Sakamoto Kaori scores 79.43 points and leads SP in All Japan with perfect performance and guts pose By Maria
3 min read
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The All Japan of Patinação Artística on Gelo started on December 19, 2025, on the In the women’s short program (SP), Kaori Sakamoto, from Sysmex, who announced retirement at the end of the season, recorded 79.43 points and occupied the first provisional position. The competition serves as the final selection for the Jogos Olímpicos of Inverno Milano-Cortina 2026, and victory guarantees an automatic place for the Sakamoto.
Sakamoto entered as the 28th skater and executed the initial triple Lutz perfectly. Afterwards, he completed the double Axel and the triple flip with triple toe loop without fail, receiving high marks in spins and steps. At the end of the performance, he displayed a characteristic guts pose, and the audience responded with a standing ovation.
At the kiss and cry, Sakamoto showed amused expressions while waiting for the score. Upon seeing 79.43 points, he reacted with surprise. Ela commented after the race that he felt positive tension and managed to perform his skate despite some concerns.
The athlete is looking for her fifth consecutive title in the All Japan, which would place her as one of the few in Japanese female history. Caso wins, guarantees the third Olympic participation, an unprecedented milestone for Japanese women in singles.
Technical elements of the presentation
Sakamoto aligned all components of the program with high quality. Ela obtained balanced technical and component scores, approaching his best of the season.
- Triple Lutz: Execução clears with positive GOE.
- Triple flip-triple toe loop: Posicionado in second half for bonus.
- Double Axel: Rotação holds and precise landing.
Spins and step sequence reached level 4. Sakamoto highlighted that he managed to avoid common point losses in the current season.
The presentation reflects adjustments made after Grand Prix Final, where he finished third.
Retirement Declaration and Preparation
Sakamoto positioned this season as the last of his career. No Grand Prix Final of initial December, left SP late but recovered to bronze.
She has stepped up error recovery training since then. The day before, he described his mental state as 5% fun, 45% anxiety and 50% tension, but he converted it into focus during the test.
Sakamoto mentioned intense days so far and the intention to give everything in All Japan. Ela stated that he prepared as much as possible and now it depends on the execution in competition.
Importance of competition
The All Japan serves as the final Olympic qualifiers. In the female category, the champion receives priority for the place, and Sakamoto can guarantee the title.
She has a track record of Olympic bronze in Pequim and multiple world titles. Terceira Olimpíada would be unprecedented for Japanese women in women’s singles.
The dispute continues to the free, with Sakamoto and other tops seeking high scores. The competition attracts attention due to its intensity.
Repercussions in the gym
The guts pose of Sakamoto at the end symbolized relief and satisfaction. Muitos spectators waved banners and gave a standing ovation.
She noticed during the skating that she didn’t feel like she was last, but afterward, she noticed the massive support. Sakamoto repeated his gratitude to the public for their encouragement.
The charged environment reflects the weight of being the last All Japan for her.
Preparation for free
In the free program, Sakamoto plans more complex composition. Sua stability will be crucial to the objective.
She expressed a desire to maintain concentration and deliver a satisfactory presentation. The title prioritizes the Olympic place in Milano-Cortina.
The sequence of events puts pressure on, but Sakamoto shows determination.
Trajectory of Sakamoto
Kaori Sakamoto has been leading the Japanese women’s division for years. Conquistou Olympic medals and multiple world titles.
In the current season, it maintained solid results at Grand Prix and advanced to Final. Mesmo with announced retirement, maintained high motivation.
This as the last season requires total effort in each event. The fans’ support filled the gym with energy.
