Japanese figure skating 2018-19 season news & updates

[Tinami Amori]

Uno's "situation" has been discussed on the russian side as well for a while (few weeks?) now. The talk is that his "team" is talking to Tutberidze (please note i said "talking" not confirming a transfer).

It started when the info came out that "a japanese skater may be training with Tutberidze", without a specific name, plus the talks of Uno changing coaches this season. At the time it is an assumption.
https://www.sportsdaily.ru/articles...ruppe-tutberidze-poyavitsya-yaponskaya-zvezda

Press manager at Sambo-70 when asked by journalists replied "we're not commenting on transfers mid-season".
https://nevasport.ru/74293-v-sambo-70-ne-stali-kommentirovat-perehod-shomy-uno-k-tutberidze/

 

[rosewood]

^That rumor started based on Jack Gallagher's podcast. He didn't name any skater.

Press manager at Sambo-70 when asked by journalists replied "we're not commenting on transfers mid-season".
https://nevasport.ru/74293-v-sambo-70-ne-stali-kommentirovat-perehod-shomy-uno-k-tutberidze/

google translation

In addition, the famous figure skating journalist in the world, Jack Gallagher, said that Japanese skaters are going to work with Eteri Tutberidze next season.

And I don't know I can think him as a source. His words tend to be exaggerating.

 

[ostile17]

Glimpse from ice dance national camp (for scout & try out)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW9Hv1UX5eg

Couldn't see Chris or Kana anywhere in the vid.

Chris is currently in Kurashiki with sister Cathy.
Apparently he's joining her in bringing up young Japanese ice dancers.

https://www.facebook.com/cathy.reed.9212/posts/10156665602972481

 

[Sylvia]

Chris is currently in Kurashiki with sister Cathy.
Apparently he's joining her in bringing up young Japanese ice dancers.

Nice to hear. I can't see the FB content... same as this set of 10 photos posted on Cathy's IG? https://www.instagram.com/p/ByR8XODpSF3/

Cathy's 2 young teams:
Singin' in the Rain competition debut by twins (photo): https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxg9OqDpRo3/
Stayin' Alive disco exhibition program (2 clips): https://www.instagram.com/p/BwD0et0hvH4/

 

[Sylvia]

Jack Gallagher's latest Ice Time article speculates about Shoma Uno's next coach (includes his email exchanges with Phil Hersh and Ted Barton): https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports...ve-eteri-tutberidze-alexei-mishin-coach-split

 

[Tinami Amori]

Jack Gallagher's latest Ice Time article speculates about Shoma Uno's next coach (includes his email exchanges with Phil Hersh and Ted Barton): https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports...ve-eteri-tutberidze-alexei-mishin-coach-split

Alexei Mishin just answered to journalists that it will not be him. when asked, he said "it is not correct/not true".
https://nevasport.ru/74589-mishin-oproverg-perehod-shomy-uno-v-ego-gruppu/

 

[rfisher]

I don't care who he goes to for coaching as I'm certain he'll have his reasons for selecting them, but I will if it is Tutberidze. In fact, I'm at just the thought of all the angst that would cause.

 

[Spun Silver]

Praying he goes to Mishin and not Tutberidze. She is a sorceress but for little girls, not grown men (however short!).

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByPsAnkpmk5Ytlf89B46iZ4-0HOVH5lq_g4pNg0/

 

[Tinami Amori]

Praying he goes to Mishin and not Tutberidze. She is a sorceress but for little girls, not grown men (however short!).

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByPsAnkpmk5Ytlf89B46iZ4-0HOVH5lq_g4pNg0/

There is no indication that he is going to Tutberidze or any other specific coach, other than "assumptions" made so far. But it is not Mishin. He just denied it to the press.

– Могли бы подтвердить информацию японских СМИ?
– Мне это неизвестно.
– То есть это не так?
– Да.

- Can you confirm the information in Japanese press (that Uno maybe training with you)
- I know nothing about it.
- In other words it is not so? (not true?)
- Yes (not true, not so).

 

[starrynight]

A lot of the Russian coaches (and I swear I've seen Tutberidze express these same views) are obsessed with the idea of having an Asian (particularly Japanese) student because they view them as being naturally small and then because of their culture, fundamentally and unwaveringly obedient. (Which they think will make the work a lot easier).

I think this is probably a very simplistic view they have of Japanese people.

I certainly think that Japanese skaters of say, Shoma or Yuzuru's standing do want a say in the way they train.

 

[Tinami Amori]

Looks like Uno plans to check out several training places...
https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/stories/news/detail/uncertain-future-shoma-uno-after-coach-split/

 

[Marco]

Mishin would be ideal. Uno already has the whole skating package so Mishin isn't likely to drag him down there, but Mishin can certainly help with clearing up Uno's technique. I suppose Mishin feels like Lazukin is going to be a threat to Uno?!

Most other top coaches are already coaching his close competitors, so I suppose Orser, Arutunian, Tom Z are out of the question. How about Lee Barkell?

 

[all_empty]

Switching the conversation back to the ladies, I hope Yuna Shiraiwa shines this season. She was a bit overlooked by Mihara (consistency) and Honda (fame) when they all moved up from seniors, but she's pretty solid.

 

[skateboy]

Shoma Uno has left his longtime coach Mihoko Higuchi. apparently he will be trying out with several new coaches, possibly some in Japan, but also some abroad. unexpected news!

I love Shoma, but this is way past due. Sorry to say, there has been little improvement in his skating in the last few years.

 

[Ka3sha]

Shoma Uno will join Tutberidze’s group for summer camp in Novogorsk, Moscow
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bya-UTMH4oZ/?igshid=1o21m30mme8uj

 

[rfisher]

Shoma Uno will join Tutberidze’s group for summer camp in Novogorsk, Moscow
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bya-UTMH4oZ/?igshid=1o21m30mme8uj

I can't help it.

 

[ostile17]

I posted some Daisuke Takahashi's news in his thread in the Trash Can:

Daisuke Takahashi: willing to compete internationally this 2019-20 season season


Sorry, I'm sure Rosewood will provide a more accurate translation...

 

[rosewood]

I posted some Daisuke Takahashi's news in his thread in the Trash Can:

Daisuke Takahashi: willing to compete internationally this 2019-20 season season


Sorry, I'm sure Rosewood will provide a more accurate translation...

フィギュア・高橋大輔、今季は世界大会に意欲「その気持ちに素直に」　昨季は辞退/デイリースポーツ online

フィギュアスケートの高橋大輔（３３）＝関大ＫＦＳＣ＝が１５日、故郷の岡山県倉敷市での式典後に、１９－２０年シーズンは世界大会に挑戦する意志があると語った。　この日は岡山県スケート連盟創立５０周年の集いが倉敷市のヘルスピア倉敷で開催された。同...

www.daily.co.jp

(my rough translation)

.....
On the 15th this month, the 50th anniversary party of the Okayama prefecture skating federation was held at Healthpia Kurashiki in Kurashiki city. Takahashi, a Kurashiki city native, was given an honorary award there. After the ceremony, "During last season (=2018-2019 season) I was not sure how my skating would be (since it was the first season after the comeback), so my goal was to skate at nationals. However, today I think I will go as far as possible [during this season]", he revealed that he's willing to try to skate at Worlds in 2019-2020 season.

He placed 2nd at Nationals which was held in December last year but he resigned to be on team Japan for Worlds. "I didn't start last season to aim at Worlds. Other skaters were aiming at Worlds so I felt something uncomfortable with the distance between our feelings on the start line", he explained. "That said, I don't have any limits this year. If I can go to Worlds this season (=2019-2020 season), I'll follow my honest feelings. I started this season with the thoughts that I have a chance to go to Worlds", he revealed he's facing his second season with different thoughts from last season's.

He was selected as a member of 'special athletes' on team Japan, and is guaranteed a spot for Nationals to be held in December. He's already got a bye for Regionals/Sectionals. As for the nearest competition he's going to enter to, "I wonder if I may enter to an international B competition (or Challenger Series), or I may enter to one after finishing Nationals. It depends on how well my preparation of the programs will go. I'll consult with people. I haven't decided my concrete schedule yet."
.....

 

[ostile17]

Thank you so much @rosewood

 

[kittyjake5]

Thanks for the translation rosewood, much appreciated.

 

[Pattina]

Thanks a lot, @rosewood

 

[Sylvia]

At the end of the article in post #365:

The Japan Skating Federation will hold a test skate on June 15 at Chukyo University in Aichi Prefecture to determine the competitors for the coming season’s Junior Grand Prix.
The likes of Tomoe Kawabata, Rinka Watanabe, Moa Iwano, Kinayu Yokoi, Miyu Honda and others will be vying for spots in the seven-event circuit that begins in Courchevel, France, on Aug. 21.

Has anyone read (on social media?) or heard any news or info about this JGP test skate?

 

[Tinami Amori]

Mao Asada and her doggy in an Airweave commercial

https://pp.userapi.com/c855036/v855036605/6f6ba/b3GOKRTqWvw.jpg

 

[Dobre]

Has anyone read (on social media?) or heard any news or info about this JGP test skate?

Only that Kawabata, Araki, and Aoki are confirmed to have been there, per the Japanese Ladies thread on GS.

 

[ostile17]

JSF announced today that this year's Japan Nationals will be held in Tokyo, at the Yoyogi National Stadium. The dates are December 19-22.

 

[rosewood]

19年フィギュア全日本選手権は代々木決戦！　東京五輪会場にスケーター集結 - スポニチ Sponichi Annex スポーツ

日本スケート連盟は19日、都内で理事会を開催した。フィギュアスケートでは19年全日本選手権の開催地が発表され、12月19～22日に東京・国立代々木競技場第一体育館で行われることが決定。同会場での開催は05年大会以来14年ぶりとなる。

www.sponichi.co.jp

This article says this year's Japan Nationals will be held at Yoyogi National Stadium No.1 Gymnasium in Tokyo on December 19-22 (as ostile17 posted above). It also says Mana Kawabe, Rion Sumiyoshi and Azusa Tanaka were selected to be sent to JGP as well as were added to 'B athletes' on team Japan.

 

[rosewood]

全日本フィギュアは代々木開催＝世界選手権の選考基準承認：時事ドットコム

日本スケート連盟は１９日、東京都内で開いた理事会で２０１９年度事業計画を承認し、フィギュアスケートの全日本選手権は東京・国立代々木競技場で１２月１９～２２日に開催することが決まった。国立代々木競技場は東京五輪に向けた耐震改修工事を終えて１１月に営業を再開する。

www.jiji.com

This article briefly mentions about the selection criteria for Worlds.

1st skater: Nationals winner
2nd skater: from the athletes who meets either of the criteria below
a) 2nd and 3rd at Nationals
b) 3rd and higher on ISU's World Ranking when Nationals finished
3rd skater: from the athletes who meets either of the criteria below
a) skaters who meet the criteria for the 2nd skater but not selected
b) 3rd and higher on ISU's WR or SB when Nationals finished

 

[Enchanted]

19年フィギュア全日本選手権は代々木決戦！　東京五輪会場にスケーター集結 - スポニチ Sponichi Annex スポーツ

日本スケート連盟は19日、都内で理事会を開催した。フィギュアスケートでは19年全日本選手権の開催地が発表され、12月19～22日に東京・国立代々木競技場第一体育館で行われることが決定。同会場での開催は05年大会以来14年ぶりとなる。

www.sponichi.co.jp

This article says this year's Japan Nationals will be held at Yoyogi National Stadium No.1 Gymnasium in Tokyo on December 19-22 (as ostile17 posted above). It also says Mana Kawabe, Rion Sumiyoshi and Azusa Tanaka were selected to be sent to JGP as well as were added to 'B athletes' on team Japan.

How many spots Japan has for the JGP? That sounds like a very small amount of skaters or is there another selection method also in use?

 

[denise3lz]

Azusa Tanaka Free Skating at Inter-Junior High, Feb 5 2019

YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

She is a prospect from Mie Hamada team.

 

[rosewood]

How many spots Japan has for the JGP? That sounds like a very small amount of skaters or is there another selection method also in use?

Japan has 14 spots for ladies' JGP. Prior to today the fed has already announced team Japan members. Other junior eligible skaters than those three who were announced today (selected by JGP selection meeting done recently) were listed there. See Sylvia's post below.

.....
ETA Senior & Junior Nationals placements for the singles skaters:

Special: Uno [S1], Takahashi [S2], Tanaka [S3], Hanyu / Sakamoto [S1], Kihira [S2], Miyahara [S3], Mihara [S4], Higuchi [S5]
A:
Men: Tomono [S4], Shimada [S5/J3], Kagiyama [S6/J5], Tsuboi [S7/J1], Kishina [S8/J4], Sato S [S12/J2]
Ladies: Yamashita [S6], Yokoi [S7/J1], Hosoda [S8], Araki [S13/J2], Kawabata [S10/J3], Shiraiwa [S9]
B:
Men: Yamamoto [S9], Yamakuma [S10], Nakamura [S11], Miyake [S17/J6], Sumoto [J7], Miura [J8]
Ladies: Matsubara [S11], Watanabe [S18/J4], Aoki [S14/J5], Naganawa [S12/J6], Iwano [J7], Matsuike [J8]
.....

Probably adding to those three (Kawabe, Sumiyoshi [J7] and Tanaka [N7]), Araki [S13/J2], Kawabata [S10/J3] , Watanabe [S18/J4], Aoki [S14/J5], Naganawa [S12/J6], Iwano [J7] and Matsuike [J8] are in the pool for JGP.