August 19

She's so happy in this video! I want Mao to have performances this season where she can truly be happy and the end of her program.  This is probably her best performance of the 04-05 season but is less known because it is from Japanese Jr Nationals.  Everything looks effortless and she carries good speed throughout the program.  She needs to bring these 2 qualities back to her skating this season so the judges will once again recognize and appreciate Mao for what she still is - a great skater with a newfound maturity on the ice.  I wish her well this season not only as a fan of Mao, but also as a fan of the sport.