Japanese figure skater Sakamoto Kaori has publicly revealed her fears concerning participation in the Olympics. Shrouded by emotions and tears, she discussed the immense pressure that often comes along with such an international competition. Her candid reveal has ignited discussions surrounding mental health issues among athletes. The exact timing and location of this interview are not specified in the headline.

In Japan, mental health issues are often seen as a personal matter and the society tends to discourage public discussions about it. This revelation by Sakamoto Kaori is significant, considering this and the fact that she is overlooked in the Japanese figure skating world overshadowed by superstars like Hanyu Yuzuru and Kihira Rika. It also follows the recent trend in Japanese athletes like Naomi Osaka starting to speak up about mental health.

In the US and EU, discussions about mental health in sports are becoming increasingly commonplace. Several high-profile athletes, such as Simone Biles and Michael Phelps, have openly talked about their struggles, influencing the way sports organizations and the public perceive mental health. Sakamoto's revelation can be compared to these instances, contributing to the global conversation.