[ICE TIME] Sena Takahashi Shines in Sensational JGP Debut

It is not often that a skater overshadows two-time world junior champion Mao Shimada. But that is exactly what happened at the Junior Grand Prix in Latvia (August 29-31), where Sena Takahashi stole the show in his international debut.

The 14-year-old Takahashi, a native of Kanagawa Prefecture, skated two clean programs to win the men's title on Saturday, August 31 at the JGP Riga Cup in his first competition ever outside Japan. The young skater topped the podium with a total score of 229.66 points for a decisive victory over South Korea's Jaekeun Lee, who was second with 220.66.

Takahashi's training partner Shunsuke Nakamura finished third at 212.73 to give Japan half of the singles medals at the first JGP event of the season.

Meanwhile, the 15-year-old Shimada coasted to a triumph in the women's battle with 204.86 on Friday, August 30, winning by more than 22 points over Estonia's Elina Goidina, who was second on 182.23. South Korea's Nayeon Ko took third at 176.86.

Shimada extended her incredible unbeaten streak in events as a junior to 12 over the past three seasons. The young star came out on top despite not landing her triple axel or quadruple toe loop in her free skate.

Shimada's fellow Kinoshita Academy skater Ikura Kushida was fifth with 166.01.

Two Super Skates for Sena Takahashi

Takahashi took a more than five-point lead into Saturday's free skate and came away with the gold after his strong performance to "The Four Seasons."

"I did not expect I could win this title, so I'm very happy," Takahashi stated in the winner's interview. "Very thankful for the very great environment I have [at Kinoshita Academy]. So I skate with gratitude. I just want to be myself and do the best I can."

Takahashi landed all eight of his triple jumps and recorded level fours on all of his spins in an impressive outing that moved ISU YouTube announcer Ted Barton.

"This young man is a real fierce competitor," Barton commented. "He has not the best technique in the air. It's still a little broken in the knees. That's a little critical. It's still brilliant what he does."

'Room for Improvement'

Added Barton, "Let's set the standard right ― he's got room for improvement in those things. He knows what he wants to project and carries the speed and flow just amazing across the ice, always accelerating."

Barton noted that even when Takahashi looked off-balance during jumps, he was still able to save them.

"He still makes them work so well even if they are a little off kilter in the air," Barton remarked.

Barton's broadcast partner Mark Hanretty liked what he saw from Takahashi as well.

"Sena Takahashi seemed to be going out very conscientiously throughout the program," Hanretty said. "He was so expressive in the short program ('The Greatest Showman'). We didn't get to see a glimpse of expression as innately until the landing of that triple salchow/triple toe loop (in the free skate). But it was a smart move as he absolutely delivered."

Added Hanretty, "He was the only skater to skate cleanly in the free skate of the 27 men."

Nakamura Earns Plaudits

Nakamura moved up from fifth place after the short program to grab the bronze medal with his skate to "Lamentations of the Heart." The 19-year-old from Nagoya opened with a quad toe loop and went on to hit seven clean triples. He earned level fours on all of his spins.

Barton admired Nakamura's interpretive skill in his free skate.

"That is a passionate and precise technical and emotional program. Just beautiful," Barton stated. "The right piece of music for the right skater at this time. A solid performance and kind of balance between technical and emotional."

Shimada Still the Standard in Juniors

Shimada was also ahead by more than five points after her short program on Thursday to "Defying Gravity." She struggled at the outset of her free skate to "Mado Kara Mieru" (Through The Window I See) on her triple axel and fell on her quad toe loop. But she was so far superior to the other skaters that it didn't matter. 

In what could be considered an off outing for her, she still cleanly landed seven triples and notched level fours on all of her spins.

"I'm very happy and excited to come back to this Junior Grand Prix event again," Shimada commented in the winner's interview. "I have been practicing the quad lutz, but my main focus is to make sure that the triple axel and quad toe are more stable. So I want to focus on that this season again."

Added Shimada, "I want to win the world junior championships again, but I have been focusing not only on my jumps but also to perfect my presentation."

Insights on Shimada's Performance

Hanretty was effusive in his praise of Shimada.

"We here in this venue this week both now following the performance and in practice have acknowledged what respect we have for Mao Shimada," Hanretty remarked after Shimada's free skate. "Continuing and somewhat kept in the junior ranks, but [Shimada] continues to be pushed and managing to deliver yet again another winning performance."

Added Hanretty, "She didn't need the triple axel or the quad toe. But such is the strategy to maintain that technical element score. Continuing to be pushed not to play it safe.

"I admire the fact that the quad toe is still included and that despite rotation issues and falls that we have seen, she still wants to include it."

Hanretty cited Shimada's spins for particular excellence in his commentary.

"Quite possibly the best spins in the world at either junior or senior level," Hanretty noted. "Her trademark ability to increase the speed within the upright variation worthy of applause from any skating spectator or novice of the sport."

JGP Moves to Czech Republic Next

The second stop of the seven-event JGP circuit takes place this week (September 4-7) in Ostrava, Czech Republic. World junior bronze medalist Rena Uezono will headline the Japan delegation to Europe.

Uezono will be joined by 15-year-old Kaoruko Wada in the women's field, while Daiya Ebihara and Taiga Nishino will pull on the boots in the men's event. The 16-year-old Ebihara earned bronze medals in both of his JGPs last season.

Sae Shimizu and Lucas Tsuyoshi Honda will skate for the Hinomaru in pairs, while Kaho Yamashita and Yuto Nagata will compete in ice dance.

Shinohara Primed for First JGP Event

American Taira Shinohara, who will make his JGP debut in Bangkok, Thailand (September 11-14), offered his thoughts to Ice Time on the upcoming competition.

"I feel very excited to compete at the JGP especially because it has been a goal for a long time now," Shinohara wrote in an email. "It makes it even more exciting that it is in Thailand."

Added Shinohara, "My goal is to skate two programs to my best ability and make the podium."

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Author: Jack Gallagher

The author is a veteran sports journalist and one of the world's foremost figure skating experts. Find articles and podcasts by Jack on his author page, and find him on X (formerly Twitter) @sportsjapan.