Yuma Kagiyama and Kaori Sakamoto Confident Ahead of NHK Trophy

Japan's biggest stars took the ice at Yoyogi National Stadium in Tokyo for the official practice on Thursday afternoon, November 7 before the first day of the NHK Trophy on Friday. Beijing Olympic silver medalist Yuma Kagiyama and three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto ran through their programs without incident.

Kagiyama worked on his short program to "The Sound of Silence" and landed all of his jumps smoothly as he gets ready for his first Grand Prix event of the 2024-25 season.

"I was able to practice well yesterday and today. I am in very good shape and was able to jump cleanly today," Kagiyama was quoted as saying by Sports Hochi on Wednesday. 

He added, "I am aiming for the best result, without thinking about only that. [And] I think that if you follow your practice, the results will follow, so I want to believe in myself and enjoy it."

Sakamoto Aims for a Top Performance

Sakamoto, who won Skate Canada in October, practiced her free skate to "All That Jazz." A top-two finish will clinch a spot for her in December's GP Final.

"I think the movement of the body is better than in Canada," Sakamoto noted before adding, "I want to end up with a better performance than in Canada. With a good short program, you gain confidence for the free skate. I want to be sure to get on the podium."

Miura, Tsuboi Get Ready for Competition

Kao Miura, who placed third at Skate America, said he is still nursing an injury to his left thigh that occurred at the event in Allen, Texas, in October.

"I want to rely on adrenaline this time because I have not been able to practice," Miura commented. He added, "I will do what I can."

Tatsuya Tsuboi, who came in ninth in the 2023 NHK Trophy, will join Kagiyama and Miura in the men's field this weekend.

"I am aiming for the podium," Tsuboi declared. "While concentrating but enjoying the skating, I want to take a firm balance."

Inspired by Sakamoto

Mone Chiba, last season's Four Continents champion, ran through her free skate to "Ariana Concerto No 1," landing several triple jumps successfully. She paid tribute to Sakamoto afterward.

"Sakamoto is a player who moves the hearts of the spectators," Chiba stated. "I want to approach the competition with the feeling of going to the highest point I can reach."

Aoki Targets a New High Score at NHK Trophy

Yuna Aoki, who came in fifth at last season's NHK Trophy, will be the third member of Japan's women's squad.

"Last year's results were good," Aoki said. "I surpassed myself and I have a new goal now. I want to be able to make a personal best score."

The NHK Trophy will get underway on Friday afternoon with the rhythm dance, followed by the pairs, men's and women's short programs.

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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.