Rinka Watanabe

is a Japanese figure skater. She is the 2024 Four Continents bronze medalist, a four-time ISU Grand Prix medalist (1 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze), and a two-time ISU Challenger Series medalist (1 gold, 1 silver).

Personal life Watanabe was born on 19 July 2002 in Chiba, Japan.

Watanabe developed an interest in giant isopods after seeing one at an aquarium while in junior high, and she has collected character figures of them since then. During the off-season, she watches anime and visits aquariums. Watanabe developed an interest in archaeology after visiting a site while recovering from an injury, and she has said she hopes to visit another site in the future. She has also said that Satoko Miyahara and Usain Bolt are people she would like to be for a day.

Skating career Early years Watanabe began figure skating at the age of three after watching Shizuka Arakawa win gold at the 2006 Winter Olympics on TV. Watanabe was ultimately named as the first alternate for the 2024–25 Grand Prix Final.

In December, Watanabe placed seventh at the 2024–25 Japan Championships. “I don’t know if my next competition is going to be nationals or if it’s going to be the Final,” said Watanabe. “But regardless of whichever it is, I want to do the best that I can and whatever results from that, I hope that it could lead to future dreams coming true.” Two weeks later, she finished seventh at the 2025–26 Japan Championships and was named as the first alternate for the 2026 Winter Olympic team. Following the event, Watanabe announced her intention to continue skating competitively for another Olympic cycle.

In February, Watanabe announced that she had made a coaching change, relocating to Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture to train under Yusuke Hayashi.

In March 2026, Watanabe competed at the Coupe du Printemps in Kockelscheuer, Luxembourg. She won the silver medal behind Mana Kawabe.

Programs Season Short program Free skating Exhibition 2026–2027 Seven Nation Army Piano Concerto No. 3 Piano Concerto No. 2 2025–2026 El Tango de Roxanne

Get Lost Jin Naatu Naatu 2024–2025