In a development that hasn't even been acknowledged by the Japanese media, longtime coach Nobuo Sato was quietly nominated for the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame earlier this month.
Sato, whose resume is both long and distinguished, was selected for consideration in the "Outstanding Contributor" category for creative impact along with Canadian choreographer Lori Nichol, the late Hans-Rudi Mauch of Switzerland and the late pair of Eva Pawlik and Rudi Seeliger from Austria.
The results of the voting will be announced in the second week of February by the Hall, which is based in Colorado Springs, Colo.