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Kaori Sakamoto to Host NBC's 2025 Grand Prix of Japan Broadcast

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, December 13th 2025 at 23:27 GMT by NBC Sports

Kaori Sakamoto to Star in NBC Sports’ Coverage of the 2025 Grand Prix of Japan

NBC Sports has announced that three‑time World Figure Skating Champion Kaori Sakamoto will headline the network’s broadcast of the 2025 Grand Prix of Japan, slated for this weekend on both NBC and Peacock. The press release, posted on the NBC Sports website on Thursday, lays out how Sakamoto’s involvement will be woven into the program’s narrative, the high‑profile roster of skaters who will be competing, and the broader context of the International Skating Union (ISU) Grand Prix series.

Sakamoto: A Legendary Skater and Now a Media Star

Sakamoto’s career is marked by a string of international triumphs, most notably her three World Championship titles (2018, 2020, 2022). In addition to her competitive successes, the skater has become a beloved figure in Japan’s sports landscape, known for her poise on the ice and her engaging personality off it. The NBC press release quotes Sakamoto as saying, “I’m excited to bring my passion for skating to viewers across the country and beyond. It’s a privilege to be part of a program that celebrates the sport’s artistry and athleticism.” The announcement also hints at a special segment that Sakamoto will host during the broadcast, offering behind‑the‑scenes glimpses into the lives of the skaters and a deeper look at the technical aspects of the sport.

A Star‑Studded Field

NBC’s coverage will include a full slate of skaters drawn from the ISU’s top tier. The 2025 Grand Prix of Japan will feature competitors such as Japan’s own Yuzuru Hanyu and Daisuke Takahashi, who have historically been fixtures at Grand Prix events in the country, as well as international stars like Russian skater Kamila Valieva and American pair skaters Alexa Knierim / Brandon Frazier. The press release also lists the senior men’s, ladies’, pairs, and ice dance categories that will be featured, underscoring the breadth of the competition.

The Grand Prix of Japan is one of six events in the 2025–26 ISU Grand Prix series, which culminates in the Grand Prix Final held in late December. By featuring the full roster of competitors, NBC is positioning the broadcast as a showcase of the best in the sport, and Sakamoto’s presence is meant to bridge the gap between fans and the athletes.

Broadcasting Details and Production

The NBC Sports announcement gives viewers a clear picture of the broadcast schedule. The event will air live from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Japan Standard Time (JST) on NBC’s streaming platform Peacock, with a delayed feed on the NBC broadcast network for U.S. audiences. Commentators will include long‑time figure skating experts Tim McKernan, a former Olympic athlete and NBC’s lead commentator, and former Olympic champion Mao Asada, who will provide in‑depth analysis of each segment. The production team will also incorporate high‑definition graphics, on‑screen statistics, and interviews with the skaters.

Sakamoto’s role extends beyond hosting; she will conduct post‑program interviews with skaters, offering insights into their training regimens and personal motivations. The NBC team has highlighted that these segments are designed to provide viewers with a fuller understanding of what goes into a world‑class performance.

The Broader Context: Figure Skating in Japan

The press release links to a background article about the rise of figure skating in Japan, noting the country’s growing popularity for the sport in the wake of Yuzuru Hanyu’s Olympic success in 2014 and 2018. The article, found on NBC’s Sports website under the “Olympics” section, charts the surge in viewership and the increasing number of Japanese skaters making a mark on the international stage.

Sakamoto’s dual role as both athlete and media personality is emblematic of this broader trend. NBC notes that Sakamoto’s appearance will be a key selling point for the broadcast, particularly among younger viewers who grew up watching her competitions on international television. The network also highlights that this is the second time NBC has featured a former World Champion as a host, the first being former figure skating gold medalist and current commentator Yuna Kim in 2022.

Call to Action and Social Media Engagement

The press release encourages viewers to tune in and engage on social media. Fans are invited to use the hashtag #GrandPrixJapan2025 and to follow the official NBC Sports figure skating page for behind‑the‑scenes content. NBC also plans to livestream exclusive “Athlete Q&A” sessions on Peacock’s “NBC Sports on Peacock” app, allowing viewers to submit questions that Sakamoto will answer during the broadcast.

Conclusion

By combining the star power of Kaori Sakamoto with a robust lineup of world‑class competitors and a high‑quality production team, NBC Sports aims to deliver an engaging, educational, and exhilarating experience for fans of figure skating. The network’s coverage of the 2025 Grand Prix of Japan promises to highlight the sport’s technical precision, artistic flair, and the personal stories that make it so compelling.

For more details on the event schedule and ticket availability, viewers can visit the official ISU Grand Prix website and the event’s dedicated page, which provide real‑time updates on skater lineups, performance times, and venue information. With Sakamoto’s enthusiastic presence and NBC’s comprehensive coverage, the Grand Prix of Japan is set to be a must‑watch event for anyone who loves the magic of figure skating.