The 20-year-old has been the dominant force in the sport, winning the overall World Cup title last season after tasting success at 14 of the 17 competitions.

Takanashi also won five of the opening six legs of this season as she bids for a fourth overall title, but suffered a dip in form at the last leg of this season in Sapporo last weekend. 

She was second behind compatriot Yuki Ito in the first competition and missed the podium entirely second time around, finishing fourth as Norway's Maren Lundby claimed top honours.

The blip was a surprise, especially as it came in Japan, but Takanashi already looks in good form in Zaō, jumping 103 metres in training to register the furthest distance out of the pre-qualifiers for tomorrow's final.

Ito was second best with a leap of 98m.

In qualifying, Germany's Svenja Wuerth was the best performer as she managed 97m for a tally of 108 points.

Ten qualifiers joined the main field, with Austria's Chiara Hoelzl second best today with an effort of 98m, which scored lower than Wuerth after the judging. 

Two competitions will be held in Zaō, with the second taking place on Saturday (January 21).

Takanashi still has a commanding lead in the standings, with 690 points.

Ito is second on 532 with Lundby third on 417.

The men's World Cup season will also resume tomorrow, with qualifying in Zakopane in Poland.