Hatsuko Kagiyama continued to cement her legacy in the world of figure skating by winning her fourth consecutive national title at the Japanese Figure Skatining Championships held on December 22, 2022, at the Towa Pharmaceutical RACTAB Dome located in Kadoma, Osaka. The impressive performance saw the 24-year-old athlete secure 149.76 points for the free program, totaling 228.68 points over the competition. This victory not only solidified her dominance on the national stage but also ensured her spot at the upcoming 2024 World Figure Skatting Championships.
Kagiyama, representing Sysmex, showcased her skills and determination, but her mind was rife with mixed emotions. After her performance, she admitted, "I have various feelings now, happiness, regret, it feels great, but assignments have been added." Despite achieving the monumental feat, she expressed dissatisfaction with not executing her strongest jumps, which she viewed as unfinished business as she prepares for the World Championships.
This year’s championships also recognized the rising star, 16-year-old Mao Shimada from Kinoshita Group, who secured second place with her personal best score of 219.00 points. Following them closely, Shinhon Higuchi managed to raise her rank to third with 206.40 points. The competition not only highlighted Kagiyama’s excellence but also the potentials of younger generations.
Reflecting on her experience, Kagiyama noted the competitive nature of the event and the pressures of maintaining her title. She remarked, "I wanted to confirm my strength and set solid foundations for the World Championships." With the 2026 Winter Olympics also on the horizon, Kagiyama is focused not only on her victories but on improving her techniques to prepare for future competitions.
This national title marks Kagiyama's fifth overall, emphasizing her consistency and commitment to the sport. While her performance was marked by the grandeur of her accomplishments, she openly recognized the areas she hoped to improve, particularly her jump sequences, which she said, "were not executed to my full potential this time."
The competitive field this year also saw notable performances from other athletes. Notably, Mao Shimada aimed for her own aspirations and acknowledged the lessons learned from this year’s event. "I wanted to execute the quadruple jump, but I overcame my hesitations and performed well today," she said after the competition.
This year's championship served as both a celebration of past victories and as an opportunity to pave the way to future competitions, including the tightly contested World Championships. With Kagiyama leading the charge, accompanied by talented athletes like Shimada and Higuchi, the future looks bright for Japanese figure skating on the world stage.
While Hatsuko Kagiyama has proven herself as the reigning queen of Japanese figure skating, as she prepares for the World Championships, there is speculation on her strategies and improvements. Kagiyama stated candidly about her commitment to advancing her craft, reflecting, "This is just a stepping stone, I am excited about the challenges to come." The determination within her resonates not only with her teammates and competitors but also with fans who have followed her incredible career.
All eyes will be on Kagiyama and her fellow skaters as they gear up for the World Figure Skatting Championships. With each athlete's determination to excel, the stage is set for thrilling performances, coupled with immense talents and heart.
