Japanese figure skating 2024-25 season news & updates

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

e., Rinka Wantanabe, etc.

I think this is the tier along with Rino and others that is like the US Sarah and Elyce etc. I think after Olympic cycle they will be the top tier.

 

[Karen-W]

I have zero expectations that Mao Shimada will actually have a reliable 3A or 4T in a couple more years. She just turned 16 in the fall and that 4T has never been consistent for her. The 3A has been fairly decent, but there are precious few women who have a 3A in juniors who manage to keep it past the age of 18.

 

[YukiNieve]

I know this is a show program, but I'd still like those who might be interested to see Mao Asada's Bolero - a super intense and expressive program.

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[kwanette]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7QW6-GAl-A Kazuki Tomono's sp for what will be his last season..SL Bourne, choreo.."That's It (I'm Crazy) " Sofi Tukker

 

[clairecloutier]

Kaori Sakamoto article: https://fs-gossips.com/13680/

"While she performed to tango music in her SP and “Chicago” in her free program this season, she revealed, “I realized I’m surprisingly not good at quick movements. Next season, rather than focusing on dynamic movements, I want to compete by showcasing my true skating skills,” hinting at a new approach for the upcoming season.

Glad to hear this from Kaori. This past season's programs didn't play to her strengths IMO. There were times when the programs worked better than other times (when she was particularly "on"), but it never felt easy or really natural.

 

[On My Own]

Her movement quality (both going by body movement as well as the way she moves across the ice) is not at all suited to a tango. I don't remember her programs from previous seasons, maybe this is better, but it doesn't make it any good to me. Even beyond that, I just don't like the choreography.

 

[kwanette]

Kaori Sakamoto article: https://fs-gossips.com/13680/



Glad to hear this from Kaori. This past season's programs didn't play to her strengths IMO. There were times when the programs worked better than other times (when she was particularly "on"), but it never felt easy or really natural.

Totally agree..

 

[Wyliefan]

Shimizu/Honda have split.

Lucas Tsuyoshi Honda on Instagram: "今シーズンも応援していただきありがとうございました。 この度、清水咲衣選手とのパートナーシップを解消することになりました。 この2年間、自分達では想像もつかないような大舞台での経験をすることができ、ペアとして大変大きく成長することができました。全てはサポートしてくださった木下アカデミー、コーチの方々、さえルカを応援してくださった皆様のお陰です。本当にありがとうございました。 咲衣ちゃんのおかげでペア男子として大きく成長す

177 likes, 6 comments - lu9_ho15 on April 22, 2025: "今シーズンも応援していただきありがとうございました。 この度、清水咲衣選手とのパートナーシップを解消することになりました。 この2年間、自分達では想像もつかないような大舞台での経験をすることができ、ペアとして大変大きく成長することができました。全てはサポートしてくださった木下アカデミー、コーチの方々、さえルカを応援してくださった皆様のお陰です。本当にありがとうございました。 咲衣ちゃんのおかげでペア男子として大きく成長することができました。...

www.instagram.com

 

[YukiNieve]

A brief clip of Kazuki Tomono's new SP, "That's It (I'm Crazy)," which he debuted at the Prince Ice World show in Japan:

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[kwanette]

A brief clip of Kazuki Tomono's new SP, "That's It (I'm Crazy)," which he debuted at the Prince Ice World show in Japan:

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My favorite boy!!

 

[YukiNieve]

Mone Chiba's programs for next season will be choreographed by:
SP: Cizeron
FS: Nicole
Music has not been revealed.

木下スケートアカデミー on Instagram: "・ 本日5月1日は #千葉百音 選手20歳のお誕生日🎂🎉 💕Happy Birthday💕 ⁡ 「昨シーズンより、さらにパワーアップした姿をお見せできるよう精一杯頑張ります」と意気込みを語ってくれた千葉選手⛸ ⁡ 夢の舞台🇮🇹を目指して、一歩一歩着実に——✨ さらなる進化を遂げる千葉選手に、どうぞご注目ください‼️ ⁡ 笑顔溢れる素晴らしい1年となりますように…💐 Wishing you the best birthday ever!! ⁡

704 likes, 12 comments - kinoshita_skate_academy on April 30, 2025: "・ 本日5月1日は #千葉百音 選手20歳のお誕生日🎂🎉 💕Happy Birthday💕 ⁡ 「昨シーズンより、さらにパワーアップした姿をお見せできるよう精一杯頑張ります」と意気込みを語ってくれた千葉選手⛸ ⁡ 夢の舞台🇮🇹を目指して、一歩一歩着実に——✨ さらなる進化を遂げる千葉選手に、どうぞご注目ください‼️ ⁡ 笑顔溢れる素晴らしい1年となりますように…💐 Wishing you the best birthday ever!! ⁡...

www.instagram.com

Kaori Sakamoto's new exhibition program has been choreographed by Satoko Miyahara.

シスメックス スケートチーム | 三原舞依•坂本花織•壷井達也•三宅咲綺 on Instagram: "⁡ 坂本花織選手からメッセージが届きました💌 ⁡ ***** ⁡ 遅くなりましたが……。STARS ON ICEに今年も出演できとても嬉しかったです！ ⁡ そして新しいエキシビションナンバーも披露させていただきました🤍 振り付けは大尊敬しているあの方！！ 宮原知子さんです🍍 ⁡ 私は《知子Movement》が大好きで、あのしなやかで力強く魂のこもったスケートに憧れて今回エキシビをお願いしました

4,147 likes, 0 comments - sysmex_figureskatingteam on May 1, 2025: "⁡ 坂本花織選手からメッセージが届きました💌 ⁡ ***** ⁡ 遅くなりましたが……。STARS ON ICEに今年も出演できとても嬉しかったです！ ⁡ そして新しいエキシビションナンバーも披露させていただきました🤍 振り付けは大尊敬しているあの方！！ 宮原知子さんです🍍 ⁡ 私は《知子Movement》が大好きで、あのしなやかで力強く魂のこもったスケートに憧れて今回エキシビをお願いしました！ ⁡...

www.instagram.com

 

[YukiNieve]

Ikra Kushida and Koshiro Shimada have teamed up as ice dancers!

Ikura will also compete in singles while Koshiro will focus on dance.

https://x.com/Kinoshita_Sport/status/1920722636167950550

ETA：They will skate for Friends on Ice show in August.

 

[Karen-W]

Ikra Kushida and Koshiro Shimada have teamed up as ice dancers!

Ikura will also compete in singles while Koshiro will focus on dance.

https://x.com/Kinoshita_Sport/status/1920722636167950550

ETA：They will skate for Friends on Ice show in August.

I really like Ikura and think she could become a wonderful dancer. Shimada is an interesting partner choice, but he could be quite good also. This is an intriguing partnership.

 

[Evgeniafan]

I really like Ikura and think she could become a wonderful dancer. Shimada is an interesting partner choice, but he could be quite good also. This is an intriguing partnership.

I am really looking forward to this team

 

[PRlady]

Couldn’t remember which junior she was so found this: https://youtu.be/vJzNjoVyqbo?si=TSy4OcfGir0nD5KK

Yeah, even the dress says fledgling ice dancer!

 

[kwanfan1818]

And Kaitlyn Weaver was her choreographer.

 

[On My Own]

One fewer male skater around Lambiel, one better day.

 

[YukiNieve]

The Japan Skating Federation has started collaborating with Pokémon to encourage children to try figure skating, called Pokémon Skate Challenge. They can participate in 52 practices listed in a booklet, keep track of them, and earn Pokémon stickers as they move forward.

ポケモンスケートチャレンジ

スケート課題にチャレンジしてこおりタイプのポケモンシールを集めよう！ポケモンスケートチャレンジは公益財団法人日本スケート連盟と株式会社ポケモンの共同企画です。

www.skatingjapan.or.jp

Examples from 52 practices (Instructor - Keiji Tanaka):
For the beginner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og8w_A-zoCw
Intermediate level：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlmYVoKVeVM
More advanced level: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nla-Gn8esu0

 

[japanice]

Satoko Miyahara to Skate in 'Rock Stars on Ice' Tour in US | SportsLook

Even though she has been retired since April 2022, Satoko Miyahara remains in demand on the show circuit, and not just in Japan.

featured.japan-forward.com

 

[Wyliefan]

Can anyone ID this version of Romeo & Juliet that Rena Uezono is using, before I put in the Programs thread? I thought Nino Rota but I'm not sure, and Shazam is really getting to be worthless these days. I can't get an ID out of it for love or money.

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[LoisAGOEs]

Can anyone ID this version of Romeo & Juliet that Rena Uezono is using, before I put in the Programs thread? I thought Nino Rota but I'm not sure, and Shazam is really getting to be worthless these days. I can't get an ID out of it for love or money.

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The following story says it’s the Nino Rota version at the bottom

 

[Wyliefan]

The following story says it’s the Nino Rota version at the bottom

Oh, I missed that. Thanks!

 

[YukiNieve]

Benoit Richaud choreographed both SP and FS for Kao Miura for next season.

This season I had the chance to create both programs for Kao Miura. We searched for something true. Something that belongs only to him, an energy, a new way to tell his story. Can’t wait for you to discover what we built together.

B E N O I T R I C H A U D on Instagram: "K A O M I U R A This season I had the chance to create both programs for Kao Miura. We searched for something true. Something that belongs only to him, an energy, a new way to tell his story. Can’t wait for

1,412 likes, 9 comments - benoitrichaud on May 19, 2025: "K A O M I U R A This season I had the chance to create both programs for Kao Miura. We searched for something true. Something that belongs only to him, an energy, a new way to tell his story. Can’t wait for you to discover what we built...

www.instagram.com

 

[YukiNieve]

It's rare to see skaters doing off-ice training even though I am quite interested in that part of training (Adam and Johnny used to post them on Instagram).

It is fun to see Yuma Kagiyama doing off ice training!

森永製菓inトレーニングラボ on Instagram: "フィギュアスケート 鍵山優真選手❄️ 氷の上で軽やかに見える動きも、 裏には緻密なトレーニングがあります💪 鍵山優真選手の1秒の美しさは、 見えない努力の連続でできている！ 気になるトレーニング方法はありましたか？ 応援メッセージもお待ちしております✨ #森永製菓inトレーニングラボ #森永製菓株式会社 #森永製菓 #鍵山優真 #フィギュアスケート #yumakagiyama #figureskating #inゼリ

471 likes, 10 comments - morinagatraininglab on May 27, 2025: "フィギュアスケート 鍵山優真選手❄️ 氷の上で軽やかに見える動きも、 裏には緻密なトレーニングがあります💪 鍵山優真選手の1秒の美しさは、 見えない努力の連続でできている！ 気になるトレーニング方法はありましたか？ 応援メッセージもお待ちしております✨ #森永製菓inトレーニングラボ #森永製菓株式会社 #森永製菓 #鍵山優真 #フィギュアスケート #yumakagiyama #figureskating #inゼリー #injelly...

www.instagram.com

 

[YukiNieve]

The official website for the NHH Trophy (Nov. 7-9, 2025) has just opened.
The competitions will be held at Towa Pharmaceutical RACTAB Dome in Osaka.

2025 NHK杯国際フィギュアスケート競技大会

「2025 NHK杯国際フィギュアスケート競技大会」の大会公式ホームページ。大会概要・出場予定選手・チケット購入方法などご案内します。

www.skatingjapan.or.jp

 

[YukiNieve]

Shun Sato talks about his new FS choreographed by Guillaume Cizeron:

I can't tell you the title of the music yet, but I chose the music myself. It is a classical piece that everyone knows and I feel that it has not been used much recently by senior skaters, so I don't think my music will overlap with those of other skaters. Personally, I like music without vocals.

The jump configuration for the new FS will include 4 quads. 1 4Lz, 2 4T, and I am not sure if I should make the other one 4F or 4Lo. Since I tend to get edge calls for 4F, I'm thinking of going with 4Lo at the moment. But this is a decision I'll have to make after seeing how I do in practice and in competition.

Shun has also been trying to improve his 4S jump technique by observing Yuzuru Hanyu and seeking advice from Kao Miura.

https://digital.asahi.com/articles/AST5Y346QT5YOXIE041M.html?ptoken=01JWW8XGNAAZ8CVZ4SPYBB9YMN
(Behind the paywall)

Edited for clarification

 

[japanice]

ICE TIME | Exclusive: Retired Star Satoko Miyahara Still Seeking Future Path | SportsLook

Satoko Miyahara took time from her busy tour schedule to discuss her illustrious career, current work, and thoughts about the future in an exclusive interview.

featured.japan-forward.com

 

[YukiNieve]

Mao Asada created an artwork of figures by edge work with Yura Matsuda on her ice rink.

浅田真央 Mao Asada on Instagram: "#figureskating #specialfigures #bracket #counter #rocker #loop #new #art #maorink #mainrink"

19K likes, 178 comments - maoasada2509 on May 27, 2025: "#figureskating #specialfigures #bracket #counter #rocker #loop #new #art #maorink #mainrink".

www.instagram.com

And today Mao posted "making" of the artwork on her IG. Very Interesting.

浅田真央 Mao Asada on Instagram

22K likes, 167 comments - maoasada2509 on May 30, 2025

www.instagram.com

 

[japanice]

Three-time world champion Mao Asada announced at a press conference in Tokyo on Thursday that she is going to become a coach with the goal of having one of her singles skaters be a competitor in the 2034 Olympics. The Kinoshita Group has now partnered with Mao in the Kinoshita Mao Academy for the recruitment of skaters at the Mao Rink in Tachikawa.

【フィギュア】浅田真央さん「愛を忘れないように」コーチの夢は34年ソルトレークシティー五輪 - フィギュア : 日刊スポーツ

フィギュアスケート女子で10年バンクーバー五輪銀メダルの浅田真央さん（34）がコーチ業を本格始動する。12日、都内で記者会見。8月1日に東京で「木下MAOアカ… - 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

 

[On My Own]

Well done, Mao.