I don't know if any Japanese skaters are being sent to challengers and Shoma opted out of 4CC. He's doing shows now and WC in March sort of makes me think he won't be traveling that much for a challenger to save it all for World's.
Shoma will definitely not go to Challenge Cup specifically. He is scheduled to take part in the Prince Ice World show in the Shiga prefecture on February 23-25, practically the same dates.
There are Japanese skaters sent to the spring competitions. Tallink Hotels Cup and Bavarian Open have Japanese skaters on their entry lists, and for the rest we will have to wait until official publication.
I was talking more about challengers before Worlds but if JSF is sending skaters to spring comps, I hope we get to see them online. There are so many great skaters that I like to see them whenever they skate.
I wonder if he'll ever do another Challenger event. He doesn't need the World ranking points, and he has so many other commitments. He has 2 more cities for Prince Ice World in Shiga and Yokohama, Worlds in Montreal, Stars on Ice commitments in March /April. He's going to be a busy guy!
There are no Challengers before Worlds. All that are left are Senior B and spring competitions.
It's hard to explain watching Shoma live, again. I feel so lucky that I was able to see his skating in person after 5 years. He has grown... so much. As a skater, and as a person. And it shows.
Dancing on My Own was magical. I first saw it on the second show in Saturday. And he's just... it lasted forever and it was over in a second. He was the fastest skater and yet I can see every single move he does, every subtle turn of his body, every move of his hands and fingers. And while I do think Prince Ice World is highly underrated as an ice show, and the other guest skaters consist of legends and amazing performers who I love too. But it's like... It was like the ice itself played favorites and its favorite child is Shoma. He didn't look like he skates the way everyone does. He looked like the ice just carried him wherever he wants to be and however he wants to be. It's almost unfair, the way the ice carries only him so easily. It's like he's cheating.
And the new details... I mean I can talk about the held edges, the eagles and the inside bauers... the way I gasped when he did the little hops on "dancing on my own" for the first time. The long twizzles.... But what hits me the most is how it's both Dancing on My Own from the past and yet it's completely not. Somehow a program can serve as a reminder of the history of his career and yet it also drove home the point that time moves forward- that he can never skate it the way he did it a few years ago, but he can skate it as the man he is now. And Dancing on My Own, now- it carries a different meaning, doesn't it? He's not on his own now. Even the arrangements that he made for this program before Prince Ice World, he did it himself with the help of Marin and Koshiro.
I wanted to watch him again immediately after Worlds 2023 ended. It's not easy from where I am and with my work, but I knew I had to do it at least once. Before he closes his competitive chapter. And somehow it worked out that I got this opportunity, and I came to Tokyo with a lot of questions for Shoma I'm not sure I want to ask him even if I can. But... his skates felt like an answer. He is just a simple man. He skates like that and seeks nothing in return, nothing that I cannot give. It's like a gentle reminder that it's ok to root for him and support him at my own pace. He's going to be ok. He'll figure his own way as a skater. I really hope I can see him again soon.
I had a great time meeting @jerrymouse333 and @chaosmyth in person too, they helped me purchase tickets and I'm very happy to spend time together with them.
A bit of Shoma from the meet and greet session. He is terrible at posing for photosbut he makes it up by answering many of the fan questions, even though his answers are sometimes very Shoma, lol.
Thank you all for your kind replies! So, I have clarity, now. (even if it's not what I was hoping for)
Just saying, Japan is beautiful to visit in the Winter and Spring... (Summer less so but it's mostly because of the heat, LOL)Thank you all for your kind replies! So, I have clarity, now. (even if it's not what I was hoping for)
figureskate-soi.com
That’s awesome! Can’t wait to get there in a few years. I’m leaning to the side that thinks Shoma will probably retire after this season. So he has Worlds and then ice shows after that. It’ll be interesting to see what happens. If he retires after this season he’ll most likely still be connected to the sport because he enjoys it and it makes him happy. If he chooses to stick around another season or 2 then we get to see what he gives in future competitions.Just saying, Japan is beautiful to visit in the Winter and Spring... (Summer less so but it's mostly because of the heat, LOL)
Shoma is announced as one of the guest skaters for 2024 Stars on Ice Japan, to be held in Osaka (March 30-31) and Yokohama (April 5-7).
出演スケーター｜木下グループ presents STARS ON ICE 2024
世界最高峰のアイスショー、2024年は大阪・横浜で開催決定！2024年3月30日(土)～3月31日(日)東和薬品RACTABドーム。2024年4月5日(金)～7日(日)横浜アリーナ。
Footage of Shoma watching Marin at Japanese Nationals 2023His smile after she finished her skate...
That is so sweet. They are made for each other. True love is a beautiful thing. 
I hope the media doesn’t bother them.
Only the Uno family knows for now. Perhaps the dogs and Shoma will make guest appearances at the cafe once a month or something.
Unless he decides to go back to finish his degree at Chukyo. He left to focus on skating didn’t he?
I think he needs to redo it from scratch, but it wouldn't be a bad option to do. I always wonder what he would choose as his college major if he doesn't need to focus on competing.
My guess something related to sports. Or maybe he would get a degree he could use to work for a gaming company like Square Enix.
