TOKYO (FIBA World Championship for Women) - The 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women is just around the corner. In the lead-up to the biggest international basketball event, we take an individual look at all 16 teams.

Country: Japan

FIBA bwin Ranking Women: No.17

Last participation in the FIBA World Championship for Women: 2010 (2 wins, 6 defeats)

Best result in the history of the FIBA World Championship for Women: Silver medal (1975)

Result in qualifying tournament for 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women: By winning the FIBA Asia Championship for Women.

If there is one nation other than the United States arriving on Turkish soil with wind in their sails and full of confidence, then surely it is Japan.

The last 12 months have been fabulous, with the players nejoying thier country's first win at the FIBA Asia Championship for Women in more than four decades – something which finally ended a gold medal drought which for a country with the talent and potential of Japan, had simply been far too long.

They were excellent in Bangkok and won all seven games.

And, despite the prospect of now having to negotiate arguably the most balanced group at the FIBA World Championship for Women with difficult encounters against Brazil, Czech Republic and Spain, Tomohide Utsumi and his players will be buoyant - knowing they have a good opportunity if they play well.

Possessing plenty of experience and a wealth of WJBL stars, the only stumbling block to advancement could be the absence of their playmaking machine Asami Yoshida. She dished up 4.4 assists per game in the Thai capital en-route to the top step of the podium and will be sorely missed.

Much will therefore depend on the charismatic guard play of Yuko Oga, arguably still Japan’s biggest star and someone who of course was the tournament’s top scorer at the FIBA World Championship for Women in 2010.

If she can replicate anywhere near that kind of red-hot form, Japan should be in good shape to be positive – although it will be intriguing to see if Spanish play-caller, Lucas Mondelo can slow her down due to the fact he coaches her at club level in the Chinese League where the duo won the WCBA Championship with Shanxi Rui Flame.

Despite the scintillating Oga, Japan could only muster two wins from eight games in Czech Republic back in 2010. Meanwhile they will also be eager to make up for the last time they set foot in Ankara Arena at a major tournament and tearfully lost out on a place at London 2012 by not producing the goods at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women.

Making up in some way for that crushing setback with their gold last year, the dynamic of the team remains on a sound and exciting footing – even without Yoshida.

For having traditionally struggled in the paint, there is a possibility that Japan could finally make a significant breakthrough under the hoop, since it looks like they could be about to field what is arguably the most talented frontcourt rotation in their history.

Last year, Ramu Tokashiki really caught fire and her stunning 17 points and 8.9 rebounds per game deservedly resulted in widespread acclaim of and unsurprisingly, she received the MVP award. She will be a big factor once again.

Alongside her will be the rarely less than impressive Yuka Mamiya. The duo are a fine combination and with Maki Takada re-joining the national team this year after missing out in Thailand, there is additional size and quality – evidenced by her outstanding WJBL numbers with Denso Iris. Takada also played in 2010, so knows this competition already.

Japan will bring their energetic trademark perimeter game, but might finally have the right options inside to achieve a better balance and make life more difficult than ever for their opponents.

FIBA