Kaori Sakamoto: “Now, after graduating, I think I’ll have more time to focus on skating. I want to make effective use of it.”
Kaori Sakamoto about graduation from university and participation in the upcoming Japan Open.
source: nikkansports.com
The three-region figure skating competition, the Japan Open, will take place at the Saitama Super Arena on the October 7th. Kaori Sakamoto (23), who is a two-time world champion, participated in the practice session at the venue on the October 6th. She recently graduated from Kobe Gakuin University after studying there for four and a half years and said, “I think I’ll have more time to focus on skating. I want to make effective use of it” as she looks ahead to concentrating on her competitive career.
Her plans include not only private ice time but also incorporating general practice sessions. While she has had ample practice time in the past to support her performance, she is anticipating an increase in practice volume. She said, “The amount of practice is going to increase. I think it will become a better environment.”
In the Japan Open, skaters from Japan, North America, and Europe will compete, with rankings determined by the total points from the free skate of four skaters from each region. Sakamoto’s new free skate program for this season has a mysterious theme, “Wild is the Wind/Feeling good.” She is currently working on aspects like the initial impression, maintaining focus on the judges, and the use of her free leg and arms to explore new territory in her performance. She expressed her goal, saying, “I want to do my best to aim for victory as part of Team Japan.”
Related topics: Kaori Sakamoto
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