“JAPAN 2024 TASK FORCE” press conference
In November 2014, the International Basketball federation (FIBA) suspended our association due to governance issues within the domestic framework. To address this,FIBA established the ”JAPAN 2024 TASK FORCE” (referred to as the “task Force”),which spearheaded the reform of the Japan Basketball Association (JBA). By August 2015, the sanctions were lifted, and as then, we have maintained regular communication with FIBA during the monitoring phase. On January 21st, 2025, a final task force meeting took place in Tokyo, marking the official conclusion of the 10-year initiative. A press conference was held, featuring Task Force Chairman Saburo Kawabuchi and Coach Ingo Weiss, who traveled from Germany for the event.
■Saburo Kawabuchi, Chairman (JAPAN 2024 TASK FORCE)
A decade ago, on January 28, 2015, the inaugural task force meeting was convened. Facing an uncertain future,we received immense support from FIBA,the Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Science and Technology,the Japan Sports agency,and the Japan Sports Association. Our mission was to implement three critical reforms outlined by FIBA: (1) merging the two leagues, (2) overhauling the association’s governance, and (3) enhancing national depiction. The league unification proved to be the most challenging task. Monthly discussions with the JBA and league representatives ofen ended in opposition from all clubs. I recall feeling frustrated, questioning the direction of the basketball community. FIBA warned that failure to unify the leagues by October would result in disqualification from Olympic qualifiers. During a meeting with FIBA Secretary General Patrick Bauman, I expressed my belief that sanctions were necesary, as the JBA seemed unwilling to change. Later, Mr. Bauman returned to Japan, urging me to collaborate with Ingo Weiss to rebuild the JBA. I agreed, though I felt isolated and uncertain about the path ahead.
Over the years, we navigated numerous challenges, with Mr. Weiss providing unwavering support to the Japanese basketball community. Secretary General Bauman emphasized the global importance of Japan’s active participation, and his dedication fueled our progress. Sadly, Mr.bauman has as passed away, but his legacy lives on in the reforms we achieved. The past decade has transformed Japanese basketball. Media coverage expanded significantly, and for the first time in 48 years, the men’s national team secured an Olympic berth through the qualifiers. The national team’s performance improved, the B League flourished, and the JBA underwent substantial governance reforms.
This milestone would not have been possible without the contributions of many individuals, including Mr. weiss and attorney Masaki Sakaida, who played a pivotal role in organizing the B League. Reflecting on the journey, I recall the intense pressure and frustration we faced. My blood pressure soared during those years, frequently enough reaching alarming levels. Watching old TV footage, I can still see the anger etched on my face. The challenges were immense, but the results speak for themselves.
world. However, this time, I remained calm, and I believe my recognition with the Order of Culture two years ago, along with my accomplishments in basketball, played a notable role in this decision. I am deeply thankful to the basketball community and the B League for their support.
■Ingo Weiss,coach Chairman (JAPAN 2024 TASK FORCE)
Over the past decade,I’ve been part of the task force,which concludes its mission today. Collaborating closely with my colleague and chairman, Mr. Kawabuchi, I am confident we’ve accomplished our objectives. Japan now boasts thriving men’s and women’s leagues, which have evolved into exceptional organizations. From FIBA’s perspective, the JBA is a valued partner and a pivotal player in Asia.
The JBA’s task force has made several impactful decisions. One notable achievement was securing the bid to host the FIBA World Cup in 2023, with the Okinawa event proving to be a resounding success. During the Tokyo olympics, the Japanese women’s team delivered an outstanding performance, clinching a silver medal. Another strategic move was appointing Tom Horvath as head coach of the men’s national team. additionally, Japan is now actively exploring a bid for the 2030 FIBA Women’s World Cup, which, if triumphant, promises to be a landmark event.
Across japan,new arenas are being constructed,reflecting the sport’s growing popularity. I attended the B.League All-Star Game last Sunday, where 10,000 eager fans created an electrifying atmosphere. Recent reports also indicate a steady rise in attendance for women’s basketball. It’s evident that Japanese basketball is on a positive trajectory, and I’m optimistic about the JBA’s future achievements.
■Yuko Miya, Chairman (Japan Basketball association)
Today marks the conclusion of Task Force 2024. A decade ago, when the task force was established, the title “2024” symbolized a 10-year vision to address the numerous challenges facing Japanese basketball from FIBA’s standpoint. Back then, I wasn’t involved and observed the situation from the outside, thinking, “The basketball world is in serious trouble.” Little did I know I’d eventually play a role in unifying the league, enhancing JBA’s governance, and strengthening the men’s national team. The title “JAPAN 2024 TASK FORCE” underscores the importance then-Secretary-General patrick Bauman placed on Japan and the seriousness with which he approached our collaboration.
While the task force concludes today, the JBA has been under FIBA’s annual monitoring for the past 10 years.Each year, representatives like Ingo Weiss and Scott Darwin visit Japan to review the JBA, B.League, and WJBL’s progress. Mistakes were addressed, and guidance was provided, ensuring the JBA stayed on the right path. This oversight has been instrumental in avoiding major errors and receiving constructive support from FIBA, fostering a sense of partnership over the years.
Since then, the JBA’s revenue has more than tripled, and the B League has expanded significantly. Last year, the Japan Women’s National team drew a crowd of 10,000 at Ariake Arena, a testament to the sport’s growing appeal. This progress stems from the collective passion and dedication of individuals who came together a decade ago to lay a strong foundation for Japanese basketball. While this marks a milestone, it’s not the end but a stepping stone. We aim to pass on the task force’s legacy to the next generation, ensuring the challenges of the past are not forgotten. it’s our obligation to maintain this momentum and continue building on the progress achieved.
