Figure skating – NHK Trophy 2025: Kagiyama Yuma will chase Ilia Malinin – but at his own pace
As the figure skating world gears up for the thrilling 2025 NHK Trophy in Osaka, all eyes are on **Kagiyama Yuma**. With the breathtaking performances of **Ilia Malinin**, the U.S. men’s world champion, there’s no denying that the race for the Olympic gold medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games is intensifying.
Malinin’s *daring six-quad program* has set him apart, making it seem like any chance of gold for rivals is dwindling. However, Kagiyama isn’t losing any sleep over it. As a double Olympic silver medallist, he has come to understand his unique artistry. Rather than enter a competitions of sheer jumps, Kagiyama is focused on perfecting his own craft.
“We’re now in an era when everyone is jumping lots of quads… But there are only certain things I can do – the edge work, expression, the GOE on jumps,” Kagiyama expressed during Japan’s Grand Prix kick-off in Tokyo. He displays a stoic determination to enhance his skill set without succumbing to external pressures.
His first Grand Prix event this Olympic season takes place at the NHK Trophy this weekend, where he is favored to triumph in Malinin’s absence. Despite coming in second to Malinin at the Lombardia Trophy by over 20 points, Kagiyama dismisses concern over past injuries. His left ankle, which sidelined him significantly during the previous season, is now feeling stronger.
With performances set to feature *I Wish* and *Turandot*, speculation surrounds whether he will incorporate a quadruple flip or Lutz into his routine. “First things first, I have to be able to skate clean,” he mentioned, indicating a focused and methodical approach.
Though comparisons to Malinin will undoubtedly persist, Kagiyama remains dedicated to his journey: “I’m really stoic about skating and grateful of where I am.” Positioned not just as a competitor, but as an artist in his own right, Kagiyama’s unique approach may prove pivotal as he seeks to redefine his scores ahead of the critical Olympic season.
