2026-27 Japanese Women's Figure Skating

[cohkaix]

Welcome to the 2026–27 Japanese Women's Figure Skating thread!

This post includes the current Japan Skating Federation strengthening team, notable skaters, and other key information, and will be updated as new assignments, team selections, and results become available.

National Team

Special
Mao Shimada**/* (ISU, JSF, GS thread, seeded)
Mone Chiba (ISU, JSF, GS thread, seeded)
Ami Nakai**/* (ISU, GS thread)
Yuna Aoki (ISU, JSF, GS thread)
Mayuko Oka*

A (TBA)
Rinka Watanabe (ISU, JSF, GS thread)
Mei Okada** (ISU)
Saki Miyake ((GS thread)
Rino Matsuike (ISU, GS thread)
Mako Yamashita (ISU, JSF, GS thread)
Rion Sumiyoshi (ISU, JSF, GS thread)

B (TBA)
Mana Kawabe (ISU, GS thread)
Sumika Kanazawa**
Karin Miyazaki**
Kei Yamada**
Kaoruko Wada** (ISU, GS thread)
Rena Uezono** (ISU, JSF, GS thread)

Other Skaters
Sae Shimizu (*relocate to Kobe Club)
Yo Takagi? (ISU, JSF)
Riria Kono** (ISU, JSF)
Kinayu Yokoi (ISU, JSF)
Yurina Okuno (ISU)
Ayumi Nakao?

*denotes likely junior
**denotes senior age-ineligible

 

[cocteautwin]

Yuna Aoki will get SP after the camp - she's going to Canada to work with Kaitlyn Weaver. What an interesting combination!

 

[cohkaix]

New programs of 26'~27' season update (info based on the Sr. skater training camp by JSF):

Mao Shimada
【SP】Between Two Worlds; Choreographed by Kana Muramoto
【FS】Waloyo Yamoni; Choreographed by Shae-Lynn Bourne

Mone Chiba
【SP】007 Sky Fall; Choreographed by Jeffrey Buttle
【FS】Clair de Lune; Choreographed by Kaitlyn Weaver

Ami Nakai
【SP】Por Una Cabeza; Choreographed by Yae-ji Shin
【FS】American in Paris: Choreographed by David Wilson

Yuna Aoki
【SP】TBA; (will be) choreographed by Kaitlyn Weaver
【FS】cirque du soleil; Choreographed by Shae-Lynn Bourne

Rinka Watanabe
【SP】Seven Nation Army; Choreographed by Kana Muramoto
【FS】Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto; Choreographed by Lori Nicole

Saki Miyake
【SP】Samba do Brasil
【FS】(kept from previous season); both choreographed by Misha Ge

Rino Matsuike
【SP】Under Paris Skies; Choreographed by David Wilson
【FS】Clair de Lune; Choreographed by Lori Nicole

Mako Yamashita
【SP】Bring Me to Life; Choreographed by Noriko Sato
【FS】Bolero Choreographed by Akiko Suzuki

*NB: I didin't include Rion's programs, as they were already announced earlier (I think....)

 

[cocteautwin]

Did Kaori come with Saki as a coach?

 

[cohkaix]

Dic Kaori come with Saki as a coach?

Yes, Kaori's showing up at the camp, not as a skater but as Saki's coach~

 

[cocteautwin]

Yes, Kaori's showing up at the camp, not as a skater but as Saki's coach~

Maybe she could come to Skate Canada as well

 

[cocteautwin]

I have to say I'm very dissapointed with Mako's music choices. I love her skating and her programs from last season were both so good (The Lark Ascending and La vie en rose). Finally, when she got a serious international assigment she brings Bolero and Evanescence... eh, no.

 

[crystalspin]

I have to say I'm very dissapointed with Mako's music choices. I love her skating and her programs from last season were both so good (The Lark Ascending and La vie en rose). Finally, when she got a serious international assigment she brings Bolero and Evanescence... eh, no.

Please tell me this is a joke...

 

[cocteautwin]

Please tell me this is a joke...

I wish I could. I haven't seen the programs so maybe they're not bad but the music... Mako deserves better.
Girl, it's not to late to bring back the gorgeous Lark or Piaf or both.

 

[YuBluByMe]

2026-27 GP Assignments

GP France
Ami Nakai
Yuna Aoki
Rion Sumiyoshi

Skate Canada
Mao Shimada
Saki Miyaki

Cup of China
Mone Chiba
Rinka Watanabe
Mako Yamashita

Skate America
Ami Nakai
Rino Matsuike

Finlandia Trophy
Mao Shimada
Rion Sumiyoshi
Rinka Watanabe

NHK Trophy
Mone Chiba
Yuna Aoki
TBD

 

[RafaelAstro]

I wish I could. I haven't seen the programs so maybe they're not bad but the music... Mako deserves better.
Girl, it's not to late to bring back the gorgeous Lark or Piaf or both.

Especially when she may be attempting the best 3lz-3lo in history of the sport

 

[UmeYoSake]

Everyone loves Javier sensei! A very cute video from JSF


and some contemporary dance lessons