BE:FIRST's MANATO reveals high school connection to Yuki Kawamura

At an NBA docomo event for the 2026-27 season, MANATO from the dance and vocal group BE:FIRST revealed that he was a high school classmate of professional basketball player Yuki Kawamura.

During a talk session with comedian Shun Matsuo of Chocolate Planet, MANATO shared that both he and Kawamura attended Fukuoka Daiichi High School. He recalled seeing Kawamura being honored in front of the entire student body during school assemblies, noting that the basketball team's success in winning three consecutive Winter Cups was highly impressive at the time.

MANATO expressed his excitement regarding the prospect of seeing Kawamura and Rui Hachimura playing together for the Los Angeles Clippers, stating that seeing Kawamura's passes lead to Hachimura's scores would be an unparalleled sight. The event also marked the announcement of Yuki Kawamura as a new ambassador for the NBA docomo video streaming service.