The Japan Open is the only major international pro-am event (where professional and current elite skaters compete with and against each other) As well as giving nostalgia by allowing us to see retired skaters back on competition ice, it's a good measuring stick for some of the world's best.
The event is a team competition for singles skaters between Team Japan, Team Europe and Team North America.This years roster is as impressive as ever.
Team Japan
Miki Ando (2 time and reigning world champion)
Akiko Suzuki (Narrowly missed out on the Japanese World Team)
Takahiko Kozuka (2011 World Silver Medallist)
Daisuke Takahahi (2010 World Champion)
Team Europe
Elizaveta Tuktamisheva (2011 Jr World Silver Medallist)
Alena Leonova (4th at 2011 Worlds)Florent Amodio (2011 European Champion)
Artur Gachinski (3rd at 2011 Worlds)
Team North America
Joannie Rochette (2010 Olympic Bronze Medallist)
Alissa Czisny (2011 US Champion)
Patrick Chan (2011 World Champion)
Jeffrey Buttle (2008 World Champion, now retired)
The most exciting match-ups will probably be amongst the men, all of whom have been on or near the world podium and particularly the match up between Chan and the Japanese men could be a preview of what to expect this season.
Personally I'm looking forward to directly comparing Buttle and Chan again, the two best mens skaters from Canada for the last decade, they've skated in shows but not competed directly since Buttle's retirement in 2008.
Interesting not to Mao Asada here. Hopefully it's a sign that she is hard in training for the upcoming grand prix and not that she is nursing an injury or backing away from competition this season.
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