No ice? Japan skaters lace up at resin rinks

TOKYO (Reuters Life!) - No ice, no problem -- Japanese skaters will soon be able to lace up anywhere and at any temperature at rinks made from petrochemical panels.

Ice skating has become increasingly popular in Japan with the success of star figure skaters such as Olympic gold medalist Shizuka Arakawa, but rinks across the country have been closing down due to financial difficulties.

The resin rinks save up to $190,000 a year in air conditioning and water bills and they're better for the environment, the distributors say.

"More young Japanese are trying to find a spot for ice skating lessons. But there aren't enough rinks," said Hideo Iwano of distributor Mitsubishi Plastics.

"We hope to provide more skating opportunities for those young skaters, raising the overall number of skaters in Japan."

Originally manufactured by a Spanish company, the two-by-one meter (six-by-three feet) panels will be available in Japan in June.

"This rink needs some adjustment for professional use, but is definitely good enough for amateurs," skater Shinsuke Tanaka told Reuters at a demonstration in Yokohama. "You don't have to worry about getting soaked as well."

(Reporting by Chika Osaka; editing by Miral Fahmy and Yoko Kubota)

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