As part of the 2024-25 Grand Prix series, Japanese skaters vow to jump to Milano Cortina

Kagiyama and Sakamoto – Japan’s No. 1 heading to Milano Cortina – were among the 10 skaters in attendance who have been drafted into the upcoming Grand Prix season.

Were also there Yamamoto Sota, Miura Kao, Sato Shun And Tomono Kazuki on the men’s side. The women who joined Sakamoto were Chiba Mone, Watanabe Rinka, Yoshida Hana And Mihara Mai.

The new figure skating campaign launched this month with the Lombardia and Nebelhorn trophies. The GP Series begins October 18th and 20th with Skate America. Both Sakamoto and Kagiyama are registered for the NHK Trophy on November 8-10, with the former slated for Skate Canada on October 25 and 27 and the latter for the Finlandia Trophy on November 15 and 17.

The two competed in the Lombardia Trophy and finished third and second respectively. And both said there were few positives to highlight their season debuts as they tinker with their programs for 2025-26.

“After Lombardia, I have a lot to do,” said Sakamoto, who bleached her hair in the summer, similar to the character Roxie Hart in the musical “Chicago.”

“During the short and free test, only my level four spins worked, which is encouraging as the grades are tougher now.

“I just need more practice, but if I keep working at it, the confidence will grow.”

Sakamoto and Kagiyama finally received their silver medals in the Beijing 2022 team competition at a ceremony at the Paris 2024 Games. Unlike Beijing, which took place behind closed doors due to Corona measures, the sight of the Paris Games in front of a sold-out crowd fueled the fire for Milano Cortina only more so.

“The moment I received the medal after two and a half years of waiting made me want to win again in Milan even more,” said Sakamoto.

“After Paris we had a camp in Milan and I said with Yuma and (Miura Riku/Kihara Ryuichi) how much we want to win another medal together.”