Main Rink,
MAO RINK TACHIKAWA TACHIHI

A skating rink produced by Mao Asada to nurture future medalists

In November 2024, a new skating rink opened in Tachikawa City: MAO RINK TACHIKAWA TACHIHI, produced by Mao Asada, the world-renowned figure skater who has earned numerous medals throughout her career. The exterior walls and entrance hall carpet feature patterns inspired by compulsory figures once traced on the ice, while gold, silver, and bronze accents symbolize medal colors—reflecting Asada’s vision throughout the design.
The facility houses two rinks: a main rink of international standard size, 30 by 60 meters, and a sub rink, 24 by 40 meters, designed for beginners and families. The main rink features a stylish black interior that helps skaters stay focused. During scene changes, when the lights are dimmed, the space blends seamlessly into darkness, creating dramatic contrasts with light. In the sub rink, large windows overlooking rows of cherry trees provide a bright, open atmosphere where skaters can practice while enjoying the passage of time and the changing seasons.

A stylish seating area that balances comfort and functionality in the main rink, where world-class skaters gather

Along the long side of the main rink, 1,000 black seats are installed to match the interior design. The selected model is LIMS (AR-1022, AR-1023), with its thin yet flexible square silhouette. The decision was made after Mao Asada, representatives of Tachihi Holdings, and members of the design and construction teams tested a variety of models at the Kotobuki Seating showroom.
What ultimately led to its adoption was seating comfort. Despite its slim appearance, the chair offers generous space in both the backrest and seat, gently supporting the body. Its ergonomic curves follow the natural sitting posture, ensuring comfort even during long performances. The soft-textured synthetic resin also resists cold, preventing the discomfort of chilled seating in rink conditions.
LIMS combines comfort with functionality through two mechanisms. The balancing tipping system creates a small gap between the backrest and seat when unoccupied, making it easy to grip when sitting down. When moving through a row, the seat can be pushed back toward the backrest to create additional passage space. The gentle seat tip-up mechanism allows the seat to rise smoothly and quietly, minimizing noise and vibration when spectators leave during a performance or competition.
To ensure a clear view of the ice, the first row of seating is set higher, with generous elevation differences between rows. This tiered design not only guarantees visibility but also brings the audience closer to the rink, fostering a strong sense of unity throughout the venue.

Facility overview

Produced by professional figure skater Mao Asada, MAO RINK TACHIKAWA TACHIHI opened in November 2024. Asada’s wish—“to deliver dreams and hope to the children of the future through skating”—resonated with Tachihi Holdings’ philosophy of contributing to local communities through culture, arts, and sports. Together, they brought the facility to life. With an international-standard main rink and one of Japan’s largest sub rinks, also suitable for ice show rehearsals, the venue welcomes a wide range of users—from professionals to amateurs, and from children to adults—creating a space where everyone can enjoy skating.