Frequenty Asked Questions

WHERE ARE YOU FROM? ARE YOU MIXED?

I am a second generation (Nisei) Japanese-American (Nikkei-amerikajin) born in Los Angeles, California. Raised in Montebello which is about 10 minutes east of downtown Los Angeles, we call it the BelloBlock! My dad is from Kagoshima, Japan which is on the southern island of Kyushu. My mom is a third-generation (sansei) Japanese-American from Los Angeles. The blood running through my veins is a 100% Japanese!

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?

I don't really call it a hobby but I love collecting shoes. I've been collecting since 1994, I don't know exactly how many pairs I have but it's about 300. I like the classics like Air Jordan's and air force ones. I don't like getting the same shoes that everyone has or is popular, I prefer the rare shoes and anything that I think looks good. Check my shoes i'm wearing during the games, they all customized!

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR OFF TIME?

During the season is real hectic so on my off days, it's very important for me to rest my body. Usually ill watch movies, go on the computer, listen to music, or read. After the season, I go back to Los Angeles and catch up with family and friends. Before I come back to Japan I start training very hard with my personal trainer. Oh yea, I also get my shopping done because I never buy anything in Japan, its way too expensive!

WHERE IS YOUR FAMILY?

My immediate family; mom, dad, older sister, and Kuma dogg are all in Los Angeles. Most of my relatives are in Los Angeles but they're also scattered across the United States from Hawaii to Chicago. My relatives in Japan are all over too, from Kagoshima to Wakayama to Tokyo. I hope to meet everyone in my family one day!

WHAT IS YOUR STYLE?

I don't have a name for my style but if anything it is hip hop for sure, west coast! I wouldn't say i'm the originator of everything but I do have an original style and I hate it when people copy it. Get your own style foo haha! I mostly listen to hip hop and R&B like 2pac, Game, Dogg Pound, Jagged Edge, Ludacris, Roscoe, John Legend, Ginuwine, etc.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD?

I love all kinds of foods but mainly Japanese, Mexican, and mommas cooking lol! But since I've been playing pro basketball, I've been eating healthier like fish, fruits and vegetables, etc. There's too much junk food in the states but I do miss it sometimes. The Japanese diet is so good and that's one of the reasons why they live the longest. Back in L.A I never ate sushi but now I can't get enough of it. Don't get me wrong though, I am not a big fan of wasabi or natto!

HOW DO YOU TRAIN?

In the off-season I like to work on the small parts of my game rather than play pick up ball. Getting in shape is very important in the off-season but I hate running so I ride my bike instead lol. Personally I think game shape is more important than aerobic shape so I do work out with old teams and other pros.

DO YOU WANT TO PLAY IN THE NBA?

Of course that's every basketball players dream but I'm very happy in Japan so the answer is no. I always knew, since college that I was going to be a pro in Japan. Besides the NBDL and CBA, there's so much uncertainty and instability in the other leagues. It's funny because all Japanese players want to go to the states and I wanted to go to Japan! I was Japanese who was totally Americanized so I get to get in touch with my culture and play basketball; it was a no brainier for me. To all the Japanese players in the states good luck but look past the ABA. I'm cheering for yall!

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE BASKETBALL PLAYER?

I don't have just one favorite player but growing up I wanted to be like Michael Jordan. I was a Magic Johnson Showtime Laker fan growing up and loved the Shaq and Kobe era too. I respect a lot of players like the little guys who made it, Spud Webb, Earl Boykins, Mugsy Bogues, etc. But the guys I like to pattern my game after are guys like Kobe, Iverson, Mike Bibby, Ron Artest, Baron Davis, Steve Francis, etc.

WHY IS YOUR NUMBER 10?

Growing up some of my favorite point guards wore number 10. Tim Hardaway, Sam Cassell, Mookie Blaylock, Mike Bibby, etc. plus it was the first number I got when I started playing basketball and it stuck every since. Plus the number 10 is a dime, in basketball slang a dime is an assist.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BASKETBALL IN JAPAN AND U.S.A?

Definitely the biggest thing is size and athleticism. It is way more competitive and physical in the states; you have to prove yourself everyday to survive which I don't see in Japan. Also room for growth is available because you see a court everywhere you go; I hardly see any courts in Japan. A couple of courts I know close early because neighbors complain about the noise haha! But I think the level is getting better in Japan but I don't know if Japan is close to competing with the rest of the world yet.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO AFTER YOU STOP PLAYING?

I'm halfway done with my master's degree in sociology and i've always wanted to be a university professor. So after I play I would consider teaching but I would like to stay in the basketball community. I think I would make a good coach but I definitely would want to be a general manager or something. My friend and I are also going to start a clothing line so I'd like to be involved in a number of businesses.

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO LIVE?

Right now I don't mind living in Japan as long as i'm able to go back to Los Angeles in the off season. After my basketball career is through I would want to raise my family in America for sure. I love Japan but I would not want my kids to grow up here.

CAN YOU GET ME INTO THE LEAGUES IN JAPAN?

I get asked this a million times but the answer is NO I am sorry I can't. I would be more than happy to answer any other questions you have about basketball in Japan. If you are really serious and really think you can play here I suggest you or your agent contact the leagues and teams directly.