The NHK Trophy is an annual international figure skating competition and one of the six events in the prestigious ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series. Organized by the Japan Skating Federation, it usually takes place in November and has been a staple of the figure skating calendar since its inception in 1979. The NHK Trophy is named after its sponsor, the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK).

Key Aspects of the NHK Trophy:

  1. Categories:
    • Men's Singles
    • Women's Singles
    • Pairs
    • Ice Dance
  2. Format:
    • The competition consists of two segments for each category: the short program/rhythm dance and the free skate/free dance.
    • Skaters earn points in both segments, which are combined to determine the final standings.
  3. Participants:
    • The NHK Trophy features top international skaters who are invited based on their rankings and past performances.
    • Skaters compete not only for medals but also for points that contribute to their overall standing in the Grand Prix series, which culminates in the Grand Prix Final.
  4. Judging and Scoring:
    • Skaters are evaluated based on the International Judging System (IJS), which scores technical elements (jumps, spins, lifts, etc.) and program components (skating skills, transitions, performance, composition, and interpretation).
  5. Significance:
    • As part of the Grand Prix series, the NHK Trophy is critical for skaters aiming to qualify for the Grand Prix Final.
    • The competition attracts a large audience and is widely broadcast, contributing to the popularity and visibility of figure skating in Japan and around the world.
  6. Venue:
    • The NHK Trophy is held in different cities across Japan each year, showcasing the sport to diverse regional audiences and providing a platform for local fans to watch world-class figure skating live.

The NHK Trophy is known for its high level of competition and has seen many memorable performances from some of the best figure skaters in the world.