Sakamoto Looks Back on “Springtime of Life” as Figure Skater

Kobe, May 13 (Jiji Press)–Kaori Sakamoto contently recalled the days of being a top figure skater at her retirement press conference on Wednesday. “I feel fulfilled at most, and a little bit empty,” Sakamoto, 26, told the news conference in her hometown Kobe. “Objectively looking back on the days of hard practice, I can say I was in the springtime of my life.” Sakamoto put an end to her competitive career in March, after winning a silver medal in women’s singles at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in February. While watching a video of her life from childhood, Sakamoto was moved to tears. “I have experienced various regrets and happiness. It was an invaluable time,” she said. She now plans to perform at ice shows, while also teaching younger skaters under coach Sonoko Nakano, who has taught Sakamoto since she was 4 years old. Sakamoto expressed hope that she becomes a coach like Nakano. “I like to teach skaters in my own way,” she said. With her dynamic jumps, speedy skating and high quality, expressive performances, Sakamoto reigned Japanese female figure skating. She competed at three Olympics in a row, ranking sixth at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games and clinching a bronze medal at the 2022 Beijing Games, besides the Milan-Cortina silver. After announcing her retirement from competition last June, she became the first Japanese skater to win the fourth world title in late March. At the same press conference, Sakamoto revealed her marriage to a man of the same age. “He is like the opposite of me, always thinking about things calmly,” she said. “But he never forgets to enjoy and does something fun with me.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]