“WHEN ‘QUAD GOD’ AND THE JAPANESE MUSE MEET ON THE ICE…” At the Osaka venue of Stars on Ice 2026, the entire audience melted when Ilia Malinin and Mone Chiba unexpectedly paired up for a performance of Disney’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” On one side was the explosive power of “Quad God,” on the other the delicate softness of the Japanese star—but when they skated together, all differences vanished, leaving only an unbelievable harmony. Gentle lifts, seamless synchronization like something out of a cartoon, smiles and eye contact caused the Osaka arena to erupt in continuous cheers. No one expected an exhibition to go so “viral”—but within hours, the clip had spread throughout the figure skating community, dubbed “the cutest pairing of the 2026 season.” A performance not just to watch… but to smile at.

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Ilia Malinin and Japan’s Mone Chiba stole the show at the Stars on Ice 2026 tour stop in Osaka with a charming pair exhibition to the Disney classic “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”.

The unlikely pairing — the powerful American “Quad God” and the elegant Japanese skater — delivered a fun, light-hearted routine filled with playful lifts, synchronized movements, and genuine chemistry that had the audience smiling throughout.
r/IliaQuadg0dMalinin - New Pair Chiba/Malinin (and other fun Japan SOI pics)

Fans were quick to praise the duo’s adorable performance, with many calling it one of the highlights of the entire Stars on Ice Japan tour. The routine perfectly matched the upbeat and friendly energy of the song, showcasing a completely different side of both skaters compared to their usual competitive programs.

Backstage photos and videos also showed Ilia Malinin, Mone Chiba, and other skaters (including Amber Glenn) enjoying the tour together, adding to the warm, celebratory atmosphere of the event.
r/IliaQuadg0dMalinin - New Pair Chiba/Malinin (and other fun Japan SOI pics)

This fun collaboration is part of the ongoing Stars on Ice 2026 Japan shows, which bring together top international and Japanese skaters for post-season exhibitions.

 

 

The Osaka performance has already gone viral among figure skating fans, with many requesting more pair numbers like this in future ice shows.
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Have you seen Ilia Malinin and Mone Chiba’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” routine yet? What did you think of their pairing?