“I’m probably a total masochist!” and “To show skating that truly feels like me, I knew I needed his touch.” Kaori Sakamoto about working with Benoit Richaud for her final competitive season
Kaori Sakamoto reunites with Benoit Richaud for her final competitive season.
original source: Nikkansports dd. July 5th 2025 by Matsumoto Wataru
Kaori Sakamoto (25) revealed on July 5 the story behind reuniting with choreographer Benoît Richaud after four seasons. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Nikkansports.
Sakamoto is currently participating in the Japan Senior Training Camp, “Milano-Cortina Olympic Strategy Camp,” held at Kansai Airport Ice Arena. During the camp, she showcased her new short program, “Time to Say Goodbye.”
The choreographer for this program is Benoit Richaud, who has worked closely with Sakamoto throughout her career, creating both her short and free skate programs for the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics and the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where she earned a bronze medal. For the past three seasons following Beijing, Sakamoto worked with other choreographers to broaden her expressive range.
Now, ahead of her third and final Olympics, Sakamoto decided to reconnect with Richaud:
“The last time we worked together was when I was 21. I was nervous going to Italy for this choreography session, wondering if his attitude would be the same as back then or if it would reflect my current age. I was worried he’d yell at me like before, but to my surprise, it was a kinder atmosphere. It ended up being a lot more enjoyable than I expected,” she said with a smile.
Sakamoto, who has announced that she will retire at the end of this season, shared her reasons for choosing to work with Richaud again:
“This was a decision born from strong determination. I’ve always felt that Benoit choreography suits me perfectly. Honestly, I really like working with him. If I hadn’t worked with him again, I think I would have had regrets. To show skating that truly feels like me, I knew I needed his touch.”
From her longtime coach, Sonoko Nakano (72), who has guided Sakamoto since she was four years old, to Richaud, Sakamoto has always surrounded herself with mentors who push her to excel while offering strict yet supportive guidance. Reflecting on her dynamic with Richaud from her teenage years, she joked: “I’m probably a total masochist!”
Sakamoto confessed that she finds being scolded more motivating:
When I’m praised, I often think, ‘Do you really mean that?’ But when I’m scolded, I feel like saying, ‘Oh yeah? Watch me!’ or, ‘I already know!’ That kind of feedback helps me bring out my best.”
Related topics: Benoit Richaud, Kaori Sakamoto
Did Rohene do her short program again this year? Rohene-Kaori is my favorite Kaori.
No, short program by Benoit Richaud and free skate by Marie-France Dubreuil