Tokyo: Japanese athletes who competed in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and Paralympics paraded through central Tokyo, expressing gratitude to the public for their support during the quadrennial event in Italy earlier this year.

According to Philippines News Agency, about 120 athletes and team staff participated in the celebration, marking the first parade for the Japanese delegation after the Winter Games. They made a round trip of approximately 700 meters, walking or using wheelchairs along a street in the Nihonbashi district. Approximately 50,000 spectators lined the parade route, offering appreciation and applause.

Among the parade participants were Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, who achieved gold in the pairs figure skating event at the Games. The duo, known as "Riku-Ryu," recently announced their retirement from competition and delighted the crowd by performing their signature lift elements. "I thought we would be happy if people could see our lift," Miura expressed. "I was about to cry because many people called our names."

Other notable athletes included speed skater Miho Takagi, who retired after her last tournament in March, alongside Kokomo Murase from women's snowboarding and Yuto Totsuka from men's snowboarding. They joined the march proudly displaying the medals they secured at the Games.

Japanese athletes achieved a record Winter Olympics haul of 24 medals at the Games, comprising five gold, seven silver, and 12 bronze medals. Japanese Paralympians also performed admirably, securing four medals, which included three silver and one bronze.