“While I was skating, it didn’t feel like it was my last time, but after I finished, seeing so many people waving banners made me realize just how much support I’ve had.” Kaori Sakamoto leads after the SP at the Japanese Nationals
Kaori Sakamoto took the lead in the women’s short program at Japanese Nationals.
original source: sponichi.co.jp dd. 19th December 2025
Kaori Sakamoto, who has announced her retirement at the end of this season, took the lead in the women’s short program at her final Japanese Nationals, aiming for a fifth consecutive title and a third Olympic appearance.
She landed her opening triple lutz, followed by a double axel and a triple flip–triple toe loop in the second half. After her performance, she celebrated with a fist pump, and the audience responded with a standing ovation.
In the kiss and cry, she made a playful face, and when she saw her score of 79.43 points, she looked surprised and delighted. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Sponichi.
“I was able to perform with a really good sense of tension, so although I had some anxieties today, I was able to skate in my own style by the time of the event. (Fist pump) While I was skating, it didn’t feel like it was my last time, but after I finished, seeing so many people waving banners made me realize just how much support I’ve had,” Sakamoto said
“This year, I’ve had a lot of mistakes, so I’m glad I was able to put it all together. I hope I can keep this up in the upcoming competitions. I want to stay focused and deliver a performance I’m satisfied with in the free skate as well. I’ll do my best to secure my Olympic spot at Nationals,” she said.
This tournament puts Sakamoto in contention for her fifth consecutive national title, making her only the fifth woman in history to achieve this. If she wins, she will automatically secure a spot on the Olympic team, and if selected, she would become the first Japanese woman to compete in three Olympics.
“I’ve had such intense days up to now. To make it even more fulfilling, I want to give it one more push at this Nationals. I’ve done everything I can, and now it’s just a matter of how much I can show in the actual competition.”
Looking ahead to the free skate, she said, “All that’s left is to give it my all. All I can do is believe in myself, so I want to do my best not to let myself down.”
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