Japan’s Women’s Figure Skating Earns a Double Podium | Two Stories That Mattered Beyond the Medals
In women’s figure skating at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, Japan claimed a double podium with silver and bronze.
But this tournament cannot be told by medal colors alone. It featured two dramas: a veteran’s resolve and a new generation’s bold challenge.
Kaori Sakamoto: Silver in Her Final Olympics—and Tears of Frustration
Kaori Sakamoto, who has announced she will retire after this season, delivered a steady performance to win the silver medal.
She skated cleanly in both the short program and the free skate, reaffirming her presence as Japan’s ace.
Yet after the performance, frustration showed on her face.
Tears that came from aiming for the very top—her final season, and her last Olympics—left a powerful impression on fans.
- Consistently strong performances at the Olympics
- All-around excellence that never wavered to the end
- The culmination of an ace who has led Japan’s women’s team
17-year-old Ami Nakai: A Remarkable Bronze on Olympic Debut
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Ami Nakai, competing in her first Olympics, captured the bronze medal with a composed performance.
Right after skating, she checked the score and even tilted her head in disbelief—but once the result was confirmed, the arena erupted in applause.
After the podium was decided, she embraced gold medalist Alysa Liu, sharing mutual respect and congratulations.
Competing on equal terms with the world’s top skaters, Nakai signaled her rise as a next-generation leader for Japan.
- A podium finish in her Olympic debut
- High success rate and calm execution
- Expected to play a major role for Japan going forward
Japan’s Strength Lies in Its “Depth”
A veteran like Sakamoto and a new-generation skater like Nakai.
Seeing two athletes from different generations stand on the podium together symbolized the depth of Japan’s women’s figure skating.
It’s not only jump difficulty, but also overall quality—spins, steps, and program components.
Japan’s women look set to remain at the center of the sport and continue fighting for medals on the world stage.
Official Highlights & Latest Updates
*Results and information are based on official announcements from the event.
