Big stars back for Japan who look like being favorites again
TOKYO (Japan) - Having won the last five FIBA Women's Asia Cup titles, reigning champions Japan look like having a serious tilt at going six in a row after announcing a talent packed squad for this year's edition in Sydney.
All their big-hitters are potentially on board for the Sydney mission next month including the likes of Himawari Akaho, Ramu Tokashiki, Rui Machida, Saori Miyazaki and Saki Hayashi. This will serve to have them installed as many people's favorites to retain their precious crown.
Japan squad for the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2023
| Himawari Akaho | Azusa Asahina | Maho Hayashi | Saki Hayashi |
| Aika Hirashita | Anri Hoshi | Mai Kawal | Rui Machida |
| Stephanie Mawuli | Kiho Miyashita | Saori Miyazaki | Nako Motohashi |
| Yuki Nakano | Sakua Noguchi | Monica Okoye | Maki Takada |
| Shizuka Takada | Nananko Todo | Ramu Tokashiki | Minami Yabu |
| Mai Yamamoto |
Akaho was the MVP of the last edition in Jordan two years ago, handed the individual accolade for her outstanding leadership and especially defensively. She was joined in the All-Star Five by Saori Miyazaki who put up a spectacular 26 points and 11 assists in the Final.
Japan struggled at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 last time they were in Sydney and so will want to make up for that disappointment.
Saki Hayashi could be back for Japan after lighting it up at the Tokyo Olympics
The possible return of playmaker Rui Machida and Saki Hayashi would give them a great opportunity to excel when they land again on Australian soil. The former was the heartbeat of their historical run to the 2020 Olympic Final on home soil as she handed out more than 12 assists per game, while Hayashi is able to produce some extraordinary three-point shooting displays.
The squad also includes frontcourt warriors Ramu Tokashiki and Maki Takada, who will both bring massive experience and quality to the team.
FIBA
