TOKYO (2015 FIBA Asia Women's Championship) - Japan are eager to test themselves against the New Zealand Tall Ferns in a vital warm-up series for their FIBA Asia Women's Championship campaign.

The teams will meet at the Cowles Stadium in Christchurch on 5 August and at the same venue again two days later.

The sides will clash a third time at EA Stadium in Ashburton on 9 August.

"First of all, we appreciate Basketball New Zealand and the Tall Ferns for this wonderful opportunity," said Masahiro Takahashi, the director of Japan women's national team.

"This series would be very important preparation games towards qualification to 2016 Rio Olympic game."

Japan will try to defend their FIBA Asia Women's Championship title when the tournament is staged later this year.

New Zealand's FIBA Oceania Women's Championship showdown with Australia is a two-game series to be played 15 August in Melbourne and 17 August in Tauranga.

"There are a lot of tall players on the Tall Ferns so we consider that this is the best opportunity to develop our inside plays," Takahashi said.

"We would put our best effort in the games with Japanese style basketball.

"We look forward to seeing a lot of basketball fans at the games.

"We hope that this series would be the beginning for mutual friendship among the Japan and New Zealand basketball families."

Japan's Ramu Tokashiki, the MVP of the 2013 FIBA Asia Women's Championship, is playing in the WNBA for Seattle and is not expected to play.

She is getting a chance to take on the best players in the world and loving every minute of it.

Tokashiki appears to have a strong connection with the fans.

Japan have been boosted by the return of Asami Yoshida from a serious knee injury that knocked her out of last year's FIBA Women's World Championship.

The point guard was in terrific form at the 2013 FIBA Asia Women's Championship and her presence will give the team not just excellent play on the court but a psychological lift.

She will captain the team.

Yoshida has one thing in mind.

"I absolutely want to make it to Rio [de Janeiro] because it could be my last shot," she said to the Japan Times.

I want to go to Rio and play against the players from around the world. - Yoshida

The New Zealanders, meanwhile, are expected to go up against Rui Machida, one of the bright young talents in the Japanese game.

The 22-year-old had a terrific season with Fujitsu Red Wave, leading them into the WJBL Finals.

If Machida gets ahead of the defense on a fastbreak, there is no stopping her.

I don't have size, so I've got to showcase myself with [my speed]. - Machida

International basketball fans may remember her from the 2011 FIBA U19 Women's World Championship, where she averaged 12.3 points, 7 rebounds and 6.2 assists.

"I don't want to get behind anyone in terms of speed," Machida said to the Japan Times.

"So hopefully, I can help the team play a faster game."

FIBA