Overview
- Aoki scored 77.11 to place third in the women's short program at the Tokyo Championships and landed her signature triple Lutz–triple loop combination with expressive steps.
- She experienced left-shoulder discomfort at the Kinoshita Group Cup and finished poorly in that short program before seeking medical evaluation.
- An MRI after the Kinoshita event showed shoulder impingement without clear structural damage, a condition that can cause pain even when imaging looks normal.
- Following the diagnosis she focused on shoulder rehabilitation plus inner-muscle and core strengthening, and she says the pain has largely subsided though some minor discomfort remains.
- As the reigning Four Continents champion, Aoki’s health and early-season form are being watched closely, with the Tokyo free skate next and the ISU Grand Prix series to follow as tests of her recovery and readiness.