“I hope we can support each other and keep pushing until the very end.” Kaori Sakamoto about her and Wakaba Higuchi’s last competitive season
Kaori Sakamoto and Wakaba Higuchi to fight alongside in their final season.
original source: Nikkansports dd. June 27th 2025 by Daisuke Fujitsuka
Kaori Sakamoto (25), the silver medalist at this March’s World Championships, vowed to join forces with her longtime peer, Wakaba Higuchi (24), as Higuchi prepares for her final competitive season, announced earlier this week. Here’s a translation of her comments.
Sakamoto, who also plans to retire following the Milano-Cortina Olympic season, performed at the opening of the ice show “Dream on Ice” (DOI), held on June 27 at the KOSE Shin-Yokohama Skating Center. Referring to Higuchi’s announcement earlier that day, Sakamoto expressed her thoughts on the upcoming Olympic season: “I hope we can support each other and keep pushing until the very end.”
Both Sakamoto and Higuchi have been pillars of Japanese figure skating for years. Higuchi made a standout debut as a middle schooler, becoming the youngest skater to reach the Japanese Nationals podium in 201 – a feat last achieved by Mao Asada in 2004. Meanwhile, Sakamoto climbed the ranks through relentless training, achieving her own first podium at the 2017 nationals with a second-place finish in her fifth attempt.
The pair competed together at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where they earned a silver medal in the team event. Reflecting on that experience, Sakamoto said: “Wakaba was always someone I struggled to catch up to. Winning that medal together at the Beijing Olympics made me feel that I had finally grown enough to compete alongside her on the same level.”
After taking a break during the 2022–23 season, Higuchi made an impressive return, earning sixth place at the 2023 World Championships. Sakamoto recalled an emotional moment during the competition: “Right after she finished her free skate, we embraced by the rinkside, both of us in tears. Seeing her return to the top level of the sport despite time off and injuries is truly incredible. I really respect her mental toughness.”
The two skaters share a close bond outside of competition as well. They even went on a trip together during the off-season, encouraging each other with the phrase, “Let’s give it our all for the new season!” Sakamoto playfully described Higuchi’s personality: “Off the ice, she becomes this sweet, affectionate Wakaba-chan, which is such an endearing contrast. I really admire how far she’s come and feel so happy for her.” she said with a shy smile.
For Sakamoto, the upcoming season, starting in July, will also mark her last as a competitive skater. During DOI, she debuted her new free skate set to “Hymne à l’amour” (Hymn to Love). Inspired by advice from her choreographer, Marie-France Dubreuil, Sakamoto shared her vision for the program: “Marie-France suggested that I could connect more emotionally by skating with love for skating itself. I hope my free program captures my passion for the sport.”
As Sakamoto eyes a third Olympic appearance, her determination is clear: “I want to push myself as always, one competition at a time, with the goal of making the Olympics. If I qualify, I’ll aim for silver or higher in both the team and individual events.”
With her sights set on leaving a lasting mark, Sakamoto steps into her farewell season ready to showcase her growth and unwavering love for the sport. Partnering with Higuchi, she prepares to face the challenges of her final competitive year while continuing to inspire and compete at the highest level of figure skating.
Related topics: Kaori Sakamoto, Wakaba Higuchi
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