Though much attention was placed on Mao Asada's disappointing sixth-place finish at the world championships in Nice, France, it was still a fine showing for Japan.
Taking three of the six medals in singles (Daisuke Takahashi —silver, Yuzuru Hanyu — bronze, Akiko Suzuki — bronze), plus the surprise bronze medal from Narumi Takahashi and Mervin Tran in the pairs made it a successful week.
Italy's Carolina Kostner ended the five-year reign by Asian women as world champion. The last time a non-Asian won the title was when American Kimmie Meissner did it in 2006.