Recent content by Tak

I think we may need new category of "Obscure Japanese Skaters" since JPN Junior skaters missed two seasons of JGPS and International events. Rion (18) and Rinka (19) are both in this category. Rion Sumiyoshi was 2nd at JPN Junior Nationals, only beaten by incredible Mao Shimada who nailed 4T...

I pray for the best for the people of Ukraine. May I present a viewpoint from the Far East (Japan). The Russian Far Eastern Fleet as well as their Air Force is demonstrating offshore Japan. I was flabbergasted to learn that this "Show of Force" fleet consisted of only 28 ships, and according to...

JPN TV ratings for 22 Winter Olympics: Men SP: Weekday Daytime: 12.1%; Peak 20.1% Men FP: Primetime: 26.0%; Peak 32.0% Women SP: Primetime 18.7%; Peak 22.3% Women FP: Primetime 19.0%; Peak 33.3% (just as Valieva scores came up)

Yeah, but one point can make the difference between a medal and nothing. It's too early to say if it matters or not. It's a moot point, but I think M/T certainly at least had a shot at beating W/L. We'll never know now.

Thanks. I've never heard of this before - so thanks for the explanation.

Okay - I am totally out of the loop I guess - but what on earth is a "non-binary athlete" - do they mean like a computer program?

JPN Nationals Mens FP (Sunday 19:00-21:15) TV Ratings came in at average of 14.4%. Momentary Peak was 27.0% when Hanyu FP Score was announced.

Guardian is reporting that Omicron Type 2 was discovered. The insidious nature of Omicron Type 2 is that this type escapes detection by standard PCR Testing, although it is detectable by Serum analysis.

First, abject apologies for canceling or postponing GPF in Japan. From what I gather, JSF and Sport Ministry was all set to hold the event, but much better medically informed Prime Minister's Office refused permission. Japan counted 127 new cases yesterday, a dramatic drop from 25,000 new cases...

Wow - is all I can say. Was that written by Elena? Is there any proof of any of this, or is it just another internet rant?

This is very interesting topic. The basic question is "How obtrusive should Technical Panel be?" If analogy can be made to law enforcement, Technical Panel run the gamut, some are extremely obtrusive (Geheimstaatpolizei, more widely known by the acronym GESTAPO level), others more like your...

The TV ratings for NHK Trophy came in at 9.9% (Men FP;19:30 Prime Time) and 9.6% (Women FP; 1730). Comparison could be made to: 2020 NHK (Domestic Competition) 10.1%; although this beat Japan Series Baseball Game between Hawks and Giants at 9.5% 2019 NHK (Rika Silver, Hanyu Gold) 15.8-16.2% 2021...

Thank you Sylvia-san. JSF selection of Sumiyoshi and Lucas Honda will ruffle least feathers, I suppose. Last weekend, the top Junior girls in Kyoto were competing to gain one of the three tickets available to go to Japan National Junior High Championships. Those competing in Kyoto were at least...

Increase or decrease of popularity is determined by where you draw the baseline. IMHO, the figure skating popularity peak in JPN was before Mao's retirement. Hanyu, almost singlehandedly has extended the popularity to the present day, but unfortunately nobody expect him to continue much longer...

Since there was zero JPN skater competing in JGPS due to quarantine requirements, I do not see how "long standing rule" which was established and respected before current pandemic applies at all, particularly for wildcard. IIRC, RUS skaters were not even allowed to compete in JGP #1&2 due to...