Kansai TV documentary “Living on the Ice – An 11-Year Journey to Milan” has been awarded Nominee in the Sport Category of Venice TV Award 2026, an international competition honoring outstanding television content from around the world. This year, the Venice TV Award recognized productions from 25 countries across 19 categories.

This marks the fourth time Kansai TV’s programs have been honored at the Venice TV Award, following:
Tadao Ando Words for the Next Generation
(Best Technology & Innovation Category Nominee, 2021)
Kiyou’s Kata
(Sport Category Winner / Best Technology & Innovation Category Nominee, 2022)
Families Torn Apart – Re-examining Shaken Baby Syndrome
(Documentary Category Nominee, 2024)

Synopsis
Itsuki Ito (20) is the ace player of Japan's national para ice hockey team.
At the age of eight, on his way to an ice hockey practice in a car driven by his mother, Beniko, a traffic accident left him with a spinal cord injury, and he was forced to live life in a wheelchair.
After the accident, Itsuki quietly said, “I wish it had been my hands instead of my legs.”
At the age of nine, he discovered para ice hockey and found a new dream: to compete in the Paralympics. His mother, Beniko, also suffered a serious leg injury in the accident, yet she never missed driving him to practice.
“I’m scared ( of driving) , but because he wants to do it, I want to support him,” she says.
Her son’s dream soon also became her own.
Then, during the final qualification tournament for a place at the Milan Paralympic Games, a miracle occurred. After the decisive match, Itsuki reflected:
"The gods of hockey told us we can still keep playing hockey."
This program follows the 11-year journey of mother and son as they continue to strive toward a shared and ambitious dream.

Program Information
Title: Living on the Ice – An 11-Year Journey to Milan
Broadcast: March 22, 2026 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (JST)
Narrator: Tori Matsuzaka
Director: Takenori Nawata
Cameraman: Keigo Iguchi
Editor: Kenji Muroyama
English Version : Yuko Hashizaki
Producer: Terumi Miyata

Jury comments
“Living on the Ice: An 11-Year Journey to Milan” not only impressed with its very detailed source material, which is used very effectively in the narrative, but also with its emotional highlights. And it offers hope that even when you think it’s over, something wonderful can still follow.”

Takenori Nawata, Director of the documentary, commented:

"A young boy who once asked members of Japan's national team for their autographs eventually became the ace player of that very team. I am deeply honored that this documentary, which chronicles his determination to keep moving forward despite overwhelming adversity, as well as the eleven-year journey he shared with his mother who consistently supported his dream, has received this recognition.
During filming, I personally drew tremendous courage from them both. I sincerely hope this program will inspire others to take a step forward in life."

Venice TV Awards
Established in 2018, the Venice TV Award is an international competition dedicated to honoring excellence in television content from around the world. The award recognizes outstanding productions and creators who contribute to the advancement of the television industry. Broadcasters, producers, distributors, and streaming platforms from across the globe participate each year. Winners are selected by a jury composed of television industry professionals from around the world.
Official website: https://venicetvaward.com/