The World Figure Skating Championships are set to commence in Boston on March 26, 2025, showcasing a lineup of some of Japan's most promising talents in the sport. Among those competing is 21-year-old Sato Koshiro, who has had a stellar season, including winning his first Grand Prix series and securing a third-place finish in the Grand Prix Final.
Despite his achievements, Sato faced disappointment at the All-Japan Championships, where he aimed for the title but instead finished in seventh place. Nevertheless, his performances earlier in the season earned him a spot at the World Championships for the first time. Sato is currently honing his skills to successfully execute both the quadruple Lutz and quadruple flip jumps in preparation for this prestigious competition.
Accompanying Sato on his journey is fellow skater Uchino Masahiro, who has offered support and advice. After watching Sato's practice sessions, Uchino spoke about the confidence that he has in Sato's abilities. 'From what I’ve seen in practice, he is doing amazing things,' Uchino commented.
Reflecting on his season, Sato noted that his Lutz jump has been impressive, with a landing rate of 89% prior to the All-Japan Championships. However, a mistake in the short program during that competition affected his overall performance, causing him to finish below expectations.
Uchino addressed Sato's concerns about not showcasing his best during competitions, advising him that failure is a part of growth. 'When you fail, it can be an opportunity for future success,' Uchino stated, urging Sato to change his mindset about competition-related fears. 'Experience from failures builds resilience,' he added.
As Sato approaches the World Championships, his ambition is palpable. He expressed his desire to finally end a competition with a smile. 'Not a lot of my competitions have ended with me smiling,' he admitted, revealing his goal to achieve a personal best in his performances.
Alongside Sato, the Japanese team features strong contenders including Keyama Yushin and Sumiyoshi Tatsuki in the men's division, while the women’s field is represented by Sakamoto Kaori, who aims for her fourth consecutive world title, and others like Chiba Momone and Takagi Sena.
Sakamoto arrived in Boston on March 23, confident and ready to defend her title. She is striving to make history by becoming the fifth woman to achieve four consecutive wins at the World Championships. 'I will challenge this opportunity with a strong mindset,' Sakamoto stated, highlighting her determination.
Though the accolades are within reach, both Sato and Sakamoto acknowledge the challenge ahead. This year's competition promises excitement, with fans eagerly anticipating their performances. In this spirit, Sato remarked, 'My goal is to deliver a clean program with no mistakes,' highlighting his focus on consistency.
As the world of figure skating centers its eyes on Boston for this major event, athletes like Sato and Sakamoto are ready to give their all, aiming not just for medals but personal milestones. With dreams of the Milano Cortina d'Ampezzo 2026 Olympics also lingering in the background, this championship serves as an essential step for these young athletes.
The stakes are high, and as they step onto the ice, both Sato Koshiro and Kaori Sakamoto will not only be competing for medals but will be carrying the aspirations of their country and making their own marks on the world stage.
