🏆 Rising Sun Hoops - Issue #3: Asia Cup 2025 Preview

The 2025 FIBA Asia Cup tips off on August 5 in Saudi Arabia. Japan enters the tournament with a youthful squad blending experience and promise. With only two players in their 30s—Yuki Togashi and Josh Hawkinson—the average age of the Akatsuki Japan roster is just 25.7.

In this issue, we introduce all 12 members of the national team, who will carry Japan’s hopes as they compete against Asia’s best. Can the new generation rise to the challenge?

Born: July 30, 1993
Height: 167 cm
Team: Chiba Jets

After becoming the best junior high school player in Japan, he moved to the U.S. and joined Montrose Christian School, which had previously produced Japanese players. A long-time national team member, he played in both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. Despite his size, he perfectly embodies the up-tempo basketball demanded by the coach. One of Japan’s top 3-point shooters, boasting a 37% success rate last season. Expected to start.

Born: April 13, 2004
Height: 203 cm
Team: Fordham University

With an American father and Japanese mother, he made his B.League debut in November 2021 at the youngest age in history at the time. After developing at the NBA Global Academy, he attended the University of Hawaiʻi and recently transferred to Fordham. He led Japan to a historic top-8 finish at the 2023 U19 World Cup and became the youngest player on the team for the Paris Olympics. With long arms and a good outside shot, he’s seen as Japan’s next big hope following Hachimura and Watanabe. Needs to improve strength and defense.

Born: September 17, 1998
Height: 188 cm
Team: Alvark Tokyo

A pass-first point guard, rare in Japan. Comes from a basketball family—his father was a pro player in Japan, and his brother is also a national team prospect. After transferring to the U.S. in high school, he attended Northfield Mount Hermon and then UNC Wilmington. As a freshman, he averaged 7.7 assists per game—second in the nation behind Ja Morant—and made the CAA All-Freshman Team. Left college in his sophomore year to start his pro career with the Utsunomiya Brex, where he won Rookie of the Year in 2020–21. After stints with Shiga and now Alvark Tokyo, he also played in the Paris Olympics. Likely to start alongside Togashi.

Born: March 11, 2003
Height: 196 cm
Team: Chiba Jets

After dropping out of powerhouse Tokai University, Kanechika turned pro with the Chiba Jets and was named the 2023–24 B.League Rookie of the Year. A member of Japan’s 2021 U19 World Cup squad, he made a sensational senior team debut in February 2023, scoring 20 points including six 3-pointers. While his improved shooting stands out, he’s also a highly athletic wing. Expected to play major minutes in this tournament, Kanechika is one of the key players Japan hopes will break out.

Born: October 6, 2001
Height: 206 cm
Team: Sun Rockers Shibuya

A big man who earned his first Japan cap just this July, Kano developed steadily while on loan to B2 & B3 teams. He previously played junior college ball at Skyline College in the U.S. With excellent athleticism by Japanese standards, he immediately made his presence felt in his debut with emphatic blocks. He’ll back up naturalized center Josh Hawkinson and may not see heavy minutes, but his role connecting the team will be vital.

Born: November 7, 1995
Height: 196 cm
Team: —

A veteran who won B.League Rookie of the Year in 2017–18, Baba now serves as team co-captain alongside Hawkinson. He brings international experience from the NBA G League and Australia’s NBL, where he won a championship with Melbourne United in 2021. A two-time Olympian and World Cup participant, he joined NBA Summer League for the third time this summer. Known for turning defense into fast breaks and his signature “BABABOOM” dunks, he is expected to start on the wing.

Born: March 13, 1999
Height: 190 cm
Team: Seahorses Mikawa

Nishida has been a consistent presence in the national team setup, even before Tom Hovasse took over as head coach. He was a teammate of Rui Hachimura at the 2017 U19 World Cup. A left-handed sharpshooter comparable to Keisei Tominaga, Nishida actually boasts better ball-handling skills. Though likely coming off the bench, he’s expected to make a strong impact—this could be his moment to shine on the Asian and global stage. He also won B.League Rookie of the Year in the 2021–22 season.

Born: February 9, 2003
Height: 181 cm
Team: Sun Rockers Shibuya

A product of powerhouse programs Fukuoka Daiichi High School and Tokai University—the same path once taken by Yuki Kawamura—Harper Jr. is a defensive specialist. He was part of the 2021 U19 World Cup team alongside Ren Kanechika. Known for his athleticism and toughness, he’s expected to provide instant defensive energy off the bench.

Born: June 23, 1995
Height: 208 cm
Team: Sun Rockers Shibuya

Since graduating from Washington State University in 2017 and joining the B.League, Hawkinson has developed into a cornerstone of Japan’s national team. Naturalized in 2023, he was discovered and embraced by coach Tom Hovasse. Though not the tallest even at the Asian level, he brings unmatched energy and can stretch the floor with his reliable three-point shooting. He’s the team’s anchor on both ends.

Born: February 1, 2001
Height: 188 cm
Team: Levanga Hokkaido

Tominaga played alongside Yuki Kawamura at the U18 level. After graduating from Sakuragaoka High School, he moved to the U.S., spending two years at Ranger College (JUCO) before transferring to D1 Nebraska. A fan favorite there, he helped lead the Cornhuskers to the 2024 NCAA Tournament and immediately joined the national team after competing in the NBA Summer League. Often referred to as the “Japanese Steph Curry,” Tominaga is tailor-made for Japan’s offense with his elite three-point shooting and explosive scoring ability. His deep-range threes are a must-watch. While defense remains a concern, he’s expected to be an instant offense weapon off the bench.

Born: June 4, 1998
Height: 196 cm
Team: San-en NeoPhoenix

Yoshii struggled to earn playing time at powerhouse Alvark Tokyo but was identified by head coach Tom Hovasse as a key contributor. Now a reliable wing for the national team, he combines toughness, elite athleticism, and defensive versatility. While he might come off the bench behind Yudai Baba, expect him to log significant minutes. Yoshii is another player ready to break out internationally.

Born: June 16, 1998
Height: 204 cm
Team: Nagasaki Velca

Dubbed the “real-life Hanamichi Sakuragi” during the 2023 World Cup, Kawamata is a fan-favorite Japanese big man. Like Toyoshige Kano, he’s tasked with supporting Josh Hawkinson and easing his workload. Though somewhat raw and lacking finesse, Kawamata is a physical force—setting solid screens, battling under the rim, and bringing high energy to every possession. He’s a vital contributor in Japan’s rotation of bigs.

Rotation & Outlook: Can Japan Make a Deep Run?

The core rotation is expected to center around Togashi, Jacobs, Toews, Baba, Hawkinson, Tominaga, and Yoshii. The likely starting five includes a dual point guard lineup with Togashi and Toews, flanked by wings Baba and Jacobs, with Hawkinson anchoring the paint. Tominaga and Yoshii will likely be the first off the bench. Nishida, Kanechika, and Harper Jr. are expected to follow in the rotation. Kano and Kawamata may see limited action, which will increase the burden on Hawkinson and expose Japan’s vulnerabilities in the paint, particularly in rebounding.

Several players have the potential to elevate their global profiles in this tournament. If they hit their stride, Japan could be a dangerous team. Realistically, however, a semifinal appearance may be their ceiling.

Their path hinges on how they perform in Group B. Finishing first secures an automatic berth in the quarterfinals—likely a matchup against the Philippines or Chinese Taipei. Finishing second could mean a tricky Round of 16 game against the third-place team from the “Group of Death,” likely South Korea.

Even if Japan tops the group and makes it to the semifinals, powerhouse Australia may be waiting.

In the other groups, China is expected to top Group C, and New Zealand is favored to win Group D.

Conquering Asia is no easy feat.