Do Japanese People Love to Play Basketball?

Yes, Japan as a country has a strong sporting culture, especially among female players. The women's national basketball team has achieved remarkable success, winning the Women's Asian Cup six times, including five consecutive victories. Their journey to the Olympic finals in 2020 is a testament to their dedication and skill. In Tokyo, they faced the United States and secured the silver medal. The team's performance in the 2024 Olympics also showcased their growth and determination once again.

Basketball’s Popularity in Japan

Basketball is one of the most popular ball games in Japan, following baseball, soccer, and volleyball. Almost all schools have basketball clubs, from elementary to university levels. Even I was part of a basketball club when I was in elementary school. While watching basketball isn't as popular as these other sports, the deep love for the game among players is evident.

The number of players who enjoy the sport to the point of joining clubs is quite substantial. However, Japanese basketball faces a significant challenge in terms of competition. If there was a greater love for the game, their performance on an international level might have been more competitive. Numerous factors contribute to this, including limited practice facilities, particularly in urban areas, and a lack of structured coaching. While professional players like Yuta Tabuse and Takuya Kawamura have helped restart the league's popularity, the sport still lags behind in terms of recognition and skill level.

Professional Basketball in Japan

Despite the challenges, Japan has a professional basketball league called B. League. In 2021, it boasted a fanbase of 5.67 million people. The emergence of Yuta Tabuse and Takuya Kawamura has led to a recent resurgence in the sport's popularity. Other prominent players such as Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe's success in the NBA has further fueled the interest.

Interestingly, the sport's popularity has been influenced by manga, with titles like 'Slam Dunk' and 'Kuroko's Basketball' driving the interest in the sport. These stories have planted a love for basketball in many Japanese individuals, including my son and his teammates, who often learn from online sources including YouTube.

Despite these efforts, courts in urban areas are still limited, and coaching often focuses more on physical conditioning than technique. This highlights the ongoing need to improve infrastructure and coaching to elevate the skill level of players in Japan.