Japan Prepares Next Generation of 3×3 Women’s Basketball Stars
Published February 23, 2026
Developing Future Talent
A 3×3 Development Camp 2026
commenced on February 24th, focused on identifying and nurturing players for the future of the Japan Women’s National 3×3 Team. The camp brings together 24 players from the W-League and college 5-a-side basketball programs, with some experiencing 3×3 competition for the first time.
The selected players, all born in 2003 or later, are eligible to compete in the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League
and the Asian Games
scheduled to be held in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture in September.
Camp Leadership and Support
The camp is led by Head Coach Yuka Maeda and Coach Minami Iju, both of whom currently guide the Japan 3×3 Women’s National Team. The support staff includes individuals with extensive experience in both 5-a-side basketball and 3×3, including Misa Yokoi of FLOWLISH GUNMA, who recently achieved top honors in Japan at the 11th 3×3 Japan Championship.
According to camp organizers, this initiative will provide players with an opportunity to learn about the appeal of 3×3 and to step up to play 5-a-side basketball.
Participating Players
The following players have been selected to participate in the development camp:
- Kou Kadowaki (Tokyo University of Health and Health Sciences)
- Maho Miyoshi (Osaka University of Physical Education)
- Yokazu Shimoi (Japan Women’s University of Physical Education)
- Yuka Takase (Niigata Albirex BB Rabbits)
- Sayaka Nagano (Ritsumeikan University)
- Maho Awayani (Hitachi High-Tech Cougars)
- Takako Sato (Prestige International Aranmare)
- Yuki Hirashita (Toyota Boshoku Sunshine Rabbits)
- Haruka Yamamoto (Ritsumeikan University / Mitsubishi Electric Corers)
- Haruka Okai (Japan Women’s University of Physical Education)
- Maho Hiraga (Denso Iris)
- Rin Sasaki (Hakuoh University)
- Kyoka Sasaki (Takushoku University)
- Yuka Yagi (ENEOS Sunflowers)
- Ikina Ogami (Osaka University of Physical Education)
- Kohime Higashi (Hakuoh University)
- Himeka Sone (Takushoku University)
- Kanon Suzuki (University of Tsukuba)
- Ohka Horiuchi (Chanson Cosmetics Chanson V Magic)
- Yasakura Shiraishi (Denso Iris)
- Hiri Totsuka (Tokyo Medical and Health University)
- Yuio Fukatsu (Tokyo Medical and Health University)
- Mendy Ciara (Tokyo Medical and Health University)
- Yuai Abe (Rikkyo University)
Camp Staff
- Team Leader: Kentaro Abe (Japan Basketball Association)
- Head Coach: Yuka Maeda (Japan Basketball Association)
- Coach: Minami Iju (Denso Corporation)
- Athletic Trainer: Kaori Okamoto (Japan Basketball Association)
- Athletic Trainer: Ryoko Muraki (JIN Orthopedics Sports Clinic)
- Athletic Trainer: Aika Daichi (Hanari Co., Ltd.)
- Athletic Trainer: Satoko Takeuchi
- Team Manager: Kazumasa Inaba (Japan Basketball Association)
- Support Staff: Misa Yokoi (FLOWLISH GUNMA)
- Support Staff: Naoko Honda (MAURICE LACROIX)
- Support Staff: Mio Nishitarumi (University of the Pacific Rim)
- Support Staff: Mao Nakagami (Waseda University)
- Support Staff: Shuka Maeda (Japan Women’s University of Physical Education)
Did you know?
Mitsubishi Electric will join the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series in 2026 under a four-year agreement, strengthening the competition for professional women’s 3×3 basketball.
Looking Ahead
This development camp represents a significant investment in the future of 3×3 basketball in Japan, aiming to build a strong foundation for continued success on the international stage. The focus on young talent and experienced coaching staff positions Japan well for upcoming competitions, including the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League and the Asian Games.