Overview

• Japanese skaters reached Nantes on Oct. 15 for Grand Prix France, the opening stop of this season’s ISU series.
• Three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto said she is looking forward to competing and will aim to produce results.
• Official practice is scheduled for Oct. 16, with competition set for Oct. 17–19 in the Angers area.
• Japan’s women’s entries include Rion Sumiyoshi, who won September’s Lombardia Cup, and senior-level newcomer Ami Nakai.
• The men’s field features U.S. star Ilia Malinin alongside Japan’s Kaio Miura and Tatsuya Tsuboi, and pairs world champions Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara are arriving on a separate flight.