Osaka, Japan

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Kaori Sakamoto (JPN) at the ISU World Team Trophy 2019©International Skating Union (ISU)

Exciting competition and debuts await the Skating world at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating NHK Trophy from November 27-29, in Osaka (JPN). The field is headlined by 2020 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating bronze medalist Yuma Kagiyama (JPN), ISU Four Continents Figure Skating silver medalist Young You (KOR) and 2018 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Champion Kaori Sakamoto (JPN). 2010 ISU World Figure Skating Champion Daisuke Takahashi will give his debut as an Ice Dancer in the team Kana Muramoto/Daisuke Takahashi (JPN).

Following a decision of the ISU Council due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and travel restrictions, the Grand Prix of Figure Skating events are primarily domestically run events with domestic Skaters and Skaters who train in the host country or respective geographical region competing. Except for Korea’s You, only Japanese Skaters compete at NHK Trophy and there is no Pairs event being held.

Overview over the contenders

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Yuma Kagiyama (JPN) at the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships 2020©International Skating Union (ISU)

Reigning ISU World Junior Figure Skating silver medalist Yuma Kagiyama (JPN) debuts at the senior-level Grand Prix and headlines the field. He will have to watch out for ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final Champion Shun Sato (JPN), who is another newcomer and rival from junior days as well as for 2018 Olympian Keiji Tanaka (JPN) and ISU World Figure Skating Championships competitor Kazuki Tomono (JPN). Mitsuki Sumoto (JPN) and Sota Yamamoto (JPN) are other contenders.

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Young You (KOR) at the ISU Four Contients Figure Skating Championships 2020©International Skating Union (ISU)

The Ladies event features a deep field led by 2018 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Champion and top seed Kaori Sakamoto (JPN), 2020 Youth Olympic Games Champion Young You (KOR) and 2018 ISU World Figure Skating silver medalist Wakaba Higuchi (JPN). Other prominent competitors include 2016 ISU World Junior Figure Skating Champion Marin Honda (JPN), 2018 ISU World Junior Figure Skating bronze medalist Mako Yamashita (JPN) and 2017 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Champion Mai Mihara (JPN) who returns to the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating stage after missing the past season due to health issues.

The Ice Dance event might include only three couples, but it still will be very interesting with 2010 ISU Single Skating World Champion Daisuke Takahashi making his competition debut as an Ice Dancer with his partner and 2018 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Ice Dance bronze medalist Kana Muramoto. Muramoto/Takahashi (JPN) will face two-time and reigning National Champions Misato Komatsubara/Tim Koleto (JPN) as well as Rikako Fukase/Eichu Cho (JPN).

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Misato Komatsubara and Tim Koleto (JPN) at the ISU Four Contients Figure Skating Championships 2020©International Skating Union (ISU)

Overall, 29 skaters/couples that represent two ISU Members compete at NHK Trophy.

Schedule of the event

Friday, November 28              Ladies Short Program, Rhythm Dance, Men’s Short Program
Saturday, November 29          Ladies Free Skating, Free Dance, Men’s Free Skating
Sunday, November 30            Exhibition Gala

For full entry lists and further information regarding the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series please visit: https://isu.org/GrandPrix . Follow the discussion on social media by using #FigureSkating #GPFigure.

Where to watch and follow the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2020?

WTW Hor

The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating will be live streamed on the Skating ISU YouTube Channel.

Geo-restrictions will apply in markets where TV rights are in place. You will find the full list in the Where to Watch news here.

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ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2020

The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final that was to be held as an Olympic Test Event on December 10-13 has been postponed. The ISU, in consultation with all stakeholders and considering the pandemic developments, is evaluating the continuation of the 2020/21 season.