Overview

• The figure skating meet opened Aug. 23 at DyDo Drinco Ice Arena in Nishitokyo with junior and senior short programs.
• Mao Shimada, a three-time World Junior champion skating for Kinoshita Group, scored 70.43 to top the junior women in her first short program over 70 this season.
• Shimada said she felt less nervous than at her Summer Cup opener and was pleased to clear 70, noting cleaner expression after landing all jumps.
• Kosei Miura of Oriental Bio/Meiji University led the senior men with 74.02, acknowledging jump mistakes but citing stable spins and steps.
• Miura said a late toe loop faltered due to course and speed and he aims to correct that as the free skates determine final placements.