“The days we have left to train together are limited, but as a fellow skater, I want to keep working hard to be a strong athlete, just as she is. I’m grateful for all that Kao-chan has meant to me.” Mai Mihara on Kaori Sakamoto’s decision to retire after this season
Mai Mihara reflects on Kaori Sakamoto’s decision to retire after this season.
original source: Tokyo Sports, August 11th 2025
Mai Mihara shared her heartfelt thoughts about Kaori Sakamoto, her long-time friend and fellow skater, following Sakamoto’s announcement that she will retire at the end of this season. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Tokyo Sports.
The two skaters, coached by Sonoko Nakano, have competed together in both domestic and international competitions, motivating and challenging each other throughout their careers. Reflecting on her earliest memory of Sakamoto, Mihara said, “The first time I went to the rink to skate, Kao-chan was in the middle of the ice spinning so fast.
When the conversation about her retirement came up, I couldn’t stop crying. I’ve spent so much time watching Kao-chan so closely – admiring the way she jumps in practice and hoping to emulate her. She’s been an irreplaceable presence for me, someone I’ve shared the ice with for so long,” Mihara said, speaking with deep emotion.
She continued, “The days we have left to train together are limited, but as a fellow skater, I want to keep working hard to be a strong athlete, just as she is. I’m grateful for all that Kao-chan has meant to me.”
Related topics: Kaori Sakamoto, Mai Mihara
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