On April 17, 2025, the World Team Trophy figure skating competition kicked off at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, featuring six countries vying for top honors. The event commenced with the women's short program (SP), where Japan's own Sakamoto Kaori delivered a dazzling performance, scoring 75.54 points to secure second place. She finished just 0.16 points behind the leader, Alisa Liu from the USA, who scored 75.70 points.
Sakamoto, 25, expressed her delight in her performance, stating, "I enjoyed skating more than at the World Championships." This positive sentiment was echoed throughout the venue, where athletes were met with enthusiastic cheers from fans adorned in costumes and waving red and white flags.
The atmosphere in the gymnasium was electric, with Sakamoto noting, "The team atmosphere is great, and everyone is enjoying themselves." This camaraderie among competitors was palpable, as they supported one another through the highs and lows of the competition.
During a post-match interview, Sakamoto addressed her teammates, sharing an encouraging message. She observed that some athletes who made mistakes returned to the Kiss & Cry area expressing apologies. "I'm sorry," they said, but Sakamoto emphasized, "There’s no need to apologize. It’s a competition, so I want everyone to enjoy it without stress. Even if you fail, just have the attitude of 'I did my best.'" Her leadership as captain shone through as she urged her teammates to embrace the spirit of competition.
Looking ahead, Sakamoto is gearing up for the next phase of the competition, the women's free skate, scheduled for April 19, 2025. "Tomorrow, I have no competition, so I will focus 100% on cheering and want to move Team Japan in a good direction," she said, highlighting her commitment to supporting her teammates.
The World Team Trophy is not just a showcase of individual talent; it’s a celebration of teamwork and national pride. As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on Sakamoto and her fellow athletes to see if they can elevate Team Japan to the top of the podium.
As the event unfolds, fans are left anticipating the free skate, where Sakamoto and her teammates will have another chance to shine. With a strong performance already under her belt, Sakamoto is poised to inspire not just her team, but also the next generation of figure skaters.
