A Stunning Comeback from Japan
Shoma Uno, a three-time Olympic medalist and two-time world champion, has announced his return to competitive skating. He will now compete alongside Marin Honda, the 2016 World Junior champion. Their goal is to qualify for the 2030 Winter Olympics, set to take place in the French Alps. This comeback follows both athletes retiring from singles skating in the first half of 2024.
Uno and Honda first began training together in 2022, and they made the joint decision to switch to ice dance in October 2024. Known for his accomplishments in singles, Uno now steps back onto the ice as a dancer. Notably, Marin Honda is four years younger than Shoma Uno, a factor that could bring added energy and balance to their partnership.
Training and Preparation
Earlier this year, the pair completed a two-week training camp in Montreal to prepare for this new chapter in their careers. Their official debut is expected in October 2026 during the qualification rounds for the Japanese National Championships. As Shoma Uno explained:
'Dance is incredibly demanding, both physically and technically—spending three hours perfecting a single 10-second element is completely normal here.' Shoma Uno
On May 1, Uno also signed a contract with the esports team Varrel, highlighting his diverse interests and active engagement across the sports world. The return of Uno and Honda is set to become one of the most talked-about storylines in figure skating over the coming years.
This comeback marks a pivotal moment in the careers of both Shoma Uno and Marin Honda. By combining experience with youth, the duo shows strong potential, which could enhance their performances. Competing at the 2030 Winter Olympics would be a landmark achievement not only for them but also for Japanese sports, sparking greater interest in ice dance within the country. Their development and debut will be closely watched as a potentially major event on the international figure skating scene.