Kagiyama Yuma, a two-time Olympic silver medallist, leads the NHK Trophy with a score of 98.58, despite receiving a zero for an invalid camel spin change. His Japanese teammate Sato Shun trails closely at 96.67. Aiming for his third consecutive title, Kagiyama must execute flawlessly in the free skate to solidify his Olympic aspirations.
In an electrifying performance at the 2025 NHK Trophy, three-time world champion Sakamoto Kaori dominated the women's short program with a season-best score of 77.05, securing a formidable 10-point lead. With hopes high for her fifth NHK title, Sakamoto inches closer to the Grand Prix Final and aims for Olympic gold in Milano Cortina 2026.
Three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto wowed fans with a stunning short program at her final NHK Trophy, scoring 77.05 points. With plans to retire after the Milan-Cortina Olympics, Sakamoto aims to defend her title. South Korea's You Young and Kazakhstan’s Sofia Samodelkina closely trail, setting the stage for an epic showdown.
Caroline Green and Michael Parsons secured a strong third place in the rhythm dance at the NHK Trophy, showcasing resilience after a fall at the Cup of China. Their performance featured impressive elements, earning a score of 75.14 points. Meanwhile, fellow American pairs and a Mots returning Maia Shibutani captured attention in Japan.
At the NHK Trophy 2025, Maia and Alex Shibutani finished sixth after a heartfelt free dance performance, marking their return to competition after a seven-year hiatus. Britain's Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson topped the podium, qualifying for the Grand Prix Final. The Shibutanis look to improve ahead of future events.
In a thrilling finale at the 2025 NHK Trophy, Italy's Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii seized the pairs title, finishing with 208.58 points. Olympic champions Sui Wenjing and Han Cong faltered in the free skating, sliding to fourth overall at 203.79. Conti/Macii qualify for December's Grand Prix Final in Nagoya.