The music used by a female figure skater for her free program

Hymn to LoveNEW!Édith Piaf

Hymn to Love — Édith Piaf

Édith Piaf, the chanson singer who represents France.

Her powerful voice, resonating from her petite frame, is still loved around the world today.

Speaking of her signature works, there’s “Hymne à l’amour.” In Japan, it’s affectionately known by the title “Ai no Sanka” (“Hymn to Love”) and is also famous through Fubuki Koshiji’s cover.

Recorded in May 1950, this passionate ballad vows eternal love to a sweetheart and moves the hearts of its listeners.

It’s also very popular in the figure skating world, and drew attention when Kaori Sakamoto used it for her free program in the 2025 season.

Sung within the film “Paris chante toujours,” its grand, timeless melody is a perfect match for emotionally stirring moments on the ice, so be sure to check it out.

JIN – Jin –NEW!Takami Yū

From the drama “JIN -Jin-” JIN – Jin – MAIN TITLE ORCHESTRA POSSIBLE

JIN -Main Title- expresses, on a grand scale, the world of a timeless, beloved drama.

Composed by Yu Takami as part of the score for the 2009 TBS Sunday Theater drama JIN, it is included on the album “TBS Sunday Theater ‘JIN’ Original Soundtrack,” released the same year.

The piece is also known for being used by figure skater Rinka Watanabe in her free skate at the 2022 Skate Canada, where she captured a come-from-behind victory in her Grand Prix Series debut.

The powerful resonance of taiko drums and the graceful melodies of the strings evoke a distinctly Japanese sensibility and a dramatic arc, stirring the hearts of viewers.

There may be no other piece of music that immerses you so completely in the story unfolding on the ice.

Wonder Woman Main ThemeNEW!Tina Guo

Wonder Woman Main Theme (Official Music Video) – Tina Guo

A single by Tina Guo whose fierce electric cello tone symbolizes the strength of a fighting woman.

Released in May 2017, it’s a reimagining of the famous theme from the film Wonder Woman.

In addition to the gravitas of the original by Hans Zimmer and others, the aggressive riffs make a powerful impression.

In the 2025–2026 season, Wakaba Higuchi is using a medley that includes this piece for her free skate.

True to the powerful image she describes, her warrior-like performance on the ice merges with heart-pounding drums to inspire courage in the audience.

If you listen when you need to fire yourself up or before a must-win showdown, it might awaken your inner wildness.

ToscaNEW!Giacomo Puccini

World Figure Skating Championships 2021 <Women’s Free Skating · Satoko Miyahara> Uncut Stream [Fuji TV Official]

When you think of a passionate tragedy set in Rome, many will recall this opera composed by Giacomo Puccini.

Premiered in January 1900, it tells a story where the love between a diva and a painter intersects with the schemes of the chief of police.

The arias “Vissi d’arte, vissi d’amore” and “E lucevan le stelle,” sung in the opera, are so popular that they are frequently performed on their own.

It has long been beloved in the figure skating world as well; Satoko Miyahara’s performance at a November 2021 competition captivated audiences with its delicate expressiveness.

The dramatic development and beautiful melodies further elevate performances on the ice.

If you want to immerse yourself in grand, emotionally stirring music, why not give it a listen?

Training With Mr. SchaibelNEW!Carlos Rafael Rivera

Training With Mr. Schaibel

The piece that drew attention because rising star of Japanese figure skating Mao Shimada used it in her free program for the 2021–2022 season is a number composed by Carlos Rafael Rivera.

The quietly repeating piano motif evokes the image of earnest, day-by-day training.

As the strings gradually join in, they seem to express an inner passion, leaving you with a sense of being cleansed.

It’s included on the album “The Queen’s Gambit: Music from the Netflix Limited Series,” released in October 2020 as the score for the drama The Queen’s Gambit.

The music, which colors the story of a young chess prodigy’s growth, pairs perfectly with performances on the ice.

It’s an ideal track for times when you want to sharpen your focus or immerse yourself in something.

As you listen, let it remind you of the dignity of striving toward your dreams.

On a sunny dayNEW!Giacomo Puccini

Puccini, Madama Butterfly, “Un bel dì, vedremo” — Maria Callas (1)

When people think of famous opera pieces, many might picture this one.

Un bel dì, vedremo is a piece from the opera Madama Butterfly, composed by Giacomo Puccini, and it’s known in Japan as Aru Hareta Hi (“One Fine Day”).

It expresses the poignant feelings of Cio-Cio-san as she waits, believing in her husband’s return.

Though it’s a historic piece first performed in February 1904, it drew major attention in the figure skating world when Mao Asada used it for her free program in 2015.

Beginning in silence and gradually building in emotion, its dramatic progression beautifully enhances performances on the ice.

This work has also been used in numerous films and TV dramas.

Why not give it a listen while recalling athletes’ memorable performances?

JupiterNEW!Gustav Holst

[Moving Finale] Jupiter from The Planets (suite) (Gustav Holst – The Planets – Jupiter)

This is one of Gustav Holst’s most celebrated works, known as the fourth movement of his suite The Planets.

Premiered in September 1918, it may be especially memorable to many because Mai Mihara used it for her free program in women’s figure skating.

Beginning with a lively rhythm and unfolding in the middle into the grand melody also known as “I Vow to Thee, My Country,” its structure is perfectly suited to a dramatic performance.

In the past, Shizuka Suguri and Satoko Miyahara have also used it, and its expansive scale that seems to envelop the entire rink is part of its appeal.

When this melody plays in the latter half of a program, in the most demanding moments, you can’t help but feel its powerful support for the skater.

It is a piece that is solemn yet somehow warmly comforting.