(Photo above: © Ryukyu Golden Kings)
B.LEAGUE is reaching a major milestone with its 10th season. In this series, we talk to some of the few players who have been with just one club since the start of 2016. The fifth and final episode introduces an interview with Ryukyu Golden Kings player Ryuichi Kishimoto (5 episodes in total).
*This article is a special feature on the collaboration between B.LEAGUE and Alpen.
Ryukyu Golden Kings player Ryuichi Kishimoto has played in 500 B1 games. He has continued to lead the team as Okinawa’s franchise player, and he values his belief that he will not change, even in the midst of ever-changing times. “On the court is where I live.” Kishimoto talked about his play, gear, lifestyle, and “commitment to results.”
■“Even if technology evolves, it’s all about what suits you”
–Has there been any change in the way you choose shoes and clothing compared to 10 years ago?
(Photo: © Ryukyu Golden Kings)
I don’t feel that much has changed. I myself have always liked low-cut shoes, and I still choose them today. However, clothing is definitely evolving every year. I really feel that the texture of the material, ease of movement, and lightness make it easier to play.
–Why are you so particular about low-cut hair?
(Photo: © Ryukyu Golden Kings)
Due to my position, I do a lot of exercise, so a low cut suits me as it allows for a good range of motion around the ankle. Especially when shooting from a back step, the range of motion directly leads to agility. The bottom line is, “It’s best to wear what fits.” We value the feeling more than the specs.
■ “Rather than showing off, wear “results””
――You have a prominent position on the court, but are you conscious of fashion?
For me, first and foremost is performance. There’s no point in changing that.
So I don’t usually pay attention to it.
However, when I go to Christmas games or other events, I wear flashy shoes and have that sense of fun (lol). I’m also a little more conscious of “how to show off.”
–Do you change your shoes and accessories for each game?
(Photo: © Ryukyu Golden Kings)
Almost none. I don’t wear any accessories, and I don’t wear wristbands or headbands. I have several color variations of the same shoe model, and I switch between them depending on my mood that day.
■“Information is gathered from the field”
–How do you keep up with information on new gear?
(Photo: © Ryukyu Golden Kings)
I get a lot from my teammates. From conversations like, “What is that?” and “How do they feel?”, I sometimes get asked to try them on, and information naturally flows in. Shoes in particular are the most talked about item within the team, as they are directly connected to performance.
――So, if you were to give advice on choosing shoes to children who are starting to play basketball, what would it be?
(Photo: © Ryukyu Golden Kings)
First of all, make sure the size is right. That is the main premise. When I was a child, I tended to choose larger shoes because my feet would grow quickly anyway, but that’s not good for playing. If possible, I would like you to choose one that fits your feet perfectly.
I also think it’s perfectly acceptable to choose a model worn by your favorite player. “When I wear these shoes, I feel like I can improve.” That feeling is actually very important.
■“The court is my “place to live””
–As a professional, what are you conscious of on and off the court?
(Photo: © Ryukyu Golden Kings)
Honestly, the place where I feel most alive is on the court.
Of course, I’m always aware that I’m being watched by my fans and those around me, but what I should be most concerned about is the “results.” To impress with performance. I’m putting everything into it.
■“The mind and body are all connected.”
–Do you have any habits that you value outside of playing?
What I’m really conscious of right now is “living a regular life.” In the past, I used to sleep when I wanted and eat what I wanted, but I realized that in order to contribute to the team as a professional, I needed to discipline myself properly.
Just by adjusting your sleep, eating, and lifestyle, you can stabilize your mind and body, and your condition will be completely different. It has now become a habit, and I feel like it has become second nature.
–When your body is in good shape, your mind is also in good shape.
(Photo: © Ryukyu Golden Kings)
I agree. In the end, I think it’s all connected. “A good mind resides in a good body” – It’s simple, but I feel it’s true every day.
“The tools won’t let you down.” These are the words of Ryuichi Kishimoto, and you can feel his determination to pursue results as a professional. Even in an ever-changing era, I will not change the style and beliefs that suit me.
This was the “steady core” of the man who played in a total of 500 B1 games and led the team as Okinawa’s franchise player.
The main story is in B.LEAGUE official web magazine
Ryuichi Kishimoto, a franchise player talks about the 10 years of B.LEAGUE vol.5 “With the responsibility unique to being from Okinawa…What is the future envisioned by the “symbol of Ryukyu”?”
https://www.bleague.jp/bmagazine/detail/id=543092
Atsuya Ota Franchise player talks about B.LEAGUE’s 10 years vol.4 “The trajectory of 18 years of focusing on the three-way field. The days spent with the boosters, and how to return the favor.”
https://www.bleague.jp/bmagazine/detail/id=543087
Zack Baranski Franchise Player Talks about B.LEAGUE’s 10 Years Vol. 3 “Becoming the Choice in Tokyo… Bonds with Alcars, Thoughts on the Future”
https://www.bleague.jp/bmagazine/detail/id=542609
Takeshi Mito 10 years of B.LEAGUE as told by a franchise player vol.2 “The reason for remaining in the hometown, gratitude to the fans, and the future vision of the Toyama Grouses as a symbol of Hokuriku”
https://www.bleague.jp/bmagazine/detail/id=542600
Yusuke Endo Franchise player talks about 10 years of B.LEAGUE vol.1 “Started my career with a training contract, 10 years of B.League with BREX NATION”
https://www.bleague.jp/bmagazine/detail/id=541816
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https://store.alpen-group.jp/campaign/sportsdepo_alpen/category/bleague/
[Photo]Ryukyu Golden Kings
[Text]Teppei Ikeda
