If you’d told a basketball fan ten years ago that Japan would be a "scary" team on the international stage, they probably would’ve laughed. For decades, the Akatsuki Five were just another team that played hard but lacked the size or the star power to actually move the needle. But something shifted. You’ve probably noticed it if you watched the 2024 Olympics or the recent FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers. The Japan men’s national basketball team players aren't just participants anymore; they’re legitimate problems for opposing coaches.
It isn't just about having one or two guys in the NBA. It’s the depth. Honestly, the way Tom Hovasse has these guys running is exhausting just to watch. They play a style that basically says, "We might be shorter, but we’re going to run you into the ground and shoot 40 threes while doing it."
The NBA Influence: Hachimura and Watanabe
You can't talk about Japanese hoops without starting with the big two. Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe changed the ceiling of this program.
Hachimura is currently with the Los Angeles Lakers, and as of January 2026, he’s still a vital piece of their rotation, averaging around 12.5 points per game. When he suits up for the national team, he’s the undisputed focal point. His ability to create his own shot from the mid-post gives Japan a "bail-out" option when their perimeter game stalls.
Then there’s Yuta Watanabe. After years of grinding in the NBA with the Grizzlies, Nets, and Suns, Yuta made the jump back to Japan’s B.League to play for the Chiba Jets. Don't think for a second that he’s "retired" or slowing down. In the 2025-26 season, he’s been putting up numbers like 13.1 points and nearly 5 rebounds a game. He’s the emotional heartbeat of the team. If there’s a loose ball, Yuta is hitting the floor.
The "Samurai Steph" Era
The most exciting development lately? Keisei Tominaga.
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The fans call him "Samurai Steph" for a reason. If he crosses half-court, he’s in range. After a legendary run at Nebraska, Tominaga is now lighting up the B.League with Levanga Hokkaido, averaging 18.8 points per game this season.
What makes Tominaga special isn't just the shooting—it’s the gravity. Defenses are so terrified of his range that it opens up massive lanes for everyone else. During the FIBA Asia Cup matches, he’s been a flamethrower. In one recent stretch, he was shooting nearly 43% from deep on high volume. He’s the ultimate "X-factor" that makes Japan’s small-ball lineups actually work.
The Court Generals: Kawamura and Togashi
Size is always the first thing people bring up. Yuki Kawamura is 5'8". Yuki Togashi is 5'7". In a sport of giants, they shouldn't be this good.
But Kawamura is currently making waves in the NBA system. After a stint with the Grizzlies, he signed a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls in early January 2026. He’s basically a blur on the court. His vision is elite—we’re talking 7.7 assists per game during his Olympic rise.
Togashi, the veteran, remains the steady hand. He’s the highest-paid player in the B.League for a reason. He knows exactly when to push the pace and when to settle the team down. Between the two of them, Japan has 40 minutes of high-pressure, full-court point guard play that drives opponents crazy.
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The Anchor: Josh Hawkinson
Every small-ball team needs a "glue guy" inside, and for Japan, that’s Josh Hawkinson.
Affectionately known as "Hawk-chan" by the Japanese fans, the naturalized big man from Washington State is the reason Japan doesn't get completely bullied on the glass. He’s been a double-double machine in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, recently averaging 17 points and nearly 12 rebounds.
Without Hawkinson’s ability to defend the rim and stretch the floor (he’s a very capable three-point shooter), the whole system would collapse. He’s not just a "hired gun"; he’s fully integrated into the culture and plays with a level of intensity that matches the domestic players.
Current Roster and B.League Standouts
While the big names get the headlines, the domestic Japan men’s national basketball team players are the ones winning the weekly battles in the B.League.
- Yudai Baba: "Baba Boom" is back in Japan with Nagasaki Velca after his time in the G-League and NBL. He’s arguably the best pure athlete on the team, leading the league in transition scoring.
- Kai Toews: A big, physical guard who provides a different look than the "tiny" guards. He’s been excellent for Alvark Tokyo, showing he can run the offense at a high level.
- Akira Jacobs: The young gun playing college ball at Hawaii. He represents the next wave of talent—tall, lanky, and comfortable on the wing.
- Makoto Hiejima: The old guard. Even at 35, Hiejima’s "Hiejima Time" is a real thing. When the shot clock is winding down, he’s still the guy you want with the ball.
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
The next big date on the calendar? February 26, 2026.
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Japan is set to face China in a massive FIBA World Cup Qualification match. This isn't just a rivalry game; it’s a litmus test. China has the height, but Japan has the speed.
Coach Tom Hovasse has been very vocal about his goals. He doesn't just want to "compete" with the best in Asia; he wants to dominate. The team's philosophy is built on "modern" basketball: high pace, high volume of threes, and aggressive switching on defense.
One thing most people get wrong is thinking Japan is just a "hot shooting" team. Actually, their success comes from their conditioning. They play a full-court press that most international teams aren't used to dealing with for a full 40 minutes. It’s "chaos basketball," and it’s working.
What You Should Do Next
If you want to follow the Japan men’s national basketball team players more closely, there are a few practical steps you can take to stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch the B.League: Most of the national team stars play domestically. The level of play is much higher than it was five years ago, and it’s the best way to see the "next Keisei Tominaga" before they hit the world stage.
- Follow the Two-Way Updates: Keep an eye on Yuki Kawamura’s progress with the Chicago Bulls. His success is a massive barometer for how Japanese guards are viewed globally.
- Track the FIBA Windows: International breaks in February and June are when the roster actually comes together. This is where you see how Hovasse integrates the NBA talent with the B.League core.
The era of Japan being a basketball underdog is officially over. Whether they are playing in Tokyo or Chicago, these players are proving that "heart over height" isn't just a cliché—it’s a winning strategy.