Japanese figure skating 2019-20 season news & updates

[Marco]

Love Rika's short program!

 

[rosewood]

According to Nikkansports (Japanese sports paper) IMG announced that Satoko Miyahara works with Lee Barkell. Both Barkell and Mie Hamada work as her main coaches.

松本航【日刊スポーツ】 on Twitter

“#宮原知子 選手をマネジメントするIMGは、このたび同選手がカナダ・トロントを拠点とするリー・バーケル・コーチに師事することを発表しました。これまでの浜田美栄コーチとともに、メインコーチを務めます。#フィギュアスケート”

twitter.com

 

[rosewood]

Sara Honda (Marin's youngest sister, former Novice B national champion, now competes in Novice A field) announced she works with Rafael Arutunyan as a main coach. Like her sister Marin she works with Takeshi Honda as a coach when she is in Japan. Sara trained under Hamada until she moved to Arutunyan.

本田紗来、26年五輪へ姉真凜と同じコーチに変更（日刊スポーツ） - Yahoo!ニュース

フィギュアスケート女子の本田紗来（さら、12＝京都醍醐FSC）が今夏、メインコーチを - Yahoo!ニュース(日刊スポーツ)

headlines.yahoo.co.jp

 

[nimi]

According to Nikkansports (Japanese sports paper) IMG announced that Satoko Miyahara works with Lee Barkell. Both Barkell and Mie Hamada work as her main coaches.

松本航【日刊スポーツ】 on Twitter

“#宮原知子 選手をマネジメントするIMGは、このたび同選手がカナダ・トロントを拠点とするリー・バーケル・コーチに師事することを発表しました。これまでの浜田美栄コーチとともに、メインコーチを務めます。#フィギュアスケート”

twitter.com

Interesting!

Short news article on Satoko's move:

宮原がジャンプ改善へトロント拠点のバーケル師に師事　浜田コーチと共にメインコーチ - スポーツ報知

フィギュアスケート女子で平昌五輪４位の宮原知子（２１）＝関大＝がカナダ・トロントを拠点に指導するリー・バーケル氏に指示することが１８日、マネジメント会社のＩＭＧから発表になった。浜田美栄氏と共にメイ

hochi.news

Found this English summary on twitter:

Her goal is to improve her jumps and level up. She’s been training with Barkell this summer [ed. I guess after Lambiel?], and will head to US Int’l Classic from Toronto. She’ll regularly travel back to the Kansai Uni rink.

 

[feraina]

Sara Honda (Marin's youngest sister, former Novice B national champion, now competes in Novice A field) announced she works with Rafael Arutunyan as a main coach. Like her sister Marin she works with Takeshi Honda as a coach when she is in Japan. Sara trained under Hamada until she moved to Arutunyan.

本田紗来、26年五輪へ姉真凜と同じコーチに変更（日刊スポーツ） - Yahoo!ニュース

フィギュアスケート女子の本田紗来（さら、12＝京都醍醐FSC）が今夏、メインコーチを - Yahoo!ニュース(日刊スポーツ)

headlines.yahoo.co.jp

Oh wow! Based on the news Marin Honda will work a lot with Takeshi Honda, and Rafael’s recent interview hinting things not going so well with Marin, I thought it was a fading and failing partnership. But it seems like the family is very committed to Rafael. Three sibling now will train with him.

 

[rosewood]

和田隆文 on Twitter

“#宮原知子 がリー・バーケル氏に師事。浜田美栄コーチにも引き続き指導を仰ぎ、拠点はトロントと日本。関係者は「トリプルアクセルをどうしても跳びたい。それが大きな理由の一つ」。バーケル氏はジェフリー・バトル、織田信成らをかつて指導しました。#フィギュアスケート https://t.co/adiQeA4A5f”

twitter.com

JijiSports' writer tweeted that someone around Miyahara said "She desperately wants to do 3A. That's one of the main reasons [of the move]." She'll train both in Toronto and in Japan.

ETA:
JijiSports article

宮原、バーケル氏にも師事＝ジャンプ強化目指す－女子フィギュア（時事通信） - Yahoo!ニュース

フィギュアスケート女子で平昌五輪4位の宮原知子（関大）が、トロントを拠点に指導す - Yahoo!ニュース(時事通信)

headlines.yahoo.co.jp

 

[Marco]

Satoko is one of those jumpers for whom I think the 4sal is probably easier.

 

[Jeschke]

3a project für Miyahara? I don’t know if I should or!

 

[Wyliefan]

She knows she's got to get her tech up. I really, really, really, REALLY hope this helps!

ETA: For those who missed it before: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/th...-a-start-in-the-true-sense.95279/post-5631841

 

[MINAM]

Watched a Japanese TV program "Shogeki no ano-hito ni attemita (Went to meet this impactful person: I suck at English) yesterday. It featured Daisuke Takahashi. I'd say it was very interesting.
The TV crew goes to US with Takakashi, where he goes to meet Sheryl Murakami (dancer/choreographer) for his new short program. Misha Ge is there to help as well.

I loved where Takahashi goes to the dancing studio to learn his new choreo and starting rocking! He's exhausted, but "Well, it was MY request to skate to up-tempo music. I still regret my choice (laughs)"
Misha G is upfront about how some dance moves do not work on the ice. He clashes with Sheryl in a constructive way, and while Takahashi does have difficulty in translating HIS opinion in English, he clears the air between them. Sheryl and Misha both do their work, and reach an understanding in just 4 days.

Takahashi unveiled the program in a skate show this summer, and it still is unfinished, but I like it.
He says (summarized) "This program reminds me that I am 34 years old. It's so physically exhausting. Sheryl has this positive energy that makes me believe I can do it. Right now, I don't know. But I'm trying."

I hope someone can provide a link to even a few seconds of the show.

 

[YukiNieve]

Daisuke's new SP shown below (thanks!) - The Phoenix - it is still very new and a work in progress, but I am always amazed at how creative and innovative Daisuke has been, and the fact that he keeps challenging himself.

みち on Twitter

“出来立てホヤホヤの練習着での 『The Phoenix』✨⛸✨ 作ったばっかでステップも音遅れちゃってる…と本人は言ってますが 作ったばっかでコレだけ合わせて踊れてるの、ほんと凄すぎでしょ⛸✨😭 レア映像見せてくれて感謝です✨🙇‍♀️ #高橋大輔 #髙橋大輔 #衝撃のアノ人に会ってみた https://t.co/esr9Z1a7ab”

twitter.com

 

[rosewood]

According to Moa Iwano's ISU bio her SP musics are listed as I Put a Spell On You and Sinnerman. Phew! ✔

 

[ostile17]

Watched a Japanese TV program "Shogeki no ano-hito ni attemita (Went to meet this impactful person: I suck at English) yesterday. It featured Daisuke Takahashi. I'd say it was very interesting.
The TV crew goes to US with Takakashi, where he goes to meet Sheryl Murakami (dancer/choreographer) for his new short program. Misha Ge is there to help as well.

I loved where Takahashi goes to the dancing studio to learn his new choreo and starting rocking! He's exhausted, but "Well, it was MY request to skate to up-tempo music. I still regret my choice (laughs)"
Misha G is upfront about how some dance moves do not work on the ice. He clashes with Sheryl in a constructive way, and while Takahashi does have difficulty in translating HIS opinion in English, he clears the air between them. Sheryl and Misha both do their work, and reach an understanding in just 4 days.

Takahashi unveiled the program in a skate show this summer, and it still is unfinished, but I like it.
He says (summarized) "This program reminds me that I am 34 years old. It's so physically exhausting. Sheryl has this positive energy that makes me believe I can do it. Right now, I don't know. But I'm trying."

I hope someone can provide a link to even a few seconds of the show.

Here's what hasn't been taken down so far

Daisuke Takahashi The Phoenix練習

youtu.be

Daisuke Takahashi SP振付練習

youtu.be

It was a great show, wasn't it! I almost forgot to breathe, he is so good!
I hope he gets to compete his programs internationally.

In the meantime we will get the chance to see it on a big rink at Carnival on Ice, on October 5th.

 

[MINAM]

Here's what hasn't been taken down so far

Daisuke Takahashi The Phoenix練習

youtu.be

Daisuke Takahashi SP振付練習

youtu.be

It was a great show, wasn't it! I almost forgot to breathe, he is so good!
I hope he gets to compete his programs internationally.

In the meantime we will get the chance to see it on a big rink at Carnival on Ice, on October 5th.

Totally agree. I wasn't expecting anything serious. Takahashi had about 30 minutes (or more?) on screen. He also joined that cast in the studio, adding comments on the clips of his training.
My favorite scene was when Takahashi and Ge first does a run-through of the SP. Loved the 2 skaters doing the moves in synch.
It's clear that Takahashi fails to keep up with the music (and he points that out from the studio) when he shows the program to Sheryl, but it was still good.
All I'm hoping is that it doesn't get too exhibition-y, if you know what I mean.

Thanks for the links.

 

[ostile17]

Totally agree. I wasn't expecting anything serious. Takahashi had about 30 minutes (or more?) on screen. He also joined that cast in the studio, adding comments on the clips of his training.
My favorite scene was when Takahashi and Ge first does a run-through of the SP. Loved the 2 skaters doing the moves in synch.
It's clear that Takahashi fails to keep up with the music (and he points that out from the studio) when he shows the program to Sheryl, but it was still good.
All I'm hoping is that it doesn't get too exhibition-y, if you know what I mean.

Thanks for the links.

Dai and Misha skating to the steps side by side was a precious moment indeed!

I doubt it will get more exhibition-like than this especially when when a 3A and a combo will be added. If anything, I think some move may go when more demanding jump elements than he showed at FOI are included.

 

[Dobre]

Major kudos to Sota Yamamoto for making the very long climb back from serious injury. The U.S. Classic is the U.S. Classic & performances are spotty at best with the altitude; but pretty incredible to see Sota back landing axels and quads in combination.

 

[MAXSwagg]

Yes, Sota! One of my main men!

 

[Marco]

Major kudos to Sota Yamamoto for making the very long climb back from serious injury. The U.S. Classic is the U.S. Classic & performances are spotty at best with the altitude; but pretty incredible to see Sota back landing axels and quads in combination.

I had forgotten how beautiful his skating was. So glad he is returning to form. Those quads and axels that he landed were beautiful.

Much like the ladies - the JPN men's team is also going to be a hard battle between Hanyu, Uno, Takahashi, Tanaka, Tomono, Mura and Yamamoto.

 

[kittyjake5]

^^Mura has retired from competitive skating. He has been touring with Mao’s Thank You tour and doing shows in Japan.

 

[Marco]

^^Mura has retired from competitive skating. He has been touring with Mao’s Thank You tour and doing shows in Japan.

Thanks. I remember reading it somewhere now that you have mentioned it.

Great then - 6 contenders instead of 7.

 

[nimi]

Obviously Dai embarking on an ice dancing adventure with Kana is the BIGGEST skating news right now...

https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/th...cer-with-kana-muramoto-after-jan-2020.106070/

...but that's not the only Japanese ice dance news today!

Remember when Ko/Ko had to withdraw from Autumn Classic because of concussion issues? Well, looks like Komatsubara is feeling better and has been allowed to resume training!

Tim posted that she's back on the ice! https://twitter.com/Timkoleto/status/1177217118762192897?s=19

 

[haribobo]

2019-2020 International Scores so far-

MEN
Yuzuru Hanyu 279 Autumn
Keiji Tanaka 249 USFS Intl
Yuma Kagiyama 245 JGP
Sota Yamamoto 240 USFS Intl
Shun Sato 217 JGP
Mitsuki Sumoto 209 Ondrej Nepela
Kazuki Tomono 203 Lombardia
Kao Miura 185 JGP

TBD- Shoma Uno (FIN), Daisuke Takahashi, Koshiro Shimada (NEB), Tatsuya Tsuboi?, Yuto Kishina?

WOMEN
Rika Kihira 224 Autumn
Satoko Miyahara 204 USFS Intl
Kaori Sakamoto 194 Ondrej Nepela
Rino Matsuike 193 JGP
Nana Araki 181 JGP
Tomoe Kawabata 177 JGP
Chisato Uramatsu 171 JGP
Wakaba Higuchi 164 Lombardia
Mako Yamashita 163 Ondrej Nepela
Mana Kawabe 163 JGP
Rion Sumiyoshi 161 JGP
Moa Iwano 157 JGP
Azusa Tanaka 125 JGP

TBD- Mai Mihara (GP), Marin Honda (NEB), Yuhana Yokoi (FIN), Ayaka Hosoda?, Yuna Shiraiwa (GP)

 

[Marco]

Great then - 6 contenders instead of 7.

Now down to 5...

Good for Taka-san. Good for the fans. And good for Japan's medal chance at the Olympic team event in 2022.

 

[aemeraldrainc]

I wasn’t sure where to post this but Nobu Oda posted this on his twitter and I’m really curious what’s going on.

織田信成 nobunari oda on Twitter

“to all the fans, to whom it may concern. ー アメブロを更新しました #織田信成 https://t.co/32GvcZFCXq”

twitter.com

織田信成『to all the fans, to whom it may concern.』

To all the fans, and to whom it may concern,Regarding the recent reports that h…

ameblo.jp

Apparently he resigned from his coaching position at Kansai University rink?
Anyone have any more info?

 

[Spun Silver]

I wasn’t sure where to post this but Nobu Oda posted this on his twitter and I’m really curious what’s going on.

織田信成 nobunari oda on Twitter

“to all the fans, to whom it may concern. ー アメブロを更新しました #織田信成 https://t.co/32GvcZFCXq”

twitter.com

織田信成『to all the fans, to whom it may concern.』

To all the fans, and to whom it may concern,Regarding the recent reports that h…

ameblo.jp

Apparently he resigned from his coaching position at Kansai University rink?
Anyone have any more info?

How painful! Surely a wonderful coaching opportunity will open up for such an amazing skater, but he is so distressed he doesn't realize that yet. Hurry up, skating gods, and send Nobu a crystal parachute!

 

[Marco]

I wonder what's causing the conflict between him and the University / rink. I hope his students aren't affected and I also hope he gets to coach happily going forward.

 

[nimi]

There are no Japanese ladies on the JGP Egna entry list
http://www.isuresults.com/events/cat03109496.htm

Rino Matsuike (who won bronze in Riga and therefore had a shot at qualifying for JGPF) was supposed to go and Moa Iwano was the alternate, according to the JGP standings list.

Does anybody have any info? The first explanation that comes to mind is a sudden injury or illness...

 

[denise3lz]

Now down to 5...

Good for Taka-san. Good for the fans. And good for Japan's medal chance at the Olympic team event in 2022.

Please not to count out Koshiro Shimada who is assigned to 2 GPS (Skate America and NHK Trophy) and silver at a CS (Nebelhorn Trophy).

And Yuma Kagiyama and Shun Sato both landed quad in competition and qualified to JGPF.
They are age eligible for Senior.

So it is actually EIGHT.

 

[Sylvia]

Riku Miura / Ryuichi Kihara debuted their SP (55.28) in an Ontario competition this past weekend - link to the protocol: https://skateontario.org/results/19S3/19S3SeniorPairSP1DRO.pdf
His photo with his partner and Meagan Duhamel: https://www.instagram.com/p/B2-BTwnpl6r/

 

[Colonel Green]

I've been hoping that Utana and Shingo would qualify for one of the three available dance spots at the Youth Olympics (since Japan obviously didn't do well enough in dance at 2019 Junior Worlds to get an automatic berth), but adding up the results so far they're on the knife's edge and may miss out (though it may be that some of the countries who have qualified won't have an entry).