Japanese figure skater Kaori Sakamoto announced her retirement from competitive skating and revealed she is getting married during a press conference in Japan [1].

Sakamoto's departure marks the end of a significant era for Japanese figure skating, as she transitions from one of the sport's most consistent global competitors to a new role in mentorship and performance.

Sakamoto said that after a competitive career spanning 21 years [1], she feels the period of intense training—which she described as her "youth"—has come to an end. She said she feels a sense of loneliness regarding the conclusion of that chapter, noting that she has seen many different sights throughout her journey [1].

During her career, Sakamoto achieved significant success on the world stage. She earned two medals at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics [1]. In other major competitions, she reached a total score of 238 points at the World Figure Skating Championships [2].

Reports on her age at the time of retirement vary between 25 [2] and 26 years old [1].

Looking forward, Sakamoto said she intends to remain connected to the ice. Her future plans include transitioning into coaching, appearing in ice shows, and teaching. The announcement of her retirement followed the conclusion of the 2024 World Figure Skating Championships, which ended on March 28, 2024, Japan time [1, 2].

Sakamoto shared her personal milestone of marriage alongside her professional exit, signaling a comprehensive shift in her life's focus from the rigors of elite competition to personal and professional growth outside the competitive circuit [1].

“"I feel that practicing hard while active is 'youth,' and there is a loneliness in feeling that I no longer have that."”

Sakamoto's retirement represents a transition for the sport as it moves past the era of the 2026 Olympic cycle. By moving into coaching and ice shows, she ensures that her technical expertise remains within the Japanese skating infrastructure, potentially influencing the next generation of skaters who will compete in the subsequent Olympic quadrennial.