Minoru Sano Figure skater
Minoru Sano is a former Japanese figure skater. He won the Japan Figure Skating Championships from 1972 to 1976 and represented Japan in the World Figure Skating Championships from 1973 to 1977. After winning the bronze medal in the World Championships in 1977, he subsequently retired and became a national hero, as it was the first time that a Japanese figure skater had stood on a podium in that particular competition. This feat was not repeated by a male Japanese skater until Takeshi Honda won the bronze medal in the World Championships in 2002. In 1978, he turned professional and found "Viva! Ice World" (renamed "Prince Ice World" in 1988). It was the first ice show in Japan. In those days, he was considered a heartthrob in Japan. He appeared on many television shows as an actor, TV presenter, or a guest. He also released pop singles. His popularity helped to popularize figure skating in Japan. Sano is currently a TV commentator and a figure skating instructor. His former students include Shizuka Arakawa and Yamato Tamura.
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Athlete
| Career end | 1977 |
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