Japanese Figure Skating 2016/17 season news, national team, updates

[Sylvia]

2017 International results:

Mentor Cup (Torun POL)
Senior Pairs Gold - Sumire SUTO / Francis BOUDREAU-AUDET JPN 164.48 1 1
Junior Pairs Gold - Riku MIURA / Shoya ICHIHASHI JPN 112.35 1 1

Senior Dance Bronze - Kana MURAMOTO / Chris REED JPN 152.49 3 2
Junior Dance 7th - Rikako FUKASE / Aru TATENO JPN 110.00 10 5
Adv. Novice Dance Gold - Utana YOSHIDA / Takumi SUGIYAMA JPN 79.61 2 2 1

Winter Universiade (Almaty KAZ)
Ladies:
Silver - NITAYA Rin JPN 187.18 3 2
Bronze - ISOBE Hinano JPN 174.27 5 3
7th KIHARA Mariko JPN 154.30 9 5
Men:
Silver - TANAKA Keiji JPN 252.09 2 3
6th HINO Ryuju JPN 226.01 9 6
20th KAWAHARA Sei JPN 173.86 23 19

Bavarian Open (Oberstdorf GER)

Senior Men:
Silver - Hiroaki SATO JPN 204.15 2 5
Bronze - Shu NAKAMURA JPN 198.60 3 6
4th Ryuju HINO JPN 196.32 8 2

Junior Ladies I:
Gold - Saya SUZUKI JPN 179.72 1 1 (J5 at Nationals)
Silver - Riko TAKINO JPN 166.98 2 2 (J6 at Nationals)

Junior Men:
12th Sena MIYAKE JPN 131.86 15 11 (J6 at Nationals)

Adv. Novice Girls I:
Gold - Moa IWANO JPN 123.48 1 2 (Novice A silver)
Silver - Akari MATSUOKA JPN 119.46 2 3 (Novice A bronze)
Bronze - Rion SUMIYOSHI JPN 119.00 3 1 (Novice A gold)

Adv. Novice Boys:
Silver - Haruya SASAKI JPN 132.18 1 2 (Novice A bronze)
Bronze - Shun SATO JPN 119.55 12 3 (Novice A gold)

Four Continents Championships (Gangneung KOR)

Silver - Yuzuru HANYU JPN 303.71 3 1
Bronze - Shoma UNO JPN 288.05 2 3
13th Keiji TANAKA JPN 220.18 11 13

Gold - Mai MIHARA JPN 200.85 4 1
9th Wakaba HIGUCHI JPN 172.05 10 9
10th Rika HONGO JPN 167.42 9 13

10th Sumire SUTO / Francis BOUDREAU-AUDET JPN 164.96 10 9
13th Miu SUZAKI / Ryuichi KIHARA JPN 130.85 12 14

9th Kana MURAMOTO / Chris REED JPN 140.38 9 9
12th Emi HIRAI / Marien DE LA ASUNCION JPN 121.71 12 12

Asian Winter Games (Sapporo JPN)

Gold - UNO Shoma JPN 92.43(2) 188.84(1) 281.27
4th MURA Takahito JPN 90.32(4) 172.99(4) 263.31

4th HONGO Rika JPN 60.98(2) 100.39(4) 161.37
WD Kaori Sakamoto (flu)

Pairs:
6th TAKAHASHI Narumi / SHIBATA Ryo JPN 48.78(5) 81.75(6) 130.53 (international debut)
WD SUZAKI Miu / KIHARA Ryuichi

Dance:
Silver - MURAMOTO Kana / REED Chris JPN 64.74(2) 94.40(2) 159.14
5th MORI Ibuki / SUZUKI Kentaro JPN 48.84(5) 75.28(5) 124.12

---

Coupe du Printemps (Luxembourg, March 10-12)
Shoma Uno is entered: https://twitter.com/cdp2017/status/826708308023185410


World Junior Championships (Taipei, March 15-19)

Ladies:
Marin HONDA J3
Kaori SAKAMOTO J1
Yuna SHIRAIWA J2
( Subs: Rika KIHIRA J11, Saya SUZUKI J5 )

Men:
Koshiro SHIMADA J2
Kazuki TOMONO J1
( Subs: Sena MIYAKE J6, Mitsuki SUMOTO J3 )

Pair: Riku MIURA / Shoya ICHIHASHI
Dance: Rikako FUKASE / Aru TATENO J1

 

[Sylvia]

Coupe du Printemps (Luxembourg, March 10-12)
Shoma Uno is entered: https://twitter.com/cdp2017/status/826708308023185410

Senior: Takahito MURA, Shoma UNO and Rika HONGO
Junior Ladies: Rino KASAKAKE (J4)
Junior Men: Yuto KISHINA (J4), Tatsuya TSUBOI (J5)
Adv. Novice Girls: Mana KAWABE (Novice A 4th place)
Adv. Novice Boys: Takeru KATAISE (Novice A silver medalist)

 

[gotoschool]

Is there any meaning of categorizing current skaters as someone else in their early days or in the past? I'd rather like to see the skaters respected as themselves.

It is the ability of a skater not to be like somebody else but to put their own personal stamp on a program and athletic element that impresses me the most: the self-made quality of standing out from the rest and realizing their own artistic vision and athletic ideal on ice by reaching out and grabbing me by the heart and soul until a total stranger makes me feel like they have made their vision mine, thereby creating the beautiful illusion that I have known them my entire life and that the joy and sorrow they express in their performances are aligned with mine.

 

[Sylvia]

Senior: Takahito MURA, Shoma UNO and Rika HONGO
Junior Ladies: Rino KASAKAKE (J4)
Junior Men: Yuto KISHINA (J4), Tatsuya TSUBOI (J5)
Adv. Novice Girls: Mana KAWABE (Novice A 4th place)
Adv. Novice Boys: Takeru KATAISE (Novice A silver medalist)

Coupe du Printemps (Senior B in Luxembourg) results this past weekend:
1 Shoma UNO JPN 303.68 1 1
2 Takahito MURA JPN 219.74 2 2
(6 men listed in the final standings; 8 are needed for WS points)

Uno scored 104.31 in SP (58.81 TES / 45.50 PCS) 9.25 8.83 9.17 9.00 9.25 0.00 #2
4F, 4T+3T, second half 3A & all level 4 spins & footwork: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFFsVnzqtQM

Uno scored 199.37 (107.71 TES / 92.66 PCS) 9.33 9.00 9.17 9.50 9.33 1.00 #5
4Lo fall, 4F good flow out, 3Lz(!) spinny landing / 3A+3T, 4T, 4T+2T, 3A-half loop-2F stepped out of landing?, 3S. Level 4 on all 3 spins, level 3 steps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZ1yPdEbiQc

Mura was 2nd in FS 141.06 (63.06 / 78.00) 8.08 7.17 7.75 8.00 8.00 0.00 #4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--nkWPqiQ5g

Senior Ladies was won by Rika HONGO (162.56)
FS (103.29): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md8lL9ZwnWA

Junior Men's gold to Yuto KISHINA JPN (172.80)
SP (61.74): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akeeec82Dok
FS (111.06): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POPeAeMBrHo

Junior Men's silver to Tatsuya TSUBOI JPN (156.35)
SP (51.72): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju4OpqL61YA

Junior Ladies gold to Rino KASAKAKE (167.56)

Adv. Novice Boys gold to Takeru KATAISE (130.41)
SP (44.52): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q9nKuBBiWk
FS (85.89): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYx8OqOMS_w

Adv. Novice Girls gold to Mana KAWABE (112.46)
FS (70.57): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHTp1BnuObc


World Junior Championships (Taipei, March 15-19)

Ladies:
Marin HONDA J3
Kaori SAKAMOTO J1
Yuna SHIRAIWA J2

Men:
Koshiro SHIMADA J2
Kazuki TOMONO J1

Pair: Riku MIURA / Shoya ICHIHASHI J1 (this will be their 3rd international in 2 seasons)
Dance: Rikako FUKASE / Aru TATENO J1

Marina Zoueva was interviewed about Marin Honda's recent trip to Canton, Michigan: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/...imed-defense-world-junior-crown/#.WMhY3VXyvrc
Excerpt:

“We worked on a lot of things. We tried to upgrade her performance level,” Zoueva said. “A little bit of a different expression in the program, perform what we want to say about [her SP to] ‘Smile.’ Lots of details in the performance.
“She worked with me and she worked with (coach) Oleg (Epstein). They worked on the footwork,” Zoueva commented. “We tried to upgrade everything a bit, different points. I think it was very successful. She worked so hard and you could see the improvement.”
Ice Time questioned Zoueva on her thoughts about Honda’s long-term potential.
“I hope she will realize all of her talent,” said Zoueva. “There is no question about her ability. But there are many factors. It is hard to prognosticate. That is why I usually don’t do it.”

Gallagher included his positive hearsay report on Satoko Miyahara -- that she "has returned to full strength after taking several weeks off."

 

[Marco]

Marin really needs to nail the short program.

 

[ioanna]

Gallagher included his positive hearsay report on Satoko Miyahara -- that she "has returned to full strength after taking several weeks off."

Gallagher's sources are not entirely accurate. While it's true that Satoko has returned to full training, she's struggling with pain.
https://www.daily.co.jp/general/2017/03/15/0010002289.shtml

 

[rosewood]

Seems Coach Hamada and Yoshiko Kobayashi of JSF were asked about Miyahara's current condition in Taipei where they're staying for Jr Worlds.

http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/1792672.html
(rough summary)
On the 15th in Taipei Coach Hamada revealed Miyahara plans to participate in Worlds and she's preparing for it. Since Miyahara's pain still remains, Coach Hamada explained that she'll keep her eyes on Miyahara's condition carefully until just before Worlds. According to Hamada, Miyahara is willing to participate in Worlds and she's already re-started working on 3-3 etc.

https://www.daily.co.jp/general/2017/03/15/0010002289.shtml
(rough summary)
On the 15th it was revealed Miyahara is back in full-intensive training. She re-started working on 3-3 as well as run-throughs. Coach Hamada said "Since she wants to participate in Workds, she's preparing for it." Yoshiko Kobayashi of JSF went to see her training last week. Kobayashi explained "She's a type who's resistant to pain. Her 3T is still restricted, though. She's training listening to what her doctor and trainer say." Kobayashi said Miyahara is not 100% OK yet and doing preparations cautiously. That said, she explained "Her preparations are going properly" and emphasized that basically Miyahara will participate in Worlds. That said, "Since it'll be troublesome if any negative effect remains in next season, I'll keep my eyes on her carefully until just before the Worlds," explained Coach Hamada that she'll keep her head cool for observing her condition, while respecting Miyahara's willingness.

 

[alexikeguchi]

Congratulations to Marin Honda for winning the silver medal at Junior Worlds with an overall score above 200. She nailed both her programs and looked so over the moon about her performances afterwards.

Short: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfjDuI1pQ8I
Long: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ymk1DbYLDs8

I love the emotion in her reaction and her performances, and she has a great dramatic sense to make the most of the musical highlights. I hope she can stay healthy, sustain this level, qualify for the Olympics, and make a statement there.

 

[Marco]

Congratulations to Marin Honda for winning the silver medal at Junior Worlds with an overall score above 200. She nailed both her programs and looked so over the moon about her performances afterwards.

Should have been gold.

I hope she can stay healthy, sustain this level, qualify for the Olympics, and make a statement there.

She will qualify with Satoko and Mai next year.

 

[clairecloutier]

I think it's way too early to call next year's Olympic team for the Japanese ladies.

Kaori Sakamoto and Wakaba Higuchi could challenge as well. And of course there's Mao.

We don't even know if there will be 3 spots next year. (I hope there is.)

 

[AxelAnnie]

^^^do you think TPTB would NOT put Mao on the OLY team?

 

[Jammers]

^^^do you think TPTB would NOT put Mao on the OLY team?

Not if Mao finishes back in the pack like say 5th or 6th. To many good girls coming up to give a spot to a skater past her prime with injuries.

 

[AxelAnnie]

I know the OLYS are not a life achievement award.....but she has brought so much glory to skating and Japan....seems a shame. Wouldn't it be great if they had a comp with skaters who are past their glory days? Judged on artistry only.

 

[Spun Silver]

I know the OLYS are not a life achievement award.....but she has brought so much glory to skating and Japan....seems a shame. Wouldn't it be great if they had a comp with skaters who are past their glory days? Judged on artistry only.

Maybe... but what would REALLY be great is if Mao heals completely and gets her mojo back, like Carolina! Go Mao!

 

[Sylvia]

Congratulations to Marin Honda for winning the silver medal at Junior Worlds with an overall score above 200. She nailed both her programs and looked so over the moon about her performances afterwards.

Short: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfjDuI1pQ8I

FS (YT version is now blocked), choreographed by Jeff Buttle: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5f58ii

All 3 skated well at Junior Worlds - a very strong team!
2 Marin HONDA JPN 201.61 2 2
3 Kaori SAKAMOTO JPN 195.54 3 3
5 Yuna SHIRAIWA JPN 174.38 5 5

Sakamoto's FS: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5f597j
Shiraiwa's FS: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5f57iy

 

[Alilou]

Marin Honda

I'm excited about her like no-one else in a long time. I'm excited about her the way I was when Mao and Yuna came on the scene.

 

[clairecloutier]

Marin Honda

I'm excited about her like no-one else in a long time. I'm excited about her the way I was when Mao and Yuna came on the scene.

Me too!!

 

[alexikeguchi]

I hope this video of Marin's exhibition survives the Youtube censors:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KjgSsrNSjg

Beethoven's Spring Sonata fits her so perfectly because of the drama yet effervescence. The whole program is beautifully executed, but my favorite part is how instead of making a big "ta-da" gesture with her final pose, she lets it unfold so gently.

 

[Sylvia]

^^^ Marina Zoueva choreographed the Spring Sonata for her SP last year - I love this program!

Pertinent excerpt from the article linked in post #392 above:

Zoueva detailed how a cruise on the Sumida River during the 2007 worlds in Tokyo inspired her to choreograph Honda’s “Spring Sonata” short program that helped her win the world junior crown last year in Hungary.
“My son and I were riding on the boat and the cherry blossoms were blooming and it was so beautiful,” Zoueva recalled. “I had a vision of a Japanese girl doing a program that brought this to the ice.”
Whenever Zoueva would run into Honda’s coach, Mie Hamada, at a competition after that she would mention her wish to choreograph the special program for one of her skaters.
In the summer of 2015, Zoueva got her wish.
“Finally Mie called me,” Zoueva stated. “She said, ‘Marina, I have a wonderful girl. Just a great girl. Can you do choreography for her like you have talked about?’ “
Zoueva, who helped the ice dance teams of Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir (2010) and Meryl Davis and Charlie White (2014) win Olympic titles, was stunned when the then-13-year-old Honda turned up in Canton.
“When Marin came, I was actually almost in shock,” Zoueva commented. “She looked exactly perfect for what I was thinking about for the choreography to perform. How she looked, how she moved, how she smiled. Everything. That was how we started.”
Zoueva, who is 60 now, said their work together the first time out was fulfilling.
“The choreography was around a week and I think it was great,” Zoueva said. “I always enjoyed her after that. I had satisfaction because my dream had come true. I expressed in the short program that the best spring in the world was in Japan.”

 

[Marco]

Marin Honda

I'm excited about her like no-one else in a long time. I'm excited about her the way I was when Mao and Yuna came on the scene.

Me too, and more so because the jumps came naturally to her and she has such gentle yet solid technique!

She is literally the only skater I pray that the puberty monster and skategod are kind to.

 

[rosewood]

Just announced that Satoko Miyahara withdrew from Worlds due to the stress fracture. Rika Hongo replaced her.
https://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20170320-00000079-dal-spo

(((Japan's third spot)))

 

[levineismine]

I was looking forward to my favorite ladies free program of the season

 

[umronnie]

Just announced that Satoko Miyahara withdrew from Worlds due to the stress fracture. Rika Hongo replaced her.
https://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20170320-00000079-dal-spo

(((Japan's third spot)))

 

[Jeschke]

This season sucks so much

(((Satoko)))

Chances for 3spots are down to...?

 

[SmallFairy]

Just announced that Satoko Miyahara withdrew from Worlds due to the stress fracture. Rika Hongo replaced her.
https://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20170320-00000079-dal-spo

(((Japan's third spot)))

Oh no... Satoko!

And the third spot...

 

[dinakt]

Just announced that Satoko Miyahara withdrew from Worlds due to the stress fracture. Rika Hongo replaced her.
https://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20170320-00000079-dal-spo

(((Japan's third spot)))

Oh how unfortunate. ((Satoko)) ((Olympic spots))- hope 3 would still happen.

 

[Loves_Shizuka]

Oh I love Satoko's LP this year (as usual)

Sigh.

get well soon tiny Queen!

 

[tamms]

So sad for Satoko. Speedy recovery to her and looking forward to seeing Tiny Queen come back and slay!

 

[icellist]

Just wondering what y'all would think about the chances to earn 3 spots if Marin Honda was on the team over Rika Hongo.

 

[kittyjake5]

Darn that is to bad. Wishing her a full recovery! Rika will replace her. Didn't I read up thread that Rika had been dealing with a foot injury since August. I am concerned.