2021-22 Japanese Women's Figure Skating

[flanker]

One of life’s great mysteries is how a 6 star athlete like Kaori doesn’t have a 3A or quads.

Kaori is so athletically talented, she should have a 5A.

I see it all the time that having high class 2A/triple doesn't guarantee to you to learn a 3A/quad. The weight/strength ratio, the initial impulse, ability to rotate fast enoughcan say itherwise, or there can also be just a mental barrier.

 

[surimi]

^ I think it's a mental barrier with Kaori and 3A. I recall reading in her interview that it was a jump that terrified her.

Speaking of, why weren't they at Japan Open or Carnival on Ice?

Because there could only be 6 ladies, and it's clear the organizers went by the Nationals results. Tomoe, Yuhana and co. didn't place high enough, and only Rika didn't participate out of the Nationals top 6.

 

[Skater Boy]

I worry about SAtoko. Her jumps still are growing in size or power and she isn't getting the highest pcs even in Japan. If she doesn't do well on the GP I think she is finished, Sayanora. Au revoir. Such a beautiful skater though.

 

[Joekaz]

I'd have to agree with the bolded. Rika is more consistent and has better spins, no doubt. But Wakaba is the better jumper, and has better presentation skills. She's also got better skating skills, but I'd rank her third behind Satoko and Kaori.

For programs, I think Skyfall holds up well against Rika's Beautiful Storm and International Angel of Peace, although I wouldn't say any of them are all that memorable anymore. I loved Skyfall during the season, but its impression has faded. And I think Wakaba's Gypsy Dance is the best SP between the two.

And it's OK to defend a favorite's skating and look like a jackass Especially when there's some truth to your words.

Thank you for highlighting the key words, which some people may not have caught.

 

[Joekaz]

One of life’s great mysteries is how a 6 star athlete like Kaori doesn’t have a 3A or quads.

Kaori is so athletically talented, she should have a 5A.

I think it is simple physics. She is too wide to rotate fast enough, along with the fact that she relies on speed more than controlled jumping power on her jumps. Her legs look more like a speed skater than figure skater. That bulk hurts her rotations.

 

[Zora]

About the short programs:

Rino Matsuike's step sequence actually gave me some Mao vibes Really impressed by her skating this weekend, last season it was a bit too pink for my taste. There was also one part in the step sequence of her free program, where she did a few steps on her toe pick and that was so smoothly integrated and timed to the music, I loved that, and at the same time I thought, this would never occur to Daniil, because it doesn't give any bonus points and is too simple.

Kaori Sakamoto: I'm a bit disappointed this isn't a real Gladiator program But she is flying over the ice, as always. The music supports her style. Mana Kawabe too, I just hope she can gain more consistency this season.

Wakaba Higuchi: I don't like these pop song programs nowadays, and this is no exception, even though she skates well.

Satoko's skating is so beautiful, her posture, her feeling for the music... If only she a had a bit of the strength of Trusova to jump higher.

 

[cohkaix]

On a totally different topic: the new JGP final entry selection rules have been announced by ISU, and Japan will be allowed one wildcard entry. If no surprise, the entry might go to Hana Yoshida? This explains why she is sent to get TES minimum as she had no experience in international competitions（at jr levels) before. (On the other hand, for the jr. man…I’m not sure can Kao Miura take part in JGPF if he will skate in NHK? )

 

[Skatesocs]

(On the other hand, for the jr. man…I’m not sure can Kao Miura take part in JGPF if he will skate in NHK? )

He cannot, no. (I think the reason is, if he wants to participate in the GPF, he'll be in the senior GPs... and since GPF and JGPF are both held at the same time, he can't do both)

ETA: Is Mao Shimada not eligible?

 

[Skatesocs]

Thanks for the videos, @Zora

Rino Matsuike: I agree that her steps are great, and the moment from her LP you mentioned exactly is what I had in mind when I said some parts were cool. There's a great completeness to the way she performs, already. I didn't like the SP choreography, though.

I loved that, and at the same time I thought, this would never occur to Daniil, because it doesn't give any bonus points and is too simple.

Lol, yep.

Kaori: And here we see what she can do with a program that isn't crap. I think this is my favorite SP from her. The "epic" music is such a good idea with her speed and jump quality. Could really do with more extension in her transitions, though, for this program. Just chews up the ice with her steps, god.

Mana Kawabe: Like some of the ideas, and the steps capture pretty well at points. Definitely points from me when it comes to choreography and interpretation there. Again "simple" choreography that deserves that credit. Still, I don't think it's something particularly amazing overall, and the steps seem overly long (and the music cut in that part of the program really needs review).

Wakaba Higuchi: Huh. Who made this for her? I am happy to see this softer side to her... I think she needs to pay more attention and vary her skating with the music in it, though. She really only tried to do so in the steps. I hope it grows. Simply in terms of how happy I am to see a different side program, this one takes the cake for now. Something very Michelle Kwan's Exhibition-like about some of the choreo (did Buttle do this?)

Satoko Miyahara: I wish she didn't repeat this one. But I hated that Lyra Angelica. This one showcases that precise, refined Satoko everyone loves, but I find it too monotone (again, in Tosca, as much as I don't care for the choreo, there is variation and something new).

Nice to watch. Really loved the SPs and the LPs, even if my comments might not look like it. (... well, let's forget Kaori's LP)

 

[cohkaix]

He cannot, no. (I think the reason is, if he wants to participate in the GPF, he'll be in the senior GPs... and since GPF and JGPF are both held at the same time, he can't do both)

ETA: Is Mao Shimada not eligible?

Mao Shimada is skating at NvA level in Japan, age-wise I'm not sure.
There's also the National Jr. championship to be held on Nov. 19-21. Perhaps the JSF should send the winners of Jr. Nationals to JGPF.

 

[Skatesocs]

Mao Shimada is skating at NvA level in Japan, age-wise I'm not sure.
There's also the National Jr. championship to be held on Nov. 19-21. Perhaps the JSF should send the winners of Jr. Nationals to JGPF.

Yes, this would be a good thing.

I knew about Shimada being a Japanese novice, but wasn't sure if it was only because they weren't sending anyone to the JGP, or it was age eligibility. As I am too lazy to look up those rules, I'll just wait to see

BTW, do you know who choreographed Wakaba's Your Song SP? I didn't find the name.

 

[cohkaix]

BTW, do you know who choreographed Wakaba's Your Song SP? I didn't find the name.

It's by Bourne.

 

[Skatesocs]

It's by Bourne.

Thanks!!

 

[surimi]

If Hana is sent to JGPF, then it means she won't be in Croatia. IIRC, she was the only announced Japanese entry for the Golden Spin, so probably no Japanese skaters will be there. I think this is what will happen.
I think I recall Mao is thirteen, thus eligible for JGPF as well, no?

 

[Skatesocs]

I think I recall Mao is thirteen, thus eligible for JGPF as well, no?

Ended up looking at the rules and her birthday. October 2008 means she's not eligible, because the skater must be 13 before July 1.

 

[cohkaix]

If Hana is sent to JGPF, then it means she won't be in Croatia. IIRC, she was the only announced Japanese entry for the Golden Spin, so probably no Japanese skaters will be there. I think this is what will happen.
I think I recall Mao is thirteen, thus eligible for JGPF as well, no?

That's right...I totally forgot that GS is usually in overlap with JGPF. But it's still early on and she could WD from the challenge series competition?
Perhaps it will be more reasonable to wait until after the Japanese Jr. Nationals. Without JGP competitions this season, it's kind of hard to tell which of the juniors stand out (there was the JGP selection held during the summer time, I assume). But Hana is probably the only one with a stable 3A jump executed. The other possibility that comes to me is Rion Sumiyoshi. We will know some more after the final two regionals (Tokyo and Kinki) taking place during the up-coming weekend.

 

[surimi]

That's right...I totally forgot that GS is usually in overlap with JGPF. But it's still early on and she could WD from the challenge series competition?
Perhaps it will be more reasonable to wait until after the Japanese Jr. Nationals. Without JGP competitions this season, it's kind of hard to tell which of the juniors stand out (there was the JGP selection held during the summer time, I assume). But Hana is probably the only one with a stable 3A jump executed. The other possibility that comes to me is Rion Sumiyoshi. We will know some more after the final two regionals (Tokyo and Kinki) taking place during the up-coming weekend.

I don't know how much time there is left for juniors as Jr Nationals is earlier than senior Nats, but maybe JSF could test their best juniors for JGPF the same way they did with seniors for the NHK spot?

 

[Skatesocs]

I guess only Rika's programs from the contenders remains to be seen Only a short time left.

 

[Joekaz]

I guess only Rika's programs from the contenders remains to be seen Only a short time left.

Japan clearly should get the award for strangest Olympics preparation for their skaters.

 

[Skatesocs]

Japan clearly should get the award for strangest Olympics preparation for their skaters.

Must say though, I'll be pissed if she doesn't do a catchfoot camel into a sit spin to end her Titanic LP with. It would deserve 10s in Choreography and Interpretation.