BOSTON (Kyodo) -- Japanese figure skater Kaori Sakamato expressed confidence in her bid for a fourth straight women's singles title at the upcoming world championships following her arrival in host city Boston on Sunday.

The 24-year-old is aiming to become the fifth woman in history to be crowned four times in a row at the championships beginning Wednesday at TD Garden.

"It feels like the time has finally arrived," Sakamoto said. "I want to take my shot at a fourth consecutive title confidently."

Despite the long journey to the East Coast of the United States, Sakamato appeared energetic and said she felt in top physical condition.

"I'm in ideal shape," the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic bronze medalist said. "I've been practicing hard, so it's just a matter of demonstrating what I've been working on."

The world championships will also serve as a selection event for next winter's Milan-Cortina Olympics, with Japan aiming to secure the maximum three slots each in men's and women's individual competition.

Beijing Olympian Wakaba Higuchi will contest her first world championships in three years, while on the men's side, Tatsuya Tsuboi will make his worlds debut.