. >>> japanese figure skater takahashi has announced he's retiring from competition. the olympic medalist and former world champion has been in the forefront of the sport in japan. >> translator: i have decided to retire from figure skating and advanced toward my next goal. >> takahashi began skating when he was 8 years old. he took part in three consecutive winter olympic games, starting with turin in 2006. he became the first japanese male figure skater to win an olympic medal when he captured the bronze in the men's singles at the 2010 vancouver games. he placed sixth at the sochi games in february. takahashi has won one gold and two silver world championship medals, and five national championship titles. a knee injury kept him out of the world championships in march. he took a break from the sport this season, saying he wanted to think about his future. >> translator: i managed to fulfill my dream and participate in three olympic games. i'm very happy i had the chance to be a figure skater. >>> japanese weather officials have a new eye in the sky. they successfull