Ryuichi Kihara, a gold medalist in figure skating pairs at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, visited his hometown of Tokai City in Aichi Prefecture. During his visit to the city hall, he expressed his gratitude for the support he received, which helped him deliver outstanding performances. The city recognized his achievements by presenting him with a reward of 1 million yen. Kihara reflected on his Olympic journey, sharing insights about his performance and emphasizing the importance of perseverance to local children, encouraging them to continue striving even in challenging times.

Kihara's visit included a meeting with Mayor Katsushige Hanada, who expressed his admiration for Kihara’s performances, particularly during a public viewing event, stating that the athlete's success has inspired the community. Mayor Hanada also presented Kihara with messages from citizens, showcasing the local support and pride in his accomplishments. Kihara shared that he had hoped to take part in a trip with friends but had to cancel due to scheduling conflicts; nonetheless, he remained optimistic about future events and enjoyed bringing home the gold medal.

As a local ambassador and recipient of the city’s sports achievement award, Kihara's legacy continues to grow in Tokai City. The local government has plans to further honor him by granting him the Citizen’s Honor Award, showcasing a commitment to celebrating local athletes and their contributions to sports in Japan. Kihara aims to help elevate Japan's status in pairs skating, aspiring to make the nation a powerhouse in the discipline for aspiring skaters.