In a stunning display of skill and artistry, Japanese figure skaters dominated the NHK Trophy competition, part of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series. The host nation’s athletes swept the top spots in both the men’s and women’s events, showcasing their world-class talent and unwavering determination.
Kagiyama’s Near-Flawless Performance
Defending champion Yuma Kagiyama led the charge in the men’s competition, delivering a mesmerizing short program set to “The Sound of Silence.” The 2022 Olympic silver medalist effortlessly landed a quadruple salchow and a quad toeloop-triple toeloop combination, earning a season-best score of 105.70 points.
I was trying to equal the score I had at the Olympics but was three points short. Today’s performance, from beginning to end, went just as planned.
Yuma Kagiyama, three-time world silver medalist
A Japanese Sweep
Kagiyama’s compatriots Kao Miura and Tatsuya Tsuboi rounded out the top three, with personal-best scores of 102.96 and 85.02, respectively. The trio’s collective success underscored Japan’s depth of talent in the men’s field.
All three skaters did what they needed to do today. Tatsuya had great flow, and we were given great motivation. Kao was creating real momentum, and I needed to do well.
Yuma Kagiyama on the Japanese men’s performance
Sakamoto Shines in Women’s Event
On the women’s side, three-time and reigning world champion Kaori Sakamoto led after the short program with a season-best 78.93 points. Sakamoto, who recently won gold at Skate Canada, opened with a double axel and cleanly landed a triple lutz and triple flip-triple toeloop combination.
I was very pleased with the lutz, and it was highly evaluated. I was able to concentrate well throughout the entire routine.
Kaori Sakamoto, reigning world champion
Mone Chiba and Yuna Aoki completed another Japanese sweep, scoring 71.69 and 69.78 points, respectively. American Alysa Liu, making a comeback, finished fourth with 65.03 points.
Strong Showing in Ice Dance and Pairs
In ice dance, two-time world champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States led after the short program with a season-best 86.32 points. Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko, also from the U.S., placed second, followed by Lithuania’s Allison Reed and Saulius Ambrulevicius.
World silver medalists Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara of Japan topped the pairs’ short program with 71.90 points, despite a minor error on a triple toe. Georgia’s Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava were second, while Americans Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea claimed third.
Looking Ahead
The NHK Trophy, the fourth event in the ISU Grand Prix Series, featured 60 skaters and couples from 16 countries competing in men’s, women’s, pairs, and ice dance categories. As the series progresses, all eyes will be on the Japanese skaters, who have once again demonstrated their prowess on the international stage.
The next round of the Grand Prix Series is set for November 15-17 at the Finlandia Trophy in Helsinki, Finland. As the competition heats up, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if Japan’s figure skating stars can maintain their momentum and secure their spots at the prestigious Grand Prix Final.
With their impressive performances at the NHK Trophy, Japan’s figure skaters have sent a clear message to their rivals: they are a force to be reckoned with and are poised to make a significant impact on the world stage in the coming months.
