Japan Open 2023: Sakamoto, Malinin, Brown lead return to Saitama for top skating stars
The unique event, which features a team format and skaters competing only their free programs, will take place 7 October at Saitama Super Arena, the site of the 2023 World Championships.
Figure Skating
There is nothing in figure skating quite like the Japan Open.
The unique team event, which features a mix of active and retired skaters, sees athletes compete only their free skate, with their individual result added to a team standing.
The three-team event - Japan, North America and Europe - heads to the Saitama Super Arena just outside of Tokyo this Saturday (7 October), the same venue which held the 2023 World Championships.
Two-time reigning world champion Sakamoto Kaori, the home star, headlines Team Japan, which also includes the recently-retired Miyahara Satoko. The men's line-up includes Tomono Kazuki and Shimada Koshiro.
American Ilia Malinin returns to the site of his world bronze medal, joined by fellow teen Isabeau Levito and U.S. veterans Jason Brown and Mariah Bell (retired).
Team Europe features two-time world medallist Loena Hendrickx, France's Kevin Aymoz, up-and-comer Kimmy Repond of Switzerland and Morisi Kvitelashvili of Georgia.
Saturday evening the exhibition event takes place, with reigning world pairs champions Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi set to skate, as well as Olympic ice dance champions and five-time world champs, Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron.
Japan Open 2023: Schedule
All times listed are local Japan Standard Time (+9 UTC).
Saturday, 7 October
- 12:30-15:30 Japan Open
- 18:30-21:00 Exhibition - Carnival on Ice
You can find more event information for Japan Open on its official website.
Japan Open 2023: How to watch
The event is available on paid livestreams. Fans globally can watch on Zaiko, while Japanese fans can find the stream on PIA.
The ISU provides a “where to watch” page for its international events, as well.