Kaori Sakamoto plans to retire after season 2025-2026

[MINAM]

In Japanese

"I have less than a year left in my competitive career. Rather than doing it half-heartedly for two or three years (after the Olympics), I think I'll make a break for it when I turn 26."

Wishing her an injury-free final season.

 

[zigzig]

Even if she quit now, 3 World golds, a surprise Olympic bronze and the hearts of countless skating fans around the world is already a brilliant legacy

Wishing her a joyful 25/26 season.

 

[Aussie Willy]

She will be missed but good for her going out on her own terms. Hope she has a fantastic final season.

With her and Alyssa at the Olympics the women's event is going to be fun.

 

[aussieSKATES]

Other than Kaori, Alysa Liu, Mona Chiba, Isabeau Levito, Amber Glenn, Wakaba Higuchi, (a healthy) Loena Hendrickx, Kim Chae-yeon, Shin Ji-a, any number of US, Japanese or Korean women and potentially Adeliia Petrosian, will be gunning for the podium in Italy.

With Mao Shimada, and other junior women like Australia's own Hana Bath and Mia Zeng hovering on the horizon in the next few years, it is really now or never.

 

[overedge]

Everyone retires eventually, but I for one will really miss her creativity and her breaking of stereotypes. And at least she's making the decision herself, rather than having it forced on her.

 

[YukiNieve]

Kaori hopes to become an instructor after her retirement.

On SP music: Her choreographer (I guess Rohene?) said to her "Let's do this." The title of the music sounds like "Goodbye" but the program is meant to be moving on to the next step rather than saying "this is the end." I'd like to convey that it was never intended to be the end.

On FS music: It was me who wanted to use "La vie en Rose." Akiko Suzuki, whom I admire, used that music and when I saw it, I thought I wanted to use this music for my retirement season.

リンクサイド：坂本花織　新フリーは「愛の賛歌」　「引退シーズンはこの曲を…」 | 毎日新聞

フィギュアスケート女子で、2022年北京冬季オリンピック銅メダルの坂本花織選手（シスメックス）が20日、ミラノ・コルティナ冬季五輪が行われる来季限りで現役を引退する意向を表明した。

mainichi.jp

 

[Wyliefan]

Seems like just yesterday she was a cute little teen skating to Amelie in a red dress, and Jack Gallagher was telling the Olympic audience to keep an eye on her. What a terrific career she's had. And on top of it all, she seems to be a lovely human being.

 

[coppertop1]

I think we knew this was coming but I'm still not ready ?. From the dark horse Olympic Bronze medalist who saved the women's event to the leading lady in the post Eteri Era. Her longevity is impressive. I'm going to miss her

 

[PRlady]

As someone who has ubered her since junior days (and correctly predicted she’d make the 2018 Oly team) I’m wistful but happy for her. She had a great career, hopefully will win two more Oly medals (team and individual) and skated some very non-warhorse programs. I will miss her lively personality as much as her skating.

 

[alexikeguchi]

From the dark horse Olympic Bronze medalist who saved the women's event...

In my mind if not the official records, she is the reigning gold medalist. I boycotted watching that sham of an event but replayed individual performances afterwards, and Kaori soared. I certainly wouldn't mind if she officially wins in Milano though! She can be proud of her career and most importantly, how she has led the way to restoring sportsmanship.

 

[jenny12]

Aww, I'll miss Kaori! I hope she has the performance that she wants at the Olympics. Whatever happens, she will have had a brilliant career!

 

[Plusdinfo]

I think I had zero appreciation for Kaori until I saw her live, and that's when I became a giant fan and wished her great success. Her speed and blade work are tremendous. Note to anyone who needs one more nudge to watch skating live: you can really compare skaters better when you see them in person. I'm disappointed in some of Kaori's recent programs, but her skills are undeniable. I hope she has a fantastic end of her career.

 

[Vagabond]

I will miss her lively personality as much as her skating.

Ditto. I will also miss her smile, which is my favorite among currently active skaters.

 

[NinjaTurtles]

I think I had zero appreciation for Kaori until I saw her live, and that's when I became a giant fan and wished her great success. Her speed and blade work are tremendous. Note to anyone who needs one more nudge to watch skating live: you can really compare skaters better when you see them in person. I'm disappointed in some of Kaori's recent programs, but her skills are undeniable. I hope she has a fantastic end of her career.

Seeing Kaori’s double axel in-person is such an experience.

 

[Aussie Willy]

She can be proud of her career and most importantly, how she has led the way to restoring sportsmanship.

Her behaviour and joy for the sport makes her standout. Same goes for Alyssa. It is so nice that these days we can enjoy it.

 

[olympic]

Is anyone surprised? 2026 Milan will be her 3d Olympiad. She has 3 world championships and 2 olympic medals. Retirement is well-earned.

 

[overedge]

Is anyone surprised?

Yes, because she kept going through a lot of difficult times. She got to choose when to stop, and that's the most important thing.

 

[YukiNieve]

Kaori's new SP, Time to Say Goodbye, performed at Dreams on Ice 2025 in Japan.

Team Kaori Sakamoto｜坂本花織ファンチーム on Instagram: "Kaori Sakamoto | Dreams on Ice 2025 | SP "Time To Say Goodbye" Choreographer: To Be Announced Planned jump elements for SP: 3Lz, 2A, 3F+3T Note: The costume she’s wearing is from her 2020/21 SP and wi

272 likes, 4 comments - teamkaori_sakamoto on June 28, 2025: "Kaori Sakamoto | Dreams on Ice 2025 | SP "Time To Say Goodbye" Choreographer: To Be Announced Planned jump elements for SP: 3Lz, 2A, 3F+3T Note: The costume she’s wearing is from her 2020/21 SP and will be replaced by a new one...

www.instagram.com

BTW we are still not sure who choreographed Kaori's SP - It was once reported as Benoit Richaud in an article, but then his name was erased from the article.

 

[Rukia]

Kaori's new SP, Time to Say Goodbye, performed at Dreams on Ice in Japan.

Team Kaori Sakamoto｜坂本花織ファンチーム on Instagram: "Kaori Sakamoto | Dreams on Ice 2025 | SP "Time To Say Goodbye" Choreographer: To Be Announced Planned jump elements for SP: 3Lz, 2A, 3F+3T Note: The costume she’s wearing is from her 2020/21 SP and wi

272 likes, 4 comments - teamkaori_sakamoto on June 28, 2025: "Kaori Sakamoto | Dreams on Ice 2025 | SP "Time To Say Goodbye" Choreographer: To Be Announced Planned jump elements for SP: 3Lz, 2A, 3F+3T Note: The costume she’s wearing is from her 2020/21 SP and will be replaced by a new one...

www.instagram.com

BTW we are still not sure who choreographed Kaori's SP - It was once reported as Benoit in an article, but then his name was erased from the article.

sarah brightman notwithstanding this will absolutely bring down the house and make people cry etc etc

 

[kwanfan1818]

Loved the timing on the combo spin

 

[Aussie Willy]

Kaori's new SP, Time to Say Goodbye, performed at Dreams on Ice in Japan.

Team Kaori Sakamoto｜坂本花織ファンチーム on Instagram: "Kaori Sakamoto | Dreams on Ice 2025 | SP "Time To Say Goodbye" Choreographer: To Be Announced Planned jump elements for SP: 3Lz, 2A, 3F+3T Note: The costume she’s wearing is from her 2020/21 SP and wi

272 likes, 4 comments - teamkaori_sakamoto on June 28, 2025: "Kaori Sakamoto | Dreams on Ice 2025 | SP "Time To Say Goodbye" Choreographer: To Be Announced Planned jump elements for SP: 3Lz, 2A, 3F+3T Note: The costume she’s wearing is from her 2020/21 SP and will be replaced by a new one...

www.instagram.com

BTW we are still not sure who choreographed Kaori's SP - It was once reported as Benoit Richaud in an article, but then his name was erased from the article.

Oh that is so beautiful. Her skating skills and style are to die for.

I liked the dress too but it says it will be replaced.

 

[withwings]

Soul touching skate in all levels.

 

[coppertop1]

I'm not ready for her to retire

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

Kaori's new SP, Time to Say Goodbye, performed at Dreams on Ice 2025 in Japan.

Team Kaori Sakamoto｜坂本花織ファンチーム on Instagram: "Kaori Sakamoto | Dreams on Ice 2025 | SP "Time To Say Goodbye" Choreographer: To Be Announced Planned jump elements for SP: 3Lz, 2A, 3F+3T Note: The costume she’s wearing is from her 2020/21 SP and wi

272 likes, 4 comments - teamkaori_sakamoto on June 28, 2025: "Kaori Sakamoto | Dreams on Ice 2025 | SP "Time To Say Goodbye" Choreographer: To Be Announced Planned jump elements for SP: 3Lz, 2A, 3F+3T Note: The costume she’s wearing is from her 2020/21 SP and will be replaced by a new one...

www.instagram.com

BTW we are still not sure who choreographed Kaori's SP - It was once reported as Benoit Richaud in an article, but then his name was erased from the article.

Does Kaori have her own Instagram account? I can’t find one.

 

[Karen-W]

Does Kaori have her own Instagram account? I can’t find one.

No. Her skating school/team has an official account & they post stuff about her, Mai Mihara & Tatsuya Tsuboi (and also Saki Miyake).

Login • Instagram

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www.instagram.com

 

[YukiNieve]

BTW we are still not sure who choreographed Kaori's SP - It was once reported as Benoit Richaud in an article, but then his name was erased from the article.

Now we know that who the choreographer is.

B E N O I T R I C H A U D on Instagram: "K A O R I There’s joy, trust, and a deep will to create something meaningful for this final chapter. Thank you Kaori, Sonoko and Mitsuko 🩶 . . . #KaoriSakamoto #OlympicSeason #BackTogether #SkateWithHeart #B

3,246 likes, 39 comments - benoitrichaud on June 29, 2025: "K A O R I There’s joy, trust, and a deep will to create something meaningful for this final chapter. Thank you Kaori, Sonoko and Mitsuko 🩶 . . . #KaoriSakamoto #OlympicSeason #BackTogether #SkateWithHeart #BenoitRichaud #timetosaygoodbye".

www.instagram.com