Are there any Japanese NBA players?

The NBA is considered the epitome of basketball. While it is followed by billions of people around the globe, many aspiring basketball players wish to participate and win the coveted NBA championship. There is no question that the NBA draws players from all corners of the world. Japan, an Asian giant has also left an indelible mark on the league with its talented basketball players.

While the number of Japanese NBA players has been relatively low compared to other countries, the impact they have made on the sport and the inspiration they provide to aspiring athletes back home is immeasurable. We will delve into the history and journey of Japanese basketball players in the NBA, highlighting their achievements, challenges, and the bright future that lies ahead.

Japanese players in NBA

Although basketball players from Eastern countries came to the limelight very late, they have a long history in Japan. Its introduction dates to the late 19th century. The sport grew in popularity post-war era, with the establishment of professional leagues and the increasing prominence of intercollegiate competitions. Still, it wasn't until the latter half of the 20th century that Japanese players shone on the biggest stage of the game.

1. Wataru Misaka

In the early days of the NBA, Wataru Misaka, a Japanese-American guard, etched his name into the history books. Misaka became the first player of Asian descent to play in the NBA when he joined the New York Knicks in the 1947-1948 season.

Selected as the 61st overall pick in the 1947 draft, Misaka played only 3 games with the Knicks. The 1944 NCCA champion opened doors for non-white and Asian players who dreamt of playing in the NBA.

2. J. R. Henderson (now known as J.R. Sakuragi)

After nearly 5 decades, the NBA found a Japanese player wearing an NBA jersey in J. R. Henderson. He played one season in the NBA from 1998-99. Playing for Vancouver Grizzlies (now known as the Memphis Grizzlies), he averaged 3.2 points and 1.6 rebounds per game in 30 games.

A few years later he moved to Japan and represented the Japanese team on an international level. The small forward was the 56th overall pick by the Grizzlies in the 1998 NBA Draft.

3. Yuta Tabuse

Quickly banking on the rise of foreign players in the league, Yuta Tabuse also took his shot in NBA. Tabuse went undrafted in the 2002 NBA draft. later, in the 2004-2005 season, Yuta Tabuse emerged as the next trailblazer for Japanese basketball. Tabuse signed with the Phoenix Suns, becoming the first Japanese-born player to play in the NBA.

But he too played only four games for the Phoenix Suns in the 2004-05 NBA season. He averaged 1.8 points and averaged 1.0 rebounds per game. He was born in Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama in the Kanagawa Prefecture. Until recently, Tabuse was the only player born and bred in Japan to play in the NBA at the time.

4. Nick Fazekas (2007-08)

Next up was Nick Fazekas, who was drafted 34th in the 2007 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks. Playing at the forward position, Fazekas played for both the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2007-08 NBA season. But again, like other Japanese stars, Nick Fazekas played just one season in the NBA. Like the previous two guys mentioned in the article, Fazekas only played one season in the NBA.

In the 2007-08 NBA season, he averaged 4.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. He took Japanese citizenship and represented the Japanese national team.

5. Yuta Watanabe

Unlike previous Japanese stars, Yuta Watanabe played for a longer period in the league. Born in Yokohama, Japan, Watanabe studied in Jinsei Gakuen in Zentsūji, Japan. While he completed his high school at St. Thomas More in Oakdale, Connecticut.

Currently playing as a small forward with the Toronto Raptors, Watanabe did play for the Memphis Grizzlies from 2018-20. He also played for the Memphis Hustle, which is an NBA G-League team. Yuta went undrafted in the 2018 NBA draft but has found a way to contribute to the NBA.

In 179 games played so far, Watanabe averaged 4.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. He also got his first-ever career double-double in the 2021 season.

6. Rui Hachimura

The breakthrough for Japanese representation in the NBA came with the arrival of Rui Hachimura. Born in Toyama, Japan, and of Japanese-Beninese heritage, Hachimura captivated the basketball world with his exceptional skills and work ethic. After playing college basketball for Gonzaga University, he was selected as the 9th overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Hachimura's impact was immediate, and he quickly became a key player for the Wizards. With his versatile scoring, defensive prowess, and natural leadership, he earned a place in the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in his debut season.

Rui Hachimura later played for the LA Lakers team. In 210 games played so far, Hachimura averages 12.5 points, 5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. He is by far Japan’s best-performing NBA star. Rui's success resonated deeply in Japan, where he became an instant icon, inspiring a new generation of basketball players to chase their dreams.

Japanese basketball players have made significant strides in the NBA, from Wataru Misaka's pioneering efforts to Rui Hachimura's current stardom. The impact of these players extends beyond the court, as they inspire and motivate countless young athletes in Japan to pursue their basketball dreams.

While challenges remain, the rise of Rui Hachimura and the growing interest in basketball throughout Japan indicate a promising future for Japanese NBA players. As more young talents emerge and continue to hone their skills, Japan's basketball legacy will continue to evolve, leaving an enduring mark on the global basketball community.