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Ranked third in the world, Kihira was forced to skip Skate
Canada and the NHK Trophy this season because of the ankle
injury, and Kyodo News, citing sources, said the teenager would
be unable to compete in Saitama this week.
The All Japan Championships, which start on Wednesday, act as a
qualifier for next February's Winter Games with dispensations
allowed only for injured skaters who have previously won medals
at the world championships.
Kihira, whose best finish at the worlds was fourth in 2019, was
unable to compete at the last Olympics in Pyeongchang because
she was too young.
The 19-year-old has since developed into one of the strongest
skaters in the world, renowned for the difficulty of her jumps.
There was better news about Japan's Yuzuru Hanyu, who won
Olympic gold in the men's singles at the Sochi and Pyeongchang
Winter Games.
The 27-year-old also missed the NHK Trophy, also because of a
right ankle injury, but local media reported that he would take
to the ice in Saitama.
Hanyu missed the national championships ahead of the Pyeongchang
Olympics because of injury but was selected for the Japan team
courtesy of his status as reigning world champion.
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, Editing by Peter Rutherford)
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