1. Overview
Daisuke Takahashi (高橋 大輔Takahashi DaisukeJapanese, born March 16, 1986) is a retired Japanese figure skater and ice show producer. He competed in both men's singles and ice dance, achieving significant milestones in both disciplines. As a singles skater, he is a pioneer in Japanese and Asian men's figure skating, notably becoming the first Asian male Olympic medalist (bronze in 2010) and the first Asian man to win a World Championship title (in 2010). He also holds the distinction of being the first Japanese man to win the Grand Prix Final (2012-13) and the World Junior Championships (2002). His career also includes two Four Continents Championships titles (2008, 2011) and five Japanese national titles (2006-2008, 2010, 2012).
After initially retiring in 2014, Takahashi returned to competitive singles skating in 2018 before making an unprecedented transition to ice dance in 2019, partnered with Kana Muramoto. With Muramoto, he became the first competitor to earn medals at the Four Continents Championships in two different disciplines, securing a silver medal in ice dance in 2022. He also won a Japanese national title in ice dance in 2023. Known for his exceptional musicality, expressive qualities, and versatility, Takahashi has been widely cited as an inspiration by fellow skaters across generations. Beyond competition, he has been instrumental in innovating the Japanese ice show market through his headlining roles and as a producer. His long senior competitive career spanned 16 seasons, overcoming a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2008, a testament to his resilience and dedication.
2. Early life and background
Daisuke Takahashi's early life began in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, Japan, where he was born on March 16, 1986, as the youngest of four brothers. His first name, "Daisuke," was reportedly inspired by the Japanese singer and actor Daisuke Shima. Growing up, Takahashi was described as having a timid personality, which led his parents to encourage him to try various sports, including Shaolin Kung Fu, baseball, and ice hockey, hoping to strengthen his character. However, he disliked the physical discomfort and protective gear associated with these sports and did not continue with them. He enjoyed gymnastics but could not regularly attend classes in Okayama City.
2.1. Childhood and education
At the age of nine, Takahashi discovered figure skating when a rink, then part of the 厚生年金健康福祉センターKōsei Nenkin Kenkō Fukushi SentāJapanese (later Healthpia Kurashiki), was built very close to his home. His mother had initially intended for him to join the ice hockey club, but Takahashi, disliking the protective gear, chose figure skating instead after watching skaters at the rink. Despite his family not being wealthy, they provided full support for his skating aspirations. The local shopping district even set up donation boxes, affectionately known as "Daisuke bottles," to help fund his training. Takahashi himself also dedicated all his New Year's money to his skating expenses.
He attended Kansai University, graduating from the Department of Literature with a major in Human Movement Culture. In April 2008, he enrolled in the doctoral program (early stage) in the Department of Literature's Graduate School, majoring in Human Culture. However, he withdrew from the graduate school in 2015 due to the non-submission of his master's thesis.
2.2. Junior career and early development
Takahashi's natural talent for skating was quickly recognized at the national promising rookie training camp in Nobeyama. From 1999, while in his second year at Kurashiki Municipal Tsurajima Junior High School, he began receiving coaching at a skating rink in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture (now Ice Rink Sendai), under coaches Hiroshi Nagakubo and Minoru Sano. After Sano left Sendai, Takahashi first met Utako Nagamitsu, who was asked to create his programs.
In the same year, Takahashi won his first international competition, the Triglav Trophy. He achieved consecutive victories at the National Junior High School Championships in 2001 and then won the Japan Junior Figure Skating Championships. His junior career culminated in a historic victory at the 2002 World Junior Figure Skating Championships, marking his first and only appearance at that competition. This win made him the first Japanese man to ever claim the World Junior title.
3. Senior singles skating career
Daisuke Takahashi's transition to the senior stage was marked by a period of adaptation and significant growth, ultimately leading him to become a dominant force in men's singles figure skating.
3.1. Early senior years and Olympic debut (2002-2006)
Takahashi turned senior for the 2002-03 season. His initial years at the senior level were challenging, as he struggled with consistency in international competitions. For a year, he and coach Utako Nagamitsu traveled to the United States, Canada, and Russia to seek guidance from renowned coaches, but without immediate breakthrough. In 2004, he moved to Osaka to attend Kansai University, which constructed a dedicated rink for him and other elite skaters.
The 2004-05 season was particularly difficult for Takahashi, as he experienced a decline in motivation due to the pressures of university life and a nerve inflammation in his right ankle suffered during the Asian Championships. He even contemplated quitting skating. However, a sixth-place finish at the 2004-05 Japanese Championships proved to be a turning point, refocusing his determination. Following this, he won the Winter Universiade and secured a bronze medal at the 2005 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships. At the 2005 World Figure Skating Championships, he faced immense pressure when Takeshi Honda was forced to withdraw due to injury, leaving Takahashi responsible for securing Japan's Olympic berths for the upcoming 2006 Winter Olympics. Despite a strong seventh-place finish in the short program, he struggled in the free skate, falling on his opening quadruple jump and making other errors, ultimately placing 15th and securing only one Olympic spot for the Japanese men's singles event.
After the 2004-05 season, Takahashi changed his coach and choreographer to Nikolai Morozov and began working with trainer Carlos Ávila de Borba to improve his physical condition and step sequences. In the 2005-06 season, he achieved his first Grand Prix victory at 2005 Skate America, becoming the second Japanese man to win a Grand Prix event after Takeshi Honda. Although he placed third at the 2005 NHK Trophy, he was the first singles skater in the world to receive a Level 4 (highest difficulty) for his step sequence in the short program. He earned a bronze medal at his first Grand Prix Final, becoming the first Japanese man to medal at the event. At the 2005-06 Japanese Championships, a scoring error initially declared Nobunari Oda the winner, but the error was corrected, and Takahashi was awarded his first national title, securing the sole Olympic berth for Japan. At the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Takahashi placed fifth after the short program but a poor free skate, marked by a fall on his opening quadruple jump and a Zayak rule violation, dropped him to eighth place overall.
3.2. Rise to international prominence (2006-2008)
The 2006-07 season marked a significant ascent for Takahashi. He won the 2006 NHK Trophy, successfully landing a quadruple jump in his free skate for the first time in a year and eight months. Despite competing with severe abdominal pain and nausea, he earned a silver medal at the Grand Prix Final, the highest placement for a Japanese man at the time. He claimed his second consecutive national title at the 2006-07 Japan Figure Skating Championships with a commanding lead and followed it with a second consecutive gold medal at the 2007 Winter Universiade in Turin. At the 2007 World Figure Skating Championships in Tokyo, Takahashi placed third in the short program and delivered a life-best free skate to win the free skating segment. He secured a silver medal, the highest world championship placement for a Japanese man in history. His performance, combined with Nobunari Oda's seventh place, ensured Japan three men's singles spots for the following World Championships. Following this season, the ISU initially ranked Takahashi first in the world, but due to a re-evaluation of scoring criteria that excluded Universiade results from world rankings, his rank was adjusted to second.
In the 2007-08 season, Takahashi continued his strong performance, winning gold at both of his Grand Prix assignments, 2007 Skate America and 2007 NHK Trophy, and securing his third consecutive NHK Trophy win, the first Japanese man to do so in 26 years. He then claimed a silver medal at the Grand Prix Final, finishing closely behind Stéphane Lambiel. In December, he won his third consecutive Japanese national title. Takahashi then delivered a dominant performance at the 2008 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, where he set new record scores in the free skating (175.84) and total score (264.41) under the ISU Judging System. Despite being a favorite for the 2008 World Figure Skating Championships, he finished fourth after a disappointing free skate that included a fall on a second quad toe attempt, stumbles on a triple Axel and triple loop, and an invalid extra combination element. In May 2008, Takahashi announced his separation from coach Nikolai Morozov, who then began coaching Nobunari Oda. Takahashi continued training with Utako Nagamitsu and jump coach Takeshi Honda in Osaka. Morozov later cited issues with Takahashi's new agent as the reason for the split, although Takahashi later commented that he "lacked the capacity to accept the situation" at the time.
3.3. Injury, comeback, and Olympic medal (2008-2010)
The 2008-09 season was unexpectedly curtailed for Takahashi due to a severe injury. On October 31, 2008, just days before his first Grand Prix event, the 2008 Cup of China, he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his right knee after falling on a triple Axel attempt during practice. He was forced to withdraw from all competitions for the entire season and underwent surgery in November to repair the ligament damage, during which a bolt was inserted into his knee.
Following extensive rehabilitation, Takahashi returned to the ice in April 2009 and began practicing jumps in June. He adjusted his jump technique to accommodate the increased range of motion from rehabilitation. He also brought in Takeshi Honda as a specialized jump coach. Takahashi made a triumphant return to international competition by winning the 2009 Finlandia Trophy in October 2009. He then placed second at 2009 Skate Canada International, qualifying for his first Grand Prix Final in two seasons. At the Grand Prix Final, he led the short program with a personal best score of 89.95 points but finished fifth overall after a fifth-place free skate. He then secured his fourth national title at the 2009-10 Japan Figure Skating Championships, solidifying his place on the Japanese Olympic team for his second consecutive Winter Games.
At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Takahashi delivered a strong short program, scoring over 90 points and placing third, just 0.6 points behind leader Evgeni Plushenko. In the free skate, despite falling on his opening quadruple toe loop and making other minor jump errors, his renowned step sequences and program components received the highest scores among all competitors. He ultimately secured the bronze medal with a total score of 247.23 points, narrowly surpassing Stéphane Lambiel by 0.51 points. This historic achievement marked the first Olympic medal in men's singles figure skating for Japan and any Asian country. Building on this success, Takahashi competed at the 2010 World Figure Skating Championships a month later. He achieved a dominant victory, placing first in both the short program and free skate, becoming the first Asian man to win a World Championship title in men's singles. During the free skate, he attempted a quadruple flip, a groundbreaking attempt, though it was underrotated and landed two-footed. He also uniquely earned Level 4 for all spins and steps in his free skate.
3.4. World title and post-Olympic success (2010-2014)
The 2010-11 season saw Takahashi continue his winning streak, despite initial struggles with motivation after becoming an Olympic medalist and World Champion. He won his first Grand Prix event of the season, the 2010 NHK Trophy, successfully landing a quadruple toe loop in his free skate for the first time in three seasons. He then won 2010 Skate America, marking his sixth Grand Prix series victory, the most by a Japanese male skater. At the Grand Prix Final, he suffered a neck injury in a collision with Takahiko Kozuka during practice, which affected his performance, leading to a fourth-place finish. Despite further worsening of his neck condition, he secured a bronze medal at the 2010-11 Japan Figure Skating Championships. Takahashi then claimed his second Four Continents title at the 2011 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships. The 2011 World Figure Skating Championships, originally scheduled for Tokyo, were postponed and relocated to Moscow due to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. During his free skate, a screw in his boot came loose on his opening quadruple toe loop, causing a temporary stop in his program. Although the issue was resolved within the allotted three minutes, the interruption and a fall on a triple Salchow contributed to a fifth-place overall finish. Following the season, he decided to continue competitive skating and underwent surgery in May to remove the bolt from his right knee, stating he felt "lighter" afterward.
For the 2011-12 season, Takahashi sought to refine his skating skills. In August 2011, he spent two weeks in Lyon, France, working with ice dance specialists Muriel Boucher-Zazoui, Romain Haguenauer, and Olivier Schoenfelder, and also began taking ballet lessons to improve his flexibility. He won the 2011 NHK Trophy, marking his fourth victory at that event, the most by any male skater. At the 2011-12 Japan Figure Skating Championships, he successfully landed a quadruple toe loop-triple toe loop combination in his short program for the first time in seven seasons, securing his fifth national title. He earned silver medals at the Grand Prix Final, Four Continents Championships, and 2012 World Figure Skating Championships, all behind Patrick Chan. At the 2012 World Championships, the French audience booed the results, believing Takahashi deserved the gold over Chan, but Takahashi expressed satisfaction with his silver, especially after his off-season surgery. He concluded the season at the 2012 World Team Trophy, where he won the men's event, setting new personal bests in the short program (94.00 points, a new ISU record) and total score, and achieving his first victory over Patrick Chan since the 2010 World Championships. In June 2012, he announced he would resume working with Nikolai Morozov as an advisory coach, with Utako Nagamitsu remaining his primary coach.
In the 2012-13 season, Takahashi debuted a new free skate at the Japan Open, which included two quadruple jumps for the first time since his injury. He won the men's event and the team gold for Japan. Despite switching to uncomfortable new skating boots that affected his practice, he secured silver medals at the 2012 Cup of China and 2012 NHK Trophy, qualifying for his seventh Grand Prix Final. The 2012 Grand Prix Final was held at the future 2014 Olympic rink in Sochi, Russia. Takahashi placed first in the short program and third in the free skate to win his first Grand Prix Final gold medal, becoming the first Japanese man to achieve this. At the 2012-13 Japan Figure Skating Championships, he finished second to Yuzuru Hanyu, but his performance contributed to Japan securing three men's singles spots for the 2014 Sochi Olympics. For the 2013 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, held in his hometown of Osaka, Takahashi made a last-minute decision to change his short program to "Moonlight Sonata." He finished seventh at Four Continents and sixth at the 2013 World Figure Skating Championships.
The 2013-14 season, his final competitive singles season, saw Takahashi place fourth at 2013 Skate America and win the 2013 NHK Trophy with a personal best short program score. He qualified for the Grand Prix Final but withdrew due to a bone bruise in his right tibia, which required 5 to 6 weeks of rest. Despite the injury, he competed at the 2013-14 Japan Figure Skating Championships, where he attempted quadruple jumps in both programs. During his free skate, he cut his finger after a fall on a quadruple jump, but he completed his program while bleeding. He finished fifth, and, in a tearful interview, expressed doubts about his Olympic selection. However, considering his past achievements and season's performance, he was selected for his third consecutive Winter Olympics, a first for a Japanese figure skater. Prior to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, a controversy arose when the composer of his short program music, Mamoru Samuragochi, was revealed to have used a ghostwriter, Takashi Niigaki. Takahashi decided to keep the music, stating that his affection for it remained, and the International Skating Union (ISU) listed the composer as "Unknown." At the Sochi Olympics, Takahashi placed fourth in the short program but finished sixth overall after the free skate, marking his third consecutive top-eight Olympic finish. He withdrew from the 2014 World Figure Skating Championships in Saitama due to his knee injury.
3.5. First retirement and competitive return (2014-2019)
On October 14, 2014, Daisuke Takahashi officially announced his retirement from competitive skating in Okayama City, citing a desire to pursue new goals. Following his retirement, from April to December 2015, he relocated to Long Island, New York, to study English at a local university and attend various dance classes at the Broadway Dance Center, including ballet.
After four years away from competitive skating, Takahashi made a surprising announcement on July 1, 2018, that he would return to the competitive scene. He cited lingering regrets about his 2014 retirement and a renewed desire to experience the competitive atmosphere, which was reignited after working as a commentator and reporter at the 2017 Japanese Championships. For the 2018-19 season, his goal was to reach the final group at the Japanese Championships. He achieved this by placing third at the Kinki Championships and winning the West Japan Championships. At the 2018-19 Japan Figure Skating Championships, he earned a silver medal behind Shoma Uno. Despite being offered international assignments, he declined, believing it was more beneficial for younger skaters to gain experience.
For the 2019-20 season, Takahashi continued in singles skating, using "The Phoenix" for his short program and "Pale Green Ghosts" for his free skate, the latter being a continuation from the previous season. In September 2019, he announced his decision to conclude his singles career at the 2019-20 Japan Figure Skating Championships in December and transition to ice dance with partner Kana Muramoto. He finished twelfth in his final singles competitive appearance at the 2019-20 Japan Championships.
4. Ice dance career
Daisuke Takahashi's transition to ice dance marked a significant and unexpected chapter in his career, driven by a desire for new challenges and continued athletic development.
4.1. Transition to ice dance (2019-2020)
In September 2019, Takahashi publicly announced his decision to retire from singles skating after the 2019-20 season and form an ice dance partnership with Kana Muramoto. This move garnered significant media attention in Japan due to Takahashi's celebrity status and the rarity of a high-profile singles skater switching to ice dance. Starting in January 2020, the newly formed team moved to Florida, United States, to train under renowned ice dance coaches Marina Zoueva, Johnny Johns, and Ilia Tkachenko, who had previously coached Olympic champions Tessa Virtue/Scott Moir and Meryl Davis/Charlie White.
The team made their competitive debut at the 2020 NHK Trophy in November 2020, an event modified due to the COVID-19 pandemic to feature mostly Japan-based teams. They placed second in the rhythm dance, narrowly ahead of domestic rivals Rikako Fukase/Oliver Cho but behind the reigning national champions, Misato Komatsubara/Tim Koleto. In the free dance, Takahashi experienced a fall out of his twizzles and missed levels on some lift elements, causing them to drop to third place, earning the bronze medal. Despite the errors, Takahashi acknowledged them as part of the competitive experience, and Muramoto expressed confidence in their ability to improve. At their first Japan Championships in December, they placed second in the rhythm dance. Although they were third in the free dance due to more errors from Takahashi (including a fall out of a lift), they secured the silver medal overall as Fukase/Cho also made mistakes. They were named as first alternates for the World Championship team but later withdrew in February due to a knee injury sustained by Muramoto.
4.2. Major ice dance achievements and final retirement (2020-2023)
For the 2021-22 season, Muramoto/Takahashi's sole Grand Prix assignment was the 2021 NHK Trophy, where they placed sixth overall, notably defeating Komatsubara/Koleto. They then earned a silver medal at the 2021 CS Warsaw Cup. At the 2021-22 Japan Figure Skating Championships, the final qualifying event for the 2022 Winter Olympics, they faced Komatsubara/Koleto again. Despite winning the free dance, falls in the rhythm dance led them to a second consecutive silver medal. They were named alternates for the Olympic team but were assigned to make their World Championship debut and compete at the 2022 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships. At Four Continents, they secured a silver medal, placing second in both segments despite errors from Takahashi. This achievement made Takahashi the first person to win Four Continents medals in two different disciplines, a feat he expressed immense joy and frustration about simultaneously due to his mistakes. The team concluded their season at the 2022 World Figure Skating Championships in Montpellier, France, where they finished sixteenth.
In May 2023, Muramoto/Takahashi confirmed their continuation for the 2022-23 season. They placed sixth at 2022 Skate America before winning their first gold medal as a team at the 2022 CS Denis Ten Memorial Challenge in October, setting a new personal best in the rhythm dance. They then finished sixth at the 2022 NHK Trophy. At the 2022-23 Japan Figure Skating Championships in December, Muramoto/Takahashi claimed their first Japanese national title in ice dance. This victory earned them spots at the 2023 World Figure Skating Championships and the 2023 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships. At Four Continents, they struggled, with Muramoto falling in the rhythm dance and Takahashi falling twice in the free dance, resulting in a ninth-place finish. However, at the 2023 World Championships held on home ice in Saitama, they achieved a personal best in the free dance and notably finished eleventh, tying the highest placement ever for a Japanese ice dance team at a World Championships. Takahashi commented that this performance gave him "meaning to continue for a year."
The team's final competitive appearance was at the 2023 ISU World Team Trophy in Figure Skating, where they placed fourth in the rhythm dance and fifth in the free dance, setting new personal bests in both segments and total score. Team Japan earned the bronze medal. In May 2023, Muramoto and Takahashi jointly announced their retirement from competitive skating. Takahashi explained that his long-term knee injury prevented him from further athletic development, and Muramoto chose to retire with him to pursue a professional ice show career together.
5. Skating style and technique
Daisuke Takahashi is widely acclaimed for his distinctive skating style, technical prowess, and profound expressive qualities, which have set him apart in the world of figure skating. Coaches and commentators often praised him for his ability to connect with music, describing his interpretations as akin to a dancer's performance, possessing both fluidity and sharp precision. His versatility allowed him to skillfully convey a wide range of musical genres, from hip-hop and mambo to blues, demonstrating a remarkable musical sensibility.
His skating was characterized by exceptional step sequences and fluid transitions, often considered among the best in the world. He was notably the first singles skater to achieve a Level 4 (highest difficulty) for his step sequence in a Grand Prix event. He also excelled in edge control, a fundamental aspect of high-level skating. Takahashi's jump repertoire included strong triple Axels, triple flips, and triple Lutzes. While he faced issues with edge calls on his flips and Lutzes after the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, he successfully corrected these in the 2011-12 season. He consistently attempted quadruple jumps, particularly the quad toe loop, and in 2011, even attempted a groundbreaking quadruple flip in official practice at the NHK Trophy, though it was not ratified in competition.
His former coach, Nikolai Morozov, once described Takahashi as someone who "skates from the heart, not the head" and called him "an artist on ice." Olympic champion Shizuka Arakawa highly praised him, stating that he "stands out with his high sensitivity" and has the ability to "express any program in his own world," even remarking that his talent made her "sad" when they skated together.
Takahashi's unique blend of artistry and athleticism deeply influenced a generation of skaters. Many top figure skaters, including Patrick Chan, Tatsuki Machida, Adam Rippon, Tomáš Verner, Shoma Uno, Denis Ten, Cha Jun-hwan, Jason Brown, Misha Ge, and Kazuki Tomono, have cited him as an inspiration and idol.
6. Post-competitive activities and public life
After his first retirement from competitive figure skating in October 2014, Daisuke Takahashi transitioned into a multifaceted career, engaging in ice shows, media, and various public endeavors. He continued to perform in ice shows while also venturing into new roles as a producer, choreographer, and television personality, leaving a significant mark on the Japanese entertainment and sports industries.
6.1. Ice show productions and performances
Takahashi has been a prominent figure in the ice show circuit both in Japan and internationally. He performed in numerous notable shows, including Art on Ice and Ice Legends in Switzerland, Denis Ten and Friends in Kazakhstan, The Ice, Shizuka Arakawa's Friends on Ice, and Stars on Ice.
He has been a key innovator in the Japanese ice show market by headlining and co-producing unique cross-genre shows. In 2016, he participated in a test run for the fusion of projection mapping and figure skating, which was later implemented in Hyoen - Basara (2017). This show, co-starring Takahashi, Kabuki actor Matsumoto Kōshirō X, and Olympic champion Shizuka Arakawa, marked the first use of projection mapping in a Japanese ice show. He continued his lead role in subsequent Hyoen productions in 2019 and 2024 (Hyoen - The Miracle of the Cross) and is scheduled to star in Hyoen - Mirror Crested Yaksha in 2025. He also headlined LUXE (2021) and Ice Explosion (2020).
Beyond ice shows, Takahashi performed as a dancer in Cheryl Burke's stage production Love on the Floor in 2016 and 2017 at the TOKYU THEATRE Orb in Tokyo, alongside other prominent skaters like Kristi Yamaguchi, Meryl Davis, and Charlie White.
Following his final retirement from competitive skating in May 2023, Takahashi continued to perform extensively in ice shows, both solo and with Kana Muramoto. He debuted as a producer/director with the second edition of Ice Explosion in January 2023. In February 2024, he produced the first edition of his own ice show, Kassouya, with a second edition scheduled for March 2025. In 2024, he co-choreographed the program "Symmetry" with Muramoto for the Prince Ice World - Broadway Rocks! tour and choreographed his solo show program "Wake up, you're dreaming" for Friends on Ice 2024.
6.2. Media and other public engagements
Takahashi has expanded his public presence beyond skating through various media roles and commercial endorsements. From April 2016 to March 2018, he served as a monthly caster for Nippon TV's "NEWS ZERO," where he hosted a segment called "Spotlight," interviewing professionals and artists such as movie director Takashi Yamazaki, actor Mansai Nomura, and photographer Mika Ninagawa. He also worked as an Olympian caster for Fuji Television, reporting live from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio (with judoka Tadahiro Nomura) and the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. He was the MC for the NHK BS1 show "Bokura wa Manga de Tsuyoku Natta ~SPORTS x MANGA~" from November 2017 to March 2018. Since April 2024, he has been a Thursday regular on Fuji TV's variety show Poka Poka.
Takahashi has been a popular figure for commercial endorsements, including campaigns for the Japanese Olympic Committee (as a "JOC symbol athlete"), AIU Insurance Company (2006), Otsuka Pharmaceutical's Oronamin C (2007), TBC Group (2007), Asahi Breweries (2010, 2011), Japan Post (2010), Asahi Off (2011), Kinoshita Construction (2011, 2013), Nippon Life (2013), Ajinomoto's Amino Vital, Procter & Gamble's "Thank You Mom" campaign (2013, with Yuzuru Hanyu), Johnson & Johnson's Listerine (2015), a special collaboration for the "When Marnie Was There" Blu-ray/DVD release (2015), Okayama Prefecture's PR animation (2016, as a voice actor), Coca-Cola's Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics campaign (2018, as a coach), and Earth Corporation's Earth Jet (2020).
In 2018, he embarked on his first "D-color" project as a "total coordinator" for real estate company Sky Court Ltd., designing the interior and exterior of a 13-story condominium building in Asakusa, Tokyo. He completed his third "D-color" project in April 2024, designing a one-room apartment interior.
In July/August 2024, Takahashi made his acting debut in the film Kura no Aru Machi (English: The City of Warehouses), directed by Emiko Hiramatsu. The film, set and entirely shot in his hometown of Kurashiki, features him as a museum curator who becomes a confidant to the high school student main characters. The movie is scheduled for nationwide release in summer 2025. In October 2024, he co-founded "F-Ske," a members-only official fan community on the FANICON platform, alongside other prominent Japanese skaters.
7. Personal life
Daisuke Takahashi was a student at Kansai University, where he studied literature with a focus on human movement culture. He has three elder brothers.
After his initial retirement from competitive skating in 2014, he moved to Long Island, New York, where he enrolled in English classes at a local university to improve his language skills. During this period, he also extensively studied various dance styles at the Broadway Dance Center, including ballet, which further enhanced his performance abilities on ice.
In January 2023, he announced a change in the traditional kanji spelling of his surname from '髙橋' (ladder-top 'Taka') to '高橋' (regular 'Taka'). Later in 2023, he relocated from Osaka to Tokyo. He is a childhood friend and former classmate of Toshihiro Aoyama, a former Japanese national football team player. Since his debut, his management has been handled by Universal Sports Marketing, the same agency as Shizuka Arakawa.
8. Awards and recognition
Daisuke Takahashi has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career for his athletic achievements and contributions to figure skating.
- 2001:** JOC Sports Award, Rookie of the Year
- 2003:** Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Outstanding Performance in International Competitions
- 2005:** Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Outstanding Performance in International Competitions
- 2006:** Kurashiki City Sports Honor Award
- 2007:** Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Outstanding Performance in International Competitions
- 2007:** JOC Sports Award, Special Achievement Award
- 2007:** Kozuki Sports Award
- 2010:** Okayama Prefecture Citizen's Honor Award
- 2010:** Okayama Prefecture Special Sports Award
- 2010:** Kurashiki City Citizen's Honor Award
- 2014:** Okayama Prefecture Special Sports Award
- 2014:** Kurashiki City Mayor's Special Award
- 2014:** Kurashiki City Special Sports Achievement Award
- 2015:** 49th TV Asahi Big Sports Award, Figure Project Award
- 2015:** 26th Japan Jewelry Best Dresser Award, Special Award
- 2024:** SUITS OF THE YEAR 2024, Sports Category
9. Legacy and influence
Daisuke Takahashi's legacy in figure skating is marked by his pioneering achievements and profound influence, particularly within Japanese and Asian men's singles skating. He broke numerous barriers, becoming the first Asian man to win an Olympic medal, a World Championship title, and the Grand Prix Final in men's singles. His success elevated the profile of the sport in Japan and inspired a new generation of skaters to pursue excellence.
He is widely regarded as a trailblazer who demonstrated that Asian male skaters could achieve top international success, fostering greater participation and ambition within the region. His distinctive blend of artistry and athleticism, characterized by exceptional musicality, expressive qualities, and powerful step sequences, redefined men's skating and set a new standard for performance. Fellow skaters consistently praise his unique style and emotional depth on the ice, acknowledging him as an inspiration and an idol.
Beyond his competitive record, Takahashi played a crucial role in expanding the reach and appeal of figure skating in Japan through his involvement in innovative ice shows. His work as a performer and producer of cross-genre shows, such as Hyoen and Ice Explosion, helped to popularize ice performance beyond traditional competitive formats, attracting new audiences and artists. His ability to connect with diverse audiences, combined with his resilience in overcoming a career-threatening injury, solidified his status as one of Japan's most beloved and influential athletes.
10. Competitive highlights
Daisuke Takahashi's competitive career spanned two disciplines: men's singles and ice dance.
10.1. Men's singles
| Event | 99-00 | 00-01 | 01-02 | 02-03 | 03-04 | 04-05 | 05-06 | 06-07 | 07-08 | 08-09 | 09-10 | 10-11 | 11-12 | 12-13 | 13-14 | 18-19 | 19-20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympics | 8th | 3rd | 6th | ||||||||||||||
| Worlds | 11th | 15th | 2nd | 4th | 1st | 5th | 2nd | 6th | WD | ||||||||
| Four Continents | 13th | 6th | 3rd | 1st | 1st | 2nd | 7th | ||||||||||
| Grand Prix Final | 3rd | 2nd | 2nd | 5th | 4th | 2nd | 1st | WD | |||||||||
| Bofrost | 11th | ||||||||||||||||
| Cup of China | 2nd | ||||||||||||||||
| France | 5th | 11th | |||||||||||||||
| NHK Trophy | 8th | 3rd | 1st | 1st | 4th | 1st | 1st | 2nd | 1st | ||||||||
| Skate America | 1st | 1st | 1st | 4th | |||||||||||||
| Skate Canada | 7th | 2nd | 2nd | 3rd | |||||||||||||
| Finlandia | 1st | ||||||||||||||||
| Universiade | 1st | 1st | |||||||||||||||
| Asian Games | 6th | ||||||||||||||||
| Japan Challenge | 2nd | ||||||||||||||||
| Junior Worlds | 1st | ||||||||||||||||
| JGP Final | 4th | ||||||||||||||||
| JGP Bulgaria | 2nd | ||||||||||||||||
| JGP China | 9th | ||||||||||||||||
| JGP Japan | 1st | ||||||||||||||||
| JGP Ukraine | 8th | ||||||||||||||||
| Japan Champ. | 5th | 4th | 3rd | 6th | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 3rd | 1st | 2nd | 5th | 2nd | 12th | |||
| Japan Junior | 3rd | 4th | 1st | ||||||||||||||
| World Team Trophy | 1st T / 1st P | 3rd T / 1st P | |||||||||||||||
| Japan Open | 1st T / 2nd P | 1st T / 4th P | 1st T / 2nd P | 3rd T / 6th P | 1st T / 1st P | 1st T / 4th P |
10.2. Ice dance with Muramoto
| Event | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worlds | 16th | 11th | |
| Four Continents | 2nd | 9th | |
| GP NHK Trophy | 3rd | 6th | 6th |
| GP Skate America | 6th | ||
| CS Denis Ten Memorial Challenge | 1st | ||
| CS Warsaw Cup | 2nd | ||
| Japan Champ. | 2nd | 2nd | 1st |
| World Team Trophy | 3rd T / 4th P |
11. Programs
Daisuke Takahashi's programs are notable for their diverse musical selections and artistic choreography, reflecting his celebrated musicality and expressive range.
11.1. Men's singles programs
| Season | Short program | Free skating | Exhibition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-2020 |
by Fall Out Boy |
by John Grant | |
| 2018-2019 |
by Ryuichi Sakamoto |
by Sergei Rachmaninoff
by John Grant |
from Guilty Crown |
| 2013-2014 |
credited as "Unknown" (originally associated with Mamoru Samuragochi) |
by Quint Elle | |
| 2012-2013 |
by Ludwig van Beethoven |
by Ruggero Leoncavallo |
by Quint Elle |
| 2011-2012 |
by Vas |
by Eddy Louiss |
(from The Legend of 1900) |
| 2010-2011 |
played by Perez Prado
by Perez Prado |
by Tango Siempre |
(from Amélie) |
| 2009-2010 |
by COBA |
by Nino Rota |
by DJ Okawari |
| 2008-2009 | Did not compete this season | ||
| 2007-2008 |
by Pyotr Tchaikovsky |
by Pyotr Tchaikovsky |
by Björk |
| 2006-2007 |
by Pyotr Tchaikovsky |
by Andrew Lloyd Webber |
(from Moulin Rouge!) |
| 2005-2006 |
(from Moulin Rouge!) |
by Sergei Rachmaninoff |
by Secret Garden |
| 2004-2005 |
(from Mission: Impossible 2) |
by Joaquín Rodrigo |
by Secret Garden |
| 2003-2004 |
from Mission: Impossible II |
variation on a theme of Niccolò Paganini |
by Sting |
| 2002-2003 |
by Philip Glass |
by John Williams |
by Joey Ramone |
| 2001-2002 |
by Leonard Bernstein |
by Max Bruch |
(from West Side Story) |
11.2. Ice dance programs with Muramoto
| Season | Rhythm dance | Free dance | Exhibition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 |
Remix by pSyk
by Isatorresbeats
by Said Mrad |
by Andrew Lloyd Webber |
by Sam Smith |
| 2021-2022 |
by Maïa Barouh
by Clozee |
by Ludwig Minkus |
by Calum Scott, Leona Lewis |
| 2020-2021 |
by Randy Edelman |
by Ludwig Minkus |
by Calum Scott, Leona Lewis |
12. Filmography
Takahashi has ventured into acting, appearing in the following film:
- The Tales of Kurashiki (2025)
13. Publications
Daisuke Takahashi has been featured in a variety of publications, including books, music albums, and visual media, reflecting his enduring popularity and impact on the figure skating world.
13.1. Books
- Our Era: The Art of Making Oneself Beautiful (Co-authored with Tatsuya Fujiwara and Nakamura Kankuro VI, Fuso Publishing, 2008)
- be SOUL (Shodensha, 2010)
- Daisuke Takahashi OFFICIAL BOOK 200days: The Fight to Vancouver (Shodensha, 2010)
- STEP! STEP! STEP! Daisuke Takahashi: The Figure Skater's Journey (Nikkei Publishing, 2011)
- SOUL Up (Shodensha, 2011)
- SOUL Up Exhibition (Shodensha, 2011)
- Even So, To Look Forward: be SOUL 2 (Shodensha, 2013)
- 2000days: The Days Spent Move Me Forward (Shodensha, 2015)
- Daisuke Takahashi Photo Book Hyoen 2017 'En-gi' (Pony Canyon, 2019)
- Daisuke Takahashi Photo Book En-gi 2019 (Pony Canyon, 2019)
- Daisuke Takahashi Photo Book The Long and Winding Road (Shinshokan, 2020)
13.2. CDs
- Daisuke Takahashi ~Favorite Music~ (Pony Canyon, 2010)
- Daisuke Takahashi 2010-2011 season (Pony Canyon, 2011)
13.3. DVDs and Blu-rays
- Daisuke Takahashi (Pony Canyon, 2010)
- Daisuke Takahashi Plus (Pony Canyon, 2011)
- Daisuke Takahashi x Samurai Spirits ~Chemical Reaction of Geniuses~ (Aniplex, 2012)
- Daisuke Takahashi D1SK (Pony Canyon, 2014)
- Nobody Knows Daisuke Takahashi (Pony Canyon, 2014)
- Daisuke Takahashi The Real Athlete (Pony Canyon, 2015)
- New Nobody Knows Daisuke Takahashi (Pony Canyon, 2019)
- Daisuke Takahashi The Real Athlete -Phoenix- (Pony Canyon, 2021)