In recent years, Japan has started to solidify its place on the global basketball map. The steady ascent began with Rui Hachimura making waves as a lottery pick and has since been sustained by the lengthy presence of Yuta Watanabe in the NBA. But the next chapter in Japan's basketball story is being authored by two rising stars with very different paths in young stars Keisei Tominaga and Yuki Kawamura.

Each player represents a different style, personality, and journey, but their shared goal is clear: to make a name for themselves in the NBA while pushing Japanese basketball into its most promising era yet and a chance to dominate Asia for years to come. Together, they are leading the next wave of Japanese basketball, a movement that could define a golden era for the nation’s hoops culture.

Keisei Tominaga: From Nebraska star to NBA dreamer

Nicknamed the “Japanese Steph Curry,” Keisei Tominaga became a sensation at the University of Nebraska with his deep range, fiery swagger, and clutch shooting. Whether it was a pull-up three in transition or a quick-trigger release from the corner, the crowd inside Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska always knew when the ball left his hands that it had a real chance of going in.

Though Tominaga went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, he quickly landed a spot on a G-League roster and continued to work toward his NBA dream. His shooting alone makes him a prospect worth watching, but his personality and work ethic make him even more compelling.

That electricity was on full display at the 2024 FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Singapore. It was last September that I had the opportunity to interview Tominaga, where he drew thunderous applause every time he launched a three. His team had just wrapped up a game, and even though he wasn’t entirely pleased with his performance, he still flashed that signature optimism and drive. There, I caught up with him to talk about the experience and his aspirations.

Q: Every time you shoot a three, fans are anticipating the ball coming in. You made a three and the arena went crazy. How was it like playing here in Singapore and with your fans in Asia and the love that they showed you out here?
Tominaga: “You know, it means a lot to me. You see, you hear the crowd when I make the shot. I’m super happy for it but I gotta be better for everything. But you know it was a great, great experience for me.”

Q: Obviously you’ve struggled shooting the ball, but how would you rate your performance personally in this tournament?
Tominaga: “I don’t think I did a good job, you know, the way enough the way I wanted it to be. But I think that’s a great experience for me, I could get better from it. You know, I could learn from it a lot. So, I’m excited to keep going.”

Q: After this tournament, what’s next for Keisei Tominaga? Where will we see you play, any future plans?
Tominaga: “You know, I’m trying to get into the league (NBA) so, you know I’ll keep showing what I can do out there on the court and hopefully I can make it to the NBA soon.”

Even during a down shooting performance, Tominaga’s energy was palpable. His confidence in the long-term goal didn’t waver. And why should it? With every deep three, every off-ball relocation, every step-back jumper, he proves he's not just a novelty act—he’s a legitimate offensive weapon.

Yuki Kawamura: The gritty playmaker with a huge heart and growing fanbase

While Tominaga’s game is built around flash and finesse, Yuki Kawamura's path is defined by toughness, hustle, and high basketball IQ. At just 5-foot-9, Kawamura has never been the biggest player on the court, but that’s never stopped him from standing out.

Currently suiting up for the Memphis Hustle, the G-League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies, Kawamura has carved out a role as an impactful guard who plays with heart on both ends. As of this writing, Kawamura is averaging 12.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, while shooting an efficient 46.5% from the field and 38.2% from deep.

What makes Kawamura special isn’t just the stats, it’s about the impact. On multiple occasions, the Grizzlies have featured him in NBA games, and every time, the fan reaction has been electric. A behind-the-back dime in transition. A fearless drive into the paint against players a foot taller. A clutch corner three that sends social media into a frenzy. Kawamura is a fan favorite, not just in Japan, but globally.

The NBA itself has embraced Kawamura as part of its broader international movement. His highlights often get featured on NBA social media channels, and with every appearance, more fans begin to root for the undersized guard with a never-say-die mentality.

Now, Kawamura and the Grizzlies have qualified into the 2025 NBA Playoffs and will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in round one, a feat that Kawamura is definitely proud to be a part of.

A shared dream and legacy in the making

Tominaga and Kawamura couldn’t be more different on the court. One is a gunner who thrives on spacing and movement. The other is a floor general who thrives on angles and decision-making. But their journeys intertwine in a bigger narrative, one that could shape the next decade of Japanese basketball.

What Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe helped begin, Tominaga and Kawamura are set to continue. The duo’s growth also coincides with the rise of Japan’s national team, which made waves at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Having multiple Japanese players active in the G-League and flirting with NBA rosters is no longer an anomaly. It’s becoming part of a trend, and that trend points to a possible golden era of hoops in Japan. The country is now poised to be one of the top contenders for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup 2025, and Tominaga and Kawamura are leading the charge for the Akatsuki.

The significance of this moment can’t be overstated. For decades, Japanese basketball lagged behind Asian neighbors like China and the Philippines in terms of global impact. Now, the script is changing, and these two young stars are helping flip the page.

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Keisei Tominaga continues to chase his dream with a shooter’s tunnel vision - focused, steady, and fueled by every made shot and every miss. His love for the game and his country is clear every time he hits the floor.

Yuki Kawamura, meanwhile, has proven that height may be a limitation on paper, but not in heart. He’s already winning over teammates, coaches, and fans alike with his skill and spark.

While the road to becoming a full-time NBA player is steep for both, what they represent is already larger than the game. They are not only athletes but symbols of Japan’s potential on the world basketball stage.

In the end, whether or not they make a permanent home in the NBA isn’t the only story. The real victory lies in how they inspire a nation, empower a new generation, and redefine what’s possible for Japanese basketball.