Men's singles Olympic figure skating champion Yuzuru Hanyu will start his season at the Autumn Classic International in Canada in September ©Kyodo

Two-time Olympic figure skating champion Yuzuru Hanyu will be among the first Japanese skaters to perform in the 2018-2019 season when he skates at the Autumn Classic International in Oakville in Canada from September 20 to 22.

The Japan Skating Federation announced on Monday (July 23) which of their athletes would make the first international appearances in the new season.

When he appears at the Autumn Classic, Hanyu will compete for the first time since he defended his Olympic men's singles title in Pyeongchang in February.

He missed the World Championships in March in Milan because of an ankle injury.

Yuzuru Hanyu retained his Olympic men's singles title at the Games in Pyeongchang last February ©Getty Images
Yuzuru Hanyu retained his Olympic men's singles title at the Games in Pyeongchang last February ©Getty Images

Other Japanese skaters who will begin their season in September include Olympic silver medallist from Pyeongchang Shoma Uno and Kaori Sakamoto, who finished sixth.

They will both skate at the Lombardia Trophy to be held in Bergamo in Italy, from September 12 to 16.

Elsewhere, Satoko Miyahara, who finished fourth in Pyeongchang, will compete at the US International Figure Skating Classic in Salt Lake City, which also takes place from September 12 to 16.

With regards to the six leg Grand Prix series, Hanyu will make his first appearance at the third event in Helsinki in Finland in November.