2025 Japanese Nationals - Men's FS

[yangyiba]

Kao Miura (after FS)

“I’m personally very satisfied with this result, but what makes me even happier is that it’s the result of the three of us working together. If it weren’t for the guidance (Kagiyama and Sato) during my teenage years, I wouldn’t have been able to land a quadruple jump so quickly, nor would I have been able to stand on the podium at the All Japan Championships. I feel that meeting them was destined. (At the awards ceremony) I said to Kagiyama and Sato, ‘I really didn’t expect things to turn out like in the manga.’ And Mr. Kusaka (Sato's coach). He looked so happy, it was really great (laughs).”

 

[tsuyoboogie]

Men's Medalist Press Con FOD (VPN set to Japan)
Men's Medalist Press Con on Youtube (VPN set to Japan)

 

[KiraraChin]

Why not, send the extremely popular, internationally fan favorite Kazuki who could generate a lot of interest with casual viewers
with his dynamic personality and exciting SP
This would also be a smart move for the fed financially as it would please the mass of Kazuki fans (who's not a fan of Kazuki~)

JSF is not commercially smart like that. They missed this trick when they started to lowball Kazuki after his very successful 2022-23 season. That was the beginning of the mental spiral that led to today's result. It must be horrible to know that you are objectively getting better, becoming more skilled, and still getting persistent low scores even when if you do well.

In the end, they are only focused on 'youth' and 'talent' so I bet they are really pleased they'll get the team they wanted, the team they've been wanting for a long time. Then, they will complain about lack of funds and low public engagement as if it wasn't their own fault.

 

[cocteautwin]

I really need Shun to skate clean at olympics and get that medal to see his coach's reaction - imagine all the meme content, he will be a world class star (both of them)

 

[tsuyoboogie]

JSF is not commercially smart like that. They missed this trick when they started to lowball Kazuki after his very successful 2022-23 season. That was the beginning of the mental spiral that led to today's result. It must be horrible to know that you are objectively getting better, becoming more skilled, and still getting persistent low scores even when if you do well.

In the end, they are only focused on 'youth' and 'talent' so I bet they are really pleased they'll get the team they wanted, the team they've been wanting for a long time. Then, they will complain about lack of funds and low public engagement as if it wasn't their own fault.

JSF is not known for making smart or savvy decisions but like other federations they are self-serving especially right now when the budget is tight
Will sending Kazuki to the Olympics over Kao be a fair decision considering the Nats results?...probably not but from their POV it will likely serve them better in the long run
And I agree that their focus is on the younger "talent" and the future which is why I believe they will prioritize sending Kao to WC

Of course, I could be assuming too much and reading them totally wrong...
Also, Satoko is there now so who knows~

 

[KiraraChin]

JSF is not known for making smart or savvy decisions but like other federations they are self-serving especially right now when the budget is tight
Will sending Kazuki to the Olympics over Kao be a fair decision considering the Nats results?...probably not but from their POV it will likely serve them better in the long run

I agree with this. In the lack of a real star like Dai, Yuzu or Shoma, the next best thing would be a crowd pleaser/entertainer with huge appeal to the normies and, especially and crucially, kids. It would be the best course of action if they want to actually grow the popularity of the sport.

 

[tsuyoboogie]

Since the FOD stream was being a total pain I couldn't record anything in real time
Gonna see if the stream is stable enough to record when I back it up
If not, I might have to wait until the event is archived

I'll try to get video uploaded asap

 

[YuBluByMe]

Shun I’m so relieved!

If it plays out like this at the Olympics but with Ilia and Co in the mix, I wonder if the international judges would cook to put Yuma above Shun?

Eh, Japan isn’t exactly known for homecooking. (Sakamoto is a notable exception, made more so that her scores were inflated domestically long before she was even Japan’s top lady.)

Kagiyama gets those scores internationally too. I’m pretty sure Sato has beaten Kagiyama in the free in each of their head to heads, but the only time I felt he should have beaten Kagiyama overall was at NHK. NHK was an international competition, but on home ice. Thing is, I’m sure that result would have happened elsewhere. It’s not even that Sato’s scores are too low or anything. It’s that Kagiyama’s are too high even when he makes damning mistakes.

To be honest, I’m more concerned about how Sato stacks up with certain other men. He didn’t lose the free to just Ilia at GPF. He also lost to Grassl, which is extremely concerning.

I think next season is when there’ll be a change….internationally. The gap between them is getting narrower and Sato’s developing a reputation. I expect that Japan will stop matching Sato and Kagiyama up before Nationals next season.

I’m fond of both boys but…….

Do you think they would have cooked if Shun hit his 4Lz?

No. I think he would have scored mid 90’s which is exactly what he would have scored internationally. And Kagiyama would have still won and Sato would be having bad dreams.

 

[freedomlover]

Eh, Japan isn’t exactly known for homecooking. (Sakamoto is a notable exception, made more so that her scores were inflated domestically long before she was even Japan’s top lady.)

Kagiyama gets those scores internationally too. I’m pretty sure Sato has beaten Kagiyama in the free in each of their head to heads, but the only time I felt he should have beaten Kagiyama overall was at NHK. NHK was an international competition, but on home ice. Thing is, I’m sure that result would have happened elsewhere. It’s not even that Sato’s scores are too low or anything. It’s that Kagiyama’s are too high even when he makes damning mistakes.

To be honest, I’m more concerned about how Sato stacks up with certain other men. He didn’t lose the free to just Ilia at GPF. He also lost to Grassl, which is extremely concerning.

I think next season is when there’ll be a change….internationally. The gap between them is getting narrower and Sato’s developing a reputation. I expect that Japan will stop matching Sato and Kagiyama up before Nationals next season.



No. I think he would have scored mid 90’s which is exactly what he would have scored internationally. And Kagiyama would have still won and Sato would be having bad dreams.

He lost to Grassl by less than a point, which he *shouldn't* have in the first place. How are we in a world where he is the highest scoring European before the Olympics. FISG are putting everything behind him. Shun clean beat Grassl with mistakes by less than 10 points at a Cup of China where he was modestly scored. Seriously, not that Shun is perfect or anything, but Grassl being 2 points behind him in PCS only? Really?

 

[yfan1]

Kagiyama gets those scores internationally too. I’m pretty sure Sato has beaten Kagiyama in the free in each of their head to heads, but the only time I felt he should have beaten Kagiyama overall was at NHK.

Maybe not overall in GPF, but just from the past year, I thought Sato should have been ahead of Kagiyama (and so should have a couple others) at worlds 2025.

Kagiyama getting onto the podium there was very concerning for the sport. Just pure reputation judging.

 

[skatingguy]

 

[tsuyoboogie]

Men's FS Video

Sorry for the delay
Links are to video of entire Groups rather than individual performances

Currently recording Groups 3 & 4
(I should probably save time and everyone's mental health by just sharing Star's (Kosho) and Shun's performances )

Please let me know if there are any issues with links or videos

Warmup Group 1
1. Yujin Takeda (Jr)
2. Yuto Kishina
3. Shunsuke Nakamura
4. Ryoga Morimoto
5. Shun Uemura (Jr)
6. Shuntaro Asaga

Warmup Group 2
7. Takumi Sugiyama
8. Taiga Nishino (Jr)
9. Daiya Ebihara (Jr)
10. Haru Kakiuchi
11. Ryoto Mori (Jr)
12. Tsudoi Suto (Jr)

Warmup Group 3
13. Kosho Oshima
14. Sena Takahashi
15. Tatsuya Tsuboi
16. Nozomu Yoshioka
17. Sena Miyake
18. Takeru Amine Kataise

Warmup Group 4
19. Sota Yamamoto
20. Shun Sato
21. Kazuki Tomono
22. Rio Nakata
23. Kao Miura
24. Yuma Kagiyama

 

[TallyT]

This would also be a smart move for the fed financially as it would please the mass of Kazuki fans (who's not a fan of Kazuki~)

I am fond of both Kao and Kazuki, but I would instantly lose every scrap of love for the latter if he was given the place over Kao - who deserves what may be his only chance at the Olys just as much! - simply to "please the mass of Kazuki fans". If they choose to give it based on probable merit and estimated success, that's fine of course (I think it should be Kao but I would be more than happy for Kazuki if they decided his track record deserved the nod). JSF almost always are looking at a wild scrimmage for Olys and Worlds places in the singles disciplines, and skaters who have done so so much to deserve the nod have to be left behind every time - the choice of 2014 mens was even worse, far worse, than this year, a complete bloodbath.

And JSF have over and over shown that they do not comprehend the words 'smart financially', why would they suddenly locate their babelfish and commercial nous?

 

[16Olympics]

Men's FS Video

Sorry for the delay
Links are to video of entire Groups rather than individual performances

Currently recording Groups 3 & 4
(I should probably save time and everyone's mental health by just sharing Star's (Kosho) and Shun's performances )

Please let me know if there are any issues with links or videos

Warmup Group 1
1. Yujin Takeda (Jr)
2. Yuto Kishina
3. Shunsuke Nakamura
4. Ryoga Morimoto
5. Shun Uemura (Jr)
6. Shuntaro Asaga

Warmup Group 2
7. Takumi Sugiyama
8. Taiga Nishino (Jr)
9. Daiya Ebihara (Jr)
10. Haru Kakiuchi
11. Ryoto Mori (Jr)
12. Tsudoi Suto (Jr)

Warmup Group 3
13. Kosho Oshima
14. Sena Takahashi
15. Tatsuya Tsuboi
16. Nozomu Yoshioka
17. Sena Miyake
18. Takeru Amine Kataise

Warmup Group 4
19. Sota Yamamoto
20. Shun Sato
21. Kazuki Tomono
22. Rio Nakata
23. Kao Miura
24. Yuma Kagiyama

Thank you once again! The last groups are just so intense.

 

[16Olympics]

I am fond of both Kao and Kazuki, but I would instantly lose every scrap of love for the latter if he was given the place over Kao - who deserves what may be his only chance at the Olys just as much! - simply to "please the mass of Kazuki fans". If they choose to give it based on probable merit and estimated success, that's fine of course (I think it should be Kao but I would be more than happy for Kazuki if they decided his track record deserved the nod). JSF almost always are looking at a wild scrimmage for Olys and Worlds places in the singles disciplines, and skaters who have done so so much to deserve the nod have to be left behind every time - the choice of 2014 mens was even worse, far worse, than this year, a complete bloodbath.

And JSF have over and over shown that they do not comprehend the words 'smart financially', why would they suddenly locate their babelfish and commercial nous?

I can't see how they can send someone who was not only not on the podium but finished 6th behind Sota (unless he's also in the running). It's also the reverse-if Kao did not make the podium but was sent to the OG without being on the podium, that would be hard to justify IMHO. But, what do I know? I love them all. I would not want to be a Japanese male FS or on the committee who selects. How do they live through the pressure cooker? Is the JSF that tight on funds with so many skaters in all of these comps?

 

[tsuyoboogie]

I am fond of both Kao and Kazuki, but I would instantly lose every scrap of love for the latter if he was given the place over Kao - who deserves what may be his only chance at the Olys just as much! - simply to "please the mass of Kazuki fans". If they choose to give it based on probable merit and estimated success, that's fine of course (I think it should be Kao but I would be more than happy for Kazuki if they decided his track record deserved the nod). JSF almost always are looking at a wild scrimmage for Olys and Worlds places in the singles disciplines, and skaters who have done so so much to deserve the nod have to be left behind every time - the choice of 2014 mens was even worse, far worse, than this year, a complete bloodbath.

And JSF have over and over shown that they do not comprehend the words 'smart financially', why would they suddenly locate their babelfish and commercial nous?

I said the decision could also benefit the federation financially

IF JSF decides to send Kazuki to Olys instead of Kao, it will most definitely be based on the strength of his results and the overall consistency he's shown throughout this season
I wouldn't flippantly say to send Kazuki just to please a bunch of fans and to make the fed a few extra bucks if he wasn't already in consideration per the selection criteria

Kao making the podium at Nats while Kazuki didn't, now gives Kao a clear advantage for being selected for the Oly team...as it should

The reason I keep saying Kazuki is not out of the question for the Oly spot is simply because I believe the federation will want to award both boys for what they have been able to achieve so far this season BUT will prioritize the 3rd WC spot over the 3rd Oly spot

I'm probably giving JSF too much credit, but I do think they will consider the potential of a Kao medaling at both 4CC and WC giving him a much needed boost to his WS and confidence going into next season
Whereas with Kazuki, we still don't know if he plans to continue competing (regardless of what he's mentioned after his disappointing FS)

All that said, the media going hard with the "Kanto trio" narrative and so many people already saying the three friends are going to the Olympics together is really making me reconsider my "prediction"
I just don't think JSF would want to justify making a decision countering all that hype

 

[rabidline]

I think if this was 4 years ago and JSF hadn't published officially the names fitting each selection criteria in detail before Nationals, they would have more flexibility in choosing. But they have put it officially on paper and everyone knew going to Nationals it's between Kao and Kazuki. Even during broadcast they kept putting up the selection criteria in a detailed manner.

So no, for the Olympics, I don't think there is any flexibility to leave Kao off the team. They may split the 3rd spot- Olympics for Kao, Worlds for Kazuki. But personally I find it hard to see anything else because the contest was so decisive, and while Kazuki had a less polarizing international season, the highs were not high enough to decisively separate him from Kao.

The thing that you need to worry isn't Kao fans turning on Kazuki if Kazuki's selected for the Olympic team over Kao... it's the normal people. They don't understand anything, but this is the Olympics so they will comment, and they can be much crueler than skating fans in their ignorance. And it won't be us who will feel the full brunt of that.

The competition is done. It was as straightforward as it could have been.

 

[Arigato]

"The thing that you need to worry isn't Kao fans turning on Kazuki if Kazuki's selected for the Olympic team over Kao... it's the normal people. They don't understand anything, but this is the Olympics so they will comment, and they can be much crueler than skating fans in their ignorance. And it won't be us who will feel the full brunt of that."

No idea what all that means. I couldn't care less about fandoms. I care about when the decision is made and simply who will be on the team.

 

[Arigato]

He lost to Grassl by less than a point, which he *shouldn't* have in the first place. How are we in a world where he is the highest scoring European before the Olympics. FISG are putting everything behind him. Shun clean beat Grassl with mistakes by less than 10 points at a Cup of China where he was modestly scored. Seriously, not that Shun is perfect or anything, but Grassl being 2 points behind him in PCS only? Really?

It doesn't hurt he's one of the only men to do a 4Lo besides Ilia. BV is 10.50

 

[yuumagical]

All that said, the media going hard with the "Kanto trio" narrative and so many people already saying the three friends are going to the Olympics together is really making me reconsider my "prediction"
I just don't think JSF would want to justify making a decision countering all that hype

If it makes you feel any better about your prediction, I have had a premonition that differs from yours...

Soon after Skate Canada, I was wondering about Kao and his future when I suddenly got the strong sense that he would in fact go to the Olympics, even though that is not something I would have thought rationally. I truly think you may have helped change Kao's trajectory, given the fact that this feeling occurred after Skate Canada. At any rate, all we can do is wait and see which of us is right~

There is also something else to consider: the fact that Kazuki has had some of his best results as an alternate. If anything unfortunate happens to any member of the Olympic team (not that I would want that to happen!!!) he could easily step in and deliver some excellent performances. For some reason, I think not getting selected outright would relieve some of the pressure from Kazuki...