Japanese Singles Figure Skating: Leaping Towards 2026 Olympics Success【Part II】

The world of figure skating in Japan is poised for an exciting showcase at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. As Team Japan prepares to compete, several incredible athletes are set to take center stage. This article highlights the promising singles skaters, both men and women, who will represent Japan as they aim for Olympic success.

Meet the Competitors of Team Japan for the 2026 Olympics

Each skater brings unique talents and remarkable achievements to the Olympic stage. Below is a closer look at the six main competitors:

1. Kaori Sakamoto (坂本 花織)

• Birth Year: 2000
• Hometown: Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
• Notable Achievements:
  • 2022 Olympic bronze medalist
  • 2022-2024 World champion

  2018 Four Continents champion

• 2018, 2021-2025 Japanese National champion

Sakamoto, a decorated skater and two-time Olympic participant, plans to retire post-Olympics. Her heartfelt choice of “Time to Say Goodbye” for her short program resonates with her farewell to competitive skating.

2. Yuma Kagiyama (鍵山 優真)

• Birth Year: 2003
• Hometown: Nagano and Kanagawa Prefectures
• Notable Achievements:
  • 2022 Olympic silver medalist
  • 2024 Four Continents champion

Kagiyama, known for his impressive quad jumps, has gained experience through prior Olympic competition. Balancing skating with studies at Chukyo University, he also enjoys landscape photography.

3. Shun Sato (佐藤 駿)

• Birth Year: 2004
• Hometown: Miyagi and Saitama Prefectures
• Notable Achievements:
  • 2024-2025 Cup of China champion
  • 2024 Four Continents silver medalist

As he makes his Olympic debut, Sato aspires to follow in the footsteps of his idol, Yuzuru Hanyu. He is recognized for his signature quads and fun loving spirit off the ice.

4. Mone Chiba (千葉 百音)

• Birth Year: 2005
• Hometown: Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
• Notable Achievements:
  • 2025 World bronze medalist
  • 2024 Grand Prix Final silver medalist

Chiba aims to impress with her choreography and technical skills as she embarks on her Olympic journey. Currently studying at Waseda University, she enjoys hobbies such as embroidery.

5. Kao Miura (三浦 佳生)

• Birth Year: 2005
• Hometown: Tokyo Prefecture
• Notable Achievements:
  • 2023 Four Continents champion
  • 2025 Grand Prix of Finland champion

Miura possesses a strong technical foundation, including three quads in his repertoire. He is also pursuing academic studies at Meiji University while indulging in baseball as a personal interest.

6. Ami Nakai (中井 亜美)

• Birth Year: 2008
• Hometown: Niigata and Chiba Prefectures
• Notable Achievements:
  • 2025 Grand Prix de France champion
  • 2026 Four Continents silver medalist

As the youngest competitor, Nakai is making waves with her impressive casting out of all six triple jumps, including the triple Axel. She has become a key figure to watch this Olympic season.

Upcoming Events at Milano Cortina 2026

Figure skating events begin with the team competition, where national teams will earn points across eight segments. The men’s singles individual event starts on February 10, followed by the women’s singles individual event on February 17. Fans should anticipate thrilling performances from these talented skaters as they leap towards Olympic glory.