Jack Gallagher 
Kao Miura competes in the men's free skate at the Four Continents Championships on February 22, 2025, in Seoul. (©KYODO)
Read the full story on SportsLook - [ICE TIME] For Japan, Poor Results at Four Continents a Cause for Concern
It was a week to forget for Japan's singles skaters at the Four Continents Championships in Seoul. With three men and three women in the competition, the Hinomaru had its worst result in recent memory. Japan came away without a single medal during the weekend of February 21-23.
Now the question is, was this an outlier or a sign of things to come?
Kazakhstan's Mikhail Shaidorov was impressive in winning the men's title with a total score of 285.10 points, some 20 points more than host favorite Jun Hwan Cha, who was second at 265.02. American Jimmy Ma was the surprise finisher in third place on 245.01.
Kao Miura, Japan's strongest skater going in, had clearly not recovered from the thigh injury that has hampered him the past few months. He came in a disappointing sixth with 230.48. The 19-year-old Miura finished behind compatriots Kazuki Tomono, who was fourth at 242.08, and Tatsuya Tsuboi, who placed fifth on 234.93.
With less than a year to go until the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, there are some real questions about which three Japanese men will be on the team. That is, providing Japan earns three spots at March's World Figure Skating Championships in Boston.
Could Hanyu Make an Olympic Comeback?
Before the start of this campaign, it seemed a virtual lock that the squad members would be Yuma Kagiyama, Miura and Shun Sato. But that does not seem as solid as it once appeared.
What is really interesting about the whole scenario is that after being retired from competition for 2½ years, two-time Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu, now 30, is still one of Japan's top two male skaters.
Could the superstar, who has made a smooth transition to show skating, be persuaded to give it one more go at the Olympics?
It is an interesting question and one worth pondering.
Maybe there is a chance, maybe not. But it sure would spice things up heading into the Olympic season next fall.
Shaidorov Surging With a Year Until the 2026 Games
Shaidorov was the story of the Four Continents. He won his first major title at 20 on Saturday, February 22, and inserted himself into the medal picture for the Olympics.
The Almaty native landed four clean quadruple jumps and five triples in his free skate to "Moonlight Sonata" and "Take On Me." He also earned level fours on two of his spins.
Shaidorov, who grew up idolizing the late Denis Ten, spoke about the significance of his victory.
"Was not easy to skate today, because I was skating last," Shaidorov was quoted as saying. "But I am full with emotions, am very pleased with the performance today. I just hope I will be able to do the same at worlds."
Continue reading the full story on SportsLook.
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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.
