Uno Shoma and Sakamoto Kaori to lead Japan at 2023 World Championships
Reigning world champions Uno and Sakamoto will spearhead the home challenge in Saitama with Grand Prix Final silver medallist Yamamoto Sota getting the nod over All-Japan runner-up Shimada Koshiro.
Figure Skating
There were gasps from the assembled media as a Japan Skating Federation (JSF) spokesperson announced the team for March's ISU World Figure Skating Championships following the conclusion of the All-Japan Championships.
By winning national titles in Osaka, reigning world champions Uno Shoma and Sakamoto Kaori automatically earned selection for the 2023 edition to be held at the Saitama Super Arena from 20-26 March.
But the other two spots in the men's and women's singles were decided by a selection panel on Sunday (25 December).
And the reason for the stunned reaction was that men's runner-up Shimada Koshiro - who trains with Uno in Switzerland under Stephane Lambiel - was left out of the squad with Yamamoto Sota selected ahead of him.
Uno, who less than an hour earlier was delighted at claiming his fifth All-Japan title, appeared to be unhappy during the team announcement and soon hinted at his displeasure without specifically referring to his training partner.
He said, "I’m very happy to be part of the World Championship team. It might not be my place to say it but... I have no idea what the selection criteria is and I’m not entirely happy. But regarding me, I will do my best.
"I'm not going to say any more. I don’t want to say too much given my emotions right now."
Yamamoto finished fifth on Sunday but had been second to Uno at this month's Grand Prix Final in Turin after two runner-up finishes in the Grand Prix regular season.
That consistency appeared to have given him the nod over Shimada, and JSF head of development Takeuchi Yosuke later stated, "We said before the start of our season what our selection criteria was, and that we would decide after the Nationals while also fairly taking into account competitions throughout the year."
Having been handed the chance to make his World Championship debut, Yamamoto said, "I had a rough time at the All-Japans. I hope I can do better at the World Championships. I want to show the reward for the work I have put in."
Third-placed Tomono Kazuki was also selected for the team with Shimada given the consolation of representing Japan in the Four Continents.
Sakamoto and Mihara head strong women's trio
Grand Prix Final winner Mihara Mai joins Sakamoto in the women's team with Skate Canada winner Watanabe Rinka taking the third spot despite only finishing 12th in the All-Japans.
The third-placed finisher in Osaka was Shimada Mao who, at 14, is not eligible for the senior Worlds.
Sakamoto said, "This will be my second World Championships in Saitama but the previous experience four years ago was frustrating. I need to get both programs right. I won it this year and I want to win it again."
This will be Mihara's first World Championship appearance since she made her debut in Helsinki back in 2017.
"I was so nervous until my name got called," she said. "I hope I can do even better than I did here and skate with confidence."
Muramoto Kana/Takahashi Daisuke will compete in ice dance after they held off four-time defending champions Komatsubara Misato/Takeru to claim their first All-Japan title.
Takahashi, who competed at the Worlds eight times as a singles skater, will appear for the second straight year with Muramoto.
The 36-year-old is the first man in history to win singles and ice dance events at the Japanese nationals.
In the pairs, Miura Riku/Kihara Ryuichi took the sole spot on offer despite not competing this week.
Their arrival in Osaka was delayed by two days with their baggage, containing competition gear, going missing.
Japan team for 2023 World Figure Skating Championships:
Men's singles: Uno Shoma, Yamamoto Sota, Tomono Kazuki.
Women's singles: Sakamoto Kaori, Mihara Mai, Watanabe Rinka.
Pairs: Miura Riku/Kihara Ryuichi.
Ice dance: Muramoto Kana/Takahashi Daisuke.