2026 Team Japan (plus Milan Olympian final selection) announcement

[4everchan]

I have the flu. It's been hell for the last five days.
All to say that I didn't follow Japanese Nationals the way I would normally have. However, here's something : I read on the thread how Rinka was treated badly not having any assignments. I don't see it like this
.
She's first alternate for the big ones. If anyone cannot go, she's the one chosen to replace others. Most likely. She'll go to worlds because Kaori will not. She should also not go to 4cc because as first alternate, she needs to be rested and ready to go.

On paper, first alternate sucks because there are no assignments but the reason for no assignments is part of the deal as the skater who has to keep working and be ready to go last minute.

 

[Jeanie19]

I have the flu. It's been hell for the last five days.
All to say that I didn't follow Japanese Nationals the way I would normally have. However, here's something : I read on the thread how Rinka was treated badly not having any assignments. I don't see it like this
.
She's first alternate for the big ones. If anyone cannot go, she's the one chosen to replace others. Most likely. She'll go to worlds because Kaori will not. She should also not go to 4cc because as first alternate, she needs to be rested and ready to go.

On paper, first alternate sucks because there are no assignments but the reason for no assignments is part of the deal as the skater who has to keep working and be ready to go last minute.

There are many first alternatives during the Olympic year that get Worlds. I hope she will be ready.

 

[CoyoteChris]

I have the flu. It's been hell for the last five days.
All to say that I didn't follow Japanese Nationals the way I would normally have. However, here's something : I read on the thread how Rinka was treated badly not having any assignments. I don't see it like this
.
She's first alternate for the big ones. If anyone cannot go, she's the one chosen to replace others. Most likely. She'll go to worlds because Kaori will not. She should also not go to 4cc because as first alternate, she needs to be rested and ready to go.

On paper, first alternate sucks because there are no assignments but the reason for no assignments is part of the deal as the skater who has to keep working and be ready to go last minute.

ITA. I am so sorry for you. When I was caught in the pandemic of 1958, my fever was so high me (and my brother) were hallucinating. My wife was very very ill in the pandemic of 1968.

The 1957–1958 Asian flu pandemic was a global pandemic of influenza A virus subtype H2N2 that originated in Guizhou in Southern China. 1–4 million around the world died(1957–1958 and probably beyond), making it one of the deadliest pandemics in history. A decade later, a reassorted viral strain H3N2 further caused the Hong Kong flu pandemic (1968–1970). That killed 1-4 million.

Now this is kind of interesting...my pulminologist said the real impact of the 2009 flu pandemic was downplayed by the US, for instance.
The main influenza pandemic in the 21st century was the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, often called "Swine Flu," declared by the WHO World Health Organization. It emerged in Mexico and the U.S., spreading globally and affecting younger populations more severely,
Key Characteristics of the 2009 H1N1 Pandemic:

• Origin: A novel virus with a mix of avian, swine, and human gene segments, first identified in Mexico and the United States.
• Spread: Rapid global spread due to modern travel, leading to a World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of a pandemic (Phase 6).
• Impact: Affected children, young adults, and pregnant women disproportionately;

You can see why health care authorities are always concerned about low vax rates. The vax may not keep you from getting the flu....but it may save your life. And the lives of others.
The last thing I want to see is any Japanese skater I love get on an airplane and get sick. I will spare you what they told us in aircraft mechanics school......it still frightens me....best wishes....

 

[CoyoteChris]

There are many first alternatives during the Olympic year that get Worlds. I hope she will be ready.

When I first saw Rinka and Mone live at Four Conts 2023 from the first row with PaulE, I was impressed. I am not really sure in this sport if anyone can really be ready. Mentally is of course one thing...but there is an elememt that really isnt luck...practiced skill, of course...but I call it the X factor. Mai and Wakaba rose to the task in this comp, while other good skaters didnt. I dont blame anyone. This is one of the toughest sports out there. I would love to see Rinka land both 3As at Worlds.

 

[4everchan]

ITA. I am so sorry for you. When I was caught in the pandemic of 1958, my fever was so high me (and my brother) were hallucinating. My wife was very very ill in the pandemic of 1968.

The 1957–1958 Asian flu pandemic was a global pandemic of influenza A virus subtype H2N2 that originated in Guizhou in Southern China. 1–4 million around the world died(1957–1958 and probably beyond), making it one of the deadliest pandemics in history. A decade later, a reassorted viral strain H3N2 further caused the Hong Kong flu pandemic (1968–1970). That killed 1-4 million.

Now this is kind of interesting...my pulminologist said the real impact of the 2009 flu pandemic was downplayed by the US, for instance.
The main influenza pandemic in the 21st century was the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, often called "Swine Flu," declared by the WHO World Health Organization. It emerged in Mexico and the U.S., spreading globally and affecting younger populations more severely,
Key Characteristics of the 2009 H1N1 Pandemic:

• Origin: A novel virus with a mix of avian, swine, and human gene segments, first identified in Mexico and the United States.
• Spread: Rapid global spread due to modern travel, leading to a World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of a pandemic (Phase 6).
• Impact: Affected children, young adults, and pregnant women disproportionately;

You can see why health care authorities are always concerned about low vax rates. The vax may not keep you from getting the flu....but it may save your life. And the lives of others.
The last thing I want to see is any Japanese skater I love get on an airplane and get sick. I will spare you what they told us in aircraft mechanics school......it still frightens me....best wishes....

Thanks for the wishes.

I was hit hard by the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. I think it was harder for me than this year's H3N2 for me
And yes, if we have learned one thing from 2020 is how we need to be extra careful I'm planes. However, Japanese people are very cautious and wear masks all the time. I have seen skaters from Japan at various competitions wearing them. So, though is like Rinka to get on an international big ice this season, I hope it won't have to do with the flu.

 

[Jeanie19]

When I first saw Rinka and Mone live at Four Conts 2023 from the first row with PaulE, I was impressed. I am not really sure in this sport if anyone can really be ready. Mentally is of course one thing...but there is an elememt that really isnt luck...practiced skill, of course...but I call it the X factor. Mai and Wakaba rose to the task in this comp, while other good skaters didnt. I dont blame anyone. This is one of the toughest sports out there. I would love to see Rinka land both 3As at Worlds.

I would love her to get Worlds. But if she continues and doesn't retire. I wish she would have Kevin Aymoz choreograph a program for her. He really picks interesting music and the few skaters he has worked with, their pcs have risen.

 

[CoyoteChris]

I would love her to get Worlds. But if she continues and doesn't retire. I wish she would have Kevin Aymoz choreograph a program for her. He really picks interesting music and the few skaters he has worked with, their pcs have risen.

For me, Music choice is critical...then a good choreo person to help interpret it. And I am guessing here but the the skater must like the music. That is why I love t.'s vids so much. And Ted's commentary at the Jr GP circuit. No canned yak... I think it was wise for Rinka to use Jin and for Mone to use Last Dance.
URs have hurt many a skater over the recent years....I am hoping someone wakes up and uses an AI based camera system/sensor technology to take the human guess work out of the process. I have looked over the shoulder of judges looking at their tiny screens and primitive play back technology, and am ashamed of the ISU. Too much room for "incorrect" interpretation (I cant be political here) . Not sure if that is on purpose but that's not the point. The technology exists to give the exact number of degrees of rotation. My Subarus have 100 times the technology needed to do the simple task of determing when a blade hits the ice and what angle it ends up in , inside the arc of the jump. Have Subaru build the system and use it.

 

[denise3lz]

JSF official instagram has some photos and videos on the way to press conference.
Including funny ones like and that.

 

[demarinis5]

Kaori and Yuma and others from Team Japan, arrival in Milan. Thanks to Jin Nishioka x account.

https://x.com/nshokjA/status/2016821801154728153