SHENZHEN (China) - Maki Takada stands as a towering figure not only in stature but in experience and leadership for Japan’s national team at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025.
This tournament marks the 35-year-old's seventh appearance, technically playing across three different decades—from her debut in 2009 to now—making her one of the most seasoned players not just on the Japanese roster, but in the entire competition.
Takada’s enduring impact is undeniable in Shenzhen. Over two games, she’s averaged 13.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2 assists per contest, while knocking down an impressive 66.7% of her three-point attempts, ranking second overall in the tournament. With her at the front, Japan have won their first two games.
However, it’s not just her numbers that define her. It’s the legacy she carries and the leadership she embodies.
"As the team captain now, I definitely feel it’s my responsibility to lead this team and get them all together," Takada said. "I have to lead this team both on and off the court."
Her role is crucial in a squad featuring many young players still developing their skills and gaining experience. In fact, Takada is one of only five holdovers from Japan's 2023 squad. With an injection of youthful energy into the team, Takada acknowledges the need for them to focus on pushing as much momentum as possible.
"What we will need in this tournament is the ability to generate momentum," she said. "I think the youth of our team will help us do that, and myself included, I have to help my team generate that momentum, especially in this multi-day tournament. That’s going to be a key to us winning."
Takada knows her guidance will be crucial for Japan's up-and-coming players. She wants them to have a solid understanding of what Japanese basketball stands for. In this, Takada’s vision for her legacy is clear and rooted in the identity of their team.
"I want them (the young players) to just show what Japan basketball is," she said. "We fight to the very end on both ends. We are an annoyingly persistent team. That’s our style, and we want to protect our style."
Current head coach Corey Gaines, who has been connected to the national team since 2009, underscored Takada’s invaluable presence.
"I’ve known them (Takada and other veterans) since then, and what they bring to the team is priceless," Gaines said. "They’re older now, but the experience they give is something I can’t not have."
Takada’s journey bridges past and future generations. As she leads Japan’s young core, her steady hand and fierce spirit remain vital to the team’s quest to reclaim the Women's Asia Cup title.
In a tournament where momentum and heart matter as much as talent, Maki Takada is the anchor holding Japan’s hopes steady on the path forward.
FIBA