A quadruple world champion in women's singles figure skating, Kaori Sakamoto established a legacy defined by consistency and dominance on the international stage. Born in Kobe, Japan, on April 9, 2000, she developed her skills under the long-term guidance of coaches Sonoko Nakano, Mitsuko Graham, and Sei Kawahara, eventually becoming a record-breaking figure in her sport.
Early Career and Junior Development
Sakamoto began her skating journey in Kobe on November 18, 2003. Her rise through the junior ranks included a victory at the 2012–13 Japan Novice Championships. After debuting on the ISU Junior Grand Prix circuit during the 2013–2014 season, she steadily progressed, culminating in a bronze medal at the 2017 World Junior Championships and the 2016–17 Junior Grand Prix Final.
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The 2017–2018 season marked her full transition to senior competition, highlighted by a victory at the Four Continents Championships. Sakamoto holds the distinction of being the only Japanese women's singles skater to compete at three Olympic Winter Games. Her Olympic resume includes a bronze medal in the 2022 individual event, a silver medal in 2026, and two additional silver medals as part of the Japanese team in 2022 and 2026.
Record-Setting World Titles
Sakamoto achieved historic success at the World Championships, securing four titles between 2022 and 2026. She was the first Japanese woman to win the event since 2014 and the first skater from her nation to capture three consecutive world crowns. Her fourth victory tied her with Michelle Kwan, and she remains the only Japanese skater in any discipline to reach four world championship titles.
Education and Personal Life
Outside of her competitive career, Sakamoto pursued higher education at Kobe Gakuin University, where she graduated in September 2023. She was recognized for her achievements with the Kobe City Sports Special Award in August 2023. In May 2026, she announced her marriage to a partner she met during her university studies. Away from the rink, she engages in swimming and jigsaw puzzles.
Fast facts
- Born: April 9, 2000, Kobe, Japan
- World Championship Titles: 4 (2022, 2023, 2024, 2026)
- Japanese National Titles: 6
- Education: Kobe Gakuin University
- Olympic Appearances: 3
- Preferred Equipment: White Edea Ice Fly skates
- Coaches: Sonoko Nakano, Mitsuko Graham, Sei Kawahara
Questions readers ask
How many world titles did Kaori Sakamoto win?
She won four World Championship titles, earning them in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2026.
What is unique about her Olympic participation?
She is the only women's singles skater from Japan to have competed at three separate Olympic Winter Games.
Achievements
- Competed at the 2022 Winter Olympics
- Competed at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympics
- Competed at the 2026 Winter Olympics
- Competed at the 2018 Winter Olympics
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