2022-23 Japanese Men's Figure Skating

[KiraraChin]

Gensan Summer Cup entries are up, the battle for the will be fierce!
Entries include Kazuki Tomono, Kao Miura, Sota Yamamoto, Tatsuya Tsuboi, Sena Miyake and Lucas Tsuyoshi Honda.

Reminder that Kazuki has been the reigning champion of this event since 2016, he even won against Yuma last year... So far, nobody has been more motivated by a food prize than him

 

[cohkaix]

The 12th Nagoya City Skate competition (aka. Minato Trophy) is currently undergoing, and the man's (also Jr. men's) competitions are just finished.

Sota (the only man's skater) won, and his new FS is to Rach 2. It seems that he kept his SP from last season. The layout of the FS is as follow:
4S/4T(fall)/4T2T/3A-1Eu-3S // 3A/3F2A/3Lz
Score: 181.72 (FS)
Protocol

Shunsuke Nakamura won the Jr men's.

 

[figureskatingandrainbows]

Reminder that Kazuki has been the reigning champion of this event since 2016, he even won against Yuma last year... So far, nobody has been more motivated by a food prize than him

This is why Kazuki will medal at the Final this year... so he can get a giant block of cheese to go with his beef!

 

[surimi]

The 12th Nagoya City Skate competition (aka. Minato Trophy) is currently undergoing, and the man's (also Jr. men's) competitions are just finished.

Sota (the only man's skater) won, and his new FS is to Rach 2. It seems that he kept his SP from last season. The layout of the FS is as follow:
4S/4T(fall)/4T2T/3A-1Eu-3S // 3A/3F2A/3Lz

Shunsuke Nakamura won the Jr men's.

Thanks for the report.

 

[cohkaix]

Since no one was eager to provide the update, here's the information about new season's programs for Japanese men's (from Sr/Jr skaters who are invited to the summer intensive training camp held in Karuizawa):

Yuma Kagiyama - programs already revealed previously

Kazuki Tomono - programs already revealed previously

Kao Miura
SP - TBD (but will work with Kenji Miyamoto)
FS - Phantom of the Opera
Choreographer - Kohei Yoshino (FS)

Shun Sato
SP - Carol of the Bells
FS - Red Violin
Choreographers - Yuka Sato (SP); Kenji Miyamoto (FS)

Tatsuya Tsuboi
SP - Tree of life (from last season; but may change the program later on)
FS - Heart Beat, soundtrack
Choreographer - Massimo Scali (FS)

Sota Yamamoto
SP - Yesterday (from last season)
FS - Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2
Choreographer - Akiko Suzuki (FS)

Nozomu Yoshioka
SP - Malagueña
FS - Pirates of Carribean

Takeru Amine Kataise
SP - same as last season
FS - Rondo Capriccioso
Choreographers - Kohei Yoshino (SP); Kenji Miyamoto (FS)

 

[cohkaix]

1st round of JGP assignments (Jr. men's)

(Source in Japanese)

JGP1 Courchevel - Shunsuke Nakamura, Ryoga Morimoto
JGP 2 Czech Skate - Nozomu Yoshioka, Haru Kakiuchi
JGP 3 Riga Cup - Tsudoi Suto, Rio Nakata
JGP 4 Armenian Cup - Takeru Amine Kataise, Shunsuke Nakamura
JGP 5 Grenoble - Nozomu Yoshioka, TBA 1
JGP 6 Baltic - Tsudoi Suto, TBA 1
JGP 7 Enga - Takeru Amine Kataise, Rio Nakata

(Hopefully I'm getting the names correctly...)

 

[tsuyoboogie]

The West Japan Middle and Elementary School Student Competition was held this past weekend at Kinoshita Academy Kyoto Ice Arena

Entries in the Junior Men's events were quite limited
Most notable were Ibuki Ogahara (level 7, 8) and Yuki Yoshioka (level 6) both debuting as Juniors

Kind of rough outing for Ibuki, (the "Ibu" of Ice Dance team "Sumi Ibu" with partner Sumire Yoshida)
He's working on adding 3Lz and 3Lo to his programs this season while growing noticably taller, all which could be affecting the stability his jumps
Debated on sharing his programs since he's such a good performer but decided to wait and see if he does better at Kitakyushu Open this week

Overall a decent competion for Yuki Yoshioka (Novice A Boys 4th at 2021 Novice Nationals)
However, I just don't find his performances compelling enough to share (willing to upload upon request)
Should note that he also moved from Kinoshita Academy to LYS

Novice A Boys
Detailed Results
Protocols

1st 高 橋 星 名
Sena Takahashi (Kinoshita Academy) 106.06 (Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto)
New for Sena is the 3Lz3T (jumped 3Lz2T last season) and a ripponed solo 3Lz
He's also training the 3A and wants to include the jump by Novice Nationals (child...relax)
A few small (and not so small) mistakes in this performance and elements to improve on but still so much potential!

OT but I'm wondering why Sena wasn't at Junior Summer Training Camp while Novice Taiga Nishino (who's also really talented) was invited to participate

2nd 向 野 慶
Kei Mukaino (Kobe Port Island Club) 83.03 (New World Concerto)

3rd 岡 崎 隼 士
Hayato Okazaki (Kurashiki FSC) 82.08 (Black Panther)

4th 花 井 広 人
Hiroto Hanai (Howa Minato Skate Club) 79.16 (Tucker Soundtrack)

Novice B Boys
Detailed Results
Protocols

1st 佐久間 陸
Riku Sakuma (Angel FSC) 59.45 (The Barber of Seville)

2nd デイリー　スカイラー海聖
Skylar Kaisei Daley (Kobe Club) 55.92 (Dynamite)
My second time seeing him perform this program and still trying to figure out who did this choreo
He's adorable but is this age appropriate?
(Edit: I just rewatched the program and it's not as cringy as I thought. Don't know what I was thinking. It is 3:30am tho...)

Was also going to upload video of Novice B, Koki Akimoto (placed 5th, scored 50.38) just because I really like him but decided to wait in case he does better at Kitakyushu too

 

[yesterday]

1st 高 橋 星 名
Sena Takahashi (Kinoshita Academy) 106.06 (Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto)
New for Sena is the 3Lz3T (jumped 3Lz2T last season) and a ripponed solo 3Lz
He's also training the 3A and wants to include the jump by Novice Nationals (child...relax)
A few small (and not so small) mistakes in this performance and elements to improve on but still so much potential!

Watched this because whenever I see "Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto" I have to
I'm always curious how the cuts are and how the music gets approached on ice. It's not the easiest piece I think.

Sena is adorable (and surely talented) but I'm not sure about the cuts and choreography. Could be due to his age but why (does he have to be) is he so "balletic" at the start, with his hands whenever there is a second for it and with the final pose again. It's consistent but the music does not feature it. Am I wrong?

 

[surimi]

So... US Classic entries are out, and only Mana and KoKo are assigned. JSF can't be serious. Last year they kicked their juniors to the curb, this year it's their men. They reportedly had 4 Challengers in their list. For the men, one is out already. That's 3 remaining for 9 talented boys - okay, let's assume Kagiyama and Shoma don't need the points so 7 talented boys, and JSF seems to be leaving them at home so that Europeans and Americans can rise in the world standings and unlike the poor souls at Japan regionals, they can actually get new season bests acknowledged by ISU. If true, I hate hate hate JSF.

 

[yuumagical]

Loved watching the Japanese junior men in the short program at JGP Courchevel! I admittedly haven't been keeping up with the juniors as much as the seniors, so Shunsuke was a revelation for me! Really reminded me of Shoma in a lot of ways (though Shunsuke's spins could be improved upon ), so I'm incredibly excited to see more from him this season! A lot of good solid skating from Ryoga too, though he doesn't have quite the same charisma as Shunsuke yet.
Can't wait to see them both in the free!

 

[yesterday]

Loved watching the Japanese junior men in the short program at JGP Courchevel! I admittedly haven't been keeping up with the juniors as much as the seniors, so Shunsuke was a revelation for me! Really reminded me of Shoma in a lot of ways (though Shunsuke's spins could be improved upon ), so I'm incredibly excited to see more from him this season! A lot of good solid skating from Ryoga too, though he doesn't have quite the same charisma as Shunsuke yet.
Can't wait to see them both in the free!

When one is "Shoma", the other would be "Yuma"?
Very solid, both of them today. Hamada was super busy the whole day. Is she kind of "national coach for Japanese Junoirs"? Or are just lots of good juniors skating with her?

 

[yuumagical]

When one is "Shoma", the other would be "Yuma"?
Very solid, both of them today. Hamada was super busy the whole day. Is she kind of "national coach for Japanese Junoirs"? Or are just lots of good juniors skating with her?

Nah, Ryoga was clearly a "Nathan."

But seriously, Hamada isn't the only coach or a national coach for Japanese juniors, although she does appear to be influential within the Japanese federation. I just noticed that Nozomu Yoshioka (whom we will see skating soon in the Czech JGP) lists Sayaka Yodo, Utako Nagamitsu, and Keiji Tanaka as his coaches. I selfishly hope to see Keiji behind the boards, although I know he's just an assistant coach at this point.

(I will have to admit, I heard someone on Twitter saying something to the effect that Hamada is like a Japanese Eteri. Should I give any credence to a statement like that? Or is that just Twitter people overdramatizing everything as usual?)

 

[surimi]

I selfishly hope to see Keiji behind the boards, although I know he's just an assistant coach at this point.

(I will have to admit, I heard someone on Twitter saying something to the effect that Hamada is like a Japanese Eteri. Should I give any credence to a statement like that? Or is that just Twitter people overdramatizing everything as usual?)

Yeah, I really look forward to seeing more of Keiji, now that he coaches. Too bad I can't be in Ostrava... But I consider myself blessed in that two of my biggest favorites are, or are going to be, coaches, which means I'll get more chances to see them in the future.

That is not only a social media rumor re. Hamada, I'm afraid. Nobunari Oda sued her for bullying conduct, too. I've heard years ago that she's not too gentle with her students, females especially. And all of Satoko, Rika K and Mana left her and didn't/don't return, so who knows.

I hope Kao can get the Skate America spot vacated by Brendan. His Skate Canada is the week after so it could be doable? It's very strange that the reigning 4CC bronze medalist only has one GP. He's been ill (with covid, IIRC?), but still. Why Kao didn't get two GP instantly and instead Honda got one, is an utter mystery to me. But good to know JSF at least apparently played by the rules during the test skates in July, and chose the one who was in the best shape at that time.

 

[tsuyoboogie]

Nah, Ryoga was clearly a "Nathan."

But seriously, Hamada isn't the only coach or a national coach for Japanese juniors, although she does appear to be influential within the Japanese federation. I just noticed that Nozomu Yoshioka (whom we will see skating soon in the Czech JGP) lists Sayaka Yodo, Utako Nagamitsu, and Keiji Tanaka as his coaches. I selfishly hope to see Keiji behind the boards, although I know he's just an assistant coach at this point.
(I will have to admit, I heard someone on Twitter saying something to the effect that Hamada is like a Japanese Eteri. Should I give any credence to a statement like that? Or is that just Twitter people overdramatizing everything as usual?)

This is just my opinion, not trying to change anyone's mind on the matter

I totally get why people equate Hamada and Eteri's approach to coaching however, going by rumors and from what can be confirmed I personally feel like the comparison is a bit extreme

Is Hamada excessively strict with her students, even straight up mean?
Yes

Has she ever treated a student with disregard to their feelings and in an unprofressional manner?
Definitely! Seen it on stream

Does she train and expect too much out of her young talent possibly limiting their future in the sport due to a career ending injury?
Sure

And I believe all the accounts of abuse and mistreatment that Nobu accuses Hamada of to have actually occurred

All that being said, she has never been accused of directly depriving her skaters of food or water or other nefarious doings that could compromise their physical health to the point of hospitalization, nor harm their reputation in a way that could sideline their competitive careers

I'm not condoning or defending Hamada's actions
Abuse (physical, mental or emotional) is ultimately detrimental to the confidence and development of a young athlete
However, I just don't see what Hamada is accused of on the same level as Eteri

There was a Japanese article I saw awhile ago that mentioned a harsh, old school approach to coaching known as "spartan coaching"
I feel this may have been the way Hamada was raised, therefore the style she employs herself

One last thing I want to say on this issue~
Not going to mention names but I've seen first hand (again on stream) another Japanese coach of elite skaters brutally berate a Junior in the KnC after a rough performance (IIRC, at Regionals)
Rather than "seen" I should say "heard" as this coach never entered the KnC area to avoid the camera
I can't confirm everything that was said but the skater just stood there being scolded and humiliated until the score was announced and the camera switched to the next competitor
Japanese fans on twitter were pleading and saying things like "but sensei, they qualified for the next competition"
There are also rumors that a promising young skater had to leave this coach after suffering ill health due to stress

I'm not against condeming Hamada for mistreating her students
But other Japanese coaches will have to be scrutinized as well since many may be guilty of utilizing the same form of severe discipline

 

[yesterday]

(...)

Maybe this incident on stream was captured and uploaded somewhere? You know what to look for and could find it?
Is there a kind of reporting office for such things in Japan? When it occurs in practice and it's "only" between coach and student, then someone of them has to make it public. But this here sounds different?

 

[eppen]

At the Chubu Regionals, there was 田 内 誠 悟 who tried a 4T in the men's juniors (and probably for the first time, as I did not recognize his name). I am having a little bit of trouble getting it translitterated with certainty - Google translate gives me Makoto Tauchi but I can't find that name associated with skating. You guys probably know who it is, so can you help me?

E

 

[lileychristie]

At the Chubu Regionals, there was 田 内 誠 悟 who tried a 4T in the men's juniors (and probably for the first time, as I did not recognize his name). I am having a little bit of trouble getting it translitterated with certainty - Google translate gives me Makoto Tauchi but I can't find that name associated with skating. You guys probably know who it is, so can you help me?

E

That must be Tauchi Seigo (first name Seigo, last name Tauchi as Japanese names are written family name first)

Detailed info from @tsuyoboogie's posts in the Chubu Regionals thread here:

Chubu Regionals (中部選手権大会) Block #4

Now Rika's turn. 2A 3S2T(Tano) 3T 56.69 (adding: she doesn't have a coach accompany her)

www.goldenskate.com

Chubu Regionals (中部選手権大会) Block #4

Now Rika's turn. 2A 3S2T(Tano) 3T 56.69 (adding: she doesn't have a coach accompany her)

www.goldenskate.com

 

[eppen]

Thanks a lot, saved me with that! I did not think to check the competitions area, so thanks also for that reminder!

Although I think having Google Translate is a great thing, its frequent blunders with many other languages than English also fill me with hope of the future of human beings... Machine translation still cannot fully replace the human effort!

E

 

[Dreamer57]

Good competitions at Gdansk. Takeru Kataise has been skating in juniors for a while, he is the same age as Shun and a year older than Kao, but it feels like he has come out of nowhere! Hopefully this season he can make it to the podium at junior nationals and beyond.

Nozomu's chances of making JGPF are looking better, it will be a close contest depending on what happens at Egna.

 

[cohkaix]

Nobunari Ora just made the announcement that he’s returning to competitions. He has filed the formal application to JSF in September.
https://hochi.news/articles/20221101-OHT1T51246.html

He plans to complete domestically this month, which is a selection competition for the (Osaka) representative to Winter Sports Festival.