Biography

Kanako Murakami (born November 7, 1994) is the 2010–11 Grand Prix Final bronze medalist, 2014 Four Continents champion, 2010 World Junior champion, 2009–10 JGP Final champion, and a four-time Japanese national medalist (bronze in 2011, 2012; silver in 2013, 2014).

2013–2014 season

Murakami finished 4th at her first Grand Prix event of the season, the 2013 Cup of China, and then 7th at the 2013 Rostelecom Cup. At Nationals, she finished second behind Akiko Suzuki. At this event, she earned a short program score of 67.42, a free skate score of 135.10, and a combined total of 202.52. Murakami then won the 2014 Four Continents setting a new personal best overall score of 196.91 points, as well as a personal best in the free skate with 132.18 points. At her olympic debut in Sochi, Russia, Murakami placed 15th in the short program, 12th in the free skate, and placed 12th overall. She finished 10th at the World Figure Skating Championships.

2014-2015 season

Murakami was assigned to Cup of China and NHK Trophy.

Murakami is sponsored by Adidas Japan, Brother Industries, All Nippon Airways, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., and Nippon Menard Cosmetic Co., Ltd, in addition to several local companies.

Following her win at the 2010 World Junior Figure Skating Championships, Murakami has taken part in many local events including the first pitch ceremony of Chunichi Dragons, a professional baseball team based in Nagoya.