Japanese figure skating 2019-20 season news & updates

[DreamSkates]

Congrats to Rika! I am so happy for her! She skated two fabulous programs and defended her title which is not easy.

Haven't seen it yet but not surprised she won. Was hoping both her programs would be well-skated!
Edit...now, on to Worlds and hoping she can make the podium.

 

[Marco]

Rika - so smart to do the second 3flip3toe after popping the first 3axel. I couldn't even figure that out while watching it live. I think she can absolutely challenge for World bronze if Trusova exhibits the sort of vulnerability like she had in recent comps.

I am simply puzzled how Kaori got the highest PCS in the entire competition. She doesn't deserve the highest PCS even when she was clean. Here she made a bunch of mistakes. I wonder what happened there.

Overall I am glad Wakaba and Kaori got the attempts of the new big jumps out of the way, it looked Wakaba's attempt was closer. Better luck at Worlds.

Yuzuru was predictably awesome. Was a bit bugged that he was repeating programs yet again, but can't argue with the perfection of the short. If the 4lutz attempt makes him rattled, I wonder how the 4axel attempt at Worlds will rattle the rest of his program. I actually do believe he aims to land the 4axel more than he aims to regain the world title.

So very impressed by Yuma. Both Nationals and this comp showed that he is ready for Sr Worlds. Why not send him this season? Keiji didn't make much out of the few times he went to Worlds, and since there is little risk of losing that 3rd spot and Keiji wasn't going to be the top 2 Japanese men at Worlds anyways, might as well invest in a young promising skater. If not Yuma this season, it's going to be Yuma, Shun, Sota and Kazuki fighting Keiji for the final spot next season anyways. Keiji really is the least talented in this bunch. For me sending Keiji to Worlds is a spot wasted.

Kazuki was also awesome but not as bright compared to Yuma. Just a little bit dull in comparison.

 

[RoseRed]

Rika - so smart to do the second 3flip3toe after popping the first 3axel. I couldn't even figure that out while watching it live. I think she can absolutely challenge for World bronze if Trusova exhibits the sort of vulnerability like she had in recent comps.

I am simply puzzled how Kaori got the highest PCS in the entire competition. She doesn't deserve the highest PCS even when she was clean. Here she made a bunch of mistakes. I wonder what happened there.

Overall I am glad Wakaba and Kaori got the attempts of the new big jumps out of the way, it looked Wakaba's attempt was closer. Better luck at Worlds.

Yuzuru was predictably awesome. Was a bit bugged that he was repeating programs yet again, but can't argue with the perfection of the short. If the 4lutz attempt makes him rattled, I wonder how the 4axel attempt at Worlds will rattle the rest of his program. I actually do believe he aims to land the 4axel more than he aims to regain the world title.

So very impressed by Yuma. Both Nationals and this comp showed that he is ready for Sr Worlds. Why not send him this season? Keiji didn't make much out of the few times he went to Worlds, and since there is little risk of losing that 3rd spot and Keiji wasn't going to be the top 2 Japanese men at Worlds anyways, might as well invest in a young promising skater. If not Yuma this season, it's going to be Yuma, Shun, Sota and Kazuki fighting Keiji for the final spot next season anyways. Keiji really is the least talented in this bunch. For me sending Keiji to Worlds is a spot wasted.

Kazuki was also awesome but not as bright compared to Yuma. Just a little bit dull in comparison.

She didn't though. She won the SP PCS and was 4th in the FS PCS. Overall she was 3rd, behind Bradie and Rika. Probably a bit high given the mistakes, but not the highest in the whole event.

 

[kwanfan1818]

I think it's really sweet how this was a repeat title for Kihira, Sui/Han, and Chock/Bates, but a first for Hanyu, who has so many titles and accomplishments.that it's not as easy to find a first title for him, at least in the middle of an Olympic cycle.

 

[Fairuza]

I think it's really sweet how this was a repeat title for Kihira, Sui/Han, and Chock/Bates, but a first for Hanyu, who has so many titles and accomplishments.that it's not as easy to find a first title for him, at least in the middle of an Olympic cycle.

But none of them can boast of having three silvers from the same competition.

 

[nimi]

While getting the gold at the Bavarian Open isn't quite as prestigious as medalling at Four Continents, let's give Shun Sato some love! He won the very first senior international he's competed in and now has the sr TES minimums. I think it's also good for both Yuma and Shun that they're rising through the ranks together and competing against each other, so neither has to bear the weight of expectations alone as they move onto seniors.

【ｷｽｸﾗなし】Shun SATO SP(Senior Men) Bavarian Open 2020

佐藤駿 82.18点/http://www.deu-event.de/results/BO2020/SEG001.HTM フィニッシュまであと少しのところで別映像にとびました。

youtu.be

Shun SATO JPN Free Skate 2020 Bavarian Open

Shun SATO JPN Free Skate 2020 Bavarian Open

youtu.be

 

[denise3lz]

While Kagiyama and Sato shines at Senior International,
The last crow, Kao Miura 14 yo, won Inter Junior High School competition,
landed 4S, 4T and 3A in FS and total score exceeded 200 mark first time for him.

Kao Miura on Twitter

“全中応援ありがとうございました！目標であった200点越えをする事が出来てとても満足してます。今シーズンのフリーも良い形で最後を迎えられて良かったと思います。見つかった課題に取り組みつつ新しいフリーの振り付けにこれから入ろうと思います。また頑張ります🔥”

twitter.com

 

[Frau Muller]

I am simply puzzled how Kaori got the highest PCS in the entire competition.

Speed, flow and edges. PCS is not “the artistic mark.”

 

[rosewood]

KyodoNews writer tweeted Sota Yamamoto went back to Coach Yusuke Hayashi. Sota used to train under Coach Hayashi. (IIRC he's Sota's first coach. Keiji Tanaka is training under Coach Hayashi as well.)
https://twitter.com/kyodonewsports/status/1231553122608308224

The writer tweeted Sota wanted to train in a circumstance where another top male skater is training. Coach Hayashi will sit in a K'nC with Sota at Coupe de Printemps in March.

 

[Marco]

KyodoNews writer tweeted Sota Yamamoto went back to Coach Yusuke Hayashi. Sota used to train under Coach Hayashi. (IIRC he's Sota's first coach. Keiji Tanaka is training under Coach Hayashi as well.)
https://twitter.com/kyodonewsports/status/1231553122608308224

The writer tweeted Sota wanted to train in a circumstance where another top male skater is training. Coach Hayashi will sit in a K'nC with Sota at Coupe de Printemps in March.

I wish Sota would aim higher. At least train along Shun or Yuma if not Yuzuru or Shoma.

 

[denise3lz]

Rin NITAYA retracts her retirement.

コバはち⛸ on Twitter

“🇯🇵新田谷凜選手 (中京大) ❇️アイスショー内で現役続行宣言 「この場を借りて報告が...決めたのは最近なんですけど...現役続行します❗️」 「大学卒業後は今まで以上の覚悟とけじめが必要だと思う。その覚悟を持って、昨年以上の演技をお見せできる様、引き継ぎ頑張ります。」 嬉しい❗️✨😂🤣😆”

twitter.com

 

[Jeschke]

Rin NITAYA retracts her retirement.

コバはち⛸ on Twitter

“🇯🇵新田谷凜選手 (中京大) ❇️アイスショー内で現役続行宣言 「この場を借りて報告が...決めたのは最近なんですけど...現役続行します❗️」 「大学卒業後は今まで以上の覚悟とけじめが必要だと思う。その覚悟を持って、昨年以上の演技をお見せできる様、引き継ぎ頑張ります。」 嬉しい❗️✨😂🤣😆”

twitter.com

What? She goes on?
Why the change of mind?

Not sure what to think. Her nationals outing would have been such an awesome end to a career.
I can't see her making the team or getting close in the years to come to be honest.
Hm. Well, go girl!

 

[Dobre]

Ayumi Takanami is on Ice Partner Search.

 

[rosewood]

According to Chisato Matsuura's instagram, it seems JSF cancelled sending their skaters to Coupe de Printenms.

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[denise3lz]

According to Chisato Matsuura's instagram, it seems JSF cancelled sending their skaters to Coupe de Printenms.

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Chisato Uramatsu

Their comment was mostly about how Kinayu Yokoi can hold certificate of merit without hand and medal.

 

[rosewood]

Chisato Uramatsu

Their comment was mostly about how Kinayu Yokoi can hold certificate of merit without hand and medal.

Thanks for the correction. My bad.

 

[kittyjake5]

Official notice from JSF cancelling Team Japan's participation at Coupe du Printemps due to the virus.

クープドプランタン | 公益財団法人 日本スケート連盟 - Japan Skating Federation

skatingjapan.or.jp

 

[rosewood]

Osaka & Aichi shows of SOI Japan tour were cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic. They say at this point Hachinohe & Yokohama shows are still to be held, but it depends on circumstances.

チケット｜木下グループ presents スターズ・オン・アイス2020

figureskate-soi.com

Akita show of Mao's Thanks Tour was postponed. New dates are TBA. She wishes this pandemic will end soon and people stay safe.

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[kittyjake5]

Interview with Dice Murakami. He may come out of retirement and skate for the US.

Exclusive – Murakami considering ending retirement, skating for United States again

The love of competition is difficult for an elite skater to give up. The rush of being on the ice, the camaraderie with fellow skaters, and the adulation from fans combine to make for an intoxicati…

jackfigure.com

 

[denise3lz]

Apparenlty Hanna Yoshida changes coach from Yuko Monna to Mie Hamada.

「木下アカデミー」発足　浜田美栄ＧＭ、羽生指導ブリアン氏ら豪華コーチ陣 - スポーツ報知

木下グループは、フィギュアスケートの五輪メダリスト育成を目指し、４月１日に「木下アカデミー」を発足し、１３日までにホームページで発表した。ゼネラルマネジャー（ＧＭ）は紀平梨花（１７）＝関大ＫＦＳＣ＝

hochi.news

Hamada group is now called Kinoshida Academy.

木下スケートアカデミー

国際大会で活躍ができるフィギュアスケーターの育成をいたします。

kinoshitaacademy.com

General Manager: Mie Hamada
Head Coach: Yamato Tamura
Coach: Satsuki Muramoto
Coach: Hiroaki Sato
Guest Coach: Stéphane Lambiel
Guest Coach: Ghislain Briand

Training Rink
Kinoshita Academy Ice Arena (Izumisano, Osaka) aka KANKU Ice arena
Kinoshita Academy Kyoto Ice Arena (Uji, Kyoto) aka Kyoto Uji Ice arena

 

[Jeschke]

Messages from some JPN skaters to the world on Miki‘s IG (incl Miki, Muramoto/Takahashi,Tanaka, Rika Hongo, K/K, Nitaya, etc)

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[denise3lz]

Tomoe Kawabata enters Waseda University.

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[Bellanca]

Messages from some JPN skaters to the world on Miki‘s IG (incl Miki, Muramoto/Takahashi,Tanaka, Rika Hongo, K/K, Nitaya, etc)

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That was great! Everyone appears to be in good spirits. Loved Yuka’s walk-on guest! Also, so good to see Shizuka! Thanks for sharing.

 

[ostile17]

Messages from some JPN skaters to the world on Miki‘s IG (incl Miki, Muramoto/Takahashi,Tanaka, Rika Hongo, K/K, Nitaya, etc)

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Translation of Daisuke Takahashi's message (sorry I don't have the others):

Long time no see, it’s Daisuke. (Kana is here.) Under such a difficult situation, it’s hard to have an ordinary life now, but I believe there’re things we can do even now. So let’s try to find them and overcome (this hard time) together!

 

[GloriaW]

Translation of Daisuke Takahashi's message (sorry I don't have the others):

Long time no see, it’s Daisuke. (Kana is here.) Under such a difficult situation, it’s hard to have an ordinary life now, but I believe there’re things we can do even now. So let’s try to find them and overcome (this hard time) together!

More translations please!

 

[rosewood]

Shu Nakamura retired. He left Kansai University as well. His father runs Sushi restrant(s). He wants to be his father's successor.

フィギュアスケート - 中村優、フィギュアのため北海道から関西大に　引退後は父と同じすし職人の道へ | 4years. #学生スポーツ

フィギュアスケートのため北海道から大阪へ渡った。23歳の中村優（しゅう）は、競技に専念するため大学を2年間、休んだことも。グランプリシリーズに出場し、インカレで優勝。今春スケート人生に区切りをつけた。大学をやめ、すし職人の修行に入る。挑戦は終わらない。

4years.asahi.com

He said the r word came to his mind when he saw Saitama Worlds since he couldn't imagine he can be on the same level as (Hanyu and) Shoma who's been his rival in his mind for years. Last August He told his coach that he planned to retire after 2019-2020 season.
_____

BTW, it's been so tough for skaters this season with the pandemic. We may see more retirements of student skaters this season than usual. I wish it will not.

 

[Bellanca]

BTW, it's been so tough for skaters this season with the *********. We may see more retirements of student skaters this season than usual. I wish it will not

Yes, because even a small amount of training time lost can feel like a decade. A very tough blow, indeed. Skaters who are on the tail end of their competitive careers — or attempting comebacks (working their way back up to the top-tier) may find it hard, if not impossible to do. We’ll see, eventually.

 

[mikeko]

Kana Muramoto and Daisuke Takahashi have been back in Japan since Hertz Arena in Florida was closed. They are currently training without a coach in Osaka. They appeared on a Japanese TV program last night.

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Dai said training without a coach helped them understand each other better because they had to communicate more.

It is interesting to see Charlie, when he and Meryl gave them a lesson back in January, saying (10:00-) "It's like maybe they've been secretly training for a year. It almost seems unfair how quickly they are progressing."

 

[rosewood]

Rika Kihira revealed today that she works with Brian Orser as her second coach. Hamada remains her main coach.

フィギュア紀平がオーサー氏にも師事 ｜ 共同通信

フィギュアスケート女子の紀平梨花が13日、那覇市内で共同通信の取材に応じ、羽生結弦（ANA）らを指導...

this.kiji.is

ETA:

紀平梨花が羽生結弦のコーチのオーサー氏に師事　メインコーチは浜田美栄氏変わらず（スポーツ報知） - Yahoo!ニュース

　フィギュアスケート女子で四大陸選手権２連覇の紀平梨花（１７）が、７月に始まる新シーズンからカナダのブライアン・オーサー氏に師事することが１３日、分かった。メインコーチはこれまで通り浜田美栄氏が務め

news.yahoo.co.jp

Another article says she'll start training in Cricket Club in Toronto as soon as the restrictions allow her to enter Canada. She'll train both in Canada and Japan.
___

I wonder if her main coach eventually will be Orser like Miyahara mainly worked with Barkell although it was announced at first that she would train both in Canada and Tokyo.

 

[rosewood]

Hidehito Ito of JSF revealed today that they will hold all the six Regionals & Novice Nationals (Sept-Oct) with no spectators due to corona virus pandemic.

９～１０月開催のフィギュア、ブロック大会などは無観客

日本スケート連盟の伊東秀仁フィギュア委員長（５８）は１３日、新型コロナウイルスの感染拡大を受け、９～１０月に行われる近畿選手権などのブロック全６大会や全日本ノ…

www.sanspo.com