Japanese figure skating 2022-23 season news & updates

[Sylvia]

I just posted a playlist link for all the Japanese senior & junior skaters' videos that were recorded from last week's free livestream in the 2023 Triglav Trophy thread in the Kiss & Cry section.

Hana Yoshida won the gold with a total score of 211.46 (69.79 in SP, 141.67 in FS), landing 3A cleanly in both programs (one judge gave her +5 in the FS!).
SP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7WCEDcX5KE
FS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYgsUQZ8qWg

ETA - Team Japan results/scores at Triglav Trophy:

Senior
Nozomu Yoshioka [J1/S10/JW-3] - GOLD 238.36
Sumitada Moriguchi [S7] - his international singles debut - SILVER 232.79
Hana Yoshida [S6] - GOLD 211.46
Yuna Aoki [S7] SILVER 185.92

Junior
Shunsuke Nakamura [J4/S11] - GOLD 197.43
Rio Nakata [J5/S26] - SILVER 184.45
Mao Shimada [J1/S3/JW-1] - GOLD 212.32
Haruna Murakami [J8/S17] - her international singles debut - SILVER 183.71

 

[Holy Headband]

I wonder if Murakami/Moriguchi split up because Moriguchi wanted to keep trying in singles and his lack of focus became an issue between them. This is pure speculation on my part, but it would make sense, I suppose. I wish someone would slap all these ice dance/pairs boys who think they can make it in singles and tell them to get real.

The Kidamori split doesn't make any sense, though. They seemed to get along great, they had potential and they're both staying in ice dance and looking for new partners? Why? Why not skate with the perfectly good partner who's right there? Either there were problems under the surface or they were dating and broke up, which would be another very teenager-typical explanation...

 

[Sylvia]

Masaya Morita confirmed their split in his Instagram story.
Nao Kida's Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/Craps1VJYRz/

I want to try again so I can fight in the world with my new partner!
I hope that Masaya-kun and I find a good partner and one day we can fight on the same stage!

 

[japanice]

Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara were each rewarded with 14 million yen ($104,000) bonuses for their successful season by their sponsor the Kinoshita Group on Tuesday.

 

[Sylvia]

Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara were each rewarded with 14 million yen ($104,000) bonuses for their successful season by their sponsor the Kinoshita Group on Tuesday.

Article & photos:

【フィギュア】“りくりゅう”三浦璃来、木原龍一組、1400万円の報奨金でガリガリ君をご褒美 - フィギュア : 日刊スポーツ

フィギュアスケートのペアで「りくりゅう」こと三浦璃来（21）、木原龍一（30）組が25日、都内の所属先の木下グループ本社を訪問し、グランプリ（GP）ファイナル… - 日刊スポーツ新聞社のニュースサイト、ニッカンスポーツ・コム（nikkansports.com）

www.nikkansports.com

It is said that the amount was decided by all 5 wins including 2 wins in the GP series. Kihara said, "I want to use it for training tools and things related to skating so that I can make a leap next season," Miura said with a smile, "It's the same."
When asked about the reward, Kihara said, "I like Garigari-kun. You can buy a lot," and Miura said, "I think I'll buy a Haagen-Dazs for a little extravagance," with a smile.

ETA :

A taste for the weird remains for ‘GariGari Kun’ ice pop | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

 

[Sylvia]

I wonder if Murakami/Moriguchi split up because Moriguchi wanted to keep trying in singles and his lack of focus became an issue between them. This is pure speculation on my part, but it would make sense, I suppose. I wish someone would slap all these ice dance/pairs boys who think they can make it in singles and tell them to get real.

April 26 article:

【フィギュア】ペア“はるすみ”解散「再結成はおそらくない」アイスダンス“きだもり”も - フィギュア : 日刊スポーツ

日本スケート連盟の竹内洋輔強化部長が26日に取材に応じ、ペアの「はるすみ」こと村上遥奈（14）森口澄士（21）組が解散したと説明した。「はるすみ」は今季、結成… - 日刊スポーツ新聞社のニュースサイト、ニッカンスポーツ・コム（nikkansports.com）

www.nikkansports.com

Machine translation:

Yosuke Takeuchi, director of the Japan Skating Federation, responded to an interview on the 26th and explained that Haruna Murakami (14) and Sumitada Moriguchi (21), a pair of "Harusumi", had disbanded.

"Harusumi" is close to the podium at the world competition this season [4th at Junior Worlds], even though it is the first season of formation. On the other hand, if there were no rule revisions, Moriguchi would be split into senior and Murakami into juniors for the next three years in principle, so they would not be able to participate in the [international] match, and the future was attracting attention.

Mr. Takeuchi said, "It's unlikely that the two will reunite. Ms. Murakami also wants to focus on her singles. We are moving in the right direction by forming new partners." Moriguchi expects to continue training under Bruno Marcotte, who coaches Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara.

In addition, regarding ice dance's "Kidamori" Nao Kida (16) and Masaya Morita (19), who announced their dissolution on SNS on the 25th, they said, "Regarding (each) reunion, We are adjusting to ," he said.

 

[Sylvia]

"On the 26th [of April 2022], the Japan Skating Federation announced the figure skating athletes for the 2023[-2024] season."

【フィギュア】23年度の特別強化選手に宇野昌磨、りくりゅう、ダンス強化Ａかなだい他／一覧 - フィギュア : 日刊スポーツ

日本スケート連盟は26日、23年度のフィギュアスケート強化選手を発表した。【特別強化選手】宇野昌磨、島田高志郎、友野一希、鍵山優真、三浦佳生、山本草太、佐藤駿… - 日刊スポーツ新聞社のニュースサイト、ニッカンスポーツ・コム（nikkansports.com）

www.nikkansports.com

(I've added the skaters' placements for Junior & Senior GP Finals, Junior & Senior Nationals, Four Continents, and Junior & Senior Worlds below.)

[Specially enhanced player]

Shoma Uno [GPF1/S1/W1], Koshiro Shimada [S2/4CC11], Kazuki Tomono [S3/W6], Yuma Kagiyama [S8], Kao Miura [GPF5/S6/4CC1/JW1], Sota Yamamoto [GPF2/S5/W15], Shun Sato [GPF4/S4/4CC3], Nozomu Yoshioka [J1/JGPF3/S10/JW3]

Kaori Sakamoto [GPF5/S1/W1], Mai Mihara [GPF1/S2/W5], Mao Shimada [J1/JGPF1/S3/JW1], Rinka Watanabe [GPF4/S12/4CC5/W10], Hana Yoshida [JGPF6/S6/4CC8], Ami Nakai [J3/JGPF4/S4/JW3], Mone Chiba [J2/S5/4CC3]

[Pair Special Strengthening Player]

Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara [GPF1/4CC1/W1]


[Strengthened player A]

Sumitada Moriguchi [S7], Takeru Amine Kataise [J2/JGPF6/S19], Haruya Sasaki [J3/S15]

Yuna Aoki [S7] and Ikura Kushida [J4/S8]

[Ice Dance Strengthened Athlete A]

Kana Muramoto/Daisuke Takahashi [S1/4CC9/W11], Misato Komatsubara/Takeru Komatsubara [S2/4CC7]


[Strengthened player B]

Tatsuya Tsuboi [S9], Shunsuke Nakamura [J4/JGPF4/S11], Sena Miyake [S12], Rio Nakata [J5/S26], Haru Kakiuchi [J6/S18], Tsudoi Suto [J7/S17], Seigo Tauchi [J8]

Mana Kawabe [S9], Ayumi Shibayama [J5/S10], Rika Kihira [S11], Yurina Okuno [J6/S27], Yo Takagi [J7/S21], Haruna Murakami [J8/S17]


[Synchronized Strengthening Team A]

Jingu Ice Messengers

ETA the link to JSF's page dated 4/26/23: https://www.skatingjapan.or.jp/common/img/info/2023-24_FS_20230426.pdf

"The enhanced player page [on the JSF website] will be released in early July."

 

[Sylvia]

Cathy Reed's latest blog post after the Kinoshita Academy's "Bloom on Ice" show:

リード姉弟『2023 BOI - ブルームオンアイス』

今年のブルームオンアイスをご覧いただきまたリンクへ見に来てくださった皆さまありがとうございました。ショーのオープニンググループナンバーそして次のシーズンに向け…

ameblo.jp

"Cathy updated her blog with a post about Bloom on Ice and the Harusumi [Haruna Murakami/Sumitada Moriguchi]/Kidamori [Nao Kida/Masaya Morita] split and I've translated it here. It's a touching note on her time with the two teams and what she hopes to do to push Japanese pairs and ice dance forwards.": https://twitter.com/_kaosquared_/status/1651403489216696321

Bloom on Ice (BOI)
https://kyotouji-ice.jp/bloom-on-ice-2023/
4/22-4/23 - Kyoto
Special guests: Kana Muramoto & Daisuke Takahashi
Skaters who belong to Kinoshita Academy, including Mao Shimada, Hana Yoshida, Koshiro Shimada, Riku Miura & Ryuichi Kihara

Shunsuke Nakamura's "Legends" photos at Bloom on Ice" (with Muramoto/Takahashi, Miura/Kihara, Cathy Reed): https://www.instagram.com/p/CrZhOMvP5na/

Kinoshita Academy's photos from the show: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrfmKp4uhiQ/

 

[Sylvia]

Mone Chiba turned 18 today (May 1) and is "Going to LA for the first time in my life with overseas choreography and joining Kinoshita Academy": https://twitter.com/online_on_ice/status/1652882083629662208

Chiba is listed on the Kinoshita Skating Academy's website now: https://kinoshitaacademy.com/trainee/

She previously was coached by Soushi Tanaka in Sendai: http://www.isuresults.com/bios/isufs00110118.htm

 

[mikeko]

Kana Muramoto / Daisuke Takahashi announced their retirement.　　

https://www.instagram.com/p/CrsWPwSobDy/　

They will have a press conference at 2 pm and Instagram Live at 8 pm tomorrow JST.

As for Japanese ice dance, only the Komatsubara's remained.

(From Japanese Nationals)
Kana / Dai -> retired
The Komatsubara's
Takahashi / Judd -> split (Judd is on icepartnersearch)
Kinoshita / Tamura -> split (possibly Tamura retired)
Kikuchi / Ikeda -> split (Ikeda teamed up with Ayano Sakaki)
Yajima / Matsui -> split

 

[YukiNieve]

Cross-posting here since it has some information about new programs:

Prince Ice World (PIW)
https://www.princeiceworld.com/
4/29-4/30, 5/3-5/5 – Yokohama, Kanagawa

Shoma Uno, Yuma Kagiyama, Kao Miura, Wakaba Higuchi (and perhaps more?) are skating new programs.

Yuma's program is Werther choreographed by Lori Nicole and Carolina Kostner.
He made it while he was staying in Italy for 3 weeks. Yuma might use this program as SP during 2025-2026 season when the Olympic Games will be held in Italy.
Photo:

スポニチ写真映像部公式インスタグラム on Instagram: "〈プリンスアイスワールド横浜公演〉 Werther 鍵山優真（撮影・長久保　豊）"

1,401 likes, 5 comments - sponichitokyophoto on May 2, 2023: "〈プリンスアイスワールド横浜公演〉 Werther 鍵山優真（撮影・長久保　豊）".

www.instagram.com

Kao's new program is Natural choreographed by Kenji Miyamoto
It is supposed to be an exhibition program, but it's structured in a way it can also be used as SP.
Benoit Richaud will choreograph his new SP and Natural will be a back-up.
https://twitter.com/AxelQuadruple/status/1653645117407002629

Shoma's new program is Come Together.
He is making multiple programs for exhibitions first and then will decide which one he wants to skate as SP for the new season. Padam, Padam, choreographed by Mihoko Higuchi, is one of the candidates for his new SP.

https://twitter.com/AxelQuadruple/status/1653647601697452034

 

[Sylvia]

Wakaba Higuchi performed in front of an audience for the first time in eight months:

【フィギュア】今季休養の樋口新葉、８カ月ぶり演技披露「また復帰できるよう」競技復帰誓う - フィギュア : 日刊スポーツ

フィギュアスケート女子で北京五輪5位の樋口新葉（22＝ノエビア）が、8カ月ぶりに観客の前で滑りを披露した。3日、KOSE新横浜スケートセンターで開催されたアイ… - 日刊スポーツ新聞社のニュースサイト、ニッカンスポーツ・コム（nikkansports.com）

www.nikkansports.com

Machine translated excerpt:

Appeared in the ice show "Prince Ice World Yokohama Performance" held at KOSE Shin-Yokohama Skate Center on the 3rd. She got on the song "Fix You ~ Paradise" [by Coldplay] which will be a new free skate, and jumped up to 2 rotations. Impressively, she danced in the midst of cheers for the first time in a long time. When the performance was over, the voice of "Niiba-chan, welcome back!" echoed from the venue.
In the afternoon performance, after all the programs are over, go to the rink. He grabbed the microphone and vowed, "I will do my best to be able to return to competition."

ETA link to more photos from the PIW show (Marin Honda, Higuchi, Kagiyama, Tomono, Rion Sumiyoshi, Uno, Miura, etc.): https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/figure/photonews/

 

[Gris]

https://twitter.com/shinnnnn_gooo/status/1654762725611044866?s=20

New ice dance team for Japan: Azusa Tanaka / Shingo Nishiyama

They will train at IAM Montreal.

 

[Sylvia]

Article based on Shingo's social media post:

【フィギュア】西山真瑚、田中梓沙が新アイスダンスカップル誕生　モントリオールへ - フィギュア : 日刊スポーツ

フィギュアスケートで来季からアイスダンスに専念する西山真瑚（21＝早大）が、新パートナーとして女子シングルで21年全日本ジュニア選手権5位の田中梓沙（17）と… - 日刊スポーツ新聞社のニュースサイト、ニッカンスポーツ・コム（nikkansports.com）

www.nikkansports.com

Machine translation:

Shingo Nishiyama [21 = Waseda University], who will focus on ice dance in figure skating from next season, has announced that he will team up with Azusa Tanaka [17], who ranked 5th in the 2021 All Japan Junior Championships, as a new partner.

Updated SNS on the 6th. "This time, Azusa Tanaka and Shingo Nishiyama have decided to form an ice dance team! I'm very happy to be able to practice at Montreal's Ice Academy Montreal! I'm going!" [he] posted.

Last year, Nishiyama was forced to return from Canada, where he was based, due to the effects of the new coronavirus, and dissolved his partner with Ayumi Takanami, [with whom he had] finished 3rd in the [December] 2021 All Japan Championship. She was looking for a new opponent to compete in the Olympics.

Tanaka, who has been active as a singles player, has announced that she will switch to ice dancing from next season.
[Link to Azusa's ISU bio for singles: http://www.isuresults.com/bios/isufs00107895.htm]
ETA that Azusa posted the same photo as Nishiyama did on her new Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr5OHSjuE4f/


Japan National Senior Ice Dance bronze medalists Nicole Takahashi & Shiloh Judd have ended their partnership as he is listed on IPS as of May 2nd. He is based in Leesburg, Virginia with Alexei Kiliakov & Elena Novak.

 

[japanice]

[ICE TIME] Talented Skater Naoki Rossi Inspired by Visit to His Ancestral Homeland | SportsLook

Teenager Naoki Rossi talks about the challenges of becoming an elite skater, his skating inspiration, his bicultural upbringing and much more.

featured.japan-forward.com

 

[japanice]

No. 44 - Rieko Ikegami Rossi

Jack speaks with Rieko Rossi, the mother of 2023 world junior silver medalist Naoki Rossi, about her famous lineage, her days teaching ballet to Stephane Lambiel, her promotion of her son on social me

soundcloud.com

 

[YukiNieve]

Kaori Skamoto and Mai Mihara are in Tronto with Jeff and David - for choreography?

Jeffrey Buttle on Instagram: "Always fun to have great company!"

3,007 likes, 16 comments - j_butt on May 11, 2023: "Always fun to have great company!".

www.instagram.com

 

[Sylvia]

April 5:

He [Yuma] plans to keep both his programs for next season. Shae-Lynn Bourne choreographed his "Believer" by Imagine Dragons

Yuma Kagiyama and Kao Miura, who is reportedly getting a new program, have been working with Shae-Lynn Bourne in Irvine, CA (they got to see Shohei Ohtani's homerun at an Anaheim Angels baseball game): https://twitter.com/kantoboysnews/status/1656545556297129985
Great Park Ice posted photos of Yuma practicing there: https://www.instagram.com/p/CsFGrJEvIZh/

Lucas Tsuyoshi Honda's Instagram story hints that he is starting pairs: https://twitter.com/_kaosquared_/status/1656837122471657473
He is 20 (http://www.isuresults.com/bios/isufs00102340.htm) and skates at the same club/rink (Kinoshita Academy) as Haruna Murakami, 14 (does she want to continue in pairs as well as singles?).

 

[Sylvia]

Thanks to @ptvvibezz for posting the link (in the Programs/Choreographers thread) to this NHK news article about Yuma Kagiyama and Kao Miura at Great Park Ice in Irvine, CA:

Kao Miura (JPN)

FS: Attack on Titan OST
Choreo by Shae-Lynn Bourne

フィギュア 鍵山優真 三浦佳生 アメリカ合宿の練習公開 | NHK

【NHK】フィギュアスケートで、ともに3年後の冬のオリンピックを目指す、鍵山優真選手と三浦佳生選手がアメリカで行っている合宿の様子…

www3.nhk.or.jp

Machine translated excerpts:

For next season's free program, Miura made a request for the first time to international choreographer Shae-Lynn Bourne, who is based in the area, and decided to use the song from her favorite anime, "Attack on Titan."
Through repeated dialogue, they were able to bring out the inner qualities of the athletes, and although they struggled under the guidance of Ms. Shae-Lynn, who performed difficult choreography, they worked hard to complete the program.
Miura said, "I feel like I'm improving every year, and that's reflected in my movements. I'm looking forward to next season."

On the other hand, Kagiyama had his first long-term absence last season due to a left ankle injury.
For the next season, I was planning to continue last year's program, and I was working on minor revisions to the short program with Shae-Lynn.
Also, in jump practice, he tried a quadruple salchow, which is an outstanding characteristic, and succeeded in it for the first time in about five months, and was getting a feel for a complete recovery.
Kagiyama said, "I'm having a fulfilling time. Next time I perform in front of everyone, I want to do my best so that I can show that 'I've evolved so much despite being injured.'"

 

[YukiNieve]

Kaori Skamoto and Mai Mihara are in Tronto with Jeff and David - for choreography?

Jeffrey Buttle on Instagram: "Always fun to have great company!"

3,007 likes, 16 comments - j_butt on May 11, 2023: "Always fun to have great company!".

www.instagram.com

Yes, Jeff did seem to have choreographed Kaori's SP.

Jeffrey Buttle on Instagram: "Such a great week working with this World Champion!!"

4,391 likes, 22 comments - j_butt on May 12, 2023: "Such a great week working with this World Champion!!".

www.instagram.com

Kaori told in an interview that her new FS will be done by Marie-France Dubreuil again.

 

[ostile17]

Yuna Nagaoka and Sumitada Moriguchi are announced as a new pairs team. They will train at Kinoshita Academy.

https://twitter.com/skatejapanews/status/1658020782671380481?t=bYySQylzkGtqCuRHUMz5ow&s=19

 

[kwanette]

My boy, Kazuki Tomono, is on his way to Toronto as I type..choreo? who? TBD..on his 25th birthday..

 

[Sylvia]

Yuna Nagaoka and Sumitada Moriguchi are announced as a new pairs team. They will train at Kinoshita Academy.

Here's Nagoaka's singles profile (she will be 18 in July and her listed hobbies are "Admiring rabbits and cooking" ): https://kinoshitaacademy.com/trainee/nagaoka/
FWIW, she's listed as 155 cm tall and Moriguchi, 21, at 174 cm.

 

[Wyliefan]

Here's Nagoaka's singles profile (she will be 18 in July and her listed hobbies are "Admiring rabbits and cooking"

It's a pity Mariah's no longer competing. They'd have a lot to talk about at competitions.

 

[Karen-W]

Another new Japanese pairs team!

Sae Shimiza and Lucas Tsuyoshi Honda have partnered. Sounds like Honda plans to continue competing in singles also, per the IG announcement.

https://twitter.com/AnythingGOE/status/1659106975479746560?t=TFkYi88oz51NfKs2Jux19g&s=19

 

[Sylvia]

Link to Sae Shimuzu's profile at Kinoshita Academy: https://kinoshitaacademy.com/trainee/shimizu/
She will be 18 in August and placed 11th at Junior Nationals (representing the Osaka SC) in Nov. 2022.

She is listed as 155 cm tall and Lucas 171 cm in his ISU bio (he will be 21 in Sept.): http://www.isuresults.com/bios/isufs00102340.htm

 

[Karen-W]

Link to Sae Shimuzu's profile at Kinoshita Academy: https://kinoshitaacademy.com/trainee/shimizu/
She will be 18 in August and placed 11th at Junior Nationals (representing the Osaka SC) in Nov. 2022.

She is listed as 155 cm tall and Lucas 171 cm in his ISU bio (he will be 21 in Sept.): http://www.isuresults.com/bios/isufs00102340.htm

So, junior and senior age eligible. Good for them to have the chance to compete at both levels.

 

[japanice]

[ICE TIME] Comments by Muramoto, Takahashi Reveal Truth About Developing Ice Dance and Pairs in Japan | SportsLook

The retired athletes say Japan's skating officials should focus on improving the competitive environment and increase support for ice dance and pairs.

featured.japan-forward.com

 

[Sylvia]

Brian Orser's 3 photos includes Kazuki Tomono and Mai Mihara at the Cricket club: https://www.instagram.com/p/Csbr1lOONNm/

Kazuki attended the Blue Jays game last night with Tomoki Hiwatashi per his Instagram stories (Baltimore beat Toronto 6-2).

David Wilson has choreographed Mai's new FP: https://www.instagram.com/p/CsbbAETOd8h/
Which means Jeff Buttle choreographed her new SP:

Jeff Buttle choreographed at least one program for Mai Mihara to "iconic music."

https://www.instagram.com/p/CsXpW3pOT0K/

Also cross-posting here from the Programs/Choreographers thread:

Kaori Sakamoto, Shun Sato, and Camden Pulkinen are pictured at the Ice Academy of Montreal with Marie-France Dubreuil & Guillaume Cizeron: https://www.instagram.com/p/CsW-12VO2xi/
...
Kaori also worked with Jeff Buttle at the Granite Club in Toronto last week: https://www.instagram.com/p/CsJon3Jueqg/
She was there with Mai Mihara and their coach, plus David Wilson - Buttle's group pic: https://www.instagram.com/p/CsHLh00uCSB/

 

[Sylvia]

My boy, Kazuki Tomono, is on his way to Toronto as I type..choreo? who?

Jeff Buttle (who didn't specify which program): https://www.instagram.com/p/CseyShFOTG_/