Japan Figure Skating Championships 2025: Who will make the team for the Milano Cortina Olympics? Preview and how to watch live
‘Tis the season, and we’re not just talking about the holiday festivities. It’s that time of year again for the Japan Figure Skating Championships, regarded as the most fierce national competition in the world. The 2025 edition promises heightened stakes, as aspiring skaters vie for spots in the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics.
This thrilling event will be held from December 19-21 at the esteemed Yoyogi National Stadium in Tokyo. A packed house is anticipated each night to witness which skaters will represent Japan in the Winter Games. The squad consisting of three men and women, along with pairs and ice dancers, will be finalized after the women’s free skating on the last competition day.
This year also marks a bittersweet farewell to two-time Olympic medalist and three-time world champion Sakamoto Kaori. As she prepares to retire, Sakamoto aims to cap off her remarkable career with a fifth consecutive national title, adding to her overall count of six.
Meanwhile, challengers including Olympic hopefuls Chiba Mone, Nakai Ami, junior standout Shimada Mao, and dark horse Miyake Saki are all in pursuit of their first championship title.
On the men’s side, defending champion Kagiyama Yuma and Sato Shun, who recently finished behind Ilia Malinin at the Grand Prix Final, are gearing up for what appears to be an intense showdown for the men’s crown.
Don’t miss any of the action; here’s the complete schedule:
Friday, 19 December
12:30-16:40 – Men’s short program
17:10-21:38 – Women’s short program
Saturday, 20 December
13:30-14:01 – Junior ice dance rhythm dance
14:10-14:47 – Senior ice dance rhythm dance
15:50-16:16 – Pairs short program
16:45-20:51 – Men’s free skating
Sunday, 21 December
13:10-13:48 – Junior ice dance free dance
14:00-14:48 – Senior ice dance free dance
15:15-15:50 – Pairs free skating
16:45-20:47 – Women’s free skating
Monday, 22 December
15:00-17:45 – Exhibition gala
The championships will be broadcast live on Fuji TV across its terrestrial, BS, and CS channels, with livestreams on TVer and FOD. Be prepared for three exhilarating days of elite competition!
