TOKYO (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Japanese three-point artist Takatoshi Furukawa is hoping their fans will continue to watch them and support them in the third window.

Japan still have one home game left in the first round of the Asian Qualifiers, and it will be played at the Chiba Port Arena against powerhouse Australia. Furukawa wants to see the Akatsuki Five faithful to come in droves and throw their all-out support for the national squad. For the veteran shooting guard, it is critical for Japan, which have sold out their home games twice already, to have the home crowd buoy their spirits anew.

"I will be very happy if a lot of fans come to see us, and ​I believe they will," he said. "As we lost the last 2 games, the fans might not have a good impressions on us, but I would like everyone to come and fight together with us. We will also do our very best for them."

Japan are the only Group B team with no win entering the third window on that will be played in June and July​. They have their backs against the wall when they fact unbeaten Australia, but they should have a really strong showing against age old rivals Chinese Taipei. Japan need to win at least one game in the third window, especially the one against Taipei, to book their tickets to the second round. Furukawa is confident they will get the job done.

"​We must get a win, and we will definitely do," he declared. "No win and nothing will be left. There are a lot we should ​learn from the losses in the first two windows, and there are also a lot we should prepare for. With those lessons, we will win in the third window."

How will they do it, though? The 30-year-old Furukawa, who has seen action in several continental tournaments for the national side, believes it boils down to team communication and their collective desire to come out victorious.

"It is important for all of us to have good communications and understand each other more," he said. "That will lead us to good performances on the court. One more important thing is our heart, our strong desire to win. With a tough mentality, we should get together as one and fight to get a win."

Of course, one factor that can push them to greater heights will, again, be their fans. Despite falling short in their first two home stands, Furukawa believes it is critical for their fans to continue encouraging them with their presence and cheers.

"​The voices and cheers from fans always push us and give us lots of energy," he explained. "It feels so good to play because we feel connected with fans. We are not as we are without them, and they always give us the courage and best environment to play. That makes me so happy as a player. I also feel we must not lose this great chance, and we should work harder and harder. For all the fans here, I will definitely win."

Furukawa is aware of the immensity of the challenge awaiting Japan in the third window, and he feels the weight of the responsibility that comes with being part of the national team. The 6ft 3in (1.90m) wingman doesn't want their fans to hang their heads in disappointment, and he knows that nothing less than a second round berth will strengthen their spirits. For him, aside from playing for the team, it's a personal goal to qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China.

"It is a huge responsibility to play in the national team, having our national team flag on the back as well as the pride to represent our country," he shared. "So far, we haven't made good results, but there are a lot we can still do. I would like to play sincerely and strongly so as not to disappoint everyone's expectations. Also, I would like to play hard not only for my team or the country, but for myself, too. I would like to win a game, and play in the FIBA World Cup and the Olympics. I now have a chance to make my dreams come true, so I must play hard."

FIBA