BIOGRAPHY

Akiko Kitamura was a top junior skater for Japan from 2004 to 2006 and was beginning to find success at international senior-level competitions before an injury sidelined her early in the 2006-07 season.  Among her career highlights were winning the Harghita Cup and Skate Montreal on the Junior Grand Prix tour, as well as qualifying for the excellent Japanese team at the 2005 World Junior championships.  She was coached by Mie Hamada and choreographed by Tom Dickson.

Although she was scheduled to compete at the 2007 Central Ontario Summer Skate, Akiko did not skate, as the Japanese team withdrew from the competition.  She did, however, discuss her injuries and the state of her career in a candid exclusive interview with Japan Skates.

Akiko returned to competition in 2008-09 and shone at regional and sectional competitions, qualifying again for the All-Japan championship.  All the best this season, Akiko!