Three-time ISU World Junior Champion Mao Shimada of Japan impressed in the Junior Women’s Short Program on home ice at the ISU Junior Grand Prix Final Thursday in Nagoya (JPN).

Superb Mao Shimada (JPN) poised for gold 

Junior queen Mao Shimada led a Japanese sweep of the Short Program followed by her teammates Mei Okada and Mayuko Oka. Heading into the Free Skating, Shimada is in the running for a record fourth Junior Grand Prix Final title. 

Top seed Shimada did not disappoint and sparkled in her upbeat routine to “Get Happy” and “Sing, Sing, Sing”, reeling off a double Axel, triple Lutz-triple toe, triple loop and her trademark exquisite spins. The three-time and reigning ISU Junior Grand Prix winner posted a season’s best of 73.45 points and has a comfortable lead heading into the Free Skating. 

Reigning Junior Grand Prix champion Mao Shimada (JPN) finish first in the Junior Women's Short Program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2025 © ISU

“I was nervous because I was the last skater after everyone else had performed so well,” Shimada said. “Some of my jumps weren't my best, but I'm relieved that I was able to land them. In the Free Skating, rather than focusing on winning my fourth consecutive title, I would like to focus on my own performance and produce a result that I can be satisfied with.”

Mei Okada turned in another excellent performance to “Space Table Symphony” that was highlighted by strong jumps and difficult spins. The JGP Riga Champion scored 68.21 points. 

Mei Okada (JPN) took second place in the Junior Women's Short Program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2025 © ISU

“I was able to perform all three jumps calmly and well, so that was great,” Okada said. “Since the competition is being held in my hometown of Nagoya, I just wanted to enjoy skating. I'm planning to try a triple Axel at the beginning of the Free Program. My goal is to do the other jumps without any mistakes, and to enjoy the program with a smile.”

Mayuko Oka, who, like Okada, competes in her first Junior Grand Prix Final, is not far behind in third place at 67.93 points. She delivered a fun program to “Moment Magico” and really created her magic moment on the ice. 

Completing a Japan sweep, Mayuko Oka finished third in the Junior Women's Short Program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2025 © ISU

“I was nervous because I've often made mistakes in my Short Program up until now, but I was able to stay calm and put it together, so I was relieved when it was over,” Oka admitted.

Sumika Kanazawa placed fourth with a personal best of 66.16 points. The Korean twins Yuseong Kim (64.06 points) and Yujae Kim (60.02) came in fifth and sixth respectively. 

ISU Junior Grand Prix Final schedule:

Thursday, December 4: Junior Pairs, Junior Men’s & Junior Women’s Short Programs
 Friday, December 5: Junior Rhythm Dance, Junior Men’s & Women’s Free Skating
 Saturday, December 6: Junior Pairs Free Skating, Junior Free Dance
 Sunday, December 7: Exhibition Gala

Where to Watch

All the Junior events will be live-streamed on the  Skating ISU YouTube channel.

ISU Junior Grand Prix Standings

Check out the road to the ISU Junior Grand Prix Final:

Men       Women            Pair Skating      Ice Dance

Full entry lists, results and further information are available on the ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series page.

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