Japanese superstar Yuzuru Hanyu takes part in a training session during the Japan Figure Skating Championships at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, December 23, 2021. /CFP

The 27-year-old, the first Asian men's singles skater to win Olympic gold, intends to defend his title at the Beijing Olympics where he plans to attempt a quadruple axel, considered the holy grail of men's figure skating. /CFP

Hanyu has been out of action since last month after injuring his right ankle ligaments in a fall in practice, and skipped official practice on Wednesday. /CFP

The two-time Olympic champion will face stiff competition from 18-year-old Yuma Kagiyama, the current world No. 1 and winner of two Grand Prix titles this season. /CFP

The Japanese championships will be the first competition of the season for Hanyu. /CFP

The men's short program is set for Friday, with the free skate on Sunday. /CFP

Marin Honda competes in the women's short program at the Japan Figure Skating Championships at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, December 23, 2021. /CFP

Kana Muramoto (L) and Daisuke Takahashi take part in ice dancing at the Japan Figure Skating Championships at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, December 23, 2021. /CFP

Shoma Uno, the 2018 Pyeongchang Games silver medallist, attends official practice for the national championships at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, December 23, 2021. He won the NHK Trophy in November. /CFP

Kaori Sakamoto competes in the women's short program at the Japan Figure Skating Championships at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, December 23, 2021. /CFP