Top domestic players such as Shoma Uno and Kaori Sakamoto, who will participate in the NHK Cup of figure skating to be held in Sapporo next month, held a press conference on the 9th and talked about their enthusiasm for the tournament.

The figure skating NHK Cup is the fifth round of the Grand Prix series this season, and will be held in Sapporo for the first time in three years from the 18th of next month for three days.



On the 9th, a press conference for the players from Japan was held in a friendly atmosphere, moderated by Narumi Takahashi, a former pair player and representative of the Sochi Olympics.

Uno, who won the bronze medal in the men's singles at the Beijing Olympics in February this year and won his first victory at the world championships after that, said, "Last year, I challenged 5 quadruple rotations, 4 types, and at the end of the season. I want to make use of the results this season, increase the success rate of my jumps, and improve my expression.I am looking forward to showing the results of my practice on the NHK Trophy stage. I was.

In addition, Sakamoto, who won the bronze medal in the women's singles at the Beijing Olympics and won her first world championship, said, "From this season, how can we incorporate the jumps into the program? I want to think about it. It's been a long time since I've played in Sapporo, so I want people to see me getting better year by year," he said with a smile.



Also participating in this year's NHK Trophy from Japan are Kazuki Tomono and Sota Yamamoto in the men's singles, and Rion Sumiyoshi and Rinka Watanabe in the women's singles.



Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, who won the silver medal at the World Championships, paired.



Ice dancer Misato Komatsubara and Tim Collett, representatives of the Beijing Olympics.



In addition, a couple of Kana Muramoto and Daisuke Takahashi will participate.

Other Japanese players...

Sota Yamamoto, the men's singles player who will be the fifth NHK Trophy, said, "I'm honored to be able to participate this year. I want to show what I've done. was talking

Rion Sumiyoshi, a women's singles player who is in her first year as a senior and will be participating in the tournament for the first time, said, "I'm very excited to be able to stand on the stage of my dreams. My goal is to do a lot of quadruple jumps, which I've been working on since last season. I want to land in front of people and skate a cool and courageous program.”

Rinka Watanabe, who will make her debut in the Grand Prix series at the NHK Trophy, said, "It's been nine years since I participated in an exhibition at the NHK Trophy. I want to do my best to give my best," he said.

Misato Komatsubara, who competes in ice dance, said, "There were many rule changes in ice dance this season. I want to beat myself this time and update my personal best."

In addition, Tim Coleto, who is a couple with her husband, said, "I am honored to be able to perform in front of everyone in Japan. I will do my best to leave the best results."

Daisuke Takahashi, who has been competing in the NHK Trophy for three years in a row after switching from singles to ice dancing, said, "Last season, we focused on growth and evolution, but this season, we will focus on the deeper evolution of accuracy and politeness. I am starting with this in mind. I hope I can demonstrate my growth so far."



Muramoto Kanaka, who forms a couple, said, "This season's program will be presented for the first time in front of the Japanese audience at the NHK Trophy. It would be great if we could perform to our satisfaction. I'm really looking forward to it." I was talking to