5 Fascinating Facts About Japanese Skating Star Kaori Sakamoto Revealed

Kaori Sakamoto, a distinguished figure in women’s figure skating, has captivated fans with her impressive achievements and charming personality. As she gears up for the 2026 Olympics, here are five fascinating facts about this remarkable Japanese skating star.

Early Beginnings in Skating

Kaori Sakamoto began her figure skating journey at the tender age of four in Kobe, Japan. Her passion was ignited by a television broadcast of the sport, where she drew inspiration from Akiko Suzuki, a celebrated Japanese skater and world bronze medalist.

A Record-Setting Champion

In 2023, Sakamoto etched her name in history by becoming the first Japanese female skater to clinch a world title since Mao Asada in 2014. Notably, she made headlines as the first skater in any discipline to achieve three consecutive world championships, a record last set by American legend Peggy Fleming between 1966 and 1968.

Olympic Achievements

• Kaori made her Olympic debut at the 2018 PyeongChang Games, finishing sixth in the singles event.
• During the 2022 Beijing Olympics, she played a crucial role in securing a silver medal for Japan in the team competition and went on to win bronze in singles.
• Following a doping scandal investigation, she received a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Balancing Education and Sport

In addition to her athletic pursuits, Kaori graduated from Kobe Gakuin University with a degree in economics in 2023. She successfully balanced her education with her intense training schedule by engaging in remote classes while competing.

Future Aspirations

Looking to the future, Sakamoto plans to retire from competitive skating after the 2026 Olympics. She aims to become a coach, dedicating herself to nurturing upcoming talent in her hometown of Kobe. Kaori hopes to inspire the next generation of figure skaters through her own experiences.

Personal Insights

Despite her stellar career, Kaori experiences pre-competition nerves—a feeling she struggles to overcome. Additionally, she prefers to maintain a low profile, opting to stay away from social media and public attention.

Kaori Sakamoto’s journey from a young girl in Kobe to a world champion illustrates her unwavering dedication and passion for figure skating, making her a compelling figure in the sport.