2018-2019 State of Japanese Men's Skating

[yume]

Does someone know if Shun Sato, Yuma Kagiyama and Kao Miura took part to test skates for JGP selections (a shame that was not public like Korean selections)? Because seems like those three really want to bring fire.

 

[xeyra]

Challenger Series 2018 (Japan assignments)

Lombardia Trophy: Shoma Uno, Kazuki Tomono, Kaori Sakamoto
US International Classic: Satoko Miyahara, Yuna Shiraiwa
Autumn Classic: Yuzuru Hanyu, Wakaba Higuchi
Ondrej Nepela Trophy: Keiji Tanaka, Rika Kihira
Nebelhorn Trophy: Mai Mihara, Marin Honda
Finlandia Trophy: Rika Hongo
Asia Open: Sota Yamamoto

 

[yume]

Yay for Sota getting a challenger.

 

[surimi]

No Challengers for Ryuju so far, then I hope he gets added somewhere... skaters can get added, right? Fingers crossed for Keiji at Nepela, I hope he finishes his performances on a much happier note than last year!

Re. costumes, I respectfully disagree about Sota being reduced to a Yuzu copycat (joking, in case the smiley isn't enough) There are sparkles and frills, yes, but ever since Lorelei, IMO all of his costumes have been manlier than Yuzuru's, and more tasteful than some of what Yuzu has worn. And again, just for the record, I am a Hanyu fan and think Yuzuru's costumes are a good fit for him, with the exception of the Dory fin.

 

[xeyra]

Bringing in an updated post from the ladies thread:

Using the above list, a more completed one, adding AO Trophy:
Asian Open: Sota Yamamoto, Mitsuki Sumoto, Yuna Shiraiwa, Mako Yamashita, (Dance: Komatsubara/Koleto)
Lombardia Trophy: Shoma Uno, Kazuki Tomono, Kaori Sakamoto, Mako Yamashita
US International Classic: Satoko Miyahara, Yuna Shiraiwa, Sato Hiroaki, (Dance: Komatsubara/Koleto)
Autumn Classic: Yuzuru Hanyu, Wakaba Higuchi, Yura Matsuda
Ondrej Nepela Trophy: Keiji Tanaka, Rika Kihira
Nebelhorn Trophy: Mai Mihara, Marin Honda
Finlandia Trophy: Rika Hongo, (Pair: Suzaki/Kihara)

 

[cohkaix]

Does someone know if Shun Sato, Yuma Kagiyama and Kao Miura took part to test skates for JGP selections (a shame that was not public like Korean selections)? Because seems like those three really want to bring fire.

I'm guessing Shun Sato for sure, as he's been added to JSF's 'Strengthened skater-B' list during a second update. But I'm not sure about the other two...are both old enough to take part in JGP this season?

On the other hand, these three skaters have all been listed in the up coming domestic competition 'Kanto Summer Trophy 2018' on Aug 9 to 12 (in Junior men category). It will be quite an event to have these three competing against one another early on before the season starts.

 

[surimi]

Two questions on my mind at this point.
1) Is that a definitive list, or can skaters get added later on. Muramoto/Reed aren't in the list either so I'm wondering.
2) Mitsuki is the only junior in the assignments, the other skaters are all senior or turning senior this season. Does that mean he's turning senior as well?

 

[yume]

Seems to me that juniors can take part to challengers as seniors.
But would not be bad if he moves up to seniors. Junior ranks are crowded.

 

[yume]

I'm guessing Shun Sato for sure, as he's been added to JSF's 'Strengthened skater-B' list during a second update. But I'm not sure about the other two...are both old enough to take part in JGP this season?

I don't know about Yuma Kagiyama, but it seems to me that Kao Miura is old enough.

 

[cohkaix]

Two questions on my mind at this point.
1) Is that a definitive list, or can skaters get added later on. Muramoto/Reed aren't in the list either so I'm wondering.

I think it is possible to add skaters later on, but for now these are the planned assignments for top skaters and that's for certain. (I think there's ISU regulation that an ISU member country can send no more than 3 entries to each competition. Also, recalling from last year that Satoko entered Finlandia but had to withdraw, and then Yuna was in place of that entry. So changes are possible!)

I'm also wondering about Kana and Chris. They are usually in one of the competitions from North America as they train in US. Surprised they're not in the list for US Classics nor AC....

 

[surimi]

I think it is possible to add skaters later on, but for now these are the planned assignments for top skaters and that's for certain. (I think there's ISU regulation that an ISU member country can send no more than 3 entries to each competition. Also, recalling from last year that Satoko entered Finlandia but had to withdraw, and then Yuna was in place of that entry. So changes are possible!)

I'm also wondering about Kana and Chris. They are usually in one of the competitions from North America as they train in US. Surprised they're not in the list for US Classics nor AC....

Thank you for the clarification. I hope the absence of Kana/Chris and Ryuju isn't due to an injury. I think I've read Chris has had multiple knee surgeries, so I really hope they're OK.
I have a feeling they will add someone yet to Nepela to keep Keiji company - I wonder if it proves correct or not

Well, I don't have to wonder about Mitsuki's status anymore as he's been assigned to JGP. Right now, I'd say the odds for that empty 3rd spot at NHK are 90% in Daisuke's favor, 10% for someone else.

 

[tsuyoboogie]

Hours old news by now, but Koshiro Shimada and Yuma Kagiyama have both been added to JSF's supported skaters B list https://www.skatingjapan.or.jp/national/national_list.php?sports_id=2
and the list for a possible JGP assignment http://www.isuresults.com/events/cat03108759.htm

Shun Sato is also a new, albeit expected entry to the JGP list
Super excited for Kagiyama! Super relieved for Koshiro~ Also happy to see that Yuto Kishina could still potentially be assigned a JGP event.

Wow i didn't know that Kao Miura was working on quads.

He's been working on including the 4T in his FS this season. Clip of him practicing his 4T and 3A with his R&J FS music. https://www.instagram.com/p/Blh8JG4Bo-0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
He was also attempting quads in the opening segments and during his performances at DOI last month.

Does someone know if Shun Sato, Yuma Kagiyama and Kao Miura took part to test skates for JGP selections (a shame that was not public like Korean selections)? Because seems like those three really want to bring fire.

I'm guessing Shun Sato for sure, as he's been added to JSF's 'Strengthened skater-B' list during a second update. But I'm not sure about the other two...are both old enough to take part in JGP this season?

On the other hand, these three skaters have all been listed in the up coming domestic competition 'Kanto Summer Trophy 2018' on Aug 9 to 12 (in Junior men category). It will be quite an event to have these three competing against one another early on before the season starts.

At the time, Kagiyama had discreetly hinted/mentioned on twitter that he was taking part in the selection event.
He's also working on the 4S https://www.instagram.com/p/Blkl-Splg7Z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The Junior Men (and Ladies) events at Summer Trophy should be extremely interesting and exciting!

No Challengers for Ryuju so far, then I hope he gets added somewhere... skaters can get added, right? Fingers crossed for Keiji at Nepela, I hope he finishes his performances on a much happier note than last year!

I wouldn't worry about Ryuju being injured right now. He's currently scheduled to participate in Iizuka Cup happening August 2~5. Maybe he'll be assigned a Challenger event after this local competition.

Just to update, Taichiro Yamakuma (who I had mentioned as a possibility for a JGP assignment) will be competing as a Senior at Iizuka Cup and likely for the rest of the season.
Poor guy just missed the Junior Men's cut off for Nationals the past 4 years. Though he's inconsistent, I think it's likely he'll qualify for Nationals this season as a Senior.

 

[lavenderblossom]

Music news https://twitter.com/AxelQuadruple/status/1021781301081174016

Mitsuki Sumoto
SP: Tosca
FS: Mi mancherai
Choreo by Nanami Abe

Koshiro Shimada
SP: Adios (Benjamin Clementine)
FS: Winter in Buenos Aires (?)
Choreo by Stephane Lambiel

 

[yume]

Awww Nanami Abe. It had been a long time since she had not choreographed for a top junior or senior.

 

[chopinskate]

Looking forward to that, but it's been a long twisting of level rules since 2012 Worlds, so who even knows.

 

[lavenderblossom]

Awww Nanami Abe. It had been a long time since she had not choreographed for a top junior or senior.

She did Mitsuki's programs last year too, IIRC.

 

[surimi]

Music news https://twitter.com/AxelQuadruple/status/1021781301081174016

Mitsuki Sumoto
SP: Tosca
FS: Mi mancherai
Choreo by Nanami Abe

I had to blink back tears reading this. That used to be Denis' exhibition music. Good luck to Mitsuki on the JGP circuit!

I wouldn't worry about Ryuju being injured right now. He's currently scheduled to participate in Iizuka Cup happening August 2~5. Maybe he'll be assigned a Challenger event after this local competition.

Oh, you're right, I forgot about that. :dumb: I'm still surprised the Nationals results aren't playing a bigger role in these selections, I thought they were the main factor in the Fed's decisions.

 

[cohkaix]

Tomono's FS is to 'River dance' (!!)

 

[yume]

Tomono's FS is to 'River dance' (!!)

That will be a great program.

 

[chopinskate]

That will be a great program.

Really? It will suit him, no doubt, but this doesn't really explore a new dimension of him, I think.