Head coach Yoshito Nakaso aims to participate in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics
Hayao Suzuki plays with confidence after extensive international experience
3×3 men’s Japan national team“FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026”(Opening on April 1st in Singapore),the first selection training camp was held from February 3rd to 5th,inviting 16 candidate players. The goals that Yoshito Nakaso,the head coach of 3×3,set at the first tip-off meeting were:“Participating in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics”is. This goal remains the same during the selection training camp to determine the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup members.
3×3 (three-person basketball) became an official event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. At the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, the number of teams will increase from eight to 12. Having missed out on participating in the Paris 2024 Olympics, he aims to compete on the Hinoki stage for the first time in two Olympics.“Please keep in mind that players who want to represent japan will not be selected to represent Japan. Only players who want to participate in the Olympics will be selected to represent Japan.The goal of the 3×3 japan Men’s National Team is to qualify for the Olympics.”Head Coach Nakaso emphasizes. After practice on the second day,“As Team Japan, we need to work backwards toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and work on themes from each practice to figure out what we are currently lacking and what we need to do.”said Daiaki Matsuzawa (SAGAMIHARA PROCESS), and all the participating candidates started off facing the same direction.
To achieve the goal of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games,“I’ll shoot three arrows.”Head coach Nakaso clarifies the criteria for player selection.As the first arrow, we will select the 3×3 Japan Men’s National Team from the 3×3 dedicated members we have assembled this time to participate in the FIBA 3×3 Asian Cup and FIBA 3×3 World Cup. The second arrow is to use the same coaching staff to strengthen the under category of the Japan Men’s U23/U21 National Team, which will compete in the FIBA Nations League. lastly“I’ll shoot a B Leaguer’s arrow.”He then created an opportunity to participate in the FIBA 3×3 Men’s Pro Circuit during the B League offseason. By accumulating achievements with the Three Arrows and earning individual points, you can increase your chances of participating in the Olympics by improving Japan’s FIBA ranking. Exactly two years from now, we will combine the three arrows into one and decide on the 3×3 Japan men’s representative who will go on to the Olympic qualifying rounds and the main tournament.
Suzuki Hayao (SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE), who is currently second in the domestic FIBA rankings, was invited to a training camp a year ago but was not selected.
Japan’s 3×3 Revolution: From Olympic Dreams to Emerging Stars, a New era dawns
Tokyo, Japan – The electrifying world of 3×3 basketball is buzzing, and Japan is at the forefront of a thrilling evolution. With the Paris 2024 Olympics on the horizon and a burgeoning domestic scene,the nation’s top talent is gearing up for a shot at global glory. Archysports.com dives deep into the mindset of Japan’s elite, the strategic vision of their coaches, and the exciting future of this fast-paced sport.
The journey to the pinnacle of 3×3 basketball is a testament to dedication and strategic foresight. As one player, reflecting on the competitive landscape, shared, “Knowing that the Dutch team won the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics and the winner UB from Serbia, and that we were the top team in the world, I was able to understand what worked and what didn’t, and it also made it clear what I could and couldn’t do. That gave me overwhelming confidence.” This sentiment underscores the importance of learning from the best and using that knowledge as a springboard for personal and team growth – a principle familiar to any aspiring athlete in the U.S.
Head Coach Nakaso, a keen observer of domestic talent, is casting a wide net, identifying promising young stars like Goryu Wakagi and shohei Hosokawa of FOUR ELEMENTS. These players are already making waves in the JAPAN TOUR 2025, a league that has introduced restrictions on U23 participation, fostering a dynamic environment for emerging talent. This approach mirrors the advancement pathways seen in American collegiate and professional sports, where nurturing young athletes is paramount.
Shohei Hosokawa, despite being ranked 385th among the 16 selected players and having a relatively limited 3×3 resume with only five tournaments under his belt, embodies the spirit of opportunity. A graduate of Aoyama Gakuin University, Hosokawa transitioned to 3×3 after his college basketball career. His viewpoint is one of immense gratitude and ambition:
“It’s wonderful to be able to play with the former Japanese representative and the top players in Japan, and it’s a valuable opportunity.”
This humility, coupled with a fierce determination, is what propels him forward.Facing the daunting prospect of Olympic qualification,Hosokawa acknowledges the challenge:
“It’s a lofty goal if you look at it objectively,but the players are all serious about achieving that goal,so I have to live up to that goal as well. If we don’t think about that first, I don’t think we’ll be selected for the team.”
His commitment to embracing the challenge and striving for excellence is a powerful narrative that resonates with the competitive drive found in American sports culture.
Coach Nakaso’s selection criteria go beyond raw talent. He emphasizes players who exhibit high intensity, strong communication, and a cohesive team spirit. He notes the all-around skill set of the current roster:
“They’re all good. For example, all of the small members have two-point shots and are good at driving. All of the big men can run, screen well, and handle the ball well. But when you stand on the starting line aiming for the Olympics, you’ll need something more than just being fairly good. Maybe it’s basketball skills, maybe it’s shooting ability. I really want players who make me think they can make something happen.”
This focus on “making something happen” – that intangible spark of clutch performance and game-changing plays – is a crucial element that separates good players from great ones, a concept deeply understood by American sports fans who cheer for their favorite clutch shooters and defensive stoppers. this philosophy will undoubtedly shape the future of the “Three Arrows” program.
For U.S. basketball enthusiasts eager to witness Japan’s rapid ascent in 3×3,the coming weeks offer a fantastic opportunity.The “11th 3×3 Japan Championship FINAL” will crown Japan’s best 3×3 team from February 21st to 22nd at Yokohama BUNTAI. Following that, the “JAPAN TOUR 2025 FINAL” will showcase the U23 generation’s quest for national supremacy at LaLaport Anjo from February 28th to March 1st.
Adding to the excitement, a new tournament, the “3×3 All Japan University Championships (Pre-tournament) 2026,” will debut from February 7th to 8th at the Komazawa Olympic Park General Sports Complex Indoor Ball Stadium, signaling a robust pipeline of future talent.
Key tournament Dates and Locations:
* 11th 3×3 Japan Championship FINAL: Yokohama BUNTAI (february 21-22)
* **JAPAN TOUR 2025
