No Ice? No Problem: Synthetic Rinks Roll Into Japan

A new type of skating is gaining popularity in Japan. It does not require ice, cold weather, or expensive refrigeration. Instead, people are gliding on special synthetic surfaces. These rinks use sheets of a plastic polymer material. Skaters use standard ice skates with blades. The material allows the blades to slide almost like on real ice. This technology, often called "synthetic ice," is now appearing in shopping malls and event spaces in major Japanese cities. The main advantage is location and cost. Traditional ice rinks are expensive to build and maintain. They need powerful cooling systems and a lot of energy. Synthetic rinks can be installed almost anywhere, indoors or outdoors, and do not need to be chilled. "For a country with relatively few ice rinks, this makes skating much more accessible," says a sports equipment manager in Tokyo. "You can have a pop-up rink in a warm indoor plaza. It's creating new skaters." The experience is not exactly the same. Skaters and experts note that the glide on synthetic ice is slightly slower. Blades also require sharpening more often due to increased friction. However, for beginners and casual skaters, the difference is minor. The trend is part of a larger movement to bring winter sports to new audiences. As these plastic panels become more common, Japanese residents may find the chance to skate just around the corner—no freezing temperatures required.