"He thinks it's going to be okay but we'll see tomorrow (Thursday) what happens," said Yosuke Takeuchi, a member of the Japan Figure Skating Federation.
On the men's side, the short program is scheduled for Thursday afternoon, while the free skate will take place on Saturday.
The 25-year-old skater was already suffering from an ankle problem, the same source said. After his fall, he had to cut his session short and his right ankle was examined by doctors. But he was not taken to the hospital.
Presented as one of the favorites of the competition, he had admitted Tuesday to have "doubts" about his ability to fully defend his chances to retain his title of world champion.
"I feel like it's not going to get better unless something important happens. I don't know what I can hope for as it is," he said, acknowledging his current difficulties in passing his jumps.
If he were to withdraw or even be reduced, it would make it easier for American Ilia Malinin, French European champion Adam Siao Him Fa or Canadian Keegan Messing, all also contenders for the podium.
© 2023 AFP