Japan turn to battle-tested 12 for Paris 2024 women’s basketball Japan

Japan will launch their Paris campaign against USA on 29 July in a rematch of the Tokyo 2020 women’s final, followed by Germany on 1 August and Belgium three days later in a very tough Group C.

Japan’s send-off games will be on 4 and 6 July versus New Zealand at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.

Also among the Japanese dozen are the Mawuli sisters Evelyn and Stephanie, the latter who represented her country in 3×3 at the Games three years ago.

Lead guard Yoshida Asami is the oldest player on the squad at 36, returning to the fold after starting at Rio 2016 and then missing Tokyo 2020.

“We have some tough teams in our group in USA, Germany and Belgium,” captain Hayashi Saki said. “But we are prepared to make the climb and hope to come through for our passionate fans.

“We’re coming home as the No. 1 team in the world.”