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.
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.
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.
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?
