Reigning World Champion Kaori Sakamoto solidified her place in Japanese Winter Olympic figure skating history by clinching her fourth consecutive national title on Sunday, a remarkable feat that underscores her dominance in the sport. The 24-year-old Sakamoto, who is the reigning World Winter Olympic Figure Skating Champion, delivered a near-perfect performance in the free skate to fend off a strong challenge from the up-and-coming 16-year-old Mao Shimada. Sakamoto’s victory marked her fifth overall national title, cementing her legacy as one of the most successful female figure skaters in Japan’s history.
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At the Towa Pharmaceutical RACTAB Dome in Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture, Sakamoto scored 149.76 points in the free skate to finish with a total of 228.68 points. This result earned her a spot in the upcoming World Winter Olympic Figure Skating Championships in Boston, where she will aim for a fourth consecutive world title—a rare and prestigious accomplishment in the sport. Sakamoto’s victory came after leading both the short and free programs, showcasing her consistency and mental fortitude throughout the competition.
A Narrow Victory: Sakamoto’s Near-Perfect Free Skate
Although Sakamoto maintained her dominance, her performance was far from flawless. She admitted in her post-competition interview that she felt a bit defensive during her free skate, lacking the sense of satisfaction she had in previous years. I’m relieved, but I still have work to do, Sakamoto said. I don’t have a sense of achievement like last year. I got defensive a little bit. I’ll try to be aggressive at the World Championships.
Despite this self-assessment, her near-perfect performance was enough to hold off the challenge from Mao Shimada, who finished second with a career-high score of 219.00. Shimada, the World Junior Champion, displayed remarkable maturity and skill throughout the competition, but a fall on a quad toeloop and an under-rotated triple axel marred an otherwise solid free skate. Nonetheless, Shimada’s performance demonstrated her potential, and she expressed confidence in her growth.I wanted to land the quad toeloop, she mentioned. Over time, I definitely grew mentally. Next year, I hope to win.
The Rising Star: Mao Shimada’s Impressive Performance in Winter Olympic Figure Skating
Shimada’s second-place finish was a breakthrough in her young career, marking her first podium appearance at the Japanese National Championships. While disappointed by her technical errors, Shimada showed promise in her mental approach to the competition. Her resolve and poise on the ice, despite the setbacks, have garnered attention as she continues to develop into one of Japan’s top skaters. You Can Read Russian Skaters to Compete as Neutrals in the Winter Olympic 2026
As one of the youngest competitors in the field, Shimada’s rise in the sport is a testament to her growing talent and determination. The Tokyo native will no doubt be a key challenger to Sakamoto’s supremacy in the coming years, particularly as she gains more experience at the senior level.
Wakaba Higuchi and Mone Chiba: Strong Performances and Future Prospects
Wakaba Higuchi, a consistent performer on the international circuit, finished third with 206.40 points. She moved up one spot from her position after the short program, delivering a solid free skate to secure the podium finish. Higuchi, a former World Championship medalist, has had a somewhat inconsistent year but continues to show flashes of brilliance. With strong performances in the past and the potential to challenge for a top spot at the World Championships, Higuchi remains one of Japan’s top female skaters.
Mone Chiba, who had an impressive showing at the Grand Prix Final in early December, finishing as runner-up to Amber Glenn of the United States, ended the national championships in fourth place with a total score of 205.69. Chiba’s fourth-place finish here was disappointing for the 20-year-old, especially after her solid performance in the international circuit. However, she has proven her potential on the global stage, notably taking bronze at the Grand Prix Final, and she remains a key competitor for future international events, including the World Championships.
Sakamoto’s Historic Streak: Cementing Her Legacy in Japanese Winter Olympic Figure Skating
With her victory, Sakamoto became only the ninth woman in history to win four or more consecutive Japanese National Winter Olympic Figure Skating Championships. She is the first to achieve this feat since Satoko Miyahara, who won four straight titles from 2014 to 2017. Additionally, Midori Ito and Emi Watanabe share the record for most consecutive national titles, with eight championships apiece.
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Sakamoto’s triumph also extends her streak of excellence at national competitions. The victory adds another layer of significance to her already impressive resume, which includes a gold medal at the 2022 World Championships, as well as a silver at the 2023 World Championships. Her ability to maintain this level of performance year after year, particularly in the face of rising competition, has firmly established her as Japan’s premier figure skater and a leading contender in international competitions.
Winter Olympic 2026: Japan’s Strong Presence at the World Championships
In addition to Sakamoto, the Japan Skating Federation announced the names of other skaters who will represent Japan at the World Winter Olympic Figure Skating Championships in March. Yuma Kagiyama, the 2022 Olympic bronze medalist, and Shun Sato, a rising star in men’s figure skating, will represent Japan in the men’s competition. Tatsuya Tsuboi, another promising skater, will also compete in the men’s event, completing a strong trio of competitors.
Sakamoto, alongside Chiba, Higuchi, and the men’s team, will aim to continue Japan’s tradition of excellence in Winter Olympic figure skating at the World Championships in Boston. Sakamoto will certainly face intense competition from the likes of Kamila Valieva of Russia, Anna Shcherbakova of Russia, and Alexandra Trusova of Russia, but her experience and determination position her as one of the favorites to retain her title.
The Future of Japanese Winter Olympic Figure Skating
With the 2024 World Championships fast approaching, the Japanese Winter Olympic figure skating community is eager to see how Sakamoto and her fellow competitors perform on the global stage. As Sakamoto looks ahead to her next challenge, she will undoubtedly carry the weight of expectations as both a reigning World Champion and a four-time national titleholder. Yet, her competitive spirit and drive to improve suggest that she will be ready for whatever lies ahead.
Meanwhile, the emergence of younger skaters like Mao Shimada and Mone Chiba suggests a bright future for Japanese Winter Olympic figure skating, with a new generation of talent ready to carry the torch. The national championships have highlighted the depth of talent within the country, and as these skaters continue to refine their craft, Japan’s presence on the world stage is only expected to grow stronger.
Kaori Sakamoto’s Historic Victory: Japan’s Continued Dominance in Winter Olympic Figure Skating
Kaori Sakamoto’s fourth consecutive national title is not just a personal achievement; it is a reflection of Japan’s continued dominance in Winter Olympic figure skating. As the sport evolves and new competitors rise to challenge her, Sakamoto’s legacy is already secure. Whether or not she clinches another World Championship title in March, her place in the history of Japanese Winter Olympic figure skating is firmly established. With young stars like Shimada, Chiba, and Higuchi pushing the envelope, the future of the sport in Japan is brighter than ever, and the world will be watching closely to see how these talented skaters fare on the global stage.
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