamour to the event.

 

Tickets (8,000 yen including tax for first floor seats, 5,000 yen for second floor seats, 3,000 yen for third floor seats) will be sold by lottery, with 1,700 seats available for presale to city residents from June 1 to 8. General sales will take place from June 10 to 16.

 

On July 6th, there will also be an event where citizens can try out ice skating and basketball for free. Mayor Kazuko Kori said at a regular press conference on the 27th, "A facility that can be used as both an ice rink and a multi-purpose arena is almost unheard of nationwide. We will continue to make preparations so that people can enjoy the charm of the facility to the fullest."

 

　The arena was renovated by its owner, Xebio Holdings, and donated to the city on June 2. After it opens, a subsidiary of Xebio Holdings will operate it as the designated manager.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[yuzurujenn]

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2025.06.10

 

Source: https://news.ntv.co.jp/n/mmt/category/society/mm055f001d32584634a599801aee0fe4ac
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250610091427/https://news.ntv.co.jp/n/mmt/category/society/mm055f001d32584634a599801aee0fe4ac

 

Over 10,000 applications for 1,700 seats limited to Sendai residents... Public lottery begins on the 10th for ice show featuring Hanyu

 

On Tuesday, July 10, at 10:00 a.m., the general lottery application period began for tickets to the commemorative ice show celebrating the grand opening of Xebio Arena Sendai. The show will feature Yuzuru Hanyu, a native of Sendai, among other skaters.

 

This ice show marks the opening of the newly renovated Xebio Arena Sendai, located in Taihaku Ward, which now includes a new year-round ice rink. The event will take place on Saturday, July 5, and will feature skaters with ties to Sendai, including Hanyu.

 

Tickets are being sold via an online lottery system. Applications for the general lottery are being accepted from Tuesday, July 10, at 10:00 a.m. until Monday, July 16.

Each application can request up to two tickets.

 

Notification of lottery results will be sent via email on Thursday, July 19, at 3:00 p.m.

 

The Sendai-residents-only advance lottery, which closed on Sunday, July 8, received 11,136 applications for the 1,700 seats available.

 

Although the results of the resident lottery will be announced at 3:00 p.m. on July 11, those who were not selected in the advance lottery are still eligible to apply for the general lottery.

[yuzurujenn]

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2025.07.01

 

Source: https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/2013872?display=1
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250701051639/https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/2013872?display=1

 

General ticket lottery for ice show featuring Yuzuru Hanyu and others receives around 20,000 applications, more than 20 times the number of seats planned; additional seats also planned for Sendai City Arena opening event

 

The ice show to commemorate the reopening of the Xebio Arena Sendai in Taihaku Ward, Sendai, will be held on the 5th of this month and will feature professional skater Yuzuru Hanyu and others. Tickets have already sold out, but the general lottery received approximately 20,000 applications, more than 20 times the number of seats originally planned, so the city took measures to increase the number of seats.

 

Spoiler

Xebio Arena Sendai in Asuto Nagamachi, Taihaku Ward, Sendai City, which has been a popular venue for professional basketball team Sendai 89ERS games and concerts, will be renovated into the city's complex "Sendai City Arena," complete with an international-standard skating rink, and will open on the 5th of this month.

 

To commemorate the opening, an ice show sponsored by the city will be held on the 5th, with skaters with ties to Sendai, including Yuzuru Hanyu, Takeshi Honda, Akiko Suzuki, and Rika Hongo, scheduled to appear.

 

The city sold tickets for the event last month, and a pre-sale lottery for Sendai residents received 11,136 applications for 1,700 available seats. A subsequent general lottery drew 19,925 applications for 886 available seats, and the city increased the number of seats available for sale to 1,275 by adding additional SS seats on the skating rink, saying, "We want as many people as possible to enjoy the show."

 

Furthermore, the first-come-first-served sale of standing tickets, which began on the 25th of last month, sold out in about 30 minutes from the start of sales. To prevent resale, Sendai City is taking measures to verify the identity of applicants and to ensure that only those with the correct ID can enter.

On the 5th, there will be an event in the plaza surrounding the venue where people can enjoy food and goods, but as temperatures are expected to be high on the day, the city is calling on people to "take measures to prevent heatstroke when visiting."

 

 

 

Source: https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/350356
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250630214955/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/350356

 

Unexpected applications for ticket lottery for Yuzuru Hanyu's ice show: "Amazing numbers," says Sendai city official

 

Local officials are expressing surprise at the incredible response surrounding Yuzuru Hanyu (30), a professional figure skater and two-time Olympic gold medalist in men's figure skating.

 

Spoiler

In Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Hanyu’s hometown, a year-round ice rink has been newly installed in Xebio Arena Sendai through a partnership with Xebio Holdings, a major sporting goods retailer. The new rink aims to support and develop the next generation of skaters by providing a consistent training environment. A grand opening event is scheduled for July 5.

 

As part of the opening celebrations, the ice show “The First Skate” will be held, featuring skaters with ties to Sendai — including Yuzuru Hanyu, Takeshi Honda, Akiko Suzuki, and Rika Hongo. The announcement ignited a wave of excitement among fans, eager to secure tickets.

 

Though Xebio Arena Sendai has a total seating capacity of 4,660, the number of ticket applications far exceeded expectations. During the early lottery for Sendai residents held in early June, around 11,000 applications were received. A Sendai city official commented to the press, “It’s an incredible number. It's something that doesn't happen very often.”

 

The general lottery also saw a surge in demand, with approximately 20,000 applications. The same official added, “It’s been about three years since Mr. Hanyu turned professional, but it’s clear his popularity remains absolutely unshakable.”

 

Hanyu has long been vocal about his deep connection to his hometown. His continued dedication and heartfelt actions have clearly resonated with many, drawing widespread admiration and support.

 

 

 

 

[yuzurujenn]

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2025.07.04

 

Source: https://deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp/news/112479/
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250704154936/https://deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp/news/112479/

 

"The First Skate" featuring Yuzuru Hanyu and others will be streamed for a fee at a later date. The ice show will be held on the 5th to commemorate the renewal of Xebio Arena Sendai.

 

　

On July 4, the event office for “The First Skate,” an ice show commemorating the renewal opening of Xebio Arena Sendai on July 5, announced via its official social media account that the show will be recorded, edited, and released later as a paid streaming event. This is the opening event for the newly built year-round skating rink at the indoor sports facility “Xebio Arena Sendai” located in Taihaku Ward, Sendai City. In addition to Hanyu, the show will also feature Takeshi Honda, Akiko Suzuki, and Rika Hongo.

 

[yuzurujenn]

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2025.07.05

 

Source: https://news.ntv.co.jp/n/mmt/category/sports/mm9ca510e68ca74814a1f37ba5f78f7440
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250705035327/https://news.ntv.co.jp/n/mmt/category/sports/mm9ca510e68ca74814a1f37ba5f78f7440

 

Yuzuru Hanyu to appear in opening ceremony ice show for Xebio Arena Sendai to be streamed for a fee

 

It has been revealed that a recording of the ice show celebrating the opening of Xebio Arena Sendai, which will be held on the afternoon of the 5th and will feature skaters with ties to Sendai, including Yuzuru Hanyu, will be streamed for a fee after the event. This ice show will be held to commemorate the opening of Xebio Arena Sendai in Taihaku Ward, Sendai, with a new ice rink.

 

According to Sendai City, the ice show will be recorded, edited for easy viewing, and streamed online for a fee at a later date. The period, platform, and price of the stream will be announced on the website and social media as soon as they are decided. However, there will be no live broadcast or live streaming due to copyright issues regarding the music used in the ice show.

 

There were over 11,000 applicants for the Sendai City advance lottery for 1,700 seats, and nearly 20,000 applicants for the general lottery for 1,275 seats, so tickets were a hotly contested draw.

[yuzurujenn]

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2025.07.05

 

Source: https://hochi.news/articles/20250705-OHT1T51053.html?page=1
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250705035640/https://hochi.news/articles/20250705-OHT1T51053.html?page=1

 

Yuzuru Hanyu and others to perform ice show at opening of Xebio Arena Sendai in the afternoon. Mayor Kori says "Spread your wings and take to the world"

 

An opening event for the Xebio Arena Sendai was held in Sendai city on the 5th.

 

Spoiler

　Mayor Kazuko Kori said, "Sendai City is home to Goshikinuma, which is said to be the birthplace of Japanese figure skating. It has produced two Olympic gold medalists, Shizuka Arakawa and Yuzuru Hanyu. It is also a mecca for figure skating, where many athletes are still being trained." She added, "I sincerely hope that children who practice at this skating rink will go on to fly out into the world."

 

　The afternoon ice show "The First Skate" will feature Yuzuru Hanyu, Takeshi Honda, Akiko Suzuki, Rika Hongo, and skaters from the Sendai Ice Rink Skater Club.

 

 

 

Source: https://deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp/news/112578/
Archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20250705035947/https://deepedgeplus.kyodonews.jp/news/112578/

 

Xebio Arena Sendai reopens after renovation as year-round rink; Yuzuru Hanyu and others to perform in commemorative ice show; Mayor says "We look forward to seeing Sendai take flight to the world"　

 

A year-round ice rink has been completed at the indoor sports facility "Xebio Arena Sendai" in Taihaku Ward, Sendai City, and an opening ceremony was held on the morning of the 5th. The city has partnered with Xebio Holdings, a major sports goods retailer, to build an international standard rink capable of hosting official competitions. The multi-purpose arena, a rare feature in Japan, was unveiled, with insulation laid over the ice for basketball games and concerts.

 

Spoiler

At the ceremony, Mayor Kazuko Kori mentioned that Goshikinuma in Aobayama Park in the city is said to be the birthplace of figure skating in Japan. "We have produced two gold medalists, Shizuka Arakawa and Yuzuru Hanyu, and many more athletes are still being trained. Even in the holy land of figure skating, many people have complained for many years that the training environment for ice skating is difficult, but we are very happy that we can open this Sendai City Arena with an international standard skating rink thanks to the donation from Xebio Holdings Co., Ltd. We sincerely hope that children will emerge who will spread their wings and fly out into the world, and through holding ice shows and other events, we would like to further spread the appeal of figure skating, promote exchanges, and increase the population," she said in her greeting.

 

In the afternoon, an ice show will be held as a commemorative event. Yuzuru Hanyu, who has ties to Sendai City in figure skating and won the men's Winter Olympics twice in a row, Takeshi Honda, Akiko Suzuki, and Rika Hongo will perform.

 

[TallyT]