The Japan Open team competition takes place October 3 in Tokyo. According to the Japan Times, the Japanese team will include Mao Asada, Yukari Nakano, Takeshi Honda, and Takahiko Kozuka. First major chance to see Asada this season! The North American team will be represented by the retired Jeffrey Buttle, Joannie Rochette (both of Canada), Jeremy Abbott and Beatrisa Liang from America. And the European side will be Switzerland's Stephane Lambiel (will he dominate again?), Italy's Samuel Contesti, Switzerland's Sarah Meier, and Finland's Laura Lepisto.

UPDATE: Our commenter points out that Sarah Meier has withdrawn from the event and will be replaced by Estonia's Elena Glebova. I read the same thing on a few message boards but cannot find any additional information; if you have any, feel free to send onward!