Japan Open June 2012

[inskate]

Mao Asada hasn't participated Japan Open only in last year. I still don't understand the reason.

I think that the fact that her mother was terminally ill could have something to do with that. As Mao herself said later, every time she left her hometown she was worried she won't ever see her mother alive again. Furthermore, because her father and sister spent as much time by Kyoko's side as possible, Mao had to get a driving license to drive herself to practices and take care of preparing her meals. Meanwhile, according to coach Sato, Mao was struggling with gaining muscular mass and having weight issues (according to Mao, caused by a late growth spurt, but possibly the grief and mental stress contributed as well).
IMHO a cheesefest competition just wasn't on her mind as a priority back then, both for emotional and physical reasons.

[Jammers]

So is Gracie Gold participating at the JO or not? Any news why she dropped out if she did?

[NMURA]

Asada's agent may want to believe and want the general public believe that she's the only big star in Japan's figure skating. But WTT did very well in both ticket sales and TV viewer ratings. This year's DOI sold out without her as well. Old guys running major media organizations may prefer pretty young girls in mini skirts, but figure skating fans know that men's field is deeper and more interesting than ladies now. I have no idea how much general public cares about Asada or even figure skating this summer because they must be more excited for the Olympics games in London.

I must say they are not factors to be considered for big media. The general public is what matters. Large amount of WTT tickets were put on auction sites after the roster was published. Some figure skating fans who couldn't obtain the tickets might be benefited.

[ImaginaryPogue]

Would you agree that the big skating boom in Japan has just about played out, and that in a year of two Japan will be joining the U.S.A. and the rest of the world in saying, "What happened to figure skating?"

Don't sound so hopeful, Mathman!

[Mathman]

^ I will try to cheer up. I just think it is kind of ominous that whenever concerns arise that maybe figure skating is headed n the wrong direction, the only answer we can muster is, "well, we've still got Japan!"

[DianaSelene]

As the phrase goes "Everything that rises must converge". There's a limit to everything. Figure skating is not as popular in the US as it was years ago (even though the dance teams are looking great). It is still popular in Russia but there has been somewhat a break in Russian figure skating success. Only now are they beginning to build momentum. Right now, skating is extremely popular in Japan but if suddenly athletes start not showing good results, it might have the same fate. However, I am really happy that at least Japan loves skating these days.

[deedee1]

So is Gracie Gold participating at the JO or not? Any news why she dropped out if she did?

YES, Gracie's name is now ON the list!
http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/japanopen2012/

And just checking names who will skate at Carnival on Ice, I am already in HEAVEN!
http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/coi2012/

[Morning Glory]

And just checking names who will skate at Carnival on Ice, I am already in HEAVEN!
http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/coi2012/

Just WOW!! Thank you!! The dream cast and Mao?? Why she is not listed?

[l'etoile]

I think entries are still changing.

[SkateFiguring]

And just checking names who will skate at Carnival on Ice, I am already in HEAVEN!
http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/coi2012/

WOW, Dream cast.

So there will be Medal Winners on Oct 5th, Japan Open on the 6th, followed by Carnival On Ice on the 7th, though it also says Oct 6th on the site and on FB. Happy birthday to me even if I won't be able to watch them live.

I wonder what the impetus for such back to back events is.

[l'etoile]

Will Miki be competing here or have the slots for Japanese ladies been filled?

[Jammers]

Gracie is sure getting a lot of invites for only having one Senior event under her belt isn't she?

[chuckm]

Gracie is sure getting a lot of invites for only having one Senior event under her belt isn't she?

The Japan Open needs two North American ladies, which means US or Canadian. The top Senior US ladies this season have been Wagner and Czisny, who is out after surgery. Rochette opted for the pro event only, and Phaneuf and Lacoste aren't of high enough caliber. That leaves Gold and possibly Osmond, but Gold's 5th at the senior-level WTT is more impressive than Osmond's JW 10th place. So it's not at all surprising that Gold got the nod.

[NMURA]

The Japan Open needs two North American ladies, which means US or Canadian. The top Senior US ladies this season have been Wagner and Czisny, who is out after surgery. Rochette opted for the pro event only, and Phaneuf and Lacoste aren't of high enough caliber. That leaves Gold and possibly Osmond, but Gold's 5th at the senior-level WTT is more impressive than Osmond's JW 10th place. So it's not at all surprising that Gold got the nod.

In past cases, it seems the criteria for JO invitations are (1) placements at senior worlds and/or (2) polularity in Japan. Gold is absolutely not an obvious choice. I don't think they would invite her without some kind of "hard sell" from the US. Since Czisny and Canadians are out of question, Nagasu is the most obvious choice after Wagner. But if they had "cancelled" Gold's invitation, the most likely case is that Rochette is agreeing to participate JO and the negotiation is under way.

[mskater93]

Gold is going. Nagasu is not a logical choice at all - she totally tanked Nationals. I could understand if you said Zhang (bronze 4CC) over Gold...