SHENZHEN (China) - For over a decade, Japan reigned supreme at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, capturing five straight titles with their signature speed, precision and fearless shooting. But after falling to China in the 2023 Final and enduring a winless Olympic campaign in Paris, Asian basketball fans are watching to see how the once-untouchable powerhouse bounces back.
With a reshuffled roster, fresh faces and the return of a familiar star in Ramu Tokashiki, Japan enter the 2025 edition with both something to prove and something to protect. Can the Akatsuki Five reclaim their place atop Asia?
1. Rebuilding chemistry without a veteran core
The 2025 squad will look noticeably different from the team that competed in Sydney. Gone are several key contributors, including floor general Nako Motohashi, sharpshooter Mai Yamamoto, defensive anchor Himawari Akaho, and dynamic playmaker Saori Miyazaki. That’s a significant talent and leadership void to fill.
New head coach Corey Gaines will need to integrate younger talent while maintaining Japan’s trademark system: fast-paced, high-IQ basketball. The challenge lies in developing trust, rhythm and execution with new rotations. That's something that doesn’t happen overnight. With little margin for error at this level, Japan’s ability to quickly form cohesive on-court chemistry will be critical to their title hopes.
2. Integrating Ramu Tokashiki back into the fold
After missing the 2023 tournament and the 2024 Olympics, veteran forward Ramu Tokashiki is back. Her return could be a game-changer. A proven scorer, rebounder, and emotional leader, Tokashiki brings experience and size that Japan lacked last time around. Her ability to stretch the floor and battle in the paint will be invaluable against teams like China and Australia.
On the flip side, the challenge is fitting her seamlessly into a team that has evolved during her absence. Her impact could be massive, but she and the coaching staff will need to find the right role and rhythm to maximize her contributions without disrupting the team’s flow.
3. Bouncing back from Olympic disappointment
For a program that reached the Olympic Final in Tokyo, going 0–3 in Paris was a stunning setback. The early exit raised questions about Japan’s ability to compete with the world’s best, and whether their style still holds up at the highest level.
Of course, adversity has often fueled this squad, and the Asia Cup offers the perfect opportunity to reset and rebuild confidence. A strong showing here would restore belief, both within the team and among their passionate fan base. Turning that Olympic heartbreak into fuel for a redemption run in 2025 may be Japan’s biggest mental and emotional hurdle.
The dynasty may have been dented, but it’s far from done. With fresh talent, a returning icon and a burning desire to rise again, Japan have every reason to believe they can turn challenges into triumphs at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.
FIBA