2016-2017 Japanese Nationals Men's FS

[shiroKJ]

I don't think that pointing out big mistakes is "nitpicking"

Its not. I'm just generalizing, its inevitable.

 

[Arriba627]

he doesn't seem to be trying to fix his problems.

The fact that he travels over 12,000 miles to work with a jump specialist seems to me that he has a desire to continue to improve. It's a shame these improvements don't happen overnight, but they don't.

 

[chameleon]

Also I've seen his jumps improve this season. It regresses a bit when he gets nervous or tired because it isn't second nature yet, but I remember his jumps at Skate America looked much improved. And he's flying out to Chicago to work with Ouriashev for the third time this year. Everyone has things to work on, and no one transforms over night but I've definitely seen improvements.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

 

[carotide]

The fact that he travels over 12,000 miles to work with a jump specialist seems to me that he has a desire to continue to improve. It's a shame these improvements don't happen overnight, but they don't.

And that's very insightful of him. But you kow what would really be the best choice there? Leaving Yamada's team asap, before he ends up like Kanako: a skater with potential and a technique screwed forever. Sadly enough, he won't do it for various reasons (first of them being the huge political power Yamada grants his students, which is indeed a huge a bonus and I can't blame him).

 

[Arriba627]

Shoma crying... There was a lot of pressure/attention on him after Yuzuru withdrew, but I think this experience will help him in the long run. After all, it's a preview into his future. His SP/FS weren't his greatest performances, but still...Shoma's first national title! It certainly won't be the last one. Also, I'm a bit sad for Mura, but Keiji brought it. Yuzuru, Shoma, and Keiji will make the cutest Worlds team.

A huge congrats to the medalists! :clapper:

Very good experience, and I still marvel that he can pull off that 3 jump combo at about the 4 minute mark when he's probably really tired. Also his footwork and spins were beautiful. Like you, I was a little sad for Mura. I didn't want to say anything and jinx him before his performance, but at Sk Canada he came out and did a stellar SP and was 2nd after that. However, in the FS he was 9th out of 12 and ended up being in 7th overall. He has great choreography from Charlie White for that program, but he didn't look entirely comfortable with it. I thought maybe it was because it was the beginning of the season, but who knows? Maybe he should keep that program for another season and try to do it justice.

Have they already announced that Keiji is going to Worlds? I thought that the silver medal doesn't automatically guarantee Worlds - that it's more that the Fed looks at their "body of work" and makes their judgement based on that.

 

[deedee1]

Can we stop now? Please? :sarcasm: Everyone's entitled to his/her own opinions, yes, but reading some of the comments really is taking away my joy of the sport and appreciation to skaters. :disapp: I've come to comment on Men FS and to congratulate medalists...but not now I'd guess.

 

[Lys]

And that's very insightful of him. But you kow what would really be the best choice there? Leaving Yamada's team asap, before he ends up like Kanako: a skater with potential and a technique screwed forever. Sadly enough, he won't do it for various reasons (first of them being the huge political power Yamada grants his students, which is indeed a huge a bonus and I can't blame him).

What? Do you mean he hasn't a stellar technique yet? Or that today his skating wasn't up to what the score showed? You must be a hater.

Very good experience, and I still marvel that he can pull off that 3 jump combo at about the 4 minute mark when he's probably really tired.

His 3alo3f combo is planned there, so if he can't pull it off regularly Yamada team is even more ??? than I give them credit for.
His 3s3t recovery was a good shot, instead. Well, just don't show it to Zhenia, tho.

Have they already announced that Keiji is going to Worlds? I thought that the silver medal doesn't automatically guarantee Worlds - that it's more that the Fed looks at their "body of work" and makes their judgement based on that.

Worlds Team will be announced tomorrow, but there's little doubt. Keiji had better results than Mura on GP and a better placement at Nationals. There's little to argue over it.

 

[friedbanana]

Very good experience, and I still marvel that he can pull off that 3 jump combo at about the 4 minute mark when he's probably really tired. Also his footwork and spins were beautiful. Like you, I was a little sad for Mura. I didn't want to say anything and jinx him before his performance, but at Sk Canada he came out and did a stellar SP and was 2nd after that. However, in the FS he was 9th out of 12 and ended up being in 7th overall. He has great choreography from Charlie White for that program, but he didn't look entirely comfortable with it. I thought maybe it was because it was the beginning of the season, but who knows? Maybe he should keep that program for another season and try to do it justice.

Have they already announced that Keiji is going to Worlds? I thought that the silver medal doesn't automatically guarantee Worlds - that it's more that the Fed looks at their "body of work" and makes their judgement based on that.

They haven't announced anything yet, but I think it's highly, highly likely given Keiji's success here and at NHK.

And I definitely wouldn't mind Mura keeping that program for another season!

 

[sweetwater]

Finished watching Men’s FS on TV.

Congratulations to Shoma for winning national title, and to Keiji for the podium finish!
Congratulations to Kazuki for landing 4S and 3A cleanly in a program! Wish you and Koshiro (probably) good luck on Junior Worlds.
Happy for Ryuju because this year’s nationals seemed to be more satisfying for him.
for Takahito and Hiroaki…

Watching Ms. Hamada changing her scarf for each of her students was fun.
:disagree: for Fuji TV for cutting short the victory ceremony and not showing the Santa Claus in kiss & cry. I heard that Keiji was offering his arm to Shoma like Yuzu did at GPF, and I found many funny on-site report about the Santa Claus which must have been fun to watch…

 

[Yatagarasu]

The fact that he travels over 12,000 miles to work with a jump specialist seems to me that he has a desire to continue to improve. It's a shame these improvements don't happen overnight, but they don't.

I'm glad to hear he's going to see one but is this short term, long term? It's certainly good but any chances he'd get a more permanent change? I suppose there's the issue of the Olympics being close but he could only benefit from some long term coaching abroad where this wouldn't be just a temporary thing and where someone could keep a permanent eye on his jumps all the time. You're a great fan of his, you know about his 4Lo, well things like that really need to be checked. For fun? With his problems? I saw he supposedly said he saw Yuzuru do it and he knows how to do it. That just gives me massive headaches. Anyway, hope he can work something out as it'll just long term help his career, not to mention health.

 

[TheGrandSophy]

I definitely should have consoled you all when Yuzuru was out from flu (get well soon, Yuzu!) that you had no need to worry or fear boredom for your second favourite sport would still be available- bemoaning scores.

Well done, Shoma! And Keiji and Taka! Worthy medalists. Not perfect, still much to work on for the very self-aware new Japanese champion, but still worthy. What a lovely podium.

 

[Rissa]

Look at Kanako and you can see Shoma's future. They can push him at home, but the international judges won't look away forever

Oh for fuk's sake, can you give it a rest? This thread started from your hostility towards Shoma, and you seem to think that if you don't belittle him a few times throught the thread, people will enjoy him too much or something. Yes, Shoma's scores, whether inflated or not, might be a threat to Yuzuru's domination, but you could try to deal with it like an adult person and not a brat.

 

[carotide]

I definitely should have consoled you all when Yuzuru was out from flu (get well soon, Yuzu!) that you had no need to worry or fear boredom for your second favourite sport would still be available- bemoaning scores.

I know Hanyu fans may seem harsh sometimes, but I understand them as they're spoiled from the best skater in the business. A condition unknown to 90% of all the other figure skating fans past and present.

 

[TheGrandSophy]

I know Hanyu fans may seem harsh sometimes, but I understand them as they're spoiled from the best skater in the business. A condition unknown to 90% of all the other figure skating fans past and present.

Well, what can one say to that... lol

 

[Marin]

Well, what can one say to that... lol

lol I guess you're part of that 90%

 

[Biellmann]

I know Hanyu fans may seem harsh sometimes, but I understand them as they're spoiled from the best skater in the business. A condition unknown to 90% of all the other figure skating fans past and present.

It's just not fair. Yuzuru has to do wonders to get some credit, but Shoma gets credit for every b******t :disapp:

Anyway

 

[Geek On Ice]

Congrats to Shoma , Keiji and Takahito sad21 on the podium!!

1. UNO: Oh, Shoma... It must've been tough, being under pressure and all. The tears at the end tells that. Although I was emotionally moved by his performances, in pure "skating" point of view, both SP/FS felt a bit disconnected. Maybe due to nerves or distracting mistakes? I have to admit I do have a few remarks about his jumps and scores, but I don't want to comment without looking at official judges scores. I just want to congratulate him right now for becoming a brand new Japanese Champion!

2. TANAKA: Very sexy SP & charming FS! I love the beautiful body line Keiji creates, using his long arms effectively. :luv17: I kind of wish he went for that second 4S in FS (although at the end maybe it was the wise decision) to show that he's not afraid of taking risks. So overall, a bit tentative at this competition, but every experience is only making him stronger as a skater!

3. MURA: Sigh.. I'm still heartbroken for Takahito... :sad4: BUT, SP was gorgeous and up until that 2A, he was brilliant in FS! Especially his StSq (Lvl 4?) was absolutely fantastic!! Although FS wasn't his best, I still believe he's so talented and under-appreciated/scored at times. It makes a big difference mentally, knowing that you MUST BE PERFECT (because I seriously think judges are quite harsh on him) vs knowing that you have some room for errors. So despite many saying he's so bad at handling pressure, he's actually quite tough, IMO. Well, at least, you're still my #1 skater, Takahito!!

4. HINO: Great job for both SP & FS, Ryuju! He's like a different skater now, smiling to judges in SP was a nice surprise! Also his jump axis is becoming a lot straighter now! I even saw improvements from SP to FS, like increased speed. Confidence has a huge role in how well skater executes elements, so I think Ryuju is on right path and direction!

5. TOMONO: I really enjoyed Kazuki's SP & FS, especially because I can tell HE is enjoying. I think his jump technique is a bit unique (a bit of hammer toe?) but that 4S was nice!! Good luck on Jr. Worlds!

6. NAKAMURA: Shu has become such an elegant skater! That was the most 'elegant' "Feeling Good" and "Roxanne's Tango" I've ever seen! Having said that (and probably it was a part of learning strategies this season), I'd like to see Shu with music that suits his style better, something like KOZUKA or FARRIS would use. I'm sure Jeffrey can create a beautiful program for him!

7. SHIMADA: He must be going through difficult times physically and mentally, after rapid growth spurt. Hats off to his hard work. However... I really really hate to say this against such a young skater... but I think he's a bit overrated, even though I think he's talented and probably will have a bright future.

I mean... Again, I really shouldn't comment w/o official scores, but apparently he received StSq4 +1.26 in SP! While NONE of SP TOP 6 did... Even Shoma only got StSq3 +1.14. (See my post in DA thread.) Come on... I watched repeatedly but I didn't find it THAT good. Maybe to compensate for his mistakes, to place him over Sena MIYAKE? (Who IMO had better SP & I can't believe FUJI TV didn't air his FS!!) It hurts me to say this, but this judging bothered me the most in SP.

8. SATOU: I just can't help loving Hiroaki! Too bad about the jumps in FS, but he is something special. He has wonderful charisma that draws people's attention, with great skating skills to back it up. If he had better training evnironment, he could have better results at competitions. To me, he's like Akio SASAKI, it's becoming like "without Hiroaki, it's not Japan National!" (And Koshin YAMADA too... too bad he didn't get to skate FS.)

FUJI TV didn't air FS of other skaters other than Jun SUZUKI (who had a beautiful SP, kind of reminded me of KOZUKA a bit).

Overall, I enjoyed Men's event... except I was just way too nervous about Mura... Oh... I'm stil not over it... :sad4: :sad21:

It's not so much that he didn't win over Shoma but losing to Keiji... because it was so important to be selected for Worlds.
MURA still has chance, with his WS (13 vs 20) and SB (252.20 vs 248.44) being higher than TANAKA, which are two official criteria.
(* Actually official criteria do not consider individual GPS podium results. Only ones that are in GPF are considered.
AND despite the "impression" of finishing order, their results from CS/GPS are quite similar.
M: 252.20/222.13/248.42 vs T: 185.98/224.91/248.44)
I also think Mura still has better technical potential - PB (268.43 vs 248.44) and could have better chance internationally IF he does perform well. (Keiji's best scores are from NHK only) But 3rd vs 2nd place in National makes a difference... so they may pick Keiji... which I'll be so happy for him. (While so sad for Takahito... :sad21

 

[Li'Kitsu]

I definitely should have consoled you all when Yuzuru was out from flu (get well soon, Yuzu!) that you had no need to worry or fear boredom for your second favourite sport would still be available- bemoaning scores.

Yeah, I'm so sorry some of us are so invested in the skaters getting a fair reward for what they put out after all the work they put into this. How dare we have opinions.
And yeah, the fact that Shomas score with 3 ignored UR calls doesn't beat any of Yuzu's national ones before is frightening me so much Maybe you need a better excuse to label all the criticism against Shomas score as nonsense. (And no, I don't agree with every post 'against' Shoma here, but just dismissing all of them...)

I'm so sorry for Taka, it's so sad he couldn't live up to his own SP. Congrats though for Keiji, hopefully he can continue to skate as well and improve even more. See you at worlds, I guess!
And again, hopefully Shoma isn't injured and someone helps him dry those tears. You shouldn't have to feel so down after winning your first national title. Get a good rest, Shoma!

 

[Rissa]

It's just not fair. Yuzuru has to do wonders to get some credit, but Shoma gets credit for every b******t :disapp:

Anyway

Whine more about how Yuzuru is a victim compared to Shoma.

Because that's so true and realistic and so much fun to read.

 

[Li'Kitsu]

Woah, JNats never this inflated and men's field never so shallow in 10 years, very underwhelming competition. :disapp:

I still think the field is fine and there are quite a few Skaters I enjoy a lot, but it really makes you wonder what on earth those people are seeing who wanted to petition to get Yuzu of the world's team. Do they want Japan to lose a spot for the Olys? Even the "Shoma has it in him to beat Yuzu/it just depends on who of them has the better day rar rar" group should see this field here would likely not earn a 3rd spot :scratch: