We are back with another meet the team analysis for Asia Cup 2022 Team Japan.
One of the first FIBA Asia Cup teams, Japan has one of the most extensive histories of participation. They have also been among the most strengthened teams in past years, and they are eager to display that one in Jakarta.
Japan stepped up in the FIBA World Ranking
Japan’s position in the Asia Cup Qualifiers and the Asia Cup will both be 38. Although that may sound dull, Japan really dipped as low as 42 before rising as high as 35 along the way. The more impressive factor is how Japan managed to jump one spot in the Asia Rankings from 8 to 7. It makes them the only team to move up in the rankings among the top 10 teams at the start of Asia Cup Qualifiers.
Asia Cup 1960
In 1960, Japan was one of the nations that competed in the inaugural Asia Cup. With a 5-4 record, they ultimately had a rather successful run, taking third place. 29 appearances including this year at the Asia Cup, Japan did not participate in any more Asia Cups until 1963. Japan hasn’t missed a competition appearance since that one year. The second greatest sequence of appearances in the competition’s history now stands at 28 consecutive appearances.
At the 2017 Asia Cup, Japan utilized a deep rotation, with Ryoma Hashimoto serving as the only player who did not average at least 12 minutes each game.
Japan has had its share of Asia Cup summit appearances, capped by two occasions when they ultimately took home the trophy in 1971, the same year they hosted the event and won. Japan has ranked amongst the top three teams 14 times, aside from the two championships.
Some Notable Players:
Kosuke Takeuchi and Joji
Even when looked at separately, the Takeuchi twins have one of the most illustrious careers in the Asia Cup despite not being the flashiest talents. Japan hasn’t participated in an Asia Cup without sending at least one of the twins, though they haven’t sent both since 2011.
In comparison to Kosuke’s five appearances in the Asia Cup, Joji appeared six times. While Joji cannot, Kosuke can claim to have participated in the Asia Cup 2015, where Japan finished in fourth place, their highest result since the year 2000.
The twins almost had the same season average in the Asia Cup, in addition to having the same birthdate. In six Asia Cups, Joji has scored 448 points, averaging 10.18 points per game, while Kosuke has scored 398 points, averaging 10.21 points per game, in five Asia Cups.
What to expect from Japan
After the 2017 Asia Cup, there will be a significant amount of turnover within the Japan national team. Only Yudai Baba, Tenketsu Harimoto, Takatoshi Furukawa, and Yuki Togashi were placed on the initial roster for the 2022 edition of the Asia Cup. Coach Tom Hovasse has replaced former coach Julio Lamas in the coaching role.
As a result, this summer’s Akatsuki Five roster will be filled with intriguing, youthful, and fresh players. Fans may watch Yudai Nishida continue to develop or see Kai Toews and Keisei Tominaga make their debuts.
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