NHK Trophy 2023: "Blooming like a beautiful flower," Kagiyama Yuma edges Uno Shoma for first Grand Prix skating win in two years

Kagiyama Yuma lifted the NHK Trophy 2023 after a narrow win over Uno Shoma following the men’s free skate on Saturday (25 November).

Kagiyama (288.39) was not as impressive as he had been the night before when he threw down the world’s highest men’s short program score this season, but was good enough to edge fellow Japanese skater Uno, who wrapped up with a 286.55.

Uno had the top score in the free with a 186.35. Both he and Kagiyama qualified for the ISU Grand Prix Final in Beijing (December 7-10) with their performance.

Lukas Britschgi finished third (254.60).

The 20-year-old Kagiyama, who missed the last Grand Prix of Figure Skating season due to injury, will be heading to his first season-ending Finals.

“I felt really strongly about going to the Grand Prix Final,” he said. “At first when the score flashed I wasn’t sure what was what. But then I saw that I that finished top.

“It’ll be my first time at the Final so I don’t know what emotions will be going through me. But I hope I can perform even better in the Final after working on the things I need to work on which I learned here.”

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Kagiyama fell on his triple Axel skating to ‘Rain, in Your Black Eyes’ for which he was docked four points as Uno put together a flawless program that he felt was worthy of a better mark.

In the Kiss & Cry area, Uno tried to laugh it off as his coach Stephane Lambiel gave it the old eyebrow shrug, suggesting his pupil was harshly judged.

“I’m going to shut up and go home because the way I feel right now, I might say something I shouldn’t,” Uno said during the flash media interviews immediately afterwards.

Still, Uno - who qualified for his sixth Grand Prix Final - gave respect where it was due to Kagiyama as he did on Friday.

“Yuma, today as well as yesterday, was outstanding and I don’t really want to say anything to take away from that,” the 25-year-old Uno said. “He overcame a lot to win this title and deserves every bit of praise he receives.”

With Carolina Kostner having joined his coaching staff, Kagiyama has clearly elevated the artistry and projection in his skating since his injury-riddled 2022-23 campaign.

Kostner was glowing with praise for her new pupil.

“I’m very proud of how he prepared and how hard he worked for it. It was not perfect, but I’m sure he knows exactly what he wants to work on,” Kostner said.

“I think he’s becoming really aware of where he stands, where he wants to improve. He’s taking on his responsibility and taking on his character and his personality to his skating - and it’s very exciting to see.

“It’s blooming like a beautiful flower.”

Germany's Hase/Volodin sweep up pairs

Minerva Fabienne Hase/Nikita Volodin won their second Grand Prix event in as many weeks, holding off Lucrezia Beccari/Matteo Guarise to punch their ticket to Beijing.

The new German duo went pole-to-finish in the pairs with 202.51 across the two programs, more than a dozen points ahead of the Italian runners-up who finished with 190.31.

Bronze went to Rebecca Ghilardi/Filippo Ambrosini (186.47), who, with their second trip to the podium this season, will join Hase/Volodin at the Final.