Figure skating – ISU CS Kinoshita Group Cup 2025: Eyeing one last hurrah, season of truth arrives for Sakamoto Kaori
For Sakamoto Kaori, the time to call it a career was now – or never. Japan’s three-time figure skating world champion and two-time Olympic medallist turns 26 in April. If she wanted to, Sakamoto could prolong her career, and few would probably stop her after all she’s achieved.
But despite being one of the greatest skaters of her generation, what would be the point of staying on for the sake of staying on, when Sakamoto isn’t getting any younger in a youngster’s sport? That’s just not her style. Rather, Sakamoto wants to give her all to what will be her final Olympic Winter Games and go out with a bang.
“If I didn’t retire after the Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026, I was afraid I’d never retire,” Sakamoto said back in June, announcing this would be her last competitive season. “I wanted to draw a clear line in the sand, and doing it after a massive event like the Olympics made sense.”
While initial reactions may have been mixed, Sakamoto’s announcement was filled with cheerful laughter and warmth. She knew soon after Beijing 2022, where she secured a bronze medal individually and helped Japan win silver in the team event, that Milano Cortina would be her swan song.
“Being honest, I was ready to quit anytime,” she admitted. “But I wanted to experience the Olympics one more time. I knew there wouldn’t be another opportunity.”
This weekend, Sakamoto kicks off her final season with the Kinoshita Group Cup in Osaka, the first Challenger Series competition in Japan. Fittingly, her program selections include “Time to Say Goodbye” paired with the iconic “Hymne à l’amour.”
The season of truth is here for Sakamoto. Reflecting on the years ahead, she says, “The Olympic season has finally arrived. I’ve been ready for four years.” As anticipation builds, it’s clear this finale is not just about medals, but also about honor and leaving a legacy. Can she achieve that elusive Olympic gold? Only time will tell.
