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Olympic Figure Skating Gala Caps Milano Games With Japanese Stars in the Spotlight

The non-competitive showcase offered a celebratory farewell for Kaori Sakamoto following her retirement announcement.

Overview

  • Saturday night’s exhibition at the Milano Ice Skating Arena brought together Japan’s medal winners with international standouts for a crowd-pleasing finale.
  • Pairs gold medalists Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara skated to “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” thrilling spectators with synchronized dancing and high lifts.
  • Women’s silver medalist Kaori Sakamoto performed with smiles in what is likely her final Olympic appearance after declaring she will retire at season’s end.
  • Men’s silver medalist Yuma Kagiyama skated to a piece composed for him by pianist Hayato Sumino, showcasing crisp speed and musicality.
  • Bronze medalists Shun Sato and Ami Nakai delighted the audience—Sato with a triple axel to “Senbonzakura,” and Nakai with confident jumps in a bright red costume—while Alysa Liu and Ilia Malinin also featured.