TOKYO, Aug 23 — Japanese figure skater Kihara Ryūichi has announced his engagement to longtime skating partner Riku Miura, sharing the news in an emotional message on X that quickly drew millions of views and an outpouring of congratulations from fans around the world.

In the post, Kihara reflected on their years together—on and off the ice—writing that they had supported each other through both joyful and difficult moments, eventually becoming “irreplaceable” in each other’s lives. He expressed his happiness at finally being able to share the milestone publicly, adding that the couple intends to continue moving forward “one step at a time” while staying true to themselves.

The announcement was accompanied by the hashtag #shesaidyes and a photo credited to Nobuaki Tanaka. The post has since garnered more than 20 million views, along with tens of thousands of likes and shares, underscoring the pair’s popularity as one of Japan’s most beloved figure skating duos.

Fans flooded the replies with congratulations, photos, and memories of the pair’s performances. One user highlighted the significance of Kihara proposing while wearing the costume from their gold‑medal victory, calling it “lovely” and wishing them eternal happiness.

Miura and Kihara, affectionately known as “RikuRyu,” have been celebrated internationally for their artistry, synchronicity, and emotional storytelling on the ice. Their engagement marks a new chapter not only in their personal lives but also in a partnership that has captivated audiences worldwide.

As Kihara wrote, they hope supporters will “continue to warmly watch over” them as they begin this next stage together.