Japan Names Figure Skating Team for Milan-Cortina Olympics

Tokyo, Japan – Japan has announced its figure skating team for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, led by three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto and Beijing Olympics silver medallist Yuma Kagiyama.

Pairs world champions Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara were also included, despite having to withdraw from this weekend’s national championships due to an injury. The championships also served as Japan’s Olympic trials.

Sakamoto, who won bronze at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, secured her spot by winning her sixth national women’s singles title in Tokyo. She scored 234.36 points, ahead of Mao Shimada (228.08) and Mone Chiba (216.24).

Since Shimada is only 17 and too young for Olympic selection, the team will include Sakamoto, Chiba, and fourth-placed Ami Nakai. Sakamoto will make history as the first Japanese woman to compete in three consecutive Winter Olympics.

“When I was asked after Beijing if I wanted a third Olympics, I thought it had never been done before, and I wanted to achieve it,” Sakamoto said. “Winning the world championship and other experiences gave me confidence.”

Sakamoto admitted to being nervous but delivered a strong performance to secure her Olympic spot. “I had to really battle to win today, and I’ll need to dig deep mentally again,” she said, visibly emotional after her routine.

Chiba and Nakai will make their Olympic debuts in Milan-Cortina.