Figure Skating – NHK Trophy 2025: Sakamoto Kaori Powers to Fourth Crown with World Lead Scores in Osaka
In a stunning farewell to her vibrant career, Sakamoto Kaori captured her fourth championship at the prestigious NHK Trophy on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Osaka, Japan. The crowd witnessed an electrifying performance that solidified Sakamoto’s legacy as she not only won but also set world-leading scores for the season in both the free skate (150.18) and total score (227.18).
Competing with grace and skill, Sakamoto skated to the timeless classic “Hymne à l’amour” by Edith Piaf, mesmerizing audiences with her flawless routine. This victory also secured her a coveted spot among the six women competitors headed to the Grand Prix Final scheduled for December in Nagoya, Japan.
Displaying the confidence of a seasoned champion, Sakamoto outscored her nearest rival, Kazakhstan’s Sofia Samodelkina, by an impressive 27 points, who finished with a total of 200.00. Belgian skater Loena Hendrickx also dazzled in her return to the Grand Prix stage, clinching the bronze with a score of 198.97.
Overjoyed, Sakamoto expressed her relief and excitement as she rebounded from a disappointing performance at the recent Grand Prix de France, where she finished second to 17-year-old Nakai Ami, another contender for the Final. “To be able to consistently put up a 220 during the Olympic season is really encouraging,” she remarked during her mixed zone interview. “But I still have room for improvement, so I’m not done yet.”
With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina on the horizon, Sakamoto’s journey is far from over. Given that she must qualify through the upcoming Japanese nationals next month, the 25-year-old skater recognizes that she has a limited number of competitions left.
Having announced her retirement plans following the 2025-26 season, she reflected on her aspirations: “I hope I’m saving my best performance for last. I’ll aim to build on today’s success as I work towards the Final and the Olympics.”
The NHK Trophy not only marked a monumental moment in Sakamoto’s career but also showcased the stunning depth of talent in professional figure skating today.
