The Kinoshita Group Cup is set to mark the beginning of the Olympic season for Japanese skaters. The competition will be held from 5-7 September.
This is the first-ever ISU Challenger Series event to be held in the country. The event will take place at the Kanku Ice Arena in Osaka, Japan.
The Kinoshita Group Cup 2025 is a figure skating competition sanctioned by the International Skating Union (ISU), organized and hosted by the Japan Skating Federation, and the third event of the 2025–26 ISU Challenger Series.
Medals will be awarded in men’s singles, women’s singles, pair skating, and ice dance, and skaters will earn ISU World Standing points based on their results.
Previously, Japanese skaters had to travel to other countries to kick-off their campaign. Competing on the home soil, they are able to save time and energy preparing for the grind in the comfort of their home rinks.
Gold-medal hopes in women’s singles and pairs at the upcoming Games, world champions Sakamoto Kaori and Miura Riku/Kihara Ryuichi will headline the field.
Widely tipped to accompany Sakamoto to Milano Cortina, world bronze medallist Chiba Mone and Beijing 2022 Olympian Higuchi Wakaba are also throwing their hat into the ring.
From Republic of Korea, world silver medallists Cha Junhwan and Lee Haein will enter, as well as Olympic team bronze medallist Bradie Tennell from the United States.
The skaters will perform with their eyes on Milano Cortina 2026.
Also Read: ISU Figure Skating Calendar 2025-26: Grand Prix Schedule And Athlete Assignments
Kinoshita Group Cup 2025: Full schedule
All times Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
Friday, 5 September
- 15:15-17:22 – Women’s short program
- 18:00-20:00 – Men’s short program
Saturday, 6 September
- 15:00-16:03 – Ice dance rhythm dance
- 16:35-17:25 – Pairs short program
- 18:00-20:30 – Women’s free skating
Sunday, 7 September
- 12:45-13:59 – Ice dance free dance
- 14:30-15:29 – Pairs free skating
- 16:30-18:52 – Men’s free skating
