9 Miu Hirano and became the youngest finalist in singles at the All Japan National Championships.

[5][6] In May, at the age of 14 years and 278 days, Kihara won both the women's singles and doubles (with Miyu Nagasaki) at the Croatia Open.

She was the youngest ever to win an international open tournament since the ITTF World Tour began in 1996.

[7] Kihara and Nagasaki continued to capture doubles titles, including the ITTF World Tour Grand Finals in December.

[9] In 2022, Kihara won the singles title at WTT Star Contender Doha by defeating Han Ying in the final.