SHENZHEN (China) – At just 19 years old, Kokoro Tanaka has fast become the driving force behind Japan’s women’s basketball resurgence at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025 in Shenzhen. Following a dominant showing for Japan’s U18 squad in 2024, Tanaka has made a seamless transition to the senior team, where her speed, scoring versatility and unwavering poise have made her Japan’s offensive heartbeat and primary playmaker.
Tanaka’s defining attributes are clear: she attacks with blistering speed, thrives in transition, and can score from deep. She can drive to the basket or set up teammates with equal intensity. Her composure far exceeds her years, and she is often tasked with managing Japan’s offense in high-pressure moments.
Her breakout came with a statement Semi-Finals performance against home team China—the reigning champions—where she scored 27 points, including hitting five three-pointers in the first quarter, while dishing five assists and grabbing two steals. This victory avenged Japan’s loss in the Women's Asia Cup Final two years ago and reignited their championship ambitions.
Reflecting on that game, Tanaka said, "Personally, I approached the game with the mentality of winning no matter what. We just had to play with fire to the very end even when we faced tough times."
Her exemplary play has not gone unnoticed, even by her opponents. Han Xu, China’s celebrated center and reigning 2023 FIBA Women's Asia Cup MVP, praised Tanaka’s skill and basketball IQ.
"She is young but talented" Han said. "What she did with her three-point shooting was good for her team. She was crafty, has good ball-handling, can create and facilitate with other players as well."
Meanwhile, Japan head coach Corey Gaines has watched Tanaka develop rapidly and remain calm in intense circumstances.
"When I first started watching her, I notcied that she is fearless, emotionless and things that faze other people don't faze her," he described. "She's always even-toned even when stuff goes bad, even when I yell at her. As she gets older, she's only gonna get better."
"I've been hard on her, but her future is gonna be great. I show her love—it's tough love because I see greatness in her," he added.
With tournament averages of 13.6 points, 4.8 assists, 1.4 steals and a tournament-leading 2.4 three-pointers per game, Tanaka’s blend of youthful energy and growing command is writing a new chapter in Japan’s storied basketball history.
As Japan faces a looming final against Australia, Kokoro Tanaka stands out as a fearless leader with refined skills and a fierce determination to guide her team back to Women's Asia Cup glory.
FIBA