Ami Nakai has rapidly become one of the most exciting young stars in international figure skating. At just 17 years old, she’s already making headlines for her technical difficulty, expressive performances, and memorable music choices — especially her free skate set to the classic “What a Wonderful World.”
Early Life & Skating Beginnings
Born on April 27, 2008, in Niigata, Japan, Ami Nakai began figure skating in 2013. She initially trained in rhythmic gymnastics but switched to skating after being inspired by Japanese Olympic legend Mao Asada.
Growing up with a passion for music and performance, Nakai quickly developed strength in jumps and artistry on ice — leading to her breakthrough on the junior and senior circuits.
Height & Physical Profile
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Height: 1.50 m (150 cm)
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Profession: Student & Professional Figure Skater
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Hometown: Funabashi, Chiba, Japan
Despite her petite stature, Nakai’s power and precision in the air — especially her signature triple Axel — have set her apart from competitors and carried her to major victories.
Competitive Highlights
Ami Nakai’s resume impresses with both junior and senior achievements:
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2026 Winter Olympic Bronze Medalist
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2026 Four Continents Silver Medalist
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2025–26 Grand Prix Final Silver Medalist
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2025 Grand Prix de France Champion
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Skate Canada International Bronze Medalist
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Six-time ISU Junior Grand Prix medalist (four golds included)
At the 2025 Grand Prix de France, Nakai stunned the figure skating world by winning her first senior Grand Prix gold — out-scoring even veteran skater Kaori Sakamoto — with her free skate set to What a Wonderful World.
Free Skate Music: “What a Wonderful World”
A key part of Nakai’s rise has been her choice of free skate music. For the 2025–26 season, she performs her long program to “What a Wonderful World” — as arranged and performed by Lexi Walker & The Piano Guys.
This timeless song has been praised for its emotional depth and uplifting message. Nakai’s interpretation blends graceful skating with musical sensitivity — making her performance both technically demanding and artistically resonant.
Artistry Meets Technical Precision
While her signature triple Axel jump continues to make headlines (she became only the sixth woman to land it at a Winter Olympics), it’s her interpretation of music that has won many fans. Her What a Wonderful World program showcases:
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Flowing transitions
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Expressive footwork
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Musical timing that enhances storytelling
Skating experts and fans alike have noted how this music choice highlights Nakai’s joyful skating style and natural connection to the rhythm — a trait often described as refreshing in elite competition.
Why “What a Wonderful World” Matters
Choosing music is critical in figure skating — it shapes the tone, emotion, and audience connection of a performance. Nakai’s What a Wonderful World free skate stands out because:
It balances technical difficulty with emotional warmth.
It complements her youthful energy and expressive style.
It appeals to both judges and global audiences.
Her interpretation has helped her secure major podium finishes and establish her as a strong medal contender globally — especially as she transitions fully into senior competition.
Looking Ahead
At just 17 and already a decorated international competitor, Ami Nakai’s future in figure skating looks exceptionally bright. Her ability to fuse technical mastery with musical artistry — particularly in signature free skates like What a Wonderful World — positions her as one of the sport’s most compelling athletes to watch.
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