Kaori Sakamoto: Japan's Figure Skating Queen Eyes 2026 Olympic Gold
Kaori Sakamoto has become synonymous with grace, power, and unrelenting determination on the ice. At just 25 years old, the Japanese figure skater has already etched her name into the sport's history books as a three-time world champion and Olympic medalist. As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan approach, Sakamoto stands as Japan's brightest hope in women's singles, ready to challenge the formidable US Dream Team and reclaim the spotlight she first captured in Beijing.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Stardom
Born on September 9, 2000, in Chiba, Japan, Sakamoto laced up her first pair of skates at age four, inspired by the elegance of the sport during the 2006 Winter Olympics. What started as a childhood passion quickly evolved into a professional pursuit. Under the guidance of coaches like Mie Hamada and Jason Dungjen, she honed her skills at the Ice Ribbon club, focusing on technical precision and artistic expression.
Sakamoto's breakthrough came during her junior years. In 2017, she won the World Junior Championships, showcasing a triple axel that stunned audiences—a jump rare for women at the time. This feat propelled her to senior levels, where she debuted at the 2018 Grand Prix Final, finishing fourth. But it was the 2019-2020 season that solidified her as a force, with victories at the NHK Trophy and Rostelecom Cup, earning her a spot at the Beijing 2022 Olympics.
Beijing 2022: A Bronze That Sparked a Dynasty
The Beijing Games were a turning point. Despite a challenging short program, Sakamoto delivered a flawless free skate, landing two triple axels and securing bronze behind Russia's Anna Shcherbakova and Alexandra Trusova. The medal, awarded amid the Kamila Valieva doping scandal, marked Japan's first Olympic figure skating medal in women's singles since 2006. For Sakamoto, it was bittersweet— she had aimed for gold—but it ignited her drive.
Post-Beijing, Sakamoto entered an era of dominance. In 2023, she claimed her first world title in Saitama, Japan, with a score of 252.45 points, edging out Belgium's Loena Hendrickx. She defended it in 2024 in Montreal and again in 2025, becoming only the fifth woman to win three consecutive world championships. Her technical prowess, including consistent triple axel-triple toe combinations, has set new standards, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in women's skating.
The Road to Milan 2026: Training and Challenges
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics loom—set to kick off with the team event on February 6—Sakamoto is in peak form. Her preparation involves rigorous training at the Takahatafudo Figure Skating Club, where she balances on-ice sessions with off-ice conditioning, including ballet, yoga, and strength workouts. "The Olympics are about more than medals; it's about representing Japan and inspiring the next generation," she said in a recent interview with Japanese media.
Sakamoto's program for the upcoming season emphasizes quads, a nod to the evolving sport. While she hasn't landed a quad in competition yet, her triple axel mastery positions her well. She's also adapting to new ISU rules that reward artistic components, blending her powerful jumps with emotive performances to songs like "Requiem for the Gods."
Challenges abound, however. The US team, dubbed the "Dream Team" by outlets like The Guardian, boasts depth with stars like Ilia Malinin (the "Quad God"), Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, and Isabeau Levito. The Americans enter as defending team event champions from Beijing (upgraded after doping disqualifications) and favorites for multiple medals. Sakamoto views this rivalry as motivation: "Competing against the best makes me better." In the team event, Japan will rely on her consistency alongside pairs like Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara to challenge the US's overwhelming roster.
Rivalry and the Global Figure Skating Landscape
The US-Japan showdown echoes the 1992 Dream Team's basketball impact, potentially drawing figure skating into mainstream culture. Sakamoto's rivalry with Liu, a fellow triple axel expert, promises thrilling battles. Liu's 2025 world title win over Sakamoto in a close contest highlights the parity. Yet, Sakamoto's experience—seven Grand Prix medals and two Olympic cycles—gives her an edge in high-stakes environments.
Beyond competition, Sakamoto advocates for mental health in skating, sharing her struggles with pressure after Beijing. She's partnered with organizations like the Japanese Olympic Committee to support young athletes, emphasizing resilience. Her off-ice persona—fashion-forward and relatable on social media—has broadened skating's appeal in Japan and abroad, with over 500,000 Instagram followers.
Legacy and What Lies Ahead
Kaori Sakamoto's journey is one of perseverance. From overcoming a 2021 ankle injury that sidelined her for months to her triumphant return, she's redefined women's figure skating. Analysts predict she'll contend for gold in Milan, potentially ending the US's recent dominance in singles.
As the team event unfolds in the Milano Ice Skating Arena, Sakamoto's performances could set the tone for Japan. Whether in the team medal or individual glory, her story transcends sport—it's about breaking barriers, embracing artistry, and soaring on ice. For fans in the US and worldwide, watching Sakamoto glide toward 2026 is a reminder of figure skating's magic: a blend of athleticism and dreams that captivates the soul.
In a sport often criticized for its intensity, Sakamoto embodies hope. Her quest for Olympic gold isn't just personal; it's a beacon for aspiring skaters everywhere. Stay tuned as Milan 2026 approaches—Kaori Sakamoto is ready to make history once more.
